Isobel P.O.V.

"Look Soph, everything is going to be fine okay?" I said, sounding as encouraging as I could over the phone, whilst brushing my way through the busy streets of New York. Cars were honking, people were shouting, dogs were barking and the sounds of hundreds of footsteps pounded against the pavement. "I promise I will be there tomorrow afternoon, and you'll have me for the entire two weeks!"

"You better be! I need you Isobel! I know we've been on FaceTime and you've come to visit a few times, but god the wedding is so soon, I'm kinda freaking out."

"I know, just take a deep breath okay? I'll see you soon." I crossed the road, shooting a quick wave at Joe the security guard before stepping through the revolving doors of the skyscraper before me.

"Alright I'm trying." I heard her huff out a large breath of air. "I know how busy you are, so thankyou again for being my maid of honour."

"You're my best friend, of course." I said, as I scanned my badge and made my way to the elevators. "I gotta go now, Soph. Keep it together for me okay?"

"Okay love you Is! I'll pick you up when you land."

"Sounds good, love you too." I hung up as I stepped into the elevator, pressing level 20.

I straightened out my skirt and made my way into the bustling office of Red magazine.

"Good morning Miss Hernandez," the sweet, young receptionist girl called with a bright smile. I think her name was Lucina? She just started here last week.

"Oh no need for that," I chuckled. "You can call me Isobel."

"Will do, Mi- uh Isobel." She corrected, flashing me a sheepish grin.

I shot her a wink of approval before making my way around the cubicles to my own little office room. Yes, that's right. My own office. It was tiny, fitting only my desk, a bookshelf and two extra chairs, but nevertheless it was an amazing upgrade. Especially in New York, where having space was a luxury.

I've worked here for three years, fresh out of college. Prior to that, I interned two summers in a row, before getting a position as an assistant. Two years later on the job, I was finally promoted as a writer. I've put literal blood, sweat and tears into this. I really loved my work, which I know is incredibly rare nowadays.

I sat down in my chair, resting the handbag on the floor before relaxing against the backrest with a big sigh. Time really flies, I can't believe my best friend is getting married in two weeks, I'm going to hit a quarter of a century years' old early next year, and I'm finally a writer at one of my favorite magazines.

"Darling! You look fabulous as always today," Drew came bouncing in with two coffees in hand.

"Thank you, as do you of course!" I gestured to his flamboyant outfit.

"Why thank you, gotta stay on top of the game y'know, or these savages will come for my spot," he said with a dramatic flair.

Drew was head of the fashion department of Red, and also one of my best friends here.

"Of course. No one could top you though. Is that for me?" I nodded to the coffee with a sly grin.

He smirked and handed it over, before planting himself on the corner of my desk.

"Thanks, and tell Nadine thank you aswell." I chuckled. I doubted he was lining up for a coffee this morning, fighting all the other caffeine-deprived citizens of NYC.

"Gotta make use of those assistant privileges." Drew shrugged with a grin.

I laughed at his confession. "Busy day today?"

"Mm yes. Got that shoot for the office workwear article," he said, looking at the time on his Apple Watch. "Ah well, I better get going actually. I just wanted to say hello before you leave for two weeks. I'm gonna miss you! Who am I gonna bitch with in the fashion closet while you're gone?"

"Aw I'll miss you too! But it'll fly by before you know it! Plus, I guess you always have Marissa?" I tilted my head, speaking of our other good friend here.

"Yeah... but sometimes she's such a goody two shoes, she's too afraid to say her real opinion." Drew said with a small pout. "I really wanna see her chuck a fit one day. That'd be awesome," he chuckled.

I laughed, he always put me in a good mood. He was just so sassy, easygoing and spoke his mind which was refreshing. "Mm that would be a sight," I replied, thinking of the always polite and courteous girl.

"Crap. I really have to go before we sit here all morning, having a gossip sesh."

"Yeah, yeah, shoo!!!" I flitted my hands in the air. "Good luck with the shoot!"

"Ciao!" He blew me an air kiss as he sauntered towards his office.

