#Build Rideshare App

[full-stackmobiledeveloper]

Driving Success: Essential Marketing & User Acquisition Strategies for Your New Taxi App

Launching a successful taxi app in today’s ride-hailing market is an exciting yet challenging goal. Visionary entrepreneurs invest heavily in developing robust, user-friendly apps with powerful backend systems, often integrating advanced AI and machine learning technologies to enhance ride-hailing experiences. However, building a great product is only half the battle. The real key to success lies in mastering taxi app marketing and implementing sophisticated user acquisition strategies that effectively attract both riders and drivers.

In 2025, the mobile transportation industry faces fierce competition, evolving user expectations, and the complexities of managing two-sided marketplaces. New entrants must navigate these challenges with a comprehensive growth strategy. This guide provides a strategic blueprint to help businesses transform their innovative ideas into thriving operations, covering crucial areas such as launching customized carpool software and optimizing taxi dispatch systems for peak performance and scalability in a highly competitive landscape.

1. Pre-Launch & Launch Mastery: Laying the Groundwork for Impact

A resounding taxi app launch isn't a single event; it's the crescendo of meticulous planning and strategic pre-release efforts. Success begins long before your app hits the app stores.

Local Launchpad: Mapping Your Taxi App's Initial Service Area for Maximum Impact

Choosing your initial operational territory is a make-or-break decision for any taxi app or ridesharing app. This requires more than just drawing a circle on a map; it demands in-depth market intelligence.

Demographic Research: Identify your target users—commuters, students, leisure travelers, or families—using census data, economic reports, and tools like Nielsen to understand income levels, smartphone usage, commuting habits, and public transport reliance. For drivers, analyze local employment rates, wages, and gig economy trends to develop effective acquisition strategies and make your rideshare app stand out.

Traffic Pattern Analysis: Use big data, transport authority statistics, telecom mobility data, and tools like Google Maps API to map peak travel times, busy routes, nightlife hotspots, and underserved areas. This insight helps optimize driver positioning and marketing efforts for taxi dispatch or carpool apps.

Competitive Landscape Mapping: Conduct a detailed SWOT analysis of competitors beyond just naming Uber or Lyft. Study their apps, pricing, driver commissions, reviews, and marketing to identify service gaps such as poor support or limited coverage. These insights help define your unique selling points and guide app development.

Initial Pricing Strategy: Base your pricing on competitive analysis and cost modeling. Consider dynamic pricing while complying with local regulations. Use A/B testing for introductory offers or bundles to attract early adopters. Smart initial pricing is a key differentiator, especially for Uber clone apps, and understanding taxi dispatch system costs is essential for long-term strategy.

Viral Voltage: How to Design a Pre-Launch Referral Program That Actually Gets People Talking (and Signing Up!)

Harnessing word-of-mouth before your app even goes live can generate explosive growth. This is particularly effective for ride-sharing app concepts.

Detailed Mechanics: Implement a dual-sided incentive system. For instance, both the referrer (who shares your app) and the referred individual receive a substantial benefit upon sign-up and their first completed ride. This could be free ride credits, significant discounts, or even cash bonuses. Transparency about the terms is crucial for ensuring a genuine best carpool program.

Tiered Incentives & Gamification: Elevate engagement by offering escalating rewards for super-referrers. For example, after referring 5 users, they unlock a higher discount rate; after 10, they get exclusive access to beta features or premium customer support. Introduce a leaderboard to foster friendly competition among referrers in your carpooling app.

Effortless Sharing: Make it incredibly easy for users to share their unique referral code or link. Provide readily available sharing options via social media integrations (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), direct messaging, and email. Craft pre-written, compelling messages that highlight your app's unique benefits.

Psychology of Sharing: Tap into intrinsic motivators beyond just monetary gain. Appeal to users' desire for social currency ("Be the first to share this amazing new app!"), altruism ("Help your friends save money on rides!"), or self-interest (the dual-sided reward). Create a sense of exclusivity for early participants who get to be part of something new and exciting. This strategy can be applied to any ridesharing app looking to launch your branded UberPool-like rideshare software app.

Crisis-Proofing Your Launch: Anticipating and Mitigating Common Hurdles for New Ride-Hailing Apps

No launch is perfectly smooth. Preparing for potential pitfalls can save your taxi app from early setbacks, especially for complex platforms developed by a rideshare app development company.

Technical Glitches: Conduct extensive pre-launch stress testing for your taxi booking app development. Simulate peak user loads to ensure your servers can handle demand. Thoroughly test payment gateway integrations, GPS accuracy, and real-time mapping functionality. Have a dedicated technical support team on standby for immediate bug fixes and issue resolution. Implement a robust monitoring system for immediate alerts.

PR Challenges: Develop a comprehensive crisis communication plan. Anticipate potential negative press, such as initial service hiccups, driver shortages, or aggressive competitor smear campaigns. Prepare pre-approved holding statements, designate a single, credible spokesperson, and establish clear channels for internal and external communication. Proactive communication and transparency can turn a potential crisis into a testament to your responsiveness.

Unexpected Competition: Continuously monitor competitor moves. Be ready to deploy agile marketing campaigns if a rival launches a new feature, offers aggressive promotions, or enters your specific niche, like carshare app services or even bike rental. Have a rapid response team that can analyze competitive shifts and propose immediate counter-strategies beyond just price matching, focusing on your USP.

Contingency Plans: Develop "Plan B" scenarios for critical metrics. What if the initial driver acquisition for the taxi app is lower than expected? How will you adjust your incentives or marketing spend? What if rider acquisition is slow? Consider rapid adjustments to pricing, targeting, or even a temporary shift in geographical focus. This foresight is crucial for any software for a taxi business.

2. Fueling Growth: User & Driver Acquisition (Deeper Dives)

Once the app is built and the launch strategy is in place, the real work of attracting and retaining your two core user bases begins for any software taxi dispatch system.

The Driver's Journey: Crafting an Onboarding Experience That Converts Prospects into Loyal Fleet Members

Your drivers are the engine of your taxi app. A seamless and supportive onboarding process is paramount for a driver acquisition taxi app, ensuring you build a reliable fleet and attract the best rideshare apps for drivers.

Streamlined Sign-Up: Minimize friction in the application process. Allow for quick, mobile-friendly registration. Provide clear instructions for documentation uploads (driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance) and integrate secure, efficient background check services. This applies whether they are driving for a standard taxi cab dispatch system or a dedicated driver (vehicle owner) app for a ride-sharing platform.

Comprehensive Verification & Training: Ensure all drivers meet stringent safety and legal requirements. Offer flexible training options—online modules, video tutorials, and potentially in-person sessions for practical skills. Cover topics like using the taxi driver application effectively, navigating the city, customer service best practices, and emergency protocols.

First-Ride Support: Offer dedicated support for a driver's initial rides. This could involve a mentorship program with experienced drivers, a dedicated hotline for immediate questions, or in-app prompts and checklists to guide them.

AI-Driven Driver Matching & Support: Leverage Use AI-driven driver matching to pair drivers with rides based on factors beyond proximity, such as earnings potential, vehicle type, and driver preferences. AI also provides predictive analytics, highlighting high-demand zones and peak times to optimize driver efficiency and earnings, boosting satisfaction and loyalty.

Retention Rhapsody: Leveraging Gamification and Community Building to Keep Riders Coming Back

Beyond just getting them to download, the goal is to make your app an indispensable part of their daily routine for passenger acquisition taxi apps and long-term customer retention taxi apps. This is where your taxi software can truly shine.

Gamification: Introduce elements that make using your app fun and rewarding. Implement loyalty programs with tiered rewards (e.g., earn points for every ride, unlock premium features). Introduce in-app challenges (e.g., "Take 5 rides this week, get a bonus!") that offer personalized badges or leaderboards for active users on your carpool app or ridesharing app.

Personalized Badges & Milestones: Reward users for specific actions or milestones (e.g., "Eco Warrior" for choosing sustainable rides, "Night Owl" for frequent late-night travel, or "Frequent Commuter" for daily trips). These small gestures build engagement.

Community Features: While not for all apps, consider light community features like an in-app forum for carpool-and-ride-sharing-app users or localized social media groups where users can share experiences and offer feedback. This fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens your user engagement strategy.

Proactive Engagement: Use AI-driven user engagement to send personalized notifications for upcoming events, personalized discounts based on past ride history, or reminders about loyalty points.

De-Risking the Ride: Building Trust Through Transparency and Safety Features in Your Acquisition Messaging

Safety and trust are paramount in the ride-hailing industry. Make them a cornerstone of your taxi app marketing and core to any taxi booking app development company.

Communicate Protocols Clearly: Be transparent about your rigorous driver vetting processes (background checks, driving record reviews), regular vehicle inspections, and comprehensive insurance policies. Feature these prominently in your marketing materials, on your website, and within the app.

Highlight In-App Safety Features: Promote critical functionalities such as

SOS Button: Instant access to emergency services or support.

Trip Sharing: Share live ride status with trusted contacts.

ID Verification: Secure logins via multi-factor or facial recognition.

24/7 Support: Help available anytime, day or night.

Transparency in Pricing: Be upfront about surge charges and fare calculations to build trust.

Visual Trust Signals: Use testimonials, top driver ratings, and security badges to build trust. Employ AI-driven fraud detection to keep the platform secure, ensuring safety for both users and drivers—a vital feature of modern taxi software.

3. Digital Powerhouses: Key Marketing Channels

Beyond general strategies, specific digital marketing for app channels will be your workhorses for ride-hailing app growth.

Beyond the Click: Optimizing Your Landing Pages and Conversion Funnels for Paid Taxi App Campaigns

Your paid advertisements, whether Google Ads for taxi apps or Facebook Ads for taxi apps, are only as effective as the conversion path they lead to.

High-Converting Elements: Landing pages must be lightning-fast, mobile-responsive, and have a clear, compelling call to action (e.g., "Download Now," "Sign Up to Drive"). Use concise, benefit-driven headlines, persuasive imagery, and social proof (testimonials, trust badges). Minimize distractions.

Conversion Funnels: Map the entire user journey from the initial ad click through app download, sign-up, and the first completed ride. Utilize analytics tools to identify bottlenecks or drop-off points at each stage. A/B test different versions of your landing pages, ad creatives, and even in-app onboarding flows to continuously optimize conversion rates.

Retargeting Strategies: Don't let interested users slip away. Implement retargeting campaigns to re-engage individuals who visited your landing page but didn't download the app or who downloaded but didn't complete their first ride. Personalize these retargeting ads based on their last interaction. This is key for any rideshare app development company.

The Power of Local SEO: Dominating Google My Business and Local Listings for Taxi App Visibility

For a location-based service, appearing prominently in local searches is paramount for organic user acquisition strategies.

Google My Business (GMB) Optimization: This is your digital storefront. Claim and fully optimize your GMB profile with accurate business hours, phone number, website, and a compelling description. Upload high-quality photos of your vehicles and team. Actively utilize the GMB Q&A section and post updates about promotions or service changes.

Local Listings & Citations: Ensure consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across all major online directories (Yelp, TripAdvisor, local chambers of commerce, industry-specific listing sites). This is vital for any software taxi dispatch operation.

Review Management: Actively solicit and respond to all reviews on GMB and other platforms. Positive reviews significantly boost your local search ranking for queries like "taxi near me" or "ride-hailing [city name]." Address negative feedback professionally and promptly, demonstrating your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Visual Storytelling: Crafting Compelling Video Ads for Your Ride-Hailing App on Social Media

Video content is highly engaging and perfect for showcasing the user experience on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube.

