My graduation ceremony was bittersweet. After five long years at UCLA, I received my Masters in Engineering. Of course, my father wanted me to major in Business or Aeronautics. I decided to go with my dream even though he gave me an extremely hard time. Despite all the times I wanted to give up, I pushed forward and finished faster than expected. Now I can start the next journey of my life.

My friends planned a night on the town for me. Anything that had to do with them and drinks was going to be wild and crazy. They are more bold, outgoing, and confident than me. I'm pretty much the quiet and more reserved homebody, but tonight I'm going to let loose for once. I didn't go out much or date, not because I didn't want to I just didn't prioritize it or feel confident enough. I have mainly focused on school for the past seven years.

Honestly, I haven't even been on a date since the end of my tenth-grade year. Tonight was going to be the night that I'm going to be adventurous and try something new. Maybe find a guy that I can later go on a date with. Maybe kiss a guy or maybe even take one home.

Virgin Mary, you are not taking a guy home. I don't even know why you even thought about that.

I definitely wasn't taking a stranger home. That's crazy and stupid. My phone rang and made me dismiss those silly thoughts. I checked it and it was one of my best friends, Karli Valdez.

"Hayden, you better be ready on time," she threatened.

"OMG! Karli, I'm ready," I complained.

"I'm downstairs and you better look like someone going to a club and not a church."

I rolled my eyes. I knew how to dress. I had no problem with the way she dressed, so I don't understand why she had a problem with my style.

"Just come up." I scoffed.

I knew she was going to complain about my outfit. She rang the doorbell several times. She barged in before I could fully open the door of my small, but a very nice one-bedroom apartment in the heart of Culver City, California. She glared at me and shook her head.

"No!... No, no, no! You are not wearing that," she scolded.

"Karli, I look fine." I defended myself.

I thought I looked fine. I had on a pair of black leggings, grey wedges, silver jewelry, and a grey sleeveless top that complimented my caramel brown skin. My thick curly hair was in a neat puff and I think my makeup was really pretty.

Karli looked stunning as usual. She had on a black body-con cocktail dress that hugged her shapely frame and complimented her light tawny skin. Her silver designer shoes were absolutely gorgeous. Her dark brown loosely curled hair bounced with every move. I guess she had a point about my outfit.

"If you are going to the mall or something. You need to look sexy. You are the cutest one in the group, with the best body. Somehow you always look like a Catholic school teacher," she said.

"Okay. I'll change, but I don't look like a Catholic school teacher." I pouted.

She raised her eyebrow like she didn't agree and walked to my bedroom. I followed right behind her, a bit nervous about what she was going to put me in. She was rummaging through my closet. Then she smiled and gasped as she found a tiny black dress that happened to belong to my older sister, Camden. I didn't even know how it got there in the first place.

"This is perfect!" She beamed.

"It's not mine," I mumbled.

"I heard you. That's why it's perfect. Put it on now!" she commanded.

I slowly put on the dress well, a piece of cloth. I felt almost naked in the dress. I turned around anyway for her to see.

"Hayden, you look gorgeous. You have the perfect shape for this dress. Look at those toned thick legs and big booty. Mija, I have booty. You have boo-tay! It's perfect on you," she said excitedly.

"I don't feel comfortable... it's too short," I said, pulling it down.

"Put on those red heels and some shorts on under. Stop being difficult. We are running late and I don't want to hear Georgia's mouth," she said, pushing me toward the door.

I stopped and put some thin black shorts on in an attempt to make me feel a little more covered up. I put on my red strappy heels, grabbed my red clutch, keys, and headed out.

Karli drove us to Hollywood. The plan was to get a bite to eat and then go bar and club hopping. Our first stop was a lounge and restaurant. We met our friends Georgia Bullocks, Jessie Sakai, and Victoria James. We all have been friends since my freshman year of college. Victoria is two years older and Jessie is a year ahead of Georgia, Karli, and I.

My girls looked amazing. Georgia had on a rose gold dress that complimented her porcelain skin, blue eyes, and long naturally blonde hair. Victoria wore a black romper with her hair in a curly bun. Jessie's catsuit was a little bit sporty but chic. I was surprised she let her straight, jet black hair down. It was usually in a low ponytail or a tight bun.

They all hugged and congratulated me. We got some tapas and drinks. We took a million selfies before heading to the first club. We went from club to club and had a good time at each one. The last club had the best DJ and I danced my butt off. I was surprised that so many guys wanted to dance with me. I gave them a little dance and once they got too touchy I made sure that they moved on. I was dancing with Jessie, then I felt arms wrap around my waist and a voice I recognized whispered in my ear. I turned around and I couldn't believe it was my ex-boyfriend, Trent Gates.

A bright light flashed on him showing off his handsome features. He looked better than I remembered. His dark brown skin, golden honey brown eyes, and amazing white teeth still were breathtaking. He was even more muscular and toned. I had to stop myself from salivating and staring at him.

"What are you doing here?" I asked over the music.

He leaned in closer to me so I could hear him.

