You're the Only One

by E. M. Abel

  “Oh, gross. I mean, I thought your haircut looked good on you, but now that I know why you did it, I’m not so sure,” Sky teased.

  I rubbed my head. “Hey! No jokes. I’m stuck with this hair for at least a few months.”

  Sky laughed, and the sound set off sparks in my chest.

  “I’m just kidding, dude. You’d look good with any haircut; you know that.”

  I licked my lips as the sparks moved lower. Is Sky flirting with me?

  “You think so?”

  “I do.”

  “So, what about you? How have you been since…”

  “Oh, I’m great. I feel like I’ve finally gotten Logan completely out of my system.”

  “Yeah?”

  “For sure. Honestly, I can’t believe we lasted that long.”

  “Me either.”

  “Yeah, yeah. You were right again. What? Do you want a cookie?”

  “I’d take a cookie or anything else you were willing to give me.” I sat up, surprised that I’d actually said that.

  Sky went silent on the line, and things were growing tenser by the second.

  “Well, I’ll have to think of something good then.”

  I grinned. She was playing along. Does that mean she feels something, too?

  “I look forward to it.”

  Sky giggled. She never giggled when she talked to me.

  “So, what else have you been up to then?”

  “I put my notice in at work.”

  My eyebrows shot up. “You what?”

  “Yep. Last week. I was going to stay for two weeks so that Frederico would have time to find a replacement, but when he found out, he was so pissed, he told me not to bother.”

  “Good for you. He took you for granted anyway. So, what’s your plan?”

  “I’m finally working on my own line.”

  I smiled. “No shit?”

  “No shit. It’s official. I even got an advance from Whitney for more inventory. She plans to fill half of her store with my clothes!”

  “Whitney? Isn’t that—”

  “One of Logan’s girlfriends? Yeah. Well, ex-girlfriend. Now, she’s my friend.”

  “Well, it sounds like your breakup was good for you, too.”

  “It’s funny, isn’t it? The way things worked out? If you’d never been with Natasha, you wouldn’t have gotten your groove back. And, if I hadn’t gotten back with Mr. Douche Bag, I wouldn’t have a store in Lower Manhattan selling my clothes.”

  I chuckled. “I like the way you think.”

  “That’s a first.”

  “I know, right? Damn, Sky, I think you might be maturing.”

  “Oh, shut up, jerkface.”

  “Maybe just a little.”

  Sky laughed, and the sparks intensified.

  “I want to see you. Do you have any free time coming up?”

  Before Sky could answer, my phone alerted me to an incoming call. It was Matteo. Normally, I would ignore it, but it could be important.

  “Shit. Matteo’s calling. I need to answer it. We’re waiting to hear back from a producer.”

  “A producer? Really?”

  “Yeah, I’ll tell you more when I see you. Text me a good time, okay?”

  “Okay. I’ll have my people call your people.” She laughed again. “I’ve always wanted to say that.”

  “You’re nuts. You know that, right?”

  “Yep.”

  “Okay, I have to go.”

  “Go.”

  I hung up with Sky and answered Matteo’s call, “Hey.”

  “Finally! I’ve been losing my shit over here!”

  My heart started pounding with anticipation. “What is it?”

  “He’s gonna do it! Steve Bivins is going to produce your first album!”

  I shot up from the couch and started pacing the floor. “Holy shit! Please tell me you aren’t fucking with me.”

  “I’m not fucking with you, man! It’s happening! It’s really happening!”

  “Yes!” I shouted so loud, Kuma ran out of the room. I’d never seen her move so fast.

  “Now, we need to get to work. We have two months to earn ten thousand dollars.”

  As soon as they’d risen, I felt my hopes quickly deflating. “Ten thousand? I thought we’d only need two or three.”

  “That was before Steve signed on. Don’t sweat it. I’m posting to Kickstarter and GoFundMe tonight for crowdfunding. I’ll be posting the links on your YouTube channel. I need you to make a video, asking your listeners to donate, too. Actually, I’ll come by tomorrow, so we can go over everything. I hope you don’t have any plans because we have a lot to do.”