Compelling Hooks: Capture attention in 3 seconds with a relatable problem and solution.

Concise Messaging: Keep videos 15-60 seconds, highlighting 1–2 key benefits with text overlays.

Clear CTAs: End with strong calls to action like “Download Now” or “Sign Up.”

Platform Adaptation: Customize format, music, and messaging for each social platform and target audience.

4. The AI Edge & Expanded Mobility: Driving Smart Growth

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a luxury but a fundamental necessity for competitive ride-hailing app growth, transforming every facet of marketing and operations. Beyond AI, the mobility sector is expanding rapidly into diverse solutions.

Personalized Marketing AI: AI in taxi apps analyzes vast amounts of user data (ride history, preferred times, locations, device type, past promotions engaged with) to create highly granular user segments. This enables personalized marketing AI to deliver hyper-targeted promotions, notifications, and ride suggestions ("50% off your next ride from work," "Exclusive weekend discount to your favorite restaurant"). This level of personalization significantly boosts conversion rates and fosters AI-driven user engagement.

Predictive Analytics for Demand: Leveraging machine learning for ride-hailing, your app can process historical data (time of day, day of week, weather, local events, public holidays) and real-time inputs (traffic, current driver availability) to predict demand surges and lulls with remarkable accuracy. This allows smart dispatch systems (a crucial AI application and part of the best taxi dispatch software) to proactively position drivers, offer dynamic incentives to drivers in low-supply areas, and manage surge pricing intelligently.

AI-Powered Driver Matching: Beyond simple proximity, AI-powered driver- matching algorithms consider a multitude of factors: the driver's current rating, historical performance, vehicle type, estimated earnings for the driver on a specific route, and even driver preferences (e.g., avoiding tolls). This optimization leads to faster pickups, more efficient routes, and higher driver satisfaction, directly improving overall service quality. This sophisticated matching is a hallmark of any truly intelligent rideshare matching system.

AI for Dynamic Pricing: Sophisticated AI for dynamic pricing models can adjust fares in real time. These models factor in demand, supply, traffic conditions, competitor pricing, and even weather. This ensures optimal revenue generation during peak times while maintaining competitiveness during off-peak hours. Clear communication about surge pricing, potentially justified by AI solutions predicting high demand, is crucial for user acceptance.

Data Science for App Growth: The immense data generated by a taxi app is a goldmine. Data science for app growth teams, armed with AI solutions, can conduct advanced A/B testing, identify high-value customer segments, predict user churn, and uncover unexpected correlations that inform marketing strategies. This data-driven approach allows for precise marketing budget allocation for maximum ROI.

AI-driven Fraud Detection: AI algorithms constantly monitor transaction patterns, ride behaviors, and driver actions to identify and flag suspicious activities (e.g., unusual ride cancellations, payment fraud attempts, account sharing). This robust security infrastructure builds immense trust among both riders and drivers, a key factor for customer retention in a taxi app.

4.1. Expanding Horizons: The Mobility Ecosystem

Beyond traditional taxis and ride-hailing, the mobility sector is diversifying rapidly.

Super Apps: The future sees mobility services integrating into a super app—a single platform offering a multitude of services. This could include not just ride-hailing, but also food delivery, payment solutions, and other daily necessities.

Micromobility: This growing segment includes solutions for bike rental and scooter sharing. Developing apps for micromobility services caters to short-distance travel within urban environments.

Car Sharing System Enhanced: Beyond simple rentals, advanced carshare app Platforms offer peer-to-peer car sharing or corporate fleet management, blurring the lines between rental and sharing. This often involves intricate car rental software.

Specialized Dispatch & Logistics: The principles of taxi dispatch software extend to other logistics. This includes trucking dispatch software for freight management and shuttle software for corporate, campus, or airport shuttle services.

Intercity and Outstation Services: The need for long-distance travel is also being addressed. Solutions for intercity ridesharing and outstation carpooling cater to users seeking affordable and convenient travel between cities.

Build Your Brand: Whether you create your own rideshare app from scratch or launch your branded UberPool-like rideshare software app, the emphasis is on establishing a unique brand identity in this competitive market.

5. Measuring Success: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To ensure continuous ride-hailing app growth, rigorous tracking and analysis of critical taxi app KPIs are non-negotiable. This data informs every strategic decision and helps refine your user acquisition strategies.

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC): Cost to acquire riders/drivers per channel; keep it low for profitability.

Lifetime Value (LTV): Total revenue per user; should exceed CAC for sustainable growth.

Conversion Rates: Track funnel stages from download to repeat rides; fix drop-offs.

Retention Rate & Churn Rate: Measure how many users stay or leave after the first ride.

Driver Utilization Rate:  Percent of time drivers are active; higher means better profits.

Acceptance Rate: Share of ride requests accepted; low rates signal supply issues.

Ride Completion Rate:  Percent of booked rides completed; shows reliability.

Net Promoter Score (NPS) / Customer Satisfaction (CSAT): Direct feedback from users to improve service quality.

Conclusion: Your Blueprint for Market Leadership in On-Demand Mobility

Launching a taxi or mobility app in 2025 demands more than great development—it requires data-driven marketing, rider and driver balance, and AI-powered insights. By carefully planning your pre-launch, leveraging digital channels, and optimizing with KPIs, you can stand out in a competitive market. Strategic execution, continuous learning, and smart decision-making are essential to build scalable, successful rideshare, carpool, or dispatch software that thrives in the evolving mobility industry.

[flutteragency]

How to Build a Ridesharing App like Lyft: Key Features & Development Costs

Lyft and similar services revolutionized travel, boosting accessibility and efficiency. These ride-sharing apps improved transport and user experience. They also changed urban mobility.

The demand for custom application development services surges as digital needs increase. Businesses scramble to meet soaring demand for tailored software solutions. It allows businesses to tap into a thriving market.

Why Build a Ride-Sharing App Now?

In 2023, the ride-sharing industry hit $106.70 billion globally. Projections for 2024 show a climb to $126.46 billion. By 2034, experts foresee a staggering $691.63 billion valuation. This sector’s robust 18.52% yearly growth rate, spanning 2024 to 2034, signals a transformative decade ahead for urban mobility and transportation economics (source)

Urban sprawl, pricey gas, and eco-friendly trends fuel ride-sharing’s rise. Commuters and companies alike embrace this cost-effective, green transport solution. As cities grow and budgets shrink, shared rides beat solo driving.

Ride-sharing apps offer lucrative opportunities for businesses of all sizes. New players can challenge industry giants by targeting niches or local markets. Innovative features set newcomers apart in this essential urban service. As AI and self-driving tech evolve, custom apps unlock growing markets.

Both startups and established firms can profit from this transport revolution. They can carve out a niche in an ever-expanding digital world.

Key Features Required for a Successful Ride-Sharing App

Seamless experiences drive successful ride-sharing apps. Users crave intuitive interfaces for quick bookings, real-time tracking, and secure payments. Drivers need efficient route planning, fair compensation, and easy communication. 

Both benefit from robust profiles, rating systems, and responsive customer support. Safety features like emergency contacts and driver verification build trust. Integrating maps, GPS, and push notifications ensures smooth operations. 

A well-crafted app balances these elements, creating a user-friendly ecosystem that keeps riders coming back and drivers engaged. Constant refinement based on feedback fuels continuous improvement, keeping the app competitive in a crowded market.

User App:

Simple Registration and Onboarding: Connect effortlessly. Email, phone, or social media—pick your path. Our swift signup process welcomes all users, boosting retention through seamless onboarding. Create your account now and join our community without delay.

Book, estimate, track: Riders crave simplicity. A few taps should secure transport, reveal costs, and display live journey updates on an interactive map. Seamless functionality empowers passengers, transforming travel into a smooth, predictable experience.

Payment Gateway Integration: Streamline purchases with multiple payment options: credit, debit, and e-wallets. Quick, hassle-free transactions await.

Feedback: Riders can rate and review drivers. This ensures high service standards.

Driver App:

Driver Profile Setup and Verification: Drivers must create a profile and verify their identity for safety.

Ride Request Notifications and Navigation Assistance: Drivers get ride requests. They use the app to navigate to destinations quickly.

Earnings Dashboard: Clear financial insights await drivers who monitor their earnings. Daily, weekly, and monthly tracking illuminates income patterns, empowering informed decisions and goal-setting. This comprehensive view of finances fuels motivation and strategic planning for success on the road.

Ratings and Reviews from Riders: Rider feedback ensures that drivers provide high-quality service and performance.

Admin Panel:

User and Driver Management: The admin can monitor both drivers and users. This ensures smooth operations and resolves any issues.

Analytics and Reports: Analytics lets admins check ride frequency, user behavior, and revenue. This improves the app’s performance.

Fraud Detection and Prevention: Automatic processes reveal con activities, maintaining the platform’s reputation.

To develop these features, invest in custom app development. It will ensure your app runs well and scales with demand.

The Importance of Real-Time Features

Real-time features are crucial to a ride-sharing app. They ensure riders and drivers get accurate, up-to-date information. This is key for the app’s functionality and user experience. Let’s explore the key real-time components:

1. GPS Tracking

Lyft’s ride-sharing app hinges on real-time GPS tracking. This vital feature pinpoints vehicle locations instantly, keeping both drivers and passengers informed throughout their journey. The technology turns smartphones into dynamic maps. They show moving cars as they navigate city streets. This helps coordinate pickups, estimate arrival times, and ensure safety. Riders can track their driver’s route and ETA. Drivers can use it for turn-by-turn navigation. This feature boosts transparency and trust between the service and its users. It improves the overall experience.

2. Push Notifications

Push notifications play a critical role in keeping users informed. Riders get updates on requests, arrivals, and payments. Drivers are notified of new requests. They get updates on rider locations and cancellations. This constant communication keeps users informed, without checking the app. It makes the ride process smooth.

3. Real-Time Data Processing

To deliver a seamless booking experience, real-time data processing is essential. Low-latency data transmission ensures quick ride matching, updates, and fare calculations. For example, when a user books a ride, the system quickly checks available drivers, arrival times, and distances. It then provides instant feedback. This fast processing reduces delays. As a result, both drivers and riders enjoy a smooth, efficient experience.

Real-time features like GPS and notifications boost user satisfaction, safety, and efficiency.

Technology Stack for Building a Ride-Sharing App

A robust, scalable tech stack forms the backbone of any successful ride-sharing app. Lyft’s model demands a powerful foundation to handle high user demand, real-time data processing, and seamless transactions. It must handle real-time data, user interactions, and geolocation services. Here’s a breakdown of essential components:

Mobile Development Frameworks:

When choosing a framework for mobile app development, prioritize performance and user experience. Some of the most popular options include:

React Native: React Native is a popular framework for cross-platform apps. It lets developers create a shared codebase for iOS and Android. This speeds up development.

Flutter: Flutter is known for its speed and expressive UI. It’s perfect for startups and businesses that need quick app development. You can hire Flutter experts for faster and more efficient application development. Swift delivery meets user satisfaction in this balanced strategy, accelerating launch without compromising excellence.

Native Development (iOS/Android): For peak performance, use Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android) for native development. Native apps usually have better access to device hardware and sensors.

Backend Technology:

A reliable backend is the backbone of a ride-sharing app. Matching riders in real time, verifying users, and tracking locations are core functions this system manages seamlessly. It deftly coordinates these vital processes to keep operations running smoothly.

Node.js: Node.js is fast and scalable. It’s popular for real-time apps, making it perfect for a ride-sharing platform.

Python (Django): Python’s Django framework excels in web development. Its sleek design enables fast, scalable projects. Developers prize Django for its practical approach and high-level functionality.