"No, what are you doing here? This is not your scene and dressed like that," he said as he winked at me.

I blushed a bit. Then I became more self-conscious. I pulled down my dress attempting to cover up. Jessie excused herself and disappeared into the crowd.

"So, what's the special occasion?" he asked.

"Um, I just graduated with my Masters and my girls and I are celebrating," I said nervously.

Relax. It's just Trent.

"You look absolutely gorgeous and sexy. Relax, don't be so self-conscious. And congrats! You have always been the smartest person I've ever known. Getting two degrees in 5 years is very impressive," he complimented.

I just smiled. I couldn't believe this was the same Trent. He seemed different, but a good different. He's charming and more easygoing. When we dated in high school, I always thought he was cheating, but I didn't have any proof. So, I broke up with him and told him he was a distraction from my studies. After he graduated and went off to college, we didn't keep in touch. I tried briefly, but he wouldn't return my calls or messages. I gave up and decided to leave him in my past. It was hard because I was in love with him, but I realized he never loved me. I dismissed those thoughts and focused my attention back on him.

"So, what brings you back home?" I asked.

"Many things... Hayden, can I buy you a drink?"

I was pretty wasted and probably didn't need another drink, but I accepted it anyway. We walked toward the bar and he asked me what I wanted.

"Vodka and Cranberry," I said assertively.

"What happened to my sweet innocent Hayden?" he asked with a grin.

"She's there, but she's all grown up
and open to new things," I said seductively.

Was I really flirting?

He smiled even wider. He bought me two drinks and then we found two seats at the end of the bar. We caught up and talked about our families. I guess my friends noticed I was gone too long and started looking for me. They eventually found me at the bar.

"Hayden, sweetie, let's go it's late," Georgia said with a condescending tone.

She rolled her eyes at Trent. Trent clenched his jaw angrily glaring at Georgia.

Well, they still hate each other.

"Georgia, relax. She met a guy, a really fine guy at that, on the dance floor. Girl, let her be," Jessie said gawking at Trent.

"No! This guy is an ex and he broke her heart so, she needs to go," Georgia scolded.

Trent scoffed and squinted his eyes in anger at her. Georgia and Karli knew the truth about Trent and me. I never mentioned him to Jessie and Victoria. I thought it was best to leave Trent Gates in the past.

"Hayden is grown. She can have a drink with anyone she likes. And Trent, be nice to my girl or you are going catch these hands." Karli playfully threatened Trent.

Trent smiled and grabbed Karli's hand. That made Georgia even more upset. Jessie and Victoria were confused.

"Karli, you know I've always treated Hayden like the queen she is," he said suavely.

"Whatever! Don't come crying to me again. I'm out of here," Georgia said as she walked away.

"Georgia! Georgia!" I yelled after her.

She didn't turn around. Eventually, she was out of sight. I didn't get why she was so mad. I pouted and turned back to Karli, Victoria, Jessie, and Trent.

"What's her deal?" Victoria asked.

"She's tripping. I'm going to talk to her. HD have fun and be safe," Karli said.

"We got her." Jessie chimed in.

Karli and Jessie went to check on Georgia while Victoria stayed with me. I knew Victoria wanted to know more and I told her I would explain later. With that behind us, we talked for a while. Trent bought us more drinks. Victoria looked at her phone and pulled me to the side.

"Girl, I got work in the morning. These old grumpy lawyers are so demanding and anal about everything. Anyway, are you going to be okay with him by yourself?" she asked.

"Yes. I've known him since I was a baby. Our fathers are good friends they used to have a company together," I replied.

"Okay. Georgia and Karli got into it and Jessie took Georgia home. Karli's boyfriend picked her up. I'm going to take an Uber. You text me when you get home okay."

"I will, Vic. I just feel terrible. I ruined the night, huh?"

"Oh, no! You know how Georgia can get. She thinks everything revolves around her. Anyway, Trent is so handsome. Have fun and be careful, okay?"

"I promise."

She hugged me and left the club. I sat back next to Trent trying to conceal a yawn, but I did it anyway.

"Let's get you home. You look exhausted," he said.

It was really late and I was still drunk. I didn't want him to go out of his way though.

"I'll just get an Uber."

"No, I'll take you home. I don't feel comfortable with a drunk woman in an Uber alone. There are too many horror stories."

"Trent, I'm fine. I'm grown," I said, getting up.

I felt exhausted and tipsy, but I managed to act as if nothing was wrong.

"You're still stubborn. Well, I'm taking you home. Your dad will kill me if he knew I let you go home alone like this," he said.

I didn't want to argue anymore I just wanted to get out of these heels and get in my bed.

"Lead the way," I said.

He grabbed my hand and walked to his car. It was a really nice Maserati.

"What are you doing now? Selling drugs?" I asked jovially.

We both came from money so I knew he was well off, but he wasn't the flashy guy, or at least that's how he used to be. He laughed and unlocked his car.

"I'm in corporate development and real estate. This car is used by the way and I got a great deal," he explained.

I nodded and got in after he held the door open for me. I told him my address and hoped that we would stay in touch this time.

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