  Before I could respond, Matteo hung up. Ever since that night at Blakely’s, he’d been going full throttle to make this shit happen. I didn’t know what I’d do without him.

  Walking over to my windows, I stared out at the city below and smiled the biggest smile I had in years. My dream was within reach. All I had to do was grab it.

  Lifting my phone again, I called Sky to tell her the good news.

  SKY

  I was in the zone. I’d been working my ass off every day for two weeks, and I was almost halfway done with making the clothes for Whitney’s store. I’d had so many ideas, it was hard editing myself, but eventually, I’d decided on ten different pieces to sell and planned to make them in a variety of colors and sizes. While I sat at my sewing machine, my mind kept filling with more designs. I couldn’t remember a time I’d been more inspired.

  I heard the front door to the apartment slam and then the click of TJ’s high heels making their way back to my room. A few seconds later, she walked in and fell backward onto my bed. I kept sewing.

  “Bad day?”

  “Bad year,” she muttered, turning to face me.

  “Maybe you should quit.”

  She pursed her lips. “I wish.”

  “Why don’t you?”

  “Because I don’t have anything better lined up. I like the work, but if my boss calls me sweetheart one more time, I think I’m going to twist his balls off. And can I come home at a decent hour one of these days? Jesus.”

  “I know, right? What time is it now?” I asked, glancing at my window and realizing it was dark outside.

  “It’s eight. How long have you been in here?”

  “I don’t know. I don’t think I’ve eaten since breakfast.”

  As soon as I said it, my stomach growled.

  “You should probably eat. Do you want to go grab something? We could go to that new Mexican place down the block.”

  I looked around at the mess in my room.

  “Please? I could really use a giant margarita.”

  “Okay. Just give me a minute to get dressed.”

  TJ perked up and got off the bed. “I’ll go change, too. I need to get these heels off.”

  About an hour later, we were sitting at a table with margaritas in front of us. TJ seemed a little happier as she took a long sip from hers. It hadn’t occurred to me before, but as I sat there, watching my incredibly smart and savvy friend sucking down alcohol like her life depended on it, I realized we might be able to help each other.

  “Hey, do you think you’d ever want to work for me? I mean, when I can afford to hire you, of course.”

  TJ’s big brown eyes widened, and she released the straw. “Are you for real?”

  “I know it’s silly, but—”

  Her hand slammed down on the table, making me flinch. “Are you kidding me? I’d fucking love to work with you, Sky! I’ve been wanting to ask you about it, but I didn’t want to make things weird. I wasn’t sure if you’d trust me to handle your finances.”

  “What? Of course I trust you. You’re a math wizard. But there’s no way I could pay you what you’re making now.”

  I wasn’t sure how much TJ got paid, but I knew it was way more than I made. She only roomed with me to save money. She didn’t have to.

  “Pfft. I don’t care about that, Sky. I’d m
uch rather be happy and have my sanity than care about how much money I made. And, besides, I like the idea of helping you grow the business. Maybe I could invest in it.”

  “What?”

  She smiled. “I’ve been saving money since I was twelve. I’ve got a nice chunk in the bank. Maybe I could invest it in you. What do you think?”

  I was in shock. What does she mean, invest in me?

  “I couldn’t take your money, T. What if the business isn’t successful?”

  “Well, that’s a risk you take with any investment. Maybe we could be partners. I’d do all the paperwork and handle the financial side of things, and you could have more time to focus on your designs. You’d still own the majority of the company.”

  She paused when she realized I wasn’t responding. I couldn’t. I was stunned and grateful that she believed in me so much.

  “It’s just an idea. You can tell me if you don’t want to. Really, I’d understand.”

  “Are you kidding? That’s the best idea ever! I’ve been feeling totally overwhelmed dealing with Whitney’s store. I had no idea how I was going to handle running my own business. You’d be saving me!”