Ruby on Rails: Startups thrive with Ruby on Rails. Its sleek syntax boosts productivity, making it an ideal framework for new ventures.

APIs and Tools:

To enable geolocation, payments, and chat, we must use third-party APIs and tools.

Google Maps API / Mapbox: These services allow users and drivers to track rides. They can estimate arrival times and navigate routes using real-time mapping and geolocation features.

Twilio: Twilio simplifies adding messaging services. It’s for SMS notifications and rider-driver communication.

Stripe / PayPal: For seamless payment processing, use payment gateways like Stripe or PayPal. They ensure secure transactions for users and drivers.

A ride-sharing app’s fate hinges on its tech stack. The right choice fuels growth, handles demand, and delights users. Smart developers weigh options carefully, knowing their decision shapes the app’s future.

A ridesharing app’s price tag in 2024 ranges from $70,000 to $200,000. Complexity, features, and technology choices drive costs up or down within this spectrum. Developers must achieve a balance between functionality and budgets when creating Lyft-like platforms.

Breakdown of Costs:

Backend Development: Tech stacks shape backend costs. Node.js, Django, or Ruby on Rails influence pricing for critical services. User authentication and payment gateways range from $3,500 to $20,000, depending on complexity and chosen framework.

Frontend Development: Cross-platform frameworks slash frontend costs. React Native and Flutter offer savings, with prices spanning $6,000 to $36,000. Feature complexity and target platform – iOS or Android – drive the final bill. Savvy developers leverage these tools to create mobile apps that are both efficient and budget-friendly.

Core Features: Features like geolocation and ride-booking will cost about $6,000 each. Adding advanced options like split fares and scheduling rides can increase the cost by $6,000 to $8,000 each.

UI/UX Design: A design that is easy to use on both iOS and Android devices will cost over $12,000.

The cost also depends on extra features. These include real-time tracking, fare splitting, and driver management systems. Remember that maintenance, marketing, and updates will increase the budget.

Also Read: Guide to Create Uber like Clone Taxi Application

Challenges in Developing a Ride-Sharing App

High Competition: The ride-sharing market has giants such as Lyft. These companies have significant brand recognition, financial resources, and advanced features. To stand out, a new app must be unique. It must offer new features or serve a niche market. This will distinguish it from its competition.

Driver retention: Engaged, motivated drivers drive success. Bonuses, flexible hours, and rewards spark retention. Smart incentives keep your team on the road and committed to excellence. However, many new platforms struggle to profit while providing these perks.

User Trust: Building trust with users is essential. This means using strong security, clear pricing, and full insurance. It also means high-quality service, with regular driver checks. Trustworthy experiences attract repeat customers and positive reviews. They are vital for growth in a competitive market.

Future Trends in Ride-Sharing Apps

Electric Vehicles (EV) Integration: Electric cars are transforming ride-sharing. Uber and Lyft plan all-electric fleets by 2030, driven by sustainability goals. This green shift slashes emissions, complies with regulations, and appeals to eco-conscious passengers. Riders increasingly favor cleaner transportation options, accelerating the industry’s electric revolution.

Autonomous Vehicles: Self-driving breakthroughs reshape ride-sharing’s future. Tesla and Waymo lead the charge, pushing AI to new heights. Driverless cars slash expenses, boosting efficiency. Safety improves as human error fades. The revolution has begun, though its full impact remains unseen. This nascent technology promises a transformed industry landscape.

Sustainability: Ride-sharing platforms are adopting green initiatives with greater frequency. Other sustainability practices, besides EVs, can help. Carbon offset programs, carpooling, and shared rides can reduce carbon footprints. Such practices attract eco-conscious users. They can also differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

These trends suggest that new technology and a focus on sustainability will shape ride-sharing.

Launch Your Ride-Sharing App!

Start building your own Ride-Sharing App at a low cost.

LET'S DISCUSS

Final Thoughts

A ride-sharing app has great potential. The market is growing due to new tech and shifting consumer needs. There are many ways to create a unique, scalable platform. You can integrate electric vehicles and autonomous driving tech. You can also use real-time GPS tracking and secure payment gateways.

[thisapplepielife]

Written for the @steddieholidaydrabbles December challenge.

Same Time, Same Place

Prompt Day 16: Modern AU | Word Count: 1000 | Rating: T | CW: None | Tags: Modern AU, Rideshare Driver Eddie, Slightly Injured Steve, Meet-Cute, Eddie POV

Eddie pulls up to the curb of the nice-looking house, and waits. 

And waits, and waits.

He considers canceling. He looks at his app again, and his passenger is supposed to be a guy named Steve. Finally, the front door swings open, and a guy in a suit, on crutches, struggles to get himself out of his house and down the sidewalk. 

Well, that explains the delay, at least.

Reluctantly, Eddie gets out and opens the car door for him, "Hi, I'm Eddie."

"Sorry, I'm Steve, thank you," Steve says, sliding into the back of the SUV, and Eddie takes his crutches from his hands.

"Front seat okay for these?" Eddie asks.

"Yes, thank you," Steve says, smiling at him, pulling his seatbelt over his shoulder. Then Steve looks down at his phone, and starts tapping away.

"Just you?" Eddie asks, because this guy booked the SUV-XL option. 

"Just me," Steve says, "I just thought there might be more room for my crutches and cast."

"That's definitely true," Eddie answers, he will give him that. And this guy doesn't look like he probably cares about the extra cost. Fine by Eddie. He'll take the larger fare. The band bought this big boat to haul around the equipment, and Eddie's been using it to pick up rideshare passengers lately, just to make a little extra cash so they can pay it off quicker.

Eddie hauls Steve downtown, and fifteen minutes later, stops in front of an office building. He hops out to help Steve out of the car. 

"Thanks, Eddie," Steve says, and he hobbles away towards the wall of glass doors.

Eddie completes the trip, gives Steve his five stars, and pulls away. 

He gets his notification of his tip a few minutes later, and it's nearly the cost of the trip. He's definitely glad he didn't get impatient this morning.

At about six o'clock, he gets another fare, and he realizes it's for the same building, and sure enough, out comes Steve. Eddie gets out again, and does it all in reverse.

"Thanks, Eddie," Steve says, and Eddie isn't sure if he remembers him from this morning, or just checked his name before he got in. He's going to go with the former, because unless he got a head injury with that broken leg, surely Steve can remember what happened eight hours ago.

"You're welcome, Steve," Eddie says, and takes him back home.

Eddie winds up getting the same fare, three days in a row, both ways, and it's one of the best parts of his day. Steve's easygoing, and he tips like a motherfucker. But on Friday morning, there's no ride request for Steve. Eddie even put himself in range of Steve's neighborhood to maybe help the matching process along, but he knew it was never a guarantee. 

Well, it was good while it lasted. Steve might be a little slow moving on his crutches, but he was always polite, and his tips were above and beyond.

Eddie's never had that kind of streak of getting the same passenger before. Sure, he's driven a few familiar repeat passengers, but not for several days in a row. Eddie wonders if the pool of new SUVs is just lower in the area.

That evening, he gets the ride for Steve again, and he's really happy as he heads towards Steve's office building.

"I'm so happy it's you again," Steve says as Eddie meets him on the sidewalk, "This morning was rough."

"Sorry to hear that," Eddie answers.

"I favorited you and everything, but apparently that's not foolproof?" Steve questions out loud.

Eddie didn't even know favoriting a driver was a thing a passenger could do. 

"I requested the big SUV, but that's not what he showed up in, which didn't go great with my crutches."

"What happened to your leg, anyway?" Eddie asks, because he's definitely been curious.

Steve laughs, "Well, I went skiing with my best friend, and she's clumsy, and ran me over. She's fine, but my leg, not so much."

Eddie smiles at him, "That sucks."

"Definitely. I can't drive for six weeks."

"Well, I'm happy to be your chauffeur whenever we're paired up, man," Eddie says.

And they chat more than they had on the previous days, and it's fun. Some passengers are rude, others are just quiet, but Steve's talking to him like they're just hanging out.

When he pulls over at Steve's address, Eddie looks back at him.

"Feel free to say no," Eddie starts, "but if you're interested, I could just give you my card. Then you could just contact me directly when you want a ride." 

"Really?" Steve asks, his eyes lighting up. 

"Sure, if you want to. We can try to request the ride once I'm right there, or we can do it under the table for way cheaper."

"That sounds great, Eddie. Thank you. Monday morning? Same time, same place?" 

"Absolutely. I'll see you then, Steve." 

And it goes on for weeks, five more of them, until Steve comes out of the doctor's office Eddie had driven him to, and Eddie sees he's cast free. 

He's happy for him, he is, but he feels a little sad that this arrangement has come to an end. He's had fun. Really, truly, had fun. He's happy Steve's free of the cast, but Eddie still feels a twinge of sadness. He's enjoyed spending thirty minutes of his day with Steve Harrington. 

"Look at you!" Eddie says, acting more excited than he feels. 

"I know! All better," Steve says, sliding into the front seat next to Eddie. 

And Eddie drives Steve home, dropping him off for the last time. 

Eddie's waiting for another fare, when his phone dings. 

[4:15PM] How 'bout I pick you up in my car for a change. Dinner tonight? 

Eddie smiles, re-reading the words a second time, just to make sure he isn't dreaming this up. When he's sure he's not, he says yes, and sends Steve his address.

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddieholidaydrabbles and follow along with the fun!

If you want to see more of my entries into this month-long challenge, you can check them out in my Steddie Holiday Drabbles tag, right here!

[abboudlawfirm-omaha]

How Do Personal Injury Attorneys Handle Negligence by a Rideshare Driver?

Rideshare services have revolutionized transportation, making it easier than ever to get from one place to another. However, with this convenience comes the risk of accidents. If you’ve been involved in an incident with a rideshare driver, you might find yourself wondering where to turn and how to navigate the aftermath. The confusion can be overwhelming, especially when trying to determine who is responsible for covering your losses.

This is where personal injury attorneys come into the picture. These legal professionals play a crucial role in helping people make sense of the complex legal and insurance dynamics associated with rideshare accidents. They understand the nuances of these cases and can provide the guidance you need to secure compensation for your injuries. By working with a personal injury attorney, you gain an advocate who will handle the legalities while you focus on your recovery.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how personal injury attorneys handle cases involving rideshare drivers who are found negligent. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, understanding this process can make all the difference in achieving a fair outcome.

Understanding Negligence in a Rideshare Accident

One of the first steps a personal injury attorney takes is evaluating whether negligence played a role in the rideshare accident. Negligence happens when a driver fails to act in a reasonable manner, leading to an accident that causes harm. Examples include speeding, texting while driving, ignoring traffic signals, or driving recklessly.

Establishing negligence is critical because it helps determine liability—who is responsible for compensating you. A personal injury attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and even video footage from dashcams or surveillance cameras to build a solid case. This meticulous process ensures that your rights are protected and that the responsible party is held accountable.

Determining Liability in Rideshare Cases

Liability in a rideshare accident can be tricky to establish, as multiple parties might be involved. Was the driver on duty, or were they using the vehicle for personal errands? This distinction matters because rideshare companies often provide insurance coverage, but only under specific conditions.

For instance:

If the driver was not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance is typically responsible.

If they were logged in but hadn’t picked up a passenger yet, the rideshare company’s limited insurance might apply.

If they were actively transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s full coverage would likely be in effect.

A personal injury attorney knows how to navigate these distinctions and will investigate thoroughly to determine which policy applies to your case. Their expertise ensures that all potential avenues for compensation are explored.

