Lydia’s smartphone pinged with a notification, and she eagerly snatched it up. A delighted smile spread across her face, the kind only a girl in love could wear. Deep down, she knew this was the message she’d been waiting for over the past two hours.
“Finally, he texted me! My sweetheart!” she thought with a rush of excitement. She pressed the phone to her chest, savoring the moment. Then, opening the messaging app, she read: “Coming with me tonight?” Without a second thought, she typed back: “Of course, I’m in! Love you. Kisses!”
She flopped onto her bed, gazing dreamily at the ceiling. This “sweetheart” of hers had her swooning for three months straight. And now, at last, he’d noticed her. Well, technically, it was because their parents had some business dealings, but that was just a minor detail. They’d gone to the school prom together, and now he’d invited her to a party. The dream of her recent months had come true. He was so gorgeous, it was hard to believe guys like him even existed.
There were still four hours until their meet-up, so for now, she’d lie here and daydream about him. Later, she’d get ready and slip into her best skirt. She’d need to borrow some cash from her dad, but she knew exactly where he kept it.
Her sweet reverie was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open. Someone had barged into the room of this privileged young lady, completely disregarding her personal space.
“Sorry, but I need to…”
Lydia jolted upright on her bed, nearly dropping her phone, which only fueled her irritation.
“Do you really have to barge in right now?”
“My apologies, Miss Lydia. Today’s cleaning day. I’ve already tidied every room except yours. And, as I can see, there’s plenty to do here.”
“I’ll tell Dad to fire you!” Lydia snapped. She stormed out of the room, tossing over her shoulder, “Don’t even think about touching my personal stuff.”
“As if I care to,” muttered Ira under her breath as she began cleaning the spoiled girl’s room.
Ira, their housekeeper, was three years older than Lydia and had been working for the family for six months. Her employer, Alexander, was the father of this entitled and impulsive young woman—the very one who’d just stormed out like she’d been stung by a wasp. The two girls didn’t get along and barely spoke to each other. At times, they had to grit their teeth just to tolerate each other’s presence. Lydia couldn’t fire Ira, and Ira stayed for two reasons: partly to get under the rich girl’s skin, and partly because she deeply respected Alexander. Out of that respect, she always strived to do her job to the best of her ability.
“Ugh, that peasant!” Lydia fumed as she stepped out onto the lavish balcony of their upscale downtown apartment.
She stared at her phone screen until her eyes ached, hoping her “sweetheart” would text again, but he was taking his sweet time.
“No big deal. He’s probably swamped with stuff to do. I’ll just send him a quick message myself. Then I’ll start getting ready.”
Tonight was supposed to be the happiest evening of her life. Another date with the boy of her dreams.
“So, tell me about your day,” the girl whispered, leaning in to kiss the boy whose arms she was wrapped in.
“All good, as usual. Hit the gym earlier, then did a hair mask. Oh, and I scoped out a new phone. This one’s getting old—been with me for three whole months. It’s outdated.”
One of the boy’s arms lazily draped around Lydia’s waist while the other held a cigarette, which he took occasional drags from.
“Want to hear about my day? I got your text and was over the moon. But then that annoying Ira walked in…”
“By the way, I got a call from a modeling agency. They think I’d be a good fit for a runway show. Surprised?”
“Not at all,” Lydia gushed, pressing closer to him. “You’re so handsome. Modeling is perfect for you. I’m saying this as your girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend… yeah, sure. Our parents set this up, after all. Want a drag?” He held the cigarette to her lips.
“I don’t really… smoke,” she stammered, caught off guard.
On one hand, she truly didn’t smoke. On the other… her “sweetheart” was offering. How could she say no?
Taking a clumsy puff, she immediately started coughing. Tears welled up in her eyes, smudging her mascara. The boy let go of her and stepped back, not wanting her to accidentally burn his shirt with the lit cigarette.
“You’ve got a lot to learn about smoking,” he remarked.
“Yeah… *cough*… yeah… you’ll… teach me, right?” she struggled to regain her composure, but it wasn’t working. Her vision blurred, and the ground seemed to slip out from under her. She just hoped her dad wouldn’t find out she’d been smoking. She wouldn’t even turn eighteen for another month. Plus, she didn’t want to disappoint him.
“Alright, fine. I’ve got plans with the guys tonight. Let’s meet up next week. I’ll call you.”
Lydia wanted to protest, but before she could, the boy leaned in and silenced her with a kiss. Her head spun, even more than from the cigarette smoke. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, deepening the kiss with passion. It was with Max that she’d experienced her first kiss, her first touch, her first love. The sweetness of it made her want to shout with joy. What a handsome, smart, and tender guy she’d landed.
“Call a cab while I’m still here,” his deep voice snapped her back to reality.
“I thought… you’d drive me home,” she said, confused.
“Not tonight. Guy stuff, you know how it is.”