  Her face broke out into a bright smile, and so did mine.

  “So, are we really doing this?” she asked.

  “Yes! Fuck yes!”

  We both got out of our seats and hugged each other. I squeezed her tight and started rocking back and forth. I was so happy. The people around us were watching, but I didn’t care. I was about to start my own business, and I had the most badass accountant in New York on my side.

  After we were done, we finally settled back into our seats, laughing through our giddiness.

  I held up my glass. “To our success!”

  TJ tapped her glass against mine, and we each took a drink.

  After we finished our meals, we decided to move to the bar for one more drink. The place had filled up pretty quickly, and people were gathering on the small dance floor as Latin music played through the speakers.

  “This place is nice,” TJ said, flipping her long braids over her shoulder to check out the guys around us.

  I nodded and looked in the other direction. I spotted a guy by the hostess stand, and he was staring at me. He was wearing a suit and had his black hair slicked back. He was handsome, but I wasn’t interested.

  I turned the other way when he started walking toward me.

  Shit.

  TJ elbowed me in the side and whispered, “Incoming.”

  “I know,” I hissed back.

  “Hi.”

  I quickly wiped my face of any apprehension and looked at him. “Hi.”

  “I couldn’t help but notice you from across the room. Your eyes are captivating.”

  Oh God. Is he for real?

  I looked at the floor and tried not to laugh. “Um, thanks.”

  “Can I buy you ladies a drink?”

  “No, thanks.”

  “Sure.”

  TJ and I had answered at the same time, and we looked at each other.

  The man chuckled.

  “We’re having a girls’ night tonight. Thank you though. I’m flattered,” I told him.

  TJ elbowed me again, but I ignored her.

  He glanced at TJ before meeting my gaze again and smiling. “Okay. Well, have a good night then.”

  “Thanks. You, too.”

  “He probably thinks we’re lesbians now,” TJ deadpanned as she turned and took another drink.

  “Who cares? ‘Your eyes are captivating.’ Who says that?” I rolled my eyes.

  “Hey, I liked him. At least he was original. And did you see that suit? I think it was Armani.”

  I shrugged and sucked on my straw.

  “But he’s not Dillon.”

  I cut my eyes to her in warning. TJ and I hadn’t spoken about my crush on Dillon since that night I came back from Maryland.

  She laughed. “You’re so easy to read, Sky. I hope you know, the next time he sees you, he’s totally going to know.”

  “Shut up.”

  Crap. What if she’s right?

  “Hey. What are you two doing here?”

  TJ and I both turned around to find Matteo standing behind us. I smiled and gave him a hug as I searched for Dillon. He wasn’t with him.

  “Hey, Matteo.”

  He ignored me, too busy checking TJ out, and his eyes got all dreamy.

  Oh, shit.

  I smirked to myself when I noticed TJ biting her bottom lip. She totally liked him, and that bitch hadn’t told me.

  “You look stunning tonight, TJ,” Matteo said, turning on his Italian charm.

  “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

  I stood there, watching them give each other the sexy eyes for as long as I could stand it. “So, where’s Dillon?”

  Matteo blinked and turned toward me, looking like he’d forgotten I was there. He had it bad.

  “Oh, I don’t know. He’s probably home, working on his music. Actually, I’ve been meaning to talk to you. He needs to record a video for his YouTube channel. You know, for the fund-raising? I was going to see if you’d help out. Maybe get him in something other than a T-shirt?”

  “Yeah, sure. When do you need it?”

  “The sooner, the better. He said you guys had plans for lunch later this week. Could you go to his apartment and record it then?”

  The thought of being alone with Dillon was making me nervous. I took another sip from my margarita. “Yeah, no problem.”

  Matteo smiled. “Thanks, Sky.”

  “Of course. And thank you for everything you’ve been doing for him. I know he really appreciates it.”

  “It’s my pleasure, trust me. That man is going to make me rich one day. Mark my words.” He winked at me.