The Role of Insurance in Rideshare Accidents

Dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most challenging aspects of a rideshare accident claim. Rideshare drivers often have a mix of personal and company-provided insurance, and figuring out who pays what can be confusing.

A personal injury attorney steps in to simplify the process. They’ll communicate with insurance adjusters, review policies, and negotiate on your behalf. If the rideshare company’s insurance is required to cover your claim, your attorney will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Proving Damages with the Help of an Attorney

Once liability is established, the next step is proving the extent of your damages. This involves demonstrating how the accident has impacted your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

Damages typically include:

Medical expenses: Covering hospital visits, therapy sessions, medications, and ongoing treatments.

Lost wages: Compensating for time you couldn’t work due to your injuries.

Pain and suffering: Addressing the physical and emotional toll of the accident.

Personal injury attorneys use evidence such as medical records, pay stubs, and expert testimonies to strengthen your claim. They know how to present this information in a way that highlights the full scope of your losses.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney for Rideshare Cases

Rideshare accidents often involve layers of complexity, from determining negligence to dealing with multiple insurance policies. Attempting to handle this on your own can be overwhelming, and you risk settling for less than what you deserve.

A skilled personal injury attorney will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your case is handled professionally and effectively. They’ll advocate for your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare to take your case to court if necessary. With their support, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that your legal matters are in good hands.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t navigate the process alone. Reach out to a trusted personal injury attorney in Omaha who can provide the expertise and advocacy you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.

[thoughtportal]

How Things Work: If the coop model can succeed in Minneapolis, that would significantly undermine the power of Uber and Lyft's threats to pull out of other cities in the future. Do you interact directly with those companies at all? Do they view you as a threat? Do they try to actively hold you back, or do they mostly leave you alone? What's your message to regular people about why they should use you, rather than those ubiquitous apps? 

Forman: We're somewhere between the "first they ignore you" and "then they laugh at you" phases. People should use us because on average, we're a little cheaper than Uber, and drivers make 10% above the minimum wage. And it's worker-owned. We're building lasting power in this industry in a democratic, worker-controlled organization.

How Things Work: For people who can see the logic of a driver's cooperative, what's the best way to help—in Minneapolis, and also in cities that don't have such a thing yet? 

Forman: For people who want to help—please download the app and share it with friends. We just created a new feature where you can see how many drivers and riders have been recruited in your area, and you can easily share the app with a QR code and other tools. Also, we certainly need funds to get this done. If you can, donate a bit to the effort to build a co-op in Minneapolis.

[all-about-kyu]

😮 Ateez 2 from your attic. Been loving all your wips by the way 😍😍

EEEEE thank you for enjoying the wips 🥹 this is another that............ is very self indulgent............... and I may or may not return to later on

Summary: You got stranded outside the venue of the concert. You had no way to get back to your hotel. Then, someone unexpectedly offered a helping hand. Pairing: Yunho x fem!reader Trope: idol au, idol-fan relations Genre: fluff, smut Rating: 18+ Warnings: language, joke about an NDA, flirty Mingi Prospective Smut Warnings: fingering (fem receive), protected sex Word Count at abandonment: 1,229 Note: I was originally writing this cause of the concert (last year), but here we are doing it for this and seeing him at barricade for KBS live. Note 2: @sanjoongie sadly............ this one is one of the ones collecting dust

other attic items

You had nowhere to go. The concert had ended nearly two hours ago, and still, there was not a single ride-share available. You checked every possible app that exists, and nothing. It was cold and still slightly damp due to the rain earlier. Plopping down on the steps of the arena, you let out a sigh, not sure what else to do. You were cold, and the outfit you chose was starting to feel slightly uncomfortable. Even though you did your best to dress comfortably while still looking nice, you hadn’t planned to be stranded outside afterward. Unlocking your phone, you recheck your rideshare apps. Nothing. Not a single driver in the area. You hear someone nearby open a door. You don’t pay it any mind. It was probably one of the venue staff cleaning around the building. People left trash everywhere from waiting in line all day despite the rain. 

“Are you okay?”

“Hmm?” You turn to face whoever it is.

You think you must be hallucinating or something. There was no way Jeong Yunho was standing right behind you. You shake your head in hopes that it will clear things up somehow. Somehow, he’s still standing right there when you look again.

“Are you okay?” He asks again.

You shrug, “I can’t find a ride back to my hotel. I’ll be okay, though.” You force a smile.

“The concert ended a while ago; you’ve been sitting out here the whole time?” “I- it’s not a big deal.”

You hear Yunho sigh, followed by a little bit of shuffling. At first, you assume that he left. Then, his larger frame is sitting beside you on the cold wet pavement. He doesn’t say anything at first. You sit there side by side in silence.

“You could catch a cold sitting out here. You don’t even have a jacket with you.” He finally speaks.

You chuckle humorlessly, “I didn’t expect the rain or to be stuck here.” You try to downplay the situation, “I’m sure someone will come around.”

He looks like he’s contemplating something for a minute. You watch him, still baffled that you’re sitting here and talking to him.

“Do you want to stay in my hotel with me until you can find a way to yours?”

You laugh lightly, “You’re really trying to get me into an NDA agreement, aren’t you.” You tease.

He chuckles, “That’s not my intention at all.” he insists, “I just don’t want you sitting out here in the cold all night.”

You feel your chest swell with warmth and nod silently. You quietly tell him your name, and he smiles at you. If someone had told you earlier in the day that you would get stranded and hang out with Yunho, you would probably have laughed at the person telling you or made a joke out of it. He offers a hand out to you. You just look at it briefly before processing what he was doing. Taking his hand, you let him take you back into the building. The warmth of the building slowly melts your frozen bones. Neither of you speaks as you walk through the nearly empty building. It’s not an uncomfortable silence. It’s anything but uncomfortable. Instead, you focus on how his hand feels in yours. It feels nice, very surreal, but very nice. His larger hand nearly encapsulates yours entirely. You’ve always known he’s a large person and has large hands, but to see it at the moment feels unreal. He stops in front of the door and lets go of your hand.

“Stay here for a minute. I need to explain the situation to my manager and the guys.” He smiles gently, “I won’t take too long, okay?”

“Okay.” You return the sentiment.

You sway back and forth in your place while you wait outside the door. You can vaguely hear a few people talking on the other side. You can easily pick out Yunho and Hongjoong’s voices, but you don’t know the third. You can only assume it’s their manager. Before you can contemplate too deeply, the door pops open. Yunho pokes his head out and smiles at you again. 

“You can come in. We’ll be leaving pretty soon.”

The moment you step into the room, your eyes fall on Yeosang. He was in the process of removing his makeup, completely unbothered at your entrance. As your eyes move around the room, you notice that not many of them seem to pay you any mind at all. Honestly, it’s probably better that way. They’re exhausted and have things they need to get done. You feel a hand slowly, softly wrap around your shoulder. In the process, a lock of hair falls from your shoulder down along your back. You look at the hand and then to the other side of you, where Yunho is standing. He’s looking at you with a gentle, sweet look. He squeezes your shoulder lightly and raises his other hand.

“When we leave, wear this.” He gestures towards the hoodie in his hand, “I don’t want anyone getting crazy ideas or potentially hurting you. It’s my personal one, but I’ll just wear the ones that we have for the stages.”

“Are you sure cause-”

“It’s fine, I promise.”

He leaves the hoodie in your hands and walks away. You think there couldn’t be anything else that could get crazier about tonight. You’re proven wrong again when their manager approaches you. He’s clearly frazzled but tries not to show it.

“Do I need to get paperwork ready? Yunho told me not to worry about it. I want to double-check, though.”

You feel heat rush to your face, “Um, yeah, no paperwork needed. Yunho just offered to let me come since I can’t find a way back to my own hotel.” You explain.

Without another word, his manager walks away and starts organizing what you assume are the boys’ personal belongings. Up until that moment, you don’t process how awkward you must look standing in the room holding a hoodie but not speaking a single word to anyone. You’re just standing there and observing. You can feel a pair of eyes on you, and for a few moments, you try to brush it off, but you find yourself turning around to find Mingi’s eyes fixated on you. His hair is pushed back out of his face, and he’s in comfortable, casual attire. His shirt, as always, has the first few buttons undone, which sends your mind reeling in places it probably shouldn’t be when you’re less than 20 feet from him. The look he’s giving you is hard to decipher. You can’t tell if he’s checking you out or trying to figure you out. When you properly make eye contact, he takes it upon himself to walk over to you.

“You’re who Yun chose for the night?” He asks.

“I-it’s not- no, um,” You start to explain.

“Leave her alone, Mingi. She’s just coming to the hotel for a bit until she can get a ride to hers. I didn’t want her sitting out alone in the rain.” Yunho interjects.

Mingi chuckles, “We’re doing the knight in shining armor shtick today?”

“Mingi, it’s not like that.” He says firmly.

Mingi hums, “M’kay, if you want some extra fun I’m in the room next door.” He supplies with a wink and a slight smirk.

COPYRIGHT STARLITMARK 2024© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — reposting/modifying any fic or piece of original writing posted on this blog is not allowed. Translations are not permitted. 

[rapidcarleasing]

The Development of Rideshare: Are Uber, Lyft, and Driverless Cars Changing Mobility?

The rideshare industry has transformed how we move around cities, and companies like Uber and Lyft are the front-runners in the industry. However, technology is changing quickly, and ridesharing is changing quickly too. Rideshare car rental services are just one aspect of the changes taking place, as well as the advent of autonomous vehicles.  What does the future hold for Uber and Lyft and for the driver-partners working on and for these companies? There are several emerging trends that indicate the future of ridesharing, and car rental options.

Why Is Rideshare Still Booming?

Rideshare apps have made traveling around more convenient than ever. If you’re on your way to the office or a party, Uber and Lyft are the best options. But the rideshare business is not only about offering convenience to riders, it is also a lifeline to the drivers. A lot of drivers count on car rental for Lyft and Uber to become members of the gig economy without owning a vehicle. Such services as rideshare car rental are booming, offering affordable, flexible solutions for drivers who want to rent a car for rideshare without long-term commitments.

Below are just a few of the reasons why rideshare is still hot:

Accessibility: With only a smartphone, anyone can become a driver or book a ride.

Affordability: Car rental for Lyft drivers and rental cars for Uber drivers make it easier to start earning without buying a car.

Flexibility: Drivers set their own hours, making rideshare ideal for side hustles.

How Are Rideshare Car Rentals Fueling the Industry?

For many, owning a car isn’t practical, especially in urban areas like Chicago. Rideshare car rental plays a role here, as there are plenty of car rental companies who specifically rent cars to rideshare drivers, like Uber and Lyft. Companies offering car rental for Lyft and Uber provide vehicles specifically for drivers, often with insurance and maintenance included. This makes it very easy for individuals who want to rent a car for Lyft or rent a car for rideshare to drive for a rideshare service without the hassle of ownership.

A good example of this in our market is Rapid Car Leasing in Chicago, they offer rental car solutions for rideshare drivers, specializing in rental cars for Uber drivers and car rental for Lyft drivers. They offer flexible terms starting at month to nearly a year. By doing this, they have allowed drivers to focus on what they are trying to earn instead of worrying about us making car payments or what repairs are being done to the car!

As the rideshare space and other forms of transportation bring in more revenues, prepare to see more companies become active and make rideshare car rental much easier to help new drivers build their skillsets and get out of the "side hustler" phase of their business plan.

What Role Will Driverless Cars Play?

