Chapter 101. Big Ass Mistake: pt. 1

I clutched the bouquet of helium balloons in one hand, their strings tangled around my fingers, and adjusted my purse strap with the other. My heart raced with excitement as I stepped out of the Uber, the driver wishing me luck with a knowing grin. I’d spent the morning getting ready—full glam, as they say. Winged eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass, lips painted a bold red that matched the “Happy Birthday” balloon bobbing above me, and my favorite sundress hugging my curves just right. It was Calloway’s birthday, our one-year anniversary of chatting on Snap, and finally, our first in-person meeting. I’d planned this surprise for weeks, ever since my step-aunt Lydia and I moved to this city for her new job. She thought I was out running errands; little did she know I was about to make this day epic.

Calloway Damien—my sweet, funny computer engineer boyfriend. We’d met on Snap during one of those random add-me phases, and it clicked instantly. Late-night chats about code glitche