  I laughed. “I know he will.”

  Matteo turned his attention back to TJ and held out his hand. “Shall we dance?”

  My eyes widened, and TJ peeked at me, trying to suppress her excitement. TJ loved to dance, and I knew Matteo had some good moves.

  She put her hand in his, and as they started to walk away, I shouted, “I’m going back home! Have fun, you guys.”

  “Are you sure?” TJ asked, walking backward toward the dance floor.

  I nodded and waved her off.

  Standing at the bar, I watched her and Matteo dance together while I finished my drink. Matteo spun her around, and TJ laughed as he pulled her into his chest. They were a match made in heaven.

  Why didn’t I notice that before?

  DILLON

  I hummed to myself as Kuma and I walked around the small park by my apartment. Although I’d been writing a lot, I still hadn’t been able to crack that song I’d been struggling with for months. I wasn’t going to give up though. I knew the words would eventually come to me.

  I zipped my coat all the way up to cover my chin and shoved my free hand in my pocket as the cold December winds picked up. Luckily, it had been a surprisingly mild winter in New York. We hadn’t gotten any snow yet, but I knew it was only a matter of time.

  Kuma stopped to mark her territory, and my phone started ringing in my pocket. It was Matteo.

  “Hey, man. What’s up?”

  “We’ve got three thousand four hundred and twelve dollars!”

  “Wow. Already?”

  “Yes! And it’s only been a few days! I need you to make that video. I saw Sky last night and asked her to help.”

  “You saw Sky? Where?”

  “Tito’s.”

  My eyebrows furrowed. “Where’s that?”

  “The new place a few blocks from your apartment. You haven’t been there yet?”

  “No.”

  “You should really get out more, man.”

  “I’ve been locked up in my apartment, writing music. What do you expect?”

  “True. And, before that, you were practically married and never left your girlfriend.”

  “Ha-ha.”

  “Hey, what do you know
about TJ?”

  “TJ?”

  “Yeah, you know, Sky’s roommate.”

  “I don’t know. She’s really smart and funny, and Sky likes her a lot. Why do you ask?”

  “She was with Sky last night. We danced and had a few drinks.”

  “You like her?”

  “Yeah, I think I do.”

  “You sure? ’Cause you can’t be fuckin’ around with Sky’s friends if you aren’t serious about ’em. You know how she gets. If you hurt TJ, she might try to cut off your balls.”

  A woman running by smiled when she heard me say the word balls.

  “I know. I’m not saying I want to marry her or anything. I just want to get to know her better. See where things go.”

  “Well, I don’t have anything bad to say about her. I like TJ.”

  “Good.”

  “Was Sky there with anyone else?”

  “You mean, was she there with a date?”

  “No, I was only curious if she was there with anyone else.”

  “Yeah, sure. And, no, she wasn’t. She went home alone.”

  Good.

  “So, when is Sky supposed to help me with this video?”

  “I asked her to do it that day you guys are meeting for lunch. That’s this week, right?”

  “Yeah, tomorrow actually.”

  “So, are you finally going to let her know how you feel about her?”

  “Say what?”

  “Sky. Are you guys finally going to stop fakin’ and admit that you love each other?”

  I laughed it off although his words were hitting close to home. “Whatever, man.”

  “It’s okay to admit it, Dillon. We’re friends, remember? You don’t have to be scared.”

  “I’m not scared. It’s just…things are kind of crazy right now. I’ve got so much on my mind between my mom and recording this album. I don’t think I’d even have the time to be in a relationship. And Sky has been busy, too. She decided to start her own business. Did she tell you?”

  I was full of excuses, and I was sure Matteo could see right through them.

  “Hold up. Hold on one second. Can we take a moment to acknowledge that I’ve been right about you and Sky all along?”

  I lifted my eyes to the sky and shook my head.

  “I can’t hear you.”

  “You’re right. I have feelings for Sky, and they’re more than platonic.”