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: driverless cars. Both Uber and Lyft are investing heavily in autonomous vehicles. The idea of a car picking you up without a human driver sounds futuristic, but it’s closer than you think. Companies like Waymo are already testing self-driving rideshare fleets, and Uber has partnered with them to integrate driverless cars into its platform.

But what does this mean for drivers who rent a car for rideshare? In the short term, human drivers aren’t going anywhere. Autonomous tech is expensive and faces regulatory hurdles. Plus, many riders still prefer a human behind the wheel for safety and conversation. Services like car rental for Lyft and Uber will remain crucial as drivers bridge the gap until driverless cars become mainstream.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Rideshare?

The road to the future isn’t without bumps. Here are some challenges the industry faces:

Regulation: Cities are cracking down on rideshare companies with stricter rules, impacting drivers who rent a car for Lyft or Uber.

Driver Pay: Many drivers rely on rental cars for Uber drivers to keep costs low, but fluctuating pay rates can make it hard to earn a living.

Tech Transition: As driverless cars emerge, drivers using car rental for Lyft drivers may need to adapt to new roles, like fleet management.

Will Rideshare Car Rentals Stay Relevant?

Even with driverless cars on the horizon, rideshare car rental services will remain vital. Not every city will adopt autonomous vehicles at the same pace, and human drivers will still be in demand. Plus, renting a car for rideshare options gives drivers flexibility that owning a car doesn’t. Whether it’s a rental car for Uber drivers or a car rental for Lyft drivers, these services empower people to join the gig economy on their terms.

What’s the Future of Mobility?

The future of rideshare is a blend of human drivers and cutting-edge tech. Uber and Lyft will keep innovating, but rideshare car rental will stay a cornerstone for drivers. Whether you’re looking to rent a car for Lyft or explore car rental for Lyft and Uber, the industry’s evolution promises exciting opportunities. As driverless cars roll out, they’ll complement—not replace—the human touch that makes rideshare special.

So, will you rent a car for rideshare and join the journey? The road ahead is wide open.

[prestigebfs]

10 Best Side Hustles to Make Extra Money in 2025

In today’s fast-paced economy, relying on one source of income isn’t always enough. Whether you’re saving for a goal, paying off debt, or building financial freedom, a side hustle can make a huge impact. The good news? There are more opportunities than ever to earn money in your spare time. Here are the 10 best side hustles to make extra money in 2025 — ranked for flexibility, profitability, and ease of entry.

1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

If you’re good with words, freelance writing is one of the top-paying side hustles in 2025. Businesses need blog content, email copy, and social media posts — and they’re willing to pay well for it.

Keywords: freelance side hustle, best online gigs 2025 Potential Earnings: $25–$150/hour Tools Needed: Laptop, Grammarly, Google Docs

2. Dropshipping or Print-on-Demand Stores

With platforms like Shopify, Etsy, and Printful, launching your own online store has never been easier. You don’t hold inventory — products ship directly to customers.

Keywords: best side hustles 2025, make money online Potential Earnings: $500–$5,000+/month Tools Needed: Shopify, Canva, Printify

3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services

VAs handle admin tasks like email management, calendar scheduling, data entry, and customer support. It’s one of the fastest-growing remote work side hustles this year.

Keywords: virtual assistant jobs from home, ways to earn online Potential Earnings: $20–$60/hour Tools Needed: Zoom, Google Workspace, Notion

4. Online Tutoring and Coaching

Have a skill in math, science, writing, or test prep? Or maybe you're a fitness, mindset, or career coach? You can teach virtually from anywhere.

Keywords: tutoring side hustle, teach online for money Potential Earnings: $25–$100/hour Tools Needed: Zoom, Calendly, PayPal

5. Social Media Management

Businesses need help growing their Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook profiles. If you enjoy content creation, this is one of the most creative and in-demand side hustles in 2025.

Keywords: social media side hustle, make money from home Potential Earnings: $300–$2,000+/month per client Tools Needed: Canva, Later, Meta Business Suite

6. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products using your blog, YouTube, or social media and earn a commission on every sale. It’s a popular passive income side hustle.

Keywords: best affiliate programs 2025, make passive income Potential Earnings: $100–$10,000+/month Tools Needed: Website, social media, email list

7. Selling Digital Products or Courses

If you have expertise in a niche topic, turn it into a downloadable product or course. E-books, templates, and online lessons sell year-round.

Keywords: sell digital products online, side hustle ideas 2025 Potential Earnings: $200–$20,000/month Tools Needed: Gumroad, Teachable, Canva

8. Rideshare or Delivery Driving (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart)

Have a reliable vehicle? Driving remains a go-to for quick cash. While less flexible than online options, it’s easy to get started and pays fast.

Keywords: delivery driver side hustle, best gig jobs Potential Earnings: $15–$35/hour Tools Needed: Smartphone, car, apps

9. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Platforms like Rover and Wag make it simple to get booked for pet care services. Perfect for animal lovers and those who prefer offline gigs.

Keywords: dog walking job near me, part-time income ideas Potential Earnings: $20–$100/day Tools Needed: Mobile app, leash, time flexibility

10. Airbnb or Room Rentals

Got an extra room? Rent it out on Airbnb and generate passive income. Hosting a space is a top side hustle for homeowners or renters with permission.

Keywords: rent out room for money, best passive income Potential Earnings: $500–$3,000/month Tools Needed: Airbnb profile, basic hospitality

Need Personal Or Business Funding? Prestige Business Financial Services LLC offer over 30 Personal and Business Funding options to include good and bad credit options. Get Personal Loans up to $100K or 0% Business Lines of Credit Up To $250K. Also credit repair and passive income programs.

Book A Free Consult And We Can Help - https://prestigebusinessfinancialservices.com

Email - anthony@prestigebfs.com

Final Thoughts: Which Side Hustle Is Right for You?

Choosing the best side hustle in 2025 depends on your skills, time, and goals. Whether you want to build a business, earn some weekend money, or create a passive income stream, there’s an option for everyone.

🔑 The key is to start now — test what works, build momentum, and grow over time.

Need Personal Or Business Funding? Prestige Business Financial Services LLC offer over 30 Personal and Business Funding options to include good and bad credit options. Get Personal Loans up to $100K or 0% Business Lines of Credit Up To $250K. Also credit repair and passive income programs.

Book A Free Consult And We Can Help - https://prestigebusinessfinancialservices.com

Email - anthony@prestigebfs.com

Learn More!!

Prestige Business Financial Services LLC

"Your One Stop Shop To All Your Personal And Business Funding Needs"

Website- https://prestigebusinessfinancialservices.com

Email - anthony@prestigebfs.com

Phone- 1-800-622-0453

[full-stackmobiledeveloper]

Essential Marketing & User Acquisition Strategies for Your New Taxi AppLaunching a taxi app? Don’t just build—scale! 🚕📈 Get expert user acquisition, growth marketing, and AI-powered strategies tailored for 2025.Launching a taxi app in 2025? We offer a complete marketing and user acquisition service to help you scale fast. From pre-launch planning and referral programs to AI-driven targeting, local SEO, and rider-driver retention, we build your growth engine. Perfect for Uber-like apps, carpool platforms, and dispatch systems. Start strong, grow smart—partner with us today.

[globetrottergurus]

The Ultimate Travel Guide to New York City: Everything You Need to Know

New York City, affectionately known as "The Big Apple," is a vibrant metropolis that draws millions of visitors from around the world each year. From its iconic landmarks to its bustling streets, NYC offers a mix of history, culture, and modern allure. This guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, whether it’s your first time or you’re returning to discover more.

Best Time to Visit NYC

New York City is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences:

Spring (March to May): Mild weather and blooming flowers make this season ideal for exploring Central Park or walking along the High Line.

Summer (June to August): NYC comes alive with outdoor festivals, rooftop bars, and concerts. Just be prepared for heat and crowds.

Fall (September to November): Cooler weather, colorful foliage, and events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade make autumn magical.

Winter (December to February): While chilly, the holiday season in NYC is unmatched. Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and the stunning holiday displays on Fifth Avenue are must-sees.

How to Get Around the City

Navigating NYC can seem daunting, but with a few tips, it’s straightforward:

Subway: The most efficient and cost-effective way to travel. Grab a MetroCard or use the OMNY system for tap-and-go convenience.

Walking: Many neighborhoods are best explored on foot, giving you a chance to soak in the city’s unique vibe.

Taxis and Rideshares: Yellow cabs are iconic but pricier than the subway. Apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available.

Bikes: Citi Bike stations are scattered throughout the city, offering an eco-friendly way to explore.

Top Attractions You Can’t Miss

NYC is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Here are a few that should be on your list:

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Take a ferry to explore these symbols of freedom and immigration history.

Times Square: The dazzling lights and energy here are quintessential NYC.

Central Park: A serene escape in the middle of the bustling city, perfect for a stroll, bike ride, or picnic.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met): One of the world's largest and most renowned art museums.

Brooklyn Bridge: Walk or bike across this historic bridge for stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Empire State Building: Experience panoramic views of the city from the observation decks.

Hidden Gems

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience:

The Tenement Museum: Learn about the lives of immigrants who shaped NYC.

Roosevelt Island Tram: A scenic and unique way to see the city.

Smorgasburg: This outdoor food market offers a taste of NYC’s diverse culinary scene.

Greenwich Village: Wander through charming streets filled with indie cafes, boutiques, and historic sites.

Where to Eat

New York City’s food scene is legendary, offering everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food. Here are some iconic eats:

Bagels and Lox: Grab one from Russ & Daughters or Ess-a-Bagel.

Pizza: Head to Joe’s Pizza or Di Fara Pizza for a classic New York slice.

Hot Dogs: Try a street vendor or hit up Nathan’s Famous on Coney Island.

Fine Dining: Restaurants like Le Bernardin and Eleven Madison Park offer world-class experiences.

Where to Stay

NYC has accommodations for every budget and style:

Luxury: The Plaza Hotel, The St. Regis New York.

Mid-Range: The Moxy NYC, citizenM Times Square.

Budget: HI NYC Hostel, Pod 51.

Money-Saving Tips

Exploring NYC doesn’t have to break the bank. Consider these tips:

CityPASS or Go City NYC: These passes bundle popular attractions at discounted rates.

Free Activities: Enjoy free events like Shakespeare in the Park or visit museums on free admission days.

Street Eats: Food trucks and local delis offer delicious, budget-friendly meals.

Safety and Practical Tips

Stay Aware: Like any major city, be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Dress Comfortably: NYC involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.

Plan Ahead: Research attraction hours and buy tickets in advance to save time.

Conclusion

New York City is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re marveling at its towering skyscrapers, diving into its rich history, or savoring its diverse cuisine, the energy and charm of NYC will leave you wanting more. With this ultimate guide, you’re ready to explore, experience, and fall in love with the city that never sleeps.

Happy travels!

[nikita567]

"Why Carpooling with RideBuddy is the Smart Choice for Delhi NCR Commuters"

Introduction: In bustling cities like Delhi NCR, carpooling is quickly becoming the preferred choice for daily commuters. RideBuddy makes ridesharing convenient, affordable, and stress-free, helping you get to your destination without the hassle of solo driving.

1. Avoid Parking Hassles Parking in crowded areas is a daily struggle. With RideBuddy, you can leave the parking worries behind, as carpooling minimizes the number of vehicles and frees up parking spaces.

2. Meet New People Carpooling introduces you to fellow commuters, making your ride more enjoyable and giving you a chance to build connections with people traveling on the same routes.

3. Save on Travel Costs Ridesharing splits travel expenses, so your commute from Meerut to Delhi or within the NCR becomes much more affordable. Each ride reduces individual costs, allowing you to save money on fuel and tolls.

