She was on the flight heading to New York to see him. She hadn't seen him for three years and their only form of communication was through email once every couple of months.  They had met her first day of college where instantly they were inseparable, both sharing a passion for life’s adventures while challenging each other intellectually, physically, and emotionally. They were what best friends should be. He adored her creativity and unique personality. She, in turn, understood his eccentric ways and never let him get carried away in his thoughts. However, two years after her graduation and during his sister’s wedding, one too many drinks led them straight to the dance floor and up to his hotel room. They never spoke of the incident yet treated each other as normally as they could, given the tense awkwardness that constantly surrounded them. Since then, their lives split ways.        

At the age of twenty three, Scarlet became a successful photographer living in San Francisco, Ca. Her photographs were published in travel magazines nation wide and a modest gallery of her work opened to display her glorious pieces. Her professional life was thriving and her creative energy spewed out in everything she did. Romantically, however, Scarlet wasn’t the relationship type. She dated men off and on for years but because of her fear of commitment, that she would never confess to, no relationship lasted longer than six months.            

As for Buddy, he was an extremely talented music producer for a major record label based in New York. His charisma and charm captured the hearts of many beautiful women. He was a busy man always looking for the next challenge to tackle and story to tell. Optimism was his middle name and he managed to have two very serious relationships in which he gave his undivided attention to. Although the committed type, his work was his first priority and everything else was a close second.            

Buddy and Scarlet kept in contact throughout the years for they never shared a friendship quite as unique as this one. He never forgot her care free attitude and she always admired his beautiful intellect. Together, they made perfect friends. But beyond that, there was big news to tell. ________________________________________________________________________            One night, after a long day of meetings and interviews in the bay area, Scarlet came home to her one bedroom flat in the heart of Cole Valley. She opened the door and Betsy, her cat, greeted her with meows. Scarlet carefully laid her  belongings down on the counter and opened up a can of cat food for her lovely Betsy. Stoking her with ease, Scarlet gave her a kiss on the head as the sound of Betsy’s purrs put a smile on her face.            

After placing an order from her favorite Chinese restaurant, Scarlet took a shower to wipe away the abundance of her day. Soon, her dinner was at the door and there she sat on her leather couch eating chicken fried rice with a glass of white wine. Just as she was easing into the night and finishing up her dinner, her blackberry rang indicating a new email. Quickly, Scarlet opened it up to find it was from Buddy. The subject read, “Important.” An anxious Scarlet opened the email. It read: 

Scarlet,

I know this is short notice, but I bought you a ticket to New York for next week. This is extremely important that you come-don’t worry-everything is fine. My car will pick you up from JFK airport.

See you soon,

-Buddy

Typical Buddy she thought. He never did leave room for the chance to decline. Knowing Buddy, whatever it was, it was important. So the next day she made the arrangements to take the week off and travel to New York. Fortunately, Scarlet was looking to take some time off to find inspiration and clear her head from all of the projects she was digging her hands into.  She emailed him back the following night.
 

Buddy-

Listen- I’m sorry, but there is not chance in hell I could make it. Too much work and way to short of notice. Maybe next month?

Best Regards,

Scarlet

P.s. Did you fall for that?! J I’ll see you next week. This better be worth it!

After a few days of work and endless goals that needed to be met before she left, Scarlet finally started packing for New York. It was going to be beautiful this time of year and she couldn’t wait to see the city she loved. The morning before her departure she received another email from Buddy.

Re:Re: Important

You're a little sh*t you know that Scarlet.

-B

She put down her phone with ease as she sat with her head back, thinking only of one thing… the night of his sister’s wedding.