HEART ME...

Step into the life of Pilar Samia Hadley, a guarded 24-year-old whose world is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of Amoy Maula Sheikh. What starts as a chance encounter at a roller rink quickly evolves into something deeper, challenging Pilar's defenses and forcing her to confront a vulnerability she never knew she possessed. Can Pilar open her heart to the firecracker that is Amoy, or will her fear keep her locked away?

Pilar Samia Hadley sat in her living room, the glow of the LSU game on her massive TV filling the space.

At 24, she was content in her routine of work and quiet evenings. The blare of her phone ringing was an unwelcome interruption.

She hated calls. Hated the wasted time. But seeing Tineke's name, her childhood best friend, Pilar sighed and answered just before it went to voicemail.

"Hate callin you, make a mothafucka' wait all eternity to answer."

"So stop calling me...?" Pilar replied nonchalantly, stretching out on her couch.

Tineke, knowing better than to argue, quickly shifted gears. "Not even gonna go there. But anyways, so... I'm bored. Tryna slide somewhere with me tonight ?"

Pilar didn't answer, already anticipating Tineke's usual suggestion of a club or party – places Pilar avoided.

"Before yo' old ass say no, it's a skating rink. Not no club like usual or a party."

Pilar's eyes opened slowly, a flicker of interest. A skating rink was different.

"Which one?" she asked.

Tineke laughed, knowing she had her. "Cascade."

"Text me the time I'll be there." Pilar hung up, already standing to turn off the TV and head upstairs. The text arrived as she reached the stairs: "11."

It was only 3 pm. Pilar turned off her phone, placed it on the charger, and lay down for a nap, her feet near the heater.

HEART ME...

Romance Contemporary slow burn Character Driven Queer