Conclusion: Carpooling with RideBuddy isn’t just cost-effective—it’s also a smarter way to navigate the city. Download our app today to join the RideBuddy community and experience the convenience of carpooling.

[appicial]

🚗🌍 Unlock Regional Success with Your Bolt Clone! 🌟 Are you ready to take your carpooling app to the next level? Discover how local features and customizations can help you dominate your region! 🚀 In our latest blog, we dive deep into: ✅ Integrating local preferences ✅ Customizing for unique regional needs ✅ Winning strategies to outshine competitors 🎯 Your app can stand out with smart localization and innovation. Don’t just build a carpooling app—build the ultimate local transportation solution! 👉 Read now: https://bit.ly/48X2ozE Book a Demo: https://bit.ly/2SVBq5R Let’s drive towards success together! 🏆💼 #BoltClone #CarpoolingApp #Localization #AppDevelopment #RideSharing #StartUpSuccess #TransportationTech #TaxiAppDevelopment #Appicial #BoltCloneApp RideHailingApp #NotionToInnovation #TaxiAppDevelopmentCompany #USA #SouthAfrica #US #MobilitySolutions #RegionalGrowth #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #SmartApps #SustainableMobility #BusinessGrowth #CustomApps

[lauraannegilman]

From my friend Gil in Israel, an important look past the fuckery of Netanyahu’s government to the people, who are DONE with his his fuckery. It’s long, but I urge you to read it.

————

And now for something a little different.

As the rest of the world struggles with difficult questions such as what is the correct ratio of shells dropped to civilian casualties, is the answer different if the casualties are Jews, and whether ALL the Jews in the world are colonizers who deserve to die in the name of freedom for Palestine or only those born in Israel – we here in Israel have been busy doing other things.

Namely, a revolution.

Or perhaps revolution is not the correct word. It's more like a civil takeover? Perhaps we need a new word to describe what's happening right now, but it's pretty amazing. And it seems to have the government concerned, which is fine by me.

I saw something today that, for the first time in a while, filled my heart with hope.

I told you I've been throwing myself into volunteering and charity work like there's no tomorrow, and was already diagnosing myself with some kind of PTSD donation disorder, but today everything clicked into perspective. What we're doing here is founding the new state of Israel. We have given up on our government. They are less than useless. We're building our own Israel, according to our own values, and helping ourselves.

It started on Saturday, when too many Israelis realized, to their horror, that the army wasn't mobilizing in earnest. The military response was bizarrely slow. Not enough troops were situated in the south to respond to the massive inundation of generously armed, well prepared militias who lacked any compunction regarding who they killed and how. They came in like they were shooting in a video game, and the unarmed civilians were helpless targets. Though Israelis are raised on the myth that the military is all powerful, it was hours and hours before units began arriving at the captive villages, hours before the airforce mobilized, hours, it seemed, before anyone in government woke up to the fact that we were under unprecedented attack. So the people under siege used their phones and social media accounts to BEG for assistance – and private citizens responded. EX military men came in commando style to rescue their relatives, and on the way, kill some terrorists, carry out the injured, come back to seek out more neighbors they could help. They didn't wait for the order, they just showed up.

It continued the next day when it became clear that the Minister for Transport, Miri Regev, who was in Mexico at the time, wasn't doing anything to assist with mass transport for hastily-recruited reserves. So Israelis set up their own carpools.

Then it turned out that all the various rescue and relief forces who had been working all day and all night and all day again were hungry. So citizens mobilized to send food. And the survivors who were evacuated from the ruins of their villages needed a place to retreat to, so Israelis opened up their homes, their rental properties, their hotels – while the Ministries that might conceivably be responsible for housing or welfare dawdled.

And then the blood drives started. People stood in line for hours, waiting to give more blood than anyone was equipped to deal with.

Then donation drives. At first spontaneously, people showed up at central squares with bags full of blankets, towels, clothing, toiletries. The donations kept coming and coming, while the government seemingly slept, not taking calls, not making press appearances.

Then the Startup Nation woke up. Apps were hastily programmed: rideshare apps, apps to share information about missing relatives and cross reference them with footage from Hamas, apps to collect donations, apps to match requests for help with donors.

It then turned out that military equipment was lacking: either outdated, or caught up in the red tape of warehouses, not reaching warriors fast enough – and civilians started crowd sourcing for protective vests, helmets, water packs, shoes. Meanwhile the government was mostly occupied with blaming military high command for the previous day's fiasco.

And so it went. Civilians helped civilians, with absolutely everything. Locating and releasing family members who had been locked in their shelters for 24 hours and more, locating and retrieving family members lying injured in fields, flushing out terrorists, locating bodies. Providing transport, food, and gear. Creating networks for information to flow. Taking in evacuees. Providing them with basic needs. Finding mental care workers to start helping with their trauma, mapping their needs. And the government? Who knows what they were doing. Looking for someone to blame.

As Ministers hid and dragged their heels, it became apparent that the only people actually doing anything useful on the home front were civilian volunteers. Reporters were the only ones who could debrief the public; in some cases, reporters became rescuers. And the volunteer networks with the fastest, most effective response were the organizations that had coalesced over the past nine months to lead protest rallies.

So here we have the very organizations that Bibi's government had been smearing for months as "anarchists", "divisive", "traitors", "woke", taking over more and more of the actual operation of the emergency. "Bonot Alternativa" (women building an alternative), the women's group who'd staged demonstrations dressed in the red cloaks of "The Handmaids Tale"; "Kaplan Force", and above all "Achim LaNeshek" (brothers in arms) ex military rally organizers are just some of the networks that have turned their efforts from protest to civil organization.

Social media influencers stepped up to the plate, creating social media campaigns that went viral far before the Minister for Information, Galit Distel-Atbaryan made her first public appearance. On Wednesday, Distel-Atbaryan tried to claim credit for a hashtag - HamasIsIsis - that had been the brainchild of a lifestyle and travel influencer on Twitter, @EllaTravelsLove. Distel-Atbaryan was then fully "dragged" on social media, and on Thursday, she resigned her position.

Israelis in general are sick and tired of the government ministers, who showed up too late, to do too little. In clips that have been going viral since Wednesday, Minister of Economy Nir Barkat is confronted by a furious relative in a hospital who demands that he get down on his knees and rend his clothes in penitence; Environment Protection Minister Idit Silman (whose resignation toppled the previous Knesset) is booed out of a separate hospital by an enraged nurse; Transport Minister Miri Regev runs out of a third hospital, chased by an incensed relative who pelts her car with a cup of coffee.

The Israeli government has not yet caught on that by inaction and abandonment, it has rendered itself irrelevant. They think they're still fighting for their public image. Their public image is dirt.

One of my favorite activists, Yael Sherer, is a good example of how the government has lost control. Yael Sherer is an indefatigable champion for the rights of rape victims. Her lobbying for acute rooms for rape victims in hospitals and for collection and testing of rape kits, among other things, gained her one of the great honors bestowed on national heroes: she was invited to be a torch bearer at the 74th Independence Day celebration. Yael noticed that no representative of the Israeli government had attended a single one of the funerals for soldiers who fell in the recent battles. (The official response from government PR office is that, at times of war, the government is not obliged to send a representative. Touching.) Yael felt that perhaps in her status as torchbearer she could stand in as a dignitary at these funerals. She simply showed up. Soon she was being invited to multiple funerals a day, and asked to take position in the front row. She turned to some of her fellow torchbearers, and they opened a WhatsApp group to which they invited torchbearers, winners of the Israel prize and the Nobel prize, and retired judges from the Supreme Court, and divvied up the many funerals between them. On Thursday morning she received a phone call from the head of the Ceremonies Committee of the Knesset, a Mrs Liat Shimoni Konitzky, who started berating Yael for inviting Supreme Court judges to military funerals. "Why are you working for (Supreme Court President) Esther Hayut?" admonished Shimoni Konitzky. The Supreme Court has been targeted and demonized by the current administration, in the context of the judicial coup they were attempting to pull off. Shimoni Konitsky demanded that Sherer hand over the full spreadsheet of self-selected dignitaries and which funerals they were planning to attend, to which Sherer responded by telling her off in language so deliciously colorful that it may well become the stuff of legend.

In other words, the Ministers and MPs, though doing nothing, are still trying to claim honors. "They are not worthy of this nation," said one bereaved relative in a passionate clip, and more and more this seems to reflect public sentiment. Social media users have been changing their profile picture to the word RESIGN. Recent polls, too, show a drastic drop in public support for Bibi and his government.

The Israeli people, on the other hand, are showing up. And oh, how they are showing up. Suddenly everyone is an activist. Shops and cafes – closed to business – are setting up as collection points for donations. Neighborhood residents are volunteering: drawing lists, sorting, organizing, transporting. Donations for soldiers at the front and for evacuees all over Israel. Artists are giving free performances. Writers are uploading free books and giving free workshops. Hairdressers, masseuses, yoga teachers, acupuncturists are showing up at hotels that have opened their doors to evacuees and offering their services for free. All my WhatsApp groups have morphed into mutual assistance and volunteer raising platforms. On the group formed for my highschool reunion, one member manages a list of mental health professionals and therapists offering free care for trauma victims, another is arranging visits to the evacuated kibbutzim to seek out and care for abandoned pets and livestock, one is working with evacuees at hotels. Everyone, it seems, is doing something. Except the government.

Everyone. Including the Israeli Arabs, who are also running blood drives and donation drives and cooking food for soldiers and evacuees. Everyone, including Eritrean Asylum seekers – one of the most disenfranchised groups in Israeli society, whose petitions for asylum have famously been ignored for years, and who now are showing up in large groups at the donation collection points, wearing turquoise shirts for the Eritrean uprising, and assisting as teams with the heavy carrying; they too, belong.

All week long I've been immersing myself in this kind of social action. I hardly recognize myself, but the activity focused on helping others is the only way I feel I can survive these times. And everywhere, people are coming together. We haven't paid full price at a single shop where we've bought donations in bulk – baby formula, light bulbs, tooth brushes – as soon as the clerks realize who we're buying for, the price goes down. The driver of a mover's van asked permission to embrace a friend who had donated a refrigerator, thanking him for the privilege of participating in this act of giving. At the complex we took for our pet project – four newly built but as yet unoccupied apartment buildings which the contractor has opened for evacuee families – the parking lot was chaotically overrun with boxes of donated appliances and goods, and everyone in town, from neighbors to the local troop of scouts, seemed to be involved in cataloging, sorting and distributing the goods. Yesterday a truck pulled up and a shop owner from the nearby Arab town pulled out 20 new kids' bikes to give to the children of the evacuated families.

And today I got to see for the first time one of the larger headquarters run by Achim Laneshek at the Tel Aviv Expo fairgrounds. I could barely believe my eyes. Boxes as far as the eye could see, but all impeccably organized and labeled. Dozens and dozens of volunteers, all collaborating in an orderly fashion, directing the line of cars that kept pulling in to deposit more and more donated goods; while at the other end, fulfilling "orders" and matching requests for donations with volunteer drivers who transport the goods to their beneficiaries.

And I realized: this is the new Israel.

Screw the government. Who needs them.

If they had a bit of sense, they'd retire right now, and let the volunteers take over.

The volunteers would probably also do a better job directing military efforts.

They would undoubtedly do a better job negotiating for the dozens of hostages still held by Hamas. We're the ones who care. The government acts like they've already written the hostages off, given up on even the pretense of trying to rescue them.

Netanyahu may not realize it, but his time is over. He is not my prime minister. He has become irrelevant.

