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So long as she’s more afraid of aeroplanes than heights.
Shit. I didn’t think that through properly. Should I cancel? Fuck. No, I’ll leave it as is and wait and see how Angelica reacts.
Deciding to see the city on foot today, I wave away offers of air conditioned tours and set off with just my phone to guide me. I want to check out the location for the club we’re going to on Saturday anyway and whilst it’s always nice to do some of the touristy stuff, I think you can see more of the heart of a place going it alone.
As I stroll through the streets of Phoenix, the vibrant energy of the city envelopes me. The warm sun casts a golden hue on the buildings, casting long shadows that dance along the sidewalks. The sound of laughter and chatter fills the air, as people go about their day, oblivious to my presence. The anonymity is nice. Refreshing even. It’s part of the reason why I left home, and why I’m still flying under the radar at work. I know it won’t – can’t – last forever.
I walk along a bustling avenue, lined with quaint shops and charming cafes. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, enticing me to step inside one of these cosy establishments. I decide to indulge in a leisurely breakfast, savouring each bite while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
As I sip my coffee, my mind inevitably wanders back to Angelica. Thoughts of her captivating smile and infectious laughter swirl around my head, making it impossible to focus on anything else. The memory of her note and the unanswered questions it poses tugs at my heartstrings.
I finish my breakfast and pay the bill, feeling an urgency to find some answers. I continue my exploration of Phoenix, but now with a new purpose in mind. As I walk the streets, I pull out my phone and send a message to Angelica.
Hey, just wanted to check in. Are you okay? Saw your note and wondered if everything’s alright. Let me know when you get the chance. Enjoy your day, wherever it takes you.
I press send and tuck my phone back into my pocket, hoping for a quick response. While I wait, I decide to visit some of the local landmarks mentioned in the guidebooks. The city’s architecture is a fascinating blend of modern and historical elements, each building telling its own story.
As I stand in front of a beautifully restored historical building, my phone buzzes with a message notification. I eagerly retrieve it and see that it’s from Angelica.
Angelica
Hey! Sorry for leaving so early this morning. Wanted to explore on my own for a bit. Everything’s fine, no need to worry. We’ll catch up later. Have fun exploring!
Relief washes over me as I read her message. It seems like my worries were unfounded after all. With a lighter heart, but a tang of bitter disappointment that she didn’t want to meet sooner on my tongue, I continue my journey through the city.
Throughout the day, I immerse myself in the vibrant culture and charm of Phoenix. From browsing local art galleries to indulging in delicious street food from food trucks, every moment becomes an adventure in itself. However, despite the distractions around me, thoughts of Angelica never stray too far from my mind. As the sun sets, I head back to the hotel, hoping that I’ll get to see her.
As I step into the hotel lobby, I catch sight of a familiar figure sitting on one of the plush couches. It’s Angelica, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the overhead lights. Relief floods through me once again, knowing that she’s back and safe.
I walk over to her, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Hey,” I say gently, taking a seat next to her. “I’m glad you’re back. How was your day?”
Angelica turns towards me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh my gosh, you wouldn’t believe the things I’ve seen today!” she exclaims, her voice filled with wonder.
Curiosity piqued, I lean closer, eager for her stories. She begins to recount her adventures throughout the city, painting vivid pictures with her words. From stumbling upon a hidden bookstore tucked away in a quiet alley, to coming across a bustling farmers market filled with vibrant produce and local artisans, she describes each moment with such enthusiasm that I can almost feel myself being transported there.
As she talks, I find myself captivated not only by the places she visited but also by the way she lights up when she shares her experiences. It’s as if each memory holds a piece of her heart, and with every word she speaks, I feel myself falling deeper.
Like this, sitting together in the lobby, listening to her stories and her easy laughter, it’s easy to forget the way she insists on keeping me at arm’s length usually.
As the conversation continues, I find myself totally lost in her company. Time slips away, unnoticed and unimportant. Our laughter fills the air, mingling with the soft music playing in the background. It feels like we’re in our own little world, shielded from the outside chaos.
Eventually, a pang of hunger breaks through our reverie, reminding us that we’ve neglected to eat dinner. Tentatively, I ask Angelica if she’d like to join me, and to my surprise, she actually says yes for once.
We decide to head to a nearby restaurant, eager to continue our time together. Walking side by side, there seems to be an electric energy between us, an unspoken understanding that something special is blossoming.
The restaurant is dimly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere as we take our seats at a cosy corner booth. The sound of clinking glasses and murmured conversations surround us, and it all adds to the ambiance. As we peruse the menu, I spend more time stealing glances at Angelica than the appetisers, marvelling at her beauty and the way she lights up the room.
“So what do you like to do when you’re not working?” I ask her once we’ve ordered.
She pulls a face. “I work all the time.”
“Well, yeah, I noticed that you definitely log the most hours in the office, but what do you do once you’re home?”
“I carry on working,” she says with a grimace. That sounds so…sad and lonely. Maybe she can read the pity on my face because she hastily adds, “I go to the gym a lot and I like to swim.”
I nod. “Yeah I’ve seen you in the gym and the pool a few times.” That’s an understatement. I’ve been stalking her since long before I even moved in.
“You have?” She blinks at me, cocking her head to one side.
