The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of unexpected circumstances on personal connections. The story begins with a phone call at dawn, where the protagonist is asked to help a friend by driving a girl named Larissa and her mother to the hospital. As the protagonist reluctantly agrees, the narrative unfolds in a setting that highlights themes of loyalty, friendship, and the challenges of navigating new relationships. This contemporary romance is ideal for readers who enjoy heartfelt stories about love and friendship, particularly fans of Abby Jimenez's previous works. The characters' interactions reveal their vulnerabilities and desires, making it a relatable read for anyone who has faced similar situations in their own lives.

Key Points

  • Explores themes of friendship and unexpected responsibilities
  • Follows the protagonist's reluctant journey to help a friend
  • Features Larissa, a waitress with a complicated backstory
  • Set in a gritty neighborhood that contrasts with the characters' emotions
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M
1
CHRIS
Y PHONE WAS ringing.
It was five fifteen in the morning.
Mike.
I was only half awake when I hit the answer button. “What.”
“Bro, I need you to do me a favor.”
I groaned. “What favor?”
“I need you to drive Larissa and her mom to the hospital.”
I squeezed my eyes shut in the dark.
My best friend was a lot of things. He was loyal to a fault. He’d give
you the shirt off his back. He was hilarious, generous, and protective of the
people he cared about. But he was also the most likely to call you at some
ungodly hour with a request that started with “I need a favor.”
“I told her I would take them,” he said. “Her cars in the shop and her
mom’s car is stick and Larissa doesn’t know how to drive it. It’s her mom’s
surgery today.”
I rolled onto my back. “And you can’t do it why?”
“I screwed up, man. I hit it too hard last night. I’ve got the hangover of
the fucking century. I think I’m still drunk.”
“Mike, it’s my day off. I’m tired.”
“I know. Look, there’s nobody else to take them. Jesse took Becca down
to Wakan for their anniversary. Xaviers in town but he’s not picking up. I
even asked my mom.”
“I don’t even know Larissa,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I
only met her that one time.”
“Come on, dude. She’ll never get a lift this early in the morning.”
“Can’t her mom drive them there? They can get a rideshare back.”
“And leave the car in the parking lot? And then she’s gonna be there by
herself while her mom’s in surgery. Don’t make me beg you. I need this.
Please.”
I stared at the ceiling in the dark. Fuck. I kicked out of my blankets.
“Why’d you drink so much if you knew you had to be somewhere early?” I
turned on the lamp on my nightstand and winced at the light.
“It got away from me. Look, I’ll pay you back. I’ll wash your car, dude,
I’ll do anything. It took me six weeks to get this girl to have coffee with me.
She might not even talk to me after this if I leave her hanging. I like her so
much, I can’t mess this up.”
I pulled a hoodie over my head. “You owe me big-time. I’m serious.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. “Hey, don’t tell her I’m hungover, okay?
I’m gonna say I have a migraine.”
“Whatever. Just text me the address.” I hung up on him.
I stood in the middle of my room momentarily, too irritated to move.
This crap would annoy me on a good day.
I hadn’t had a good day in a while.
All I wanted to do was sleep and be left alone. Mostly the second one.
The guys insisted on hauling me out of my house as much as humanly
possible—which I appreciated objectively because they were trying to help.
But this situation was Mike being Mike. And who the hell was he out
drinking with? God knows if the guys had gone anywhere last night, I
would have been kidnapped and thrown in the trunk.
I dragged myself to the bathroom to get cleaned up.
Twenty minutes later, I was pulling in front of a small building in a not-
so-great neighborhood. The Windsor Castle Apartments.
This place was the furthest thing from a castle I’d ever seen. The units
had bars on the windows. The walkway was cracked and bulging, and there
was a stained mattress on the curb out front next to a busted TV with rabbit-
ear antennas. I threw the car in park and steeled myself for human
interaction before I got out. The sun was barely up. Fucking Mike.
I did my best to keep my mood off my face and knocked on door 104.
After a moment, Larissa answered. She was in a gray hoodie, no makeup.
Her blond hair was in a ponytail, and her blue eyes were bloodshot.
She waited tables at Donna’s, Mike’s mom’s café. I’d seen her there a
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FAQs of The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

What is the main plot of The Night We Met?
The Night We Met follows a young man who receives an early morning call from his friend Mike, asking for a favor to drive a girl named Larissa and her mother to the hospital. As the protagonist reluctantly agrees, the story delves into the dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and the unexpected challenges that arise. The narrative captures the protagonist's internal conflict and the evolving relationship with Larissa, showcasing how a simple act of kindness can lead to deeper connections.
Who are the main characters in The Night We Met?
The main characters include the protagonist, who is a loyal friend often caught in difficult situations, and Larissa, a waitress who is dealing with her mother's surgery. Mike, the protagonist's friend, plays a crucial role by initiating the events that bring the protagonist and Larissa together. Their interactions reveal their personalities and struggles, making them relatable to readers.
What themes are explored in The Night We Met?
The Night We Met explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of new relationships. It highlights the importance of being there for friends in times of need and the unexpected ways in which relationships can develop. The story also touches on personal growth and the challenges of stepping outside one's comfort zone, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven narratives.
What is the setting of The Night We Met?
The setting of The Night We Met is primarily in a not-so-great neighborhood where Larissa lives. The description of the Windsor Castle apartments, with their bars on the windows and cracked walkways, creates a vivid backdrop that contrasts with the emotional journey of the characters. This setting plays a significant role in establishing the mood and challenges faced by the protagonist as he navigates his way through the day.
How does the protagonist feel about helping Mike?
Initially, the protagonist feels irritated and reluctant about helping Mike, especially given the early hour and his own desire for rest. However, as the story progresses, he grapples with his sense of loyalty to his friend and the moral obligation to assist Larissa and her mother. This internal conflict adds depth to his character and highlights the complexities of friendship.
What is Larissa's background in The Night We Met?
Larissa is introduced as a waitress at Mike's mom's café, and her character is depicted as someone who is dealing with personal challenges, including her mother's surgery. Her interactions with the protagonist reveal her vulnerability and strength, making her a relatable character. The story hints at her past experiences, which shape her current situation and relationships.

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