We are the people who will rise from the ashes. And our new Israel will be better.

Shabbat shalom, #gili_from_telaviv

[ubeerosophy]

Strange How You Never Know

I used to joke that I lost sleep over all the amazing songs I’d never hear. Knowing how they can move us to a different time or a foreign place…new emotions even…I wondered what experience I was missing out on simply through lack of exposure. I’ve discovered songs from no name bands in dive bars along the outskirts of random towns I’ve since listened to a thousand times. Songs that stir something deep within my soul. Emotions drawn from experience. Someone else’s experience.

I once picked a guy up in Indianapolis at what looked something like an old converted military school, but it was probably never any sort of school. It could have been a factory or one of any number of things. I looked it up at the time, and it probably wouldn’t be hard to figure out even now, but the only thing consequential about that part of the story is how sometimes a series of events flow into each other in a way that set a distinguishing tone from the beginning.

As an Uber/Lyft driver, there are sometimes things that shape my perception of a ride before the passenger even gets in my car. The rating is obvious. As drivers, we rate our experiences with a passenger the same way passengers rate their experiences with us. To be fair, this isn’t always an accurate way to judge how a drive is going to go. About the lowest ratings I see on average are around 4.7 out of 5. I’ve had passengers with a 4.5 rating, but it’s rare. Either way, I’d venture to say that as a rule those lower ratings have been positive experiences. I’m almost always pleasantly surprised.

A passenger’s name can often elicit a knee jerk reaction, because sometimes, people will choose something expressive that reflects their personality and interests rather than their actual name. The name is really only necessary and helpful for the driver and passenger to verify they have the right person, but once in a while the passenger apparently wants someone seeing their profile to know something extra about them. The first example that pops into my mind is “JuicyMonkeyBallz.” I may have got the spelling wrong, but you understand what I’m getting at. It’s the same way in the case of the profile picture. Sometimes passengers choose to make a statement with their picture via expression, pose or a filter. In both cases I’ve been misled. JuicyMonkeyBallz was an extremely pleasant and respectful passenger, yet I recently picked up a passenger who had their smiling grandkids on their lap in their profile picture. As soon as I accepted the ride and saw the image, I smiled to myself and even considered telling them when they got in the car how much I enjoyed their picture. I didn’t get the chance. Their tone and demeanor helped me make the decision to keep my mouth shut and just get them where they were going as quickly as possible. Maybe they were just having a bad day.

So back to the place that looked like a converted private school or factory…

When I finally got to the main building, it became readily apparent that it was some sort of apartment building or living quarters. As I parked the car and looked back down at the app, I mused to myself how the passenger’s image looked like a LinkedIn profile picture. It was an extremely polished and professional head shot. Knowing that such things can be deceiving, I waited apprehensively for him to emerge. When he did, he looked exactly like the picture. In a suit and well groomed. He was friendly from the moment he got in, and I was immediately at ease.

Sometimes as rideshare drivers we can’t see our passenger’s destination until we’ve told the app that they are in our car. I believe I picked him up on the Southwest side of the city and was taking him to the Northwest side.

I believe our conversation started with him noting that I had the same name as one of his sons, and shortly thereafter we found ourselves talking about Alaska. I don’t remember how or why we got on that topic, but it isn’t surprising given that I’ll pick my passenger’s brains on travel tips and destinations any chance I get. I love to ask people where they’re from or what their favorite cities are. This gentleman was originally from Alaska and was surprised I’d been there. Beyond asking where they are from, I love to ask passengers that aren’t originally from Indiana how in the world they ended up here of all places. The man began telling me a story that went something like this…

He'd been married with something like 8 to 12 kids, and at some point, his wife had left him to raise them on his own. Work had him traveling occasionally, and eventually he found himself falling in love with an Alaskan Airlines stewardess. She told him that she would marry him and help him raise his kids, but with the stipulation that they had to move with her to her native state of Ohio. With little hesitation, he agreed. While there, he started a roofing company that grew to employ hundreds of people and generate millions of dollars annually. He became rich. Very rich. But with money came temptation and vice, and he failed to repel them. He fell into a lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and women, eventually losing both his marriage and his fortune. The next thing he knew, he was living on the street and defecating in a bucket. He was at rock bottom and suicidal until someone encouraged him to start the rebuilding process. He began serving the same kind of people he had become while also working towards being a pastor. As he talked, I deduced that the place I had picked him up must’ve been a communal living space for recovering alcoholics or drug addicts. Eventually I pulled up to a restaurant and we parted ways. Multiple times during that conversation he would start choking up and have to collect himself, telling me at one point that it was “just hard to talk about.” I would reassure him that he didn’t have to continue, but each time he would. And I’m thankful he did.

I know there are parts of that story that I’m forgetting or maybe remembering slightly different. It’s been a few years ago now. Regardless, of the thousands of drives I’ve done, that’s one that sticks out to me. What a story. I wonder how he’s doing. If he’s a pastor now. If he’s fallen off the wagon. I always want more time with those kind of people than their destination allows, and would almost be willing to drive around for another 30 minutes or so unpaid just to hear extra commentary. I wonder how many amazing people and stories I’ve forgotten in the nearly 7,000 drives I’ve done. Like the amazing songs I’ll never hear, I wonder how many amazing passengers will never get in my car.

Between the conversations I have with an extremely diverse clientele and the quiet moments when no one else is in my car, my mind is inundated with thoughts. Thanks for letting me share them and for joining me on this introductory post. Feel free to comment or ask any additional questions about a particular experience, or just my experiences in general.

The UBeerOsopher

And now...a haiku:

the greatest classroom

in which i have ever sat

Is a vehicle

"We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learnt to bear its ills without being overcome by them." ~ Carl Jung

[seitmai]

I absolutely loved this and have many thoughts (under the cut)

"Yeah," you verified with a laugh. "We look hot." "An indisputable fact," he whispered as he pretended like you were actually pushing him further out of your way.

Good or him recognizing the facts 😌☝🏻

"What?" His voice was strangled, and his eyes were wide. "That's over a hundred bucks!" "But it's what we want. Isn't it, ladies?" you asked Halo and Phoenix as you tried not to laugh.

Ahaha he got himself into this 🤷🏻‍♀️😅

"Hey, you call or text me if you need anything, okay? I'll keep my phone on all night for you girls." A chill seemed to run through your body, and just the mere thought of you calling him in the middle of the night left his mouth dry with need. Bradley couldn't stop thinking about that sentence. If you ever told him you needed or even wanted him for anything, he'd be there instantly.

God he is so whipped 😅

"Bartenders are supposed to speculate," he told her, ready to climb over the bar and chase her down as she turned away from him to serve the wine. "It's your god given obligation." She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Well, then, merely speculating, I would say that the way the two of you cozy up with each other seems a little more than platonic."

Ahaha love Penny

"'Hi, it's me. I can't answer my phone, probably because I'm flying a seventy million dollar aircraft at the moment. Leave a message.'

Iconic message on the answering machine 😂👏🏻

"Julian, I am very firmly in the friend zone with this hot girl from work, and tonight she sent me this message: Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time." "Bro," Julian said as he hit the accelerator a little harder. "You're so in, man."

Hahah Julian 😂 not helping with Bradley's doubts

And in general, you seemed to have a thing for guys with brown hair who were pretty tall. 

I mean, who can blame her for that? Not me 🤷🏻‍♀️

"Two years in the friend zone? Bro, do you have no game?" "Julian, do not test me right now," Bradley said with a laugh. He held up his thumb and index finger and added, "I was this close to sealing the deal with another girl at the Hard Deck when I got the text from her." "Ohhhh. So you're in love with her. Understood, my man."

I can't 😂 Julian is cracking me up the whole time 😂

"No," he told her, really not in the mood to recount his story again. "I'm looking for some women I work with. "Now Cherry looked downright unconvinced as she asked, "Are you a stripper?"

The way I hollered laughing at that 😂

"Excuse me?" he asked, giving her a much more scathing look. "What's that supposed to mean? I'd be a fantastic stripper." She shook her head and adjusted her tiny underwear. "You don't have the right build for it."

Love Cherry 😂

"Sorry, Mr. Sweet Emotion, but I only take note of the biggest tippers."

Good for her, get that bag 👏🏻

"To be fair," Murph said as he lit up a cigarette, "I think you'd make an okay stripper." "Thank you for that," Bradley told him sincerely as he tapped his rideshare app again, but then he heard a horn honking and looked up. It was Julian, hanging out his car window. He'd waited for him. 

At least Murph and Julian are on Bradley's side 😅

But even Julian sounded disappointed now. "Of course, dude. Anything you want."

Julian is the best! 🫶🏻

Now he just sounded really fucking sad, and for some reason your brain was screaming at you that there was something you were definitely supposed to recall from last night. Something about Bradley. You left him at the Hard Deck after he paid for the Scotch, and then you went to dinner and drank more while you thought about him the whole time. But there was definitely something else.

Honestly that's the worst feeling after a night out, forget the headaches, the anxiety that I forgot something or possibility that I didn't something that I can't 100% remember hits me way worse, hangxiety is my personal enemy 🫠

"Desperately. And if you think you want to see where it goes, we can take it slow, you know?" he asked, his brown eyes hopeful once again. "We don't have to rush into anything crazy." But you knew you were already kind of crazy about him. You had been for a long time. So you whispered, "I think I could fall in love with you," and his lips came crashing to yours. You moaned into his mouth. His lips and his mustache were even better than all those times you'd imagined kissing him. His huge hands were bunching up the fabric of your dress at your hips. You wanted every part of your body to be touching him from now until forever.

Finally!!🥰🥳👏🏻

"Of course," he promised as you kissed along his mustache and across his cheek. "It was enlightening. I learned a lot about myself. Hey, do you think I'd be a good stripper?" "God, Rooster," you groaned just thinking about it. "You'd be an excellent stripper."

Honestly, I agree. The way he sluttly struts with his clothes on big indicator for that ☝🏻

You really weren't positive what he was talking about now, but it didn't matter. His lips were on your neck, and his weight was pressing you down onto your bed, and he was saying the most wonderful thing.

I absolutely LOVED this😍

If you ever feel up to writing mor about them, I would love to read it! Especially if there might be a drabble about a certain open casting 🤭😏

Wild Rooster Chase | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley thinks about you more than he should, and his feelings for you run deeper than they ought to. You've never given him an indication that you want to take the teasing touches and playful flirtation to the next level, so he never pressed his luck. When you surprise him by sending a text message that could change everything, he's ready to chase you all over San Diego for some answers.

Warnings: adult language, fluff, angst, drinking

Length: 5700 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female Reader

Check out my masterlist for more! Banner by @thedroneranger

"What are you ladies doing here?" Bradley asked as you walked in with Halo and Phoenix on either side of you. "Thought tonight was the bachelorette party?"

"The Hard Deck is our first stop of the evening," you informed him as you planted your palm on his chest with a smirk, and he let you push him away from the bar. "We couldn't miss out on letting you guys see how nicely we clean up."

"Oh yeah?" he asked, as if he wasn't actively ogling you in your mini dress and high heels. He'd never been one to hide it, and he'd never been one to check out the other two, either. But that didn't mean he was going to act on it, because he was absolutely convinced this was just a game for you. One that he loved participating in. One that he knew was never going to go anywhere real.

"Yeah," you verified with a laugh. "We look hot."

"An indisputable fact," he whispered as he pretended like you were actually pushing him further out of your way. He'd move wherever you wanted him to, as long as you just kept touching him.

"Shoo," you scolded, looking up at him as your knee bumped his leg. "I need to buy some drinks, and you're in my way."

