MALCOLM
Four months later…
The rhythmic beeping of the microwave pulled my attention from my laptop screen. I was at my desk, wrapping up some last-minute details on a financial portfolio for one of my clients.
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ESME
I sat cross-legged on my bed, my eyes glued to my phone screen as it lit up with a call. I’d been watching a rerun of a 90s sitcom I’d seen too many times to count, using it as a comforting distraction from thoughts of the man now calling me—again.
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MALCOLM
I switched off my bedroom light and stepped out, planning to head to the kitchen for something sweet. It was late afternoon, nearing evening. After picking up Mason from practice, we’d returned to my apartment to spend the night doing our own things.
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ESME
I waited for Malcolm at my front door, watching as he slowly came into view with each step he climbed. It had been two days since we’d last seen each other. He insisted I stay at his place after Mason walked in on us kissing, but it just didn’t feel right after that.
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MALCOLM
I couldn’t stop myself from periodically glancing over my computer screen at Esme. She’d been distant. Ever since Mason’s last session.
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ESME
I smiled at the feel of Malcolm’s lips pressing against my neck. I giggled as his affection morphed from innocent to something much more intense.
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MALCOLM
“Okay,” Mason said from the dining room table. “I’m done.”
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ESME
“Good job today, Mason,” I said as I stood from my seat at the dining room table. “I told you, once you started researching, it would boost your confidence for the presentation.”
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MALCOLM
I jogged up the brownstone’s stairs, still not entirely sure how I’d let myself get to this point. I just didn’t know how to handle what had happened when Esme was at my apartment three days ago, tutoring Mason in person for the first time.
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ESME
The sound of pots being placed on the stove ahead of me pulled my eyes away from the bag I was rummaging through. Between trying to keep my focus off Malcolm and the stunning view of Manhattan’s tallest skyscrapers behind me, I was struggling to keep it together.
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MALCOLM
As soon as Mason pushed his chair back from my desk to stand up, I eagerly got off my island stool just a few feet away.
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ESME
“Don’t I have news for y’all,” I said.
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MALCOLM
I spritzed the air with my cologne and walked into the falling mist, running my hands down my slim-fit dress shirt when done.
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ESME
I slammed my laptop lid closed and grunted for effect. “This disrespectful little motherfuc—”
My phone vibrated beside my laptop with a call, interrupting my vent. I released the air I’d been holding in during my pissed-off state and instantly released the tension in my shoulders.
Malcolm Lawson’s name appeared on the screen as the phone continued vibrating.
With From Friends to Forever nearing its final episodes, I’m thrilled to announce the next series coming to Brookelynite Daily: When Love Just Happens.
If you’ve read The Energy Series, then you’re already familiar with Juliette and Clarke’s friend, Esme. She’s the one who couldn’t stop venting to Clarke in When Life Gives You Sunsets about tutoring a difficult child with an undeniably fine father. Well, now it’s time for her story!
In this new series, we dive deep into the life of Esme Bennett—a dedicated teacher whose heart gets tangled up in ways she never imagined. Despite all her efforts to avoid drama, the heart wants what the heart wants, and Esme’s heart has found its match! And yes, you can expect some fun updates from Clarke and Juliette along the way.
I’m so excited for you to join Esme on this journey. Check out the synopsis below and get ready to fall in love with these characters:
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