After what seemed like hours of self-conflict on choosing outfits for today’s lunch with Tonne Goodman and Anna Wintour’s assistants, I was finally calming myself down with a lovely latte and with Steven and Bonnie beside me. About ten minutes after we had first arrived at the restaurant, they did as well. She was tall with stringy, medium-long blonde hair and hypnotizing blue eyes that almost mimicked Steven’s. She was stone-faced at first and I felt her studying my outfit of choice, but I stood my ground — I had to be myself around these people and let them know that Nicole and I weren’t just any women, we were strong fashion girls and weren’t going to change for anybody — not even Vogue.

“Tonne, nice to meet you two, and Steven, great to see you again, m’dear.” She began, after ordering an iced tea and sitting down. “You know what’s refreshing?”

“What’s that?” Steven asked curiously, as it seemed Nicole and I were a little too quiet, maybe.

“How you girls are meeting with the director of fashion for Vogue magazine and I don’t see high fashion on. I don’t see anyone trying too hard.” She was quiet. “I like that. I respect that.”

I smiled, “Well, thank you. We appreciate that coming from you. We’re big fans.”

She grinned and the awkwardness melted down as the conversation continued, and things were going seemingly well. Nicole and I were taking Steven’s advise and being ourselves, and that’s what made us stand out. We didn’t want to be the typical fashions girls because typical fashion girls were boring and the thing about Nic and I is that we marched to the beat of our own drum. We dressed however we wanted to dress and used indie brands and mixed them with high-end brands, and we wore what made us feel good. That was always the goal — that was always the dream.

“That is an absolutely gorgeous diamond, Bonnie.” Tonne expressed, reaching over the table and taking hold of my hand, studying the cut and the carats of the jewels that sat on my left ring finger. “Engagement ring?” She asked, eyeing Steven and I with a sly grin.

Steven shook his head and chuckled lightly, “Oh no, no. Trust me, her engagement ring is going to be bigger than that.” He winked at Tonne as if I couldn’t see and I just rolled my eyes at his silliness. “That beauty right there was just her birthday gift from me.”

“Well Steven, that is a gorgeous birthday gift you got her. You know, you two may be one of the most gorgeous couples I’ve ever seen. You two fit very well together.” She complimented the two of us, causing me to turn to Steven my smile wide, my nose scrunching up at him.

“Thank you, Tonne. It’s all her, though, I mean, look at her. She’s flawless.” He held my hand under the table and squeezed it tightly before making eye contact with me.

“He’s only being extra sweet because he’s trying to convince me to move here sooner.” I said, rolling my eyes at him jokingly, but squeezing his hand now.

“You’re going to be moving here?” Tonne questioned, her blonde brows raised. Nicole had smiled, nodding at the question but letting me talk first.

“Eventually. Nicole and I just opened up our shop in LA, so I’m pretty busy with that. By the end of the year or early next year, I should be over here full-time for a couple of years.” I explained to the blonde fashion genius, finding myself getting bored with explaining to people the situation because it tends to get tiring having to hear opinions and such. Nicole had handed her the shop’s business card that had each of our contacts on there, making her smile.

“Interesting. So, nothing at all would motivate you two to move out here?” Tonne asked, looking between Nicole and I.

Nicole’s eyes grew a little bit, thinking of Cam. “Depends on what it is. I would also have to talk to my boyfriend because his business is based in Los Angeles, as well.” She explains carefully, not wanting to turn anything potential down. “He loves New York, though.” Nicole than looked at me, waiting for an answer.

What did I have waiting for me in LA? My parents, the shop, Nicole, and my apartment. Nicole could potentially be coming out here with me, so you can cross her off. My apartment would be vacant seeing as how I would be living here. My parents would understand because this was my dream. Fashion was my dream. The shop? Well, that was the one that was up in the air.
“If Nicole comes, it looks like I’ve got all that I need with me.”

