Chapter One – A New Face, A Dive Bar & Alice

Harper leans back in her chair, placing her feet up on her desk noticing the little grains 

of sand that are still lodged between her toes from her morning surf. She smiles to herself, 

pleased that she is now able to enjoy life a little more. Her heart seems to have healed, 

all it took was some time. Time to recover from a three year relationship that left her feeling 

empty and alone and that was before they broke up. She knew deep down that her girlfriend 

was cheating on her, had always cheated on her. Yet for some reason she had stayed and 

tried her best to make it all work.  In hindsight she knows that was a stupid thing to do, 

but she can’t undo her past. If only it were that simple. 

“I’m not waking you up am I?” Christine says on the other end.

“Of course not.”

“I figured you where at work, but it sounded like I woke you.”

“No, I was just having a moment of introspection.” Harper chuckles.

“Oh really? Sounds serious. And did that moment reveal to you that it’s time you got your ***** out there and dating again?” Christine asks.

“Man, you are pushy. Why is it that you are so hot for me to start dating again?”

“Because you are my friend and I want to see you happy.”

“I am happy.” Harper says meaning it, but knowing that she could be happier.

“Ok fine because I want you to go out, have fun, date girls, have *****. Ya know, be among the living again. Enough of this Zen getting yourself together *****.” Christine says.

“Hmmm well to be honest I have been giving it a lot of thought lately – ” Harper starts to say.

“Oh my GOD!!! Harper STOP thinking and just DO IT!!!” Christine feels like this has become her mantra when talking to Harper.

“Jesus! Calm yourself. Had you let me finish I was going to say that you are right and I am ready to start going out.”