---- grip, and pulled out a cigarette. He did not light it, just toyed with it between his fingers. However, I reacted without thinking, like my body remembered before my brain did, and I snatched the cigarette right out of his hand. We both just stood there, stunned. I used to do that all the time when we were a thing. "Oops, sorry, don't get it wrong, I just..." I stumbled over my words, feeling the weight of Keith's stare. "I don't want you smoking yourself into an early grave." The silence crept back in. I snapped out of it, managed a weak smile, and bolted. After leaving the treatment room, I stuck to my routine and hit up the Starry Night Bar, accepting a friend's invite. Even with my health in the dumps, I was not about to quit my booze-fueled escapes. Mid-sip, someone stepped in front of me. ---- "Elsie, it's been ages." I looked up, and there he was, eyebrow cocked. " Daniel?" The guy was easy on the eyes, built nicely, and kind of had a Keith vibe going on. That was why I started helping him out, this kid with no one in the world. However, college turned Daniel into a gambler, and he kept hitting me up for cash. I caved a few times, until he started stealing my stuff to fund his bets. That was when I cut him off. He did not take it well, started trash-talking me, spreading rumors about my love life. There was Daniel, playing the victim, but with a chill in his eyes. "Elsie, you promised to look after me forever. Now that your main squeeze is back, you're just gonna ditch me?" Ijust stared back, stone-faced. ---- Ina heartbeat, I chuckled softly, grabbed the bottle of firewater next to me, and stood up. "Looking for cash? Down this and it's like hitting the jackpot for two whole months." I gripped his chin tightly and tipped the bottle into his mouth. He coughed and spluttered, fighting for air, while I laughed, a picture of mischief. "So, still a fan?" The crowd around us burst into cheers and hoots. Just then, the blinds of the upstairs VIP room snapped open, and a bunch of curious eyes peered down at the spectacle. "Isn't that Elsie?" "Figures. She's practically part of the furniture here, always with a new guy. Elsie's got that sweet, innocent look, but she sure knows how to stir up a storm." "She's a legend for her wild streak. You could line up her exes from here to the end of the block. She's ---- easygoing, but she's got one rule..." Asharp elbow jabbed from his buddy cut him off mid- sentence. Keith, lounging on the couch, glanced up with a smirk that did not quite reach his eyes. "And what's her rule?" "Tt's, uh, to be like you, Mr. Bradford." Title: ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance Status: ongoing Embark on an exhilarating journey alongside Luke Charles Stafford as he navigates from the heartland of the Midwest to the glitzy realm of Hollywood in "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" by CrushReel. This ongoing romantic tale delves into the intertwined lives of characters amidst contrasting backdrops, promising a narrative rich in depth and emotion. Within this captivating episode, Luke's transition from a quaint Midwestern setting to the bustling streets of Hollywood unveils layers of personal growth and unforeseen encounters. As he grapples with newfound challenges and connections, themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery intertwine to create a tapestry of emotions that resonate with readers on a profound level. "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" stands out through its nuanced portrayal of relationships and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of contrasting landscapes. CrushReel's expertise in crafting authentic characters and evocative settings ensures a reading experience that transcends traditional romance narratives. Immerse yourself in this spellbinding story, available to read at CrushReel, and witness firsthand the magnetic pull of fate as it weaves its intricate web through the lives of Luke and those around him. Experience the magic of "ReelTalk EP11-From Memory Lane to Fast Lanes" as it unfolds online at CrushReel, inviting you to explore the depths of love and ambition in a world where paths cross and destinies collide.