Tonne smiled sweetly and nodded, “I’ll take that into consideration. Miss Wintour really enjoyed scrolling through your blog. She was impressed and Anna is not easily impressed. I can’t promise any offers without speaking with her first, but, you two could be extremely useful assists to the Vogue personnel.” With that, she glanced at her watch and Anna’s two assistants nodded as they all stood up. “I’ll be in touch, ladies.” She held up the business card before giving us all smiles and walking away.

“Did she—“ Nicole started, shock seeping through her entire being, unable to blink, before I replied, very much in the same exact state, “Uh-huh.”

---

Later that night, we were all in Steven’s apartment, filling Cam in on how the meeting with Tonne Goodman went down earlier that day. He was more than willing to leave California for New York and was even willing to purchase my family’s apartment. We had all made dinner and were very hopeful for a future, a future in New York, a future in fashion, a future that we could all believe in. I’d be lying if I said that all of the change wasn’t overwhelming, but it was such a addicting feeling and it wasn’t just happening to me. It was happening to my best friend in the entire world, the love of her life, the love of my life, and myself. What’s not to appreciate about that?

Cam and Nicole went off to stay in a hotel for the rest of the two days they were going to spend here but told us they’d leave us alone since I had solely come out here for some one-on-one time with Steven. I was ready for the rest of the week to be fun and romantic with my man and in a way, pushing all of this excitement to the side so I could live in reality for the rest of the time I had here. Steven had been oddly quiet since I arrived— nervous energy it seemed. I wanted to pick his brain about it, but I figured I would do it when he wasn’t bombarded with work. Instead, I would just surprise him for a little work rendezvous to keep him on his toes.

While Steven was at work, I got myself dolled up and timed it perfectly to when he usual went to lunch. When I arrived, I chatted with the receptionist for a moment, introducing myself to the sweet older woman named Grace, and once Steven was out of his meeting, she told me to go on in. I smiled at her thankfully before heading to the biggest office in the room, reading a sign that said ‘Steven John’ that was planted on the door. The shades were down and I knocked quietly, waiting for the ‘Come on in.’ from him before entering.

I opened the door and cleared my throat, his eyes meeting mine and the widest smile growing on his face. “Bonnie, baby!” He said happily as I began closing the door, turning the lock quietly and making sure the blinds were indeed shut. I walked toward him as he sat on his chair, still not having said a word. I just kept my eyes on him and he knew what I was after— he knew I wanted him right then and there. I sat on his lap and finally greeted him, “Hi, my love.” I ran my hand through his hair, and began kissing him softly.

The lower my lips got, the more turned on he was, and I was soon by his neck, aiming for his soft spot below his earlobe. I smiled on his skin when he moaned softly, his hands moving themselves up and down my butt, sliding up the gray dress that I was wearing. His eyes widened for a moment when he realized that I wasn’t wearing any panties before a lustful smirk grew on his face. Again, he knew what I wanted and he wasn’t going to be the one to deny that. After all, he had an hour lunch; he was going to enjoy it. He picked me up, rubbing me with his fingers, feeling the wetness that was caused just by the passionate kisses we had shared and the yearning to tout each other for the first time in weeks— finally. Steven positioned me on his desk, tossing papers aside and unleashing his risen manhood, entering me carefully so that I get used to him again. My arm wrapped itself around his neck to hold onto as he satisfied me greatly, sweat forming on our skin. After some time, the both of us hit our climaxes, trying not to be too loud in our orgasms, before he exited me. I smiled at him, bringing him closer to kiss me and he did so, pushing my hair behind my ear and whispering how much he loved me. It was perfect.

“Well now, I’m really hungry.” He stated, making me chuckle as I cleaned myself up and retouched my lipstick. He cleaned himself off, got himself professional looking again before walking over to me and twirling me into him. “If I haven’t said so already, baby, you are so beautiful. And that ring is looking extra nice on that finger you got it on.” He cocked his eyebrow, noticing that I’d been wearing it on my left ring finger lately.