I popped on a pair of specs before opening my laptop to filter through the emails for this morning. After replying to a load full, I made sure that I had everything organised for my two week leave. I had my assigned articles all finished and written up for this month's issue. I quickly read through and edited them once again, before drafting an outline of what kind of spread I had in mind. I sent both to the editor in chief (Jane, my boss) and Marissa who would be taking over whilst I was gone.

As I was finishing up answering a few more emails that had come through that day, a tap on the door halted the light sounds of my nails typing on the keyboard.

"Come in," I called out. The door opened to reveal Marissa. "Oh hey what's up?" I slid my specs off.

"Hey Isobel, I just wanted to quickly run over the spread just to make sure I'm clear on everything."

"Okay yeah, no worries. Take a seat," I smiled.

She pulled out the chair in front of my desk before settling down with a printout of what I had sent her.

"So, if we can't find this particular shade, is it okay if it's substituted?" She pointed to one of the sketches.

"Yeah," I nodded, glancing down at the paper in front of me. "That should be fine, as long as Jane is good with everything too."

"Okay sweet."

"Oh, also make sure the text blocks are split appropriately, so when you read it, it flows and makes logical sense? I've outlined it but I know sometimes they change the font and text in print." I added.

"Okay," Marissa nodded, jotting down a few notes. "That should be it. Thanks Isobel," she got up with a smile, collecting her belongings.

"No worries, I should have my laptop and phone if there are any dramas." I smiled in return.

"Okay. Have fun at the wedding, see you in two weeks!" She waved goodbye before exiting the room.

"Thanks!"

After a long day's work, I caught a cab back home to my apartment. It was a small, but cute space. It had all the essentials, one bedroom, a small study which I used as extra storage space, with a day bed in case I had a guest crash over, a bathroom, and a joint kitchen, dining and living area. I mean, I was single and that's all I needed and could afford. It was almost luxurious compared to the other apartments I had previously rented and my dorm room back at NYU.

I quickly kicked off my heels and started on making dinner for tonight. Dinner for one on this lovely Friday evening... I'm thinking pasta. Carbs over men? Sure.

I was taking a break from guys. You'd think that in a city where millions of people lived, there would be one decent man you'd totally click with and like? Well, nope. Not for this gal.

I mean, I was an attractive woman, right? I had thick brunette hair with brown eyes and olive skin being of Latin heritage. I worked out twice a week, and I was about 5'7" I had a job, a decent living space, and I can take care of myself. I'm doing pretty good, right?

Well, I guess my ex didn't think so. He broke my heart 7 months ago after we dated for a year. Apparently he just wasn't "in love". Whatever that vague answer meant. Asshole. I then took to a few "rebounds" and short-lived dates, before calling it quits on men all together. They just weren't worth my time anymore. It was fun, but it was just so meaningless. So I focussed on my job and my friends.

Life was smooth sailing at this point.

After I cleared my fridge for any leftovers that would spoil when I left, I cleaned up all the dirty dishes. Once those chores were done, I brushed my teeth, popped on a face mask and pyjamas before settling in bed to do some reading. All in a day's work living in the big city. Tomorrow, I had to pack everything for my stay with Sophie and run a few errands before I could fly out.

Back home.

~

I arrived at the airport, lugging a large suitcase behind me for check-in, plus my carry-on, plus my handbag and laptop bag. What? I was going to a wedding and numerous pre-wedding events. I had to be prepared, especially as the maid of honour.

After squeezing myself into my seat, I slipped my silk sleeping mask over my eyes to get a quick one hour nap in before arriving to Rhode Island.

Home, sweet home.

It would've been about a three hour drive, but I opted to fly since I'd sold my car, considering I didn't really need it in New York. Traffic was a nightmare. I could always catch the sub or hail a cab to get anywhere. Plus, most things were within walking distance.

I collected my baggage and wheeled it out into arrivals, looking for my red-headed best friend. Surely she'd be easy to spot amongst the crowd? After five minutes of waiting, I decided to take a stroll around the area, keeping an eye out.

"Isobel?" A strong masculine voice called from a distance. I turned my head around in confusion, searching for the person. That didn't sound like Sophie, or my old friend Oliver... but, it did sound like someone I once...

Fuck.

Excuse my French.

My eyes landed on the owner of the voice.

~

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