An Unexpected Paradise

by Chelsea Curto

Today is either going to be the day I get fired or the day I commit a murder.

This is a very interesting way to start a book, haha, I love it

They’re far nicer than me; I would elbow him as I passed, right below the ribs, and let him know precisely how much of an inconsiderate prick I think he is.

At least we’re being honest!

then end his conversation and leave

That’s petty

I don’t own a car and rely on my legs and the train for transportation, frequently opting to walk.

So what about the rain? Or the freezing cold??

I hate coffee, and coffee with nothing in it is vile.

Can I DNF a book because the MC doesn’t like coffee even if I like everything else about it?

They’ll be begging me for death; it’ll be a grateful, welcomed blessing after hearing your ramblings on numbers and codes no one cares about, using fancy words us lowly, uneducated peasants can’t comprehend.

Okay they have some pretty cute banter going on between them.

“Verbally sparring with you is the highlight of my day, Josephine.” The comment sounds like a growl, low and throaty.

“Maybe I seek you out to annoy you on purpose,” Jack continues. “I enjoy watching the way your face contorts into a frown whenever you see me. Your bottom lip sticks out when you’re thinking hard about an insult to throw my way. Did you know your eyes shift from rich, emerald green when you’re passionate about something to…” He stops mid-sentence, terror evident in his own eyes.

The fact that he notices, chefs kiss.

“I can assure you, the feeling is mutual,”

That’s not the mutual feeling you both have…

These are things I shouldn’t notice as a coworker-slash-enemy, but I do.

The whole encounter stemmed from wanting to make sure she was okay.

HD: Anything that needs our attention right now, J? Are you okay? PW: It’s open house night at our school, so I’ll be there ASAP. NL: Any hot, single moms going? PW: Jesus, Neil, STFU. NL: It’s an important question! JL: No. It can wait. I’m freaking out. JL: But not time sensitive. NR: Deep breaths, man. NR: Whatever it is, it’ll be okay. We’ve got you. HD: Text if it changes to Threat Level Midnight. <3 NL: But for real. Hot single moms? MILFs? PW: NEIL. You have a girlfriend you don’t deserve. HR: Someone block him for the rest of the afternoon.

But these kind of friend group texts, The two that seem concerned? GOALs

Now I have the four best friends in the world.

The author is writing other stories, I’m guessing about these guys?

she never backs down from something she feels passionate about.

Normally people like this quality

She’s the day. Sunshine. Brightness. All-encompassing warmth. Lending a hand wherever needed. Someone people look to for solace, joy and comfort. I’m the night. Colder. Darker. Uninviting. Someone people rarely offer more than a passing second or two of attention to, eagerly searching for the bright colors of a new dawn.

It’s the coffee cups with half-hearted insults scribbled on them that give me fucking butterflies, a gaggle of wings fluttering in my stomach while a stupid ass smile tugs at my lips in the lonely confines of my office.

Mickey’s, a local dive bar

Same spot as 911BC?

That’s my favorite trope in a book!

“I always let the woman finish first,” he says huskily, soft enough for only me to hear. “No one leaves unsatisfied.”

“We’re not playing the comparison game. Women’s looks are not a competition, and no matter what happened in my past, I’m not pitting people against each other.”

Respect.

“It’s a big fucking problem, because she’s bright and kind and nice and beautiful and nothing like the broken, messed up, unwanted piece of scraps I am,”

I love how he thinks of her and talks about her, but I also love his friend group and how they’re all compassionate and not what you would expect.

Being broken, however, does not equate to being unwanted.

“Are you sorry, Jack? We play these stupid games day after fucking day. And that’s only the days you can bear to be in the same room as me! Half the time when I enter a space, you stop speaking and leave. Do you know how that feels? “I’m sick of it. We aren’t friends. Your drink parade solidified the fact that you truly dislike me, and it hurt like hell. How can I ever believe anything you say is real when all we do is treat each other like shit? I know I’m as guilty as you are, trust me, but I’m done playing games.

I’m glad this was said, but I wasn’t expecting it this soon

“This is not your fault. Staying out by yourself does not warrant getting drugged or assaulted. Stop that.”

“Abby is nice. She made some comment about only one bed. Am I supposed to understand what that means?”

This is adorable under bad circumstances

“When you make that sound it’s very difficult for me to concentrate,” he whispers.

The tension!

“I wanted to. When it comes to you, it seems I want to do a lot of things. I’ll be back soon. Make yourself at home.”

That’s freaking cute though.

Not fucking happening.

I want to know why he’s so scared to let anyone see this side of him, the caring and protective nature in him

Two hours later, I had highlighted the speakers I thought would interest her the most, putting smiley faces next to my favorites after looking them up online. I summarized the discussions and wrote out keywords in the margins so she could determine if it was a topic she would find beneficial. Knowing she works with social media apps frequently, I added the handles of the all presenters and their companies so she could look them up on her own time if she so desired. It was the first time in six months I’d opened my Instagram app, and I ignored the influx of activity to get the information needed for her.

That is so damn cute.

Love doesn’t pick the pretty parts to like about someone; it’s all-encompassing.

Whoever gets to wake up next to her for their rest of their life is a lucky asshole.

I cannot wait for your to actually shoot your shot

The nice dinner tomorrow will be the perfect opportunity to tell her everything that’s racing through my chaotic brain.

Why does something have to happen

“You plague my thoughts, Josephine. Day after day. You haunt my dreams, an inescapable cycle. And you brighten my darkest, most sorrowful nightmares, lighting up my gloomy world like a million lanterns. Hate you? I could never, ever hate you. I’ve never felt something so strongly before in my life, and it’s confusing as hell. Frustrating. Exhausting. But god, so fucking worth it.”

“So, what you’re saying is I’m kind of like an unexpected paradise, huh?”

“There is something about you, Jo,

I miss him saying her full name more than her nickname.

“I remember everything, Jo. Especially when I’ve known it for a long, long time. Sleep now, sweetheart. You’re safe.”

A couple good fucks in the sun doesn’t mean anything permanent.

Now you’re trying to be a jerk just to make her leave.

A slap I rightfully deserve.

Damn right you do