I felt my cheeks get hot, and maybe I hadn’t been so coy on hiding it from him, but I preferred it on my left ring finger. I just smiled sweetly at him and laughed a little. “Just giving you ideas.” I winked as I pinched his butt and kissed him gently. “Let’s go get something to eat.”

He chuckled lightly, wrapped his arm around me as he had opened his office door. He kissed my cheek and took my hand, leading me out of the door and off to have some lunch in the beautiful Spring, New York weather.

---

TWO WEEKS LATER

The week that Steven and I had together was incredible. I missed him so much and soaking up every chance I got made me so happy and determined to get things settled here. He was going to be flying back to LA this weekend for the Fourth of July, and we hadn't seen either of our parents in a while, so it became mandatory by both of our parents to see them for this particular holiday.

The Friday morning that Steven was flying back into town, I had gone out to Nipsy's with Nicole, Cam, Vic, and Mike. We were catching up and telling Mike about our sit-down with Vogue, and the offer that they made us last week. Vogue called Nicole and I and they offered us positions to write for their website and to also assist with styling for shoots. After talking about it with both Cam and Steven, we decided that we would definitely be doing this and accepted their offer. It was our dream after all. Writing and styling for Vogue; somebody pinch us.

Mike looked more shocked than excited. "Wow. So, you're both moving to New York? Like, really, really leaving California-- forever?"

We both looked at each other and nodded, smiling wide. "Yeah, Steven and I are gonna tell our parents this weekend, and Nic and Cam are planning on renting out my parent's apartment from us so since they are going to the little Father's Day get together, they are gonna tell my parents that, too." I explained, my cheeks hurting from smiling so much. I couldn't even believe my life right now.

"Wow." Mike said again, blinking hard. "Congratulations! I'm so proud of you two! What about the shop?"

"We still have to discuss some things with Vogue, and we're both meeting with Anna and other Vogue personnel next month. But, our friend Lora said she could run it while we're out. She helps run some other store that we buy from a lot, actually." Nicole answered, laying out the foundation for the next month or so-- hope filling the both of us like oxygen.

"That's insane. I'm so proud of you guys. I love seeing dreams come true." Vic said, smiling wide at Nicole and I. Immediately, we felt his support and we were grateful for that. Things were about to change drastically, but we were up for it. If there's one thing that Nicole and I are is great under pressure and determined as hell. And the fact that we had each other was a bonus.

Later on, Cam, Nic, and Vic had all gone shopping but I stayed behind. "I thought New York was just a temporary thing?" Mike said suddenly, throwing me off.

"It was, but plans change, you know?" I shrugged off his weird energy and continued to sip on my iced coffee slowly.

He fiddled with his thumbs and then looked at me carefully before speaking up. "I'm really happy for you, Bonnie."

I smiled softly, "Thank you, Mike. You're such a great friend."


MIKE POV

Nothing ruins a moment more than when the girl you've been in love with for about a year, calls you her friend. But it was a moment that I had to look at Bonnie and realize that what I thought we had a year ago, was not something that was reciprocated. She was in love with another man, and moving on with her life and god, it hurt some but it felt good because she was happy. That's all I ever wanted for her was eternal happiness.

It's hard to believe that Bonnie and I were together for two months, hating each other for five, and then just friends for the rest of the time. She was something else, a dream, but I knew it my heart that her and I would never work. She wasn't my soulmate like I thought she was. She was one of my very good friends, and hopefully one day we could be best friends, but she wasn't mine. I was too into another lifestyle, partying and joking around, and she had goals; she was determined.

Over the course of almost a year, Bonnie was still in my life. And you can bet your ass that I'm beyond grateful for that. She was in my life and that was enough for me. That was enough to keep me satisfied. I had her in front of me, sharing her life with me, her goals, and I had finally accepted that fate. The fate of friendship. I just needed some time.

