Chapter 3 Chantel

Chantel Freeman glanced at her watch and let out a frustrated sigh as she sped through the crowded streets of Atlanta. She was running late, as usual, but this time, it wasn't entirely her fault. Her day had been a whirlwind of phone calls, last-minute emails, and a nerve-wracking meeting with the curator at the Ainsley Art Museum. She'd been working tirelessly to get her latest collection featured there; it was one of the city's most prestigious galleries. After weeks of negotiations, it all came down to today.

She'd been careful to put on her best "serious artist" face, though that wasn't her usual style. She preferred paint-streaked jeans and oversized sweaters to the fitted blazer she'd reluctantly donned for the occasion. But she'd do anything to get her work out there, even if it meant playing by someone else's rules for a change.

As she finally reached Kato's, where she was meeting Maya and Jasmine, she slipped inside and spotted her friends instantly. They were seated in a booth near the stage, laughing over what looked like colorful cocktails topped with fresh fruit. Maya, ever poised, looked stunning in a tailored dress that screamed success. Jasmine, with her easy smile and natural warmth, was already waving her over.

"Look who decided to show up!" Jasmine called as Chantel approached.

"Fashionably late as always," Maya added with a smirk, scooting over to make room.

Chantel rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, I'm here, aren't I? You wouldn't believe the day I've had." She slid into the booth and let out a long breath, finally relaxing in the familiar company of her two best friends.

"What happened?" Jasmine asked, leaning in with genuine concern.

Chantel took a sip of the drink that had miraculously appeared in front of her-thanks to Jasmine's attentiveness, no doubt. "Well, you know I've been trying to get my work into the Ainsley. Today was my big meeting with the curator. And let me tell you, he had a lot of opinions. Apparently, my work is 'bold' and 'unconventional,' but they're not sure it fits with their 'current direction.' Whatever that means."

Maya gave her a sympathetic look. "That's museum-speak for, 'We love it, but we're afraid to take a risk.' Did they give you a definitive answer?"

Chantel shrugged. "They said they'd let me know by the end of the week. I don't know what more I can do to convince them. I poured my heart into this collection."

Jasmine reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "You'll get it, Chantel. Your work is too good to pass up. They'd be crazy not to see that."

"Thanks, Jas." Chantel offered a small smile, feeling a surge of gratitude. Her friends were always her biggest supporters, even when she felt like she was teetering on the edge of uncertainty.

"So, is that why you're late? Or is there another reason?" Maya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Chantel knew that look all too well.

Chantel rolled her eyes, feigning exasperation. "Okay, you got me. I was on the phone with Caleb. We were supposed to have a coffee date but I stood him up because I wasn't feeling it after the meeting. Then he wanted to see me, and somehow we ended up back at his loft with my ass up on the kitchen counter."

"Caleb, huh?" Jasmine grinned. "So is this the same Caleb you claim you don't like? Sounds like it's going well someone you say you don't like."

"I mean, it was fun. He's... different. Not like anyone I've been with before. He's grounded but not boring. And he actually listens, you know?" Chantel hesitated, then added, "It kind of freaks me out."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "Since when does a good guy freak you out? Are you catching feelings, Chantel?"

"I don't know." Chantel leaned back, fidgeting with her drink. "I guess I just didn't expect this. I've always been the one who keeps things light, no strings attached. But with him... it feels different. And I'm not sure if I'm ready for that."

Jasmine nodded thoughtfully. "You're not losing yourself by letting someone in. You can still be independent, Chantel. You don't have to give up who you are just because you're opening up to someone new."

Chantel glanced between her two friends, taking in their encouraging expressions. She had spent so much time clinging to her independence, convinced that commitment would mean sacrificing pieces of herself. But maybe it was time to let go of that fear.

"Maybe you're right," Chantel said, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "Maybe it's okay to let him in a little. I just need to figure out how to do that without losing myself in the process."

Maya raised her glass. "To figuring it out-one messy, beautiful step at a time."

Jasmine joined in, her eyes bright. "And to us, for always having each other's backs."

Chantel clinked her glass against theirs, a warmth spreading through her that had nothing to do with the drink. In that moment, she knew that whatever happened next-with Caleb, with her career, with everything-she'd be okay. Because she had friends who understood her and reminded her that she didn't have to have it all figured out right away. And for now, that was more than enough.