---

TWO DAYS LATER | BONNIE'S POV

It was the Fourth of July and Steven and I were at my apartment, getting ready for today's annoying festivities that neither of us, wanted to go to. I had looked at my outfit in the long mirror I had and felt like I looked good enough for brunch with Steven's family, and then dinner afterward with mine. I was debating my hair, but decided to keep it down since I was going with white today. I soon felt strong arms wrap around my waist and soft lips kiss my neck, making me smile.

"Miss Bonnie, how do you look so beautiful all the time?" He stood next to me and looked at me up and down before kissing my lips once then once more. "Mmm, you stay knocking 'em dead, baby."

I chuckled, wrapping my arms around his neck, "Thank you, darlin'." His hands traveled down to my butt and smacked one side, making me jolt a tiny bit. "Don't start something that we don't have time to finish, Bohn." I said, beginning to walk away so I could grab my Hermes Birkin bag that he had got me a few months ago.

He laughed and grabbed his keys before beginning to follow me out of the front door when I stopped and looked back at him, "Damn, I think I forgot to put underwear on today. Hmm." I teased before walking ahead of him. He groaned in desperation once we reached the elevator, and once inside he ran his hand over my butt, to see if I was really not wearing underwear and to his surprise I was not.

The elevator dinged as he reached the first floor and I tossed him a wink before walking off once more. "You drive me nuts, Perez. You drive me fucking nuts, but that's why I love you."

After a little drive to his father's country club, we arrived to valet dressed in burgundy suits and black ties ready to park our car. Steven got out and ran to open my car door for me and hold my bag for me while I adjusted my dress and my hair before walking inside. He held my hand as we walked in and were lead to the table that we sat at last time with his parents, this time, his brother and his wife there as well. We didn't see his family often, mainly because he didn't want to; I kinda had to drag him here today since his mom, Dana, had called me and asked me to convince him.

"Finally, you two have arrived!" His sweet mom greeted us with a million dollar smile as she stood up and gave me and Steven a tight hug. His dad came to me and grinned, "Beautiful Bonnie, it's so nice to see you. We've missed you."

"Jack!" I said excitedly, giving him a hug. "We've missed you, too!"

Steven's brother, Jack also known as Junior came over and gave me a hug as well, along with his wife. I sat beside Steven on the left of his mother, and he unfortunately sat beside his dad. I already prepared myself the squeezes Steven was going to give my thigh in frustration to stop him from saying something that could potentially damage his relationship with his family.

I had pushed some hair behind my left ear as I instantly looked at the drink menu and ordered bottomless mimosas; earning a wink from his mom because it looked like she was on the same path as I was. "Is that an engagement ring?" Jack asked curiously when he noticed the pink diamond on my left ring finger.

Shit. I was totally going to put it on my middle finger before we walked in to prevent attention on our relationship. All his family's eyes were wide and staring at the giant ring, hope running through them that maybe, just maybe, he proposed.

I shook my head, "Oh, no. Steven got it for me for my birthday." I looked at Steven and smiled widely, squeezing his hand lovingly. His nose scrunched and and he returned the smile to me.

"Well little brother, that's one hell of a birthday present." Junior cocked his brows, knowing in his entire relationship with his wife he never gifted her anything so beautiful. And her expression as she looked at the ring gave that away.

"Oh Bonnie, it's so beautiful." Dana gawked at the ring, giving her youngest son approval on a good pick.

"Thank you." I grinned, seeing the waiter come with my drink and taking a sip.

"How's work been going?" Jack asked Steven curiously, still hoping that he would say it was so shitty he would consider working with him and under Junior, but he and I both knew that would never happen in a billion years.

"It's going really well. New York is amazing. Everything is going smoothly for the most part of there." He looked at me whether to spill the beans on our news, and I nodded with a grin. "Bonnie got some great work news as well."

"Oh really, what's that?" Dana questioned with a genuine smile. She was so sweet and kind, it was hard to believe she was married to Jack and birthed Junior, but you could really tell that's where Steven got his attitude from-- he was a mama's boy, after all.

"Bonnie and Nicole got job offers at Vogue magazine as writers for their online issues and also as stylists." Steven looked at me the entire time he made the announcement and smiled wide. "She meets with Anna Wintour next month for logistics and everything-- but she's going to be moving to New York."

"That's amazing!" Junior's wife, Jackie said happily. Her scarlet black hair was curled perfectly and her had red lipstick on. She dressed really classy and she literally looked like a lawyer's wife. She was really smart and went to Harvard as well; just like Junior and just like Jack.

"It is, congratulations Bonnie." Junior agreed with his wife, pretending to be happy for me. He didn't get fashion; which makes sense because he dresses in mostly brown's and that really irritates me, to be completely honest. I wanted to bring up the fact that we were going to discuss with my own dad today about Steven fully taking over the NYC branch, but I knew he didn't want me to say anything-- so I just kept that to myself.

Dana gave me a hug and kissed my cheek and Jack was happy as well. "Congratulations, Bonnie! Let's cheers to that!" He held up his drink and we all followed suit, clinking our glasses before taking a sip; Steven and I taking gulps, praying for the alcohol to kick in anytime now.

The conversations continued to flow as did mine and Steven's drinks. Jack was discussing his retirement and Junior was talking about work, his wife was having a conversation with Dana, and Steven and I were jumping in and out of everybody's conversations in between having our own. It was all going well, shockingly, no arguments. Part of it was because I was distracting Steven from the sly comments that came from his dad and brother with a rub down on his manhood now and then. He was enjoying that and was attempting to return the favor, but I shot him a look that had, 'Later' all over it because I had been horny all morning and was damn sure going to take advantage of that in the car, or his house, or the goddamn restroom for all I care.

"So brother, when in the world are you finally going to pop the question to Miss Bonnie over here? She's got to be tired of waiting for you by now?" Junior asked, adding a chuckle that his dad followed with that I knew would piss Steven off.

Steven took a deep breath and laughed a little too loudly, "We've only been back together for like seven months, dude. It's not a race to the finish line-- believe me, we're very happy where things are. You don't need to worry about that seeing as how it's none of your business anyway."

Junior put up his hands in defense, "Whoa little brother, I was just asking. I didn't think that it was that sensitive of a subject."

Jackie smacked her husband lightly, "Stop it. You're being rude."

"How am I being rude? He's the one getting pissed for no reason." Junior stated, earning a smile from Jack, rolled eyes from his wife whom excused herself to the restroom right after, and Dana just sitting there in silence. Oh boy. Here we go.

"No reason? Believe me when I say, brother, that it's none of your business to worry about Bonnie and I. She's the reason I'm even here today because if not, trust that I would rather be caught dead than have to spend a second with you and dad, but here I am. Quit being such a bitch because I'm thriving in my career and in my personal life and your stuck at dad's failing firm in your failing marriage where your wife is vying for your attention. Or what's left of it since you've taken over." Boom. There it is.

You could tell Junior and Jack were taken off guard with that response. They just looked at Steven in some shock before scoffing. The good thing is, we were all done eating so once we paid, we said bye to Dana and Jackie before leaving.

We got in the car and it was quiet for a second before he laughed for a split second, "Wow. That felt fucking good."

I smiled at him, leaning over and kissing his cheek, "You got them to shut up. For a moment, they actually shut up. Man, I can't tell you how sexy you're looking to me right now." I said, grinning devilishly.

He eyed me and sped back to my apartment, the both of us running inside and getting straight to business.

Notes

ANOTHER ONE

This is part one of this "day" in the story, I've got a gist for part 2 so don't fret. Something is coming soon.

What do you think of everything that happened in this chapter? WHAT ABOUT NEW YORK? And, Mike's thoughts? Also, Steven's dad and brother are pretty annoying, don't you think?

As always, leave your questions, comments, and concerns. :)

Thank you!

XO,
Amber