He covered your hand with his big one and immediately stopped moving. "Nice try, Blaze," he said with a grin as you attempted and failed to get him to budge more. "But I'm definitely buying you all a round for Callie's big night." He tossed his credit card onto the bar and draped one arm around Halo and the other around you before leaning in close to you and whispering, "And you always look nice. Even in your flight suits."

"What can I get for you ladies? And Rooster?" Penny asked, cutting him off just as he had you rolling your eyes. "Wait... he's not going out for Halo's bachelorette night, is he?"

"Absolutely not," you told her, tilting your head to look up at him with a devilish grin that made him a little nervous. His arm was still heavy across your shoulders as you said, "He's just here to buy us three Johnnie Walkers. Blue Label. Neat." 

"What?" His voice was strangled, and his eyes were wide. "That's over a hundred bucks!"

"But it's what we want. Isn't it, ladies?" you asked Halo and Phoenix as you tried not to laugh.

"It is," Halo confirmed. "And I'm the one getting married next weekend." 

When Bradley moaned and nodded at Penny, you gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Rooster. You're the sweetest."

"You mean I'm a sucker," he said, finally releasing both of you. "So where are you headed after this?"

Halo accepted her expensive Scotch as she said, "Cowboy Star for a steak dinner."

Bradley snorted. "Don't forget to take Jake with you," he said, nodding to where the other guys were hanging out near the dart board. 

"No boys allowed," you reminded him. "Especially not since we're taking Halo to Cheetahs after dinner."

"Strippers?" he asked as you picked up your Johnnie Walker. "Looking at hot, naked chicks? Sounds fun. What else?"

"Dancing at Pleasure Town!" Phoenix said, taking the last Scotch and holding it up. You and Halo both tapped your glasses to hers.

"Thanks, Rooster!" you said before taking a sip. He just shook his head as you pressed your lips to the glass, but a few seconds later, he ran his index finger along your arm and leaned a little closer again.

"Hey, you call or text me if you need anything, okay? I'll keep my phone on all night for you girls."

A chill seemed to run through your body, and just the mere thought of you calling him in the middle of the night left his mouth dry with need.

You chewed on your lip and looked up at him. "I'll let you know if I need you."

-----------------------

I'll let you know if I need you.

Bradley couldn't stop thinking about that sentence. If you ever told him you needed or even wanted him for anything, he'd be there instantly. He wasn't afraid to admit to himself that he'd had a crush on you from the first day you arrived at Top Gun. He was sure you knew it, too. But there were some things he just didn't want to mess with. Your call sign was Blaze for a reason, after all. Too fucking hot to handle. Too damn enticing to be interested in him.

So he did what he always did on Saturday nights. Found the second cutest girl at the bar and tried his luck. 

It was two hours later and three drinks in with the redhead, and he knew he could probably get as lucky as he wanted to. Her hand was on his thigh, inching closer to the hem of his tropical print shirt, and she was all smiles.

"Let's play something on the jukebox," she told him, and he agreed as he followed after her. To his dismay, she picked your favorite song, and now he was having a bit of a hard time staying focused on the task at hand as she tucked herself against the wall and pulled him closer by his shirt.

"You like this song?" he asked, glancing at the jukebox like he expected you to be standing there. 

She shrugged and said, "Not really. I just pushed some random buttons," with a little giggle. "Now, come here."

Alright, so her lips were soft, and her tongue tasted like bourbon. She placed his hands on her hips, and he gave a little test squeeze which resulted in her tongue in his mouth. But the song was pulling up some other memories of you and him dancing together on New Year's Eve. When he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket, it was almost a relief to pull away.

"Hey," she complained, reaching for him as he unlocked his phone. "I'm over here, Rooster."

"Sorry," he muttered, looking at her briefly, but he really wasn't. The text he got was from you. He held up one finger and took a step back as he opened it up. 

Blaze: Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time.

"What the fuck?" Bradley said out loud as his eyes scanned the message again. It was a joke. It had to be. Or else he was reading it wrong? "Holy shit."

When he finally looked up, the redhead was pouting with her arms crossed. He needed another opinion, and he'd already lost interest in her anyway. He held up his phone and asked, "What does this mean?"

He watched her eyes as she read it, and a little crease appeared on her forehead. "It says get a life, jerk." She went walking off toward her friends as Bradley looked around for someone else to help him out. The guys were all playing pool and darts, but he didn't trust them as far as he could throw them anyway.

"Hey, Penny," he called out, cutting off several people who were trying to order drinks. He leaned all the way across the bar top to where she was pouring a martini. "Tell me I'm not losing my mind."

When he held up his phone, she squinted at the screen, and then her eyes went wide as she smiled at him. "I think someone overdid it and finally stated the obvious."

He was sweating now, afraid he was going to get this all wrong. "Like you think this is actually how she feels?"

She laughed and handed off the martini before pouring some wine. "Well, I don't want to speculate on someone else's behalf..."

"Bartenders are supposed to speculate," he told her, ready to climb over the bar and chase her down as she turned away from him to serve the wine. "It's your god given obligation."

She glanced at him over her shoulder. "Well, then, merely speculating, I would say that the way the two of you cozy up with each other seems a little more than platonic."

He shook his head. "No, that's probably just me you're reading in the scenario." But she was shaking her head back and forth as well. "It's her, too?" Now she was nodding as she reached for a pint glass. "Like she might actually want to make something happen here?"

"Speculation," Penny told him. "But I think you should find out for sure."

He could call you. He pushed himself away from the bar, found a nice, quieter corner, and he tapped your number in his phone.

'Hi, it's me. I can't answer my phone, probably because I'm flying a seventy million dollar aircraft at the moment. Leave a message.'

"Damn it," he groaned, already thinking about how nice it would be to sling his arm around your shoulders and lean all the way in next time. Let his lips meet yours instead of hitting the brakes like he'd trained himself to do. "Wait!" he said to nobody in particular now that he'd walked away from Penny. "Cowboy Star!"

Bradley had the fortitude to keep his phone out and use the rideshare app he had downloaded. He was definitely not sober enough to do this in the Bronco, and he couldn't stop fantasizing about your song playing on the jukebox while he had your body pressed up against the wall. He needed to get to you and get some questions answered. 

He chose the closest driver in the app, and while he was waiting for Julian in his white Toyota Camry to arrive, he read your text again.

Blaze: Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time.

"Is she so serious right now?" he asked the night air as he wanted in the parking lot. "Is she so fucking serious about this? I think about it, too!  A lot!" he practically shouted as he responded to your text.

Blaze, call me back. Are you talking about a kiss on the cheek? Or something more? We need to discuss ASAP.

"Hey, are you Bradley?"

He looked up to see the white Toyota was just sitting there. You had his head so messed up at the moment, he hadn't even noticed it.

"Julian?"

"Yeah, man," the driver replied, and Bradley quickly climbed in the backseat. "You're heading to Cowboy Star?"

"Yeah," he grunted as he buckled his seatbelt.

"I love it there," he said as he pulled out onto the road that ran parallel to the beach. "My wife got me the porterhouse for my birthday."

Bradley stared at his phone screen, hoping you'd write back or call him. "I'm not actually going for dinner. I'm trying to find a girl."

Julian whistled and shook his head. "Man, you should have just stayed at that bar."

He tipped his head back and groaned. "It's a very specific girl. And she's out with some friends for a bachelorette party."

"You know dudes aren't really supposed to go to those things, right?"

Bradley rubbed his free hand across his face and said, "I know, but she sent me this text that is very thought provoking." 

"What's it say?"

He kind of felt like an idiot telling his story to his Uber driver, but he still wasn't sure he was understanding your words correctly. It just didn't make sense. 

"Julian, I am very firmly in the friend zone with this hot girl from work, and tonight she sent me this message: Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time."

"Bro," Julian said as he hit the accelerator a little harder. "You're so in, man."

"Am I?" Bradley asked, squeezing his phone and wondering why you weren't calling him back. "Like, this girl is smoking hot. She's cool as hell, too. And we flirt a bit, but it never goes anywhere. And now she's not answering me."

"Just hang on." Julian went a little faster still. "I'll get you there so you can sweep her off her feet."

Bradley hung onto the door handle, not even sure he knew how to sweep you off your feet. What kinds of guys did you usually go for? He'd be lying if he said he never noticed that your last boyfriend kind of looked like him. And in general, you seemed to have a thing for guys with brown hair who were pretty tall. 

"Shit," he grunted, just torturing himself by imagining he could be the one holding your hand and making you laugh. "Are we almost there?"

"Hell yeah, dude. Next block up."

When Julian stopped at to the curb, Bradley lunged out onto the sidewalk as he shouted, "Thank you!"

"Good luck!"

The restaurant was absolutely packed, and even the line to talk to the host was long. After a few seconds, he simply walked to the front and cut everyone else off.

"Hey!" complained the woman who was now behind him as he cleared his throat and addressed the host. 

"Excuse me, but do you know if there are still three hot women here eating dinner together?" he asked the host who gave him a bland look. "They were all in tight little dresses. One was red, one was blue, and one was like a gold color. And one of them was wearing a bachelorette sash!"

"Oh," he replied with a little smirk. "Those three." Bradley didn't appreciate the way his little grin grew as he said, "Hot is certainly the right word to describe them."

"Are they still here?" he asked impatiently, trying to look past him into the dining room now.

"No. They left about an hour ago."

"Fuck," he groaned, pushing away from the podium and storming back outside into the night. He found a spot on the busy sidewalk where he could stand, and he tried to call you again. 

'Hi, it's me. I can't answer my phone, because I'm probably flying a seventy million dollar aircraft at the moment. Leave a message.'

He wanted to scream, but he calmly said, "Blaze, it's Rooster. Call me back." When he hung up, he opened the rideshare app again, and he luckily saw Julian on the map immediately and tapped on his little icon. "Come on, Julian," he muttered, already looking down the street for the trusty Toyota to make its return. "Yes!"

Bradley threw himself into the backseat once again as the driver asked, "That was quick, bro. What happened?"

"They already left for the strip club," he groaned.

"Cheetahs?" Julian asked, tapping at his own phone before he started driving again. "Not gonna pretend I've never been there before."

Bradley tried to call you again, and once again he got to hear your voice tell him you weren't available. "I just don't understand why she's telling me this now, you know? I've known her for almost two years."

"Two years in the friend zone? Bro, do you have no game?"

"Julian, do not test me right now," Bradley said with a laugh. He held up his thumb and index finger and added, "I was this close to sealing the deal with another girl at the Hard Deck when I got the text from her."

"Ohhhh. So you're in love with her. Understood, my man."

Bradley sat back against the seat and stared out the window as the city lights streaked past. In love. Was he? You always seemed too perfect to get involved with. But love? Is that why he never pushed for more? 

"Damn," he muttered. "Maybe." Was the fear of crashing and burning what was ultimately holding him back? 

That was when Julian pulled a slick u-turn and coasted into the parking lot of Cheetahs which was advertising fully nude girls. He should have been concerned that suddenly the only girl he wanted to see that way was you. "Thanks, Julian," he said as he hopped out and slammed the door closed.

"You got this!"

Well at least Julian thought he could pull off something impossible tonight.

"Whoa, I'm going to need to see some ID." 

Bradley realized that his path was suddenly blocked by an absolutely massive bouncer with a bushy beard. 

"Come on," he complained, digging his wallet out of his back pocket. "I'm thirty-five."

"No ID, no entrance."

"Yeah, yeah. Understood," he said trying to get his driver's license free as one of the strippers walked outside for a break. He craned his neck to see through the open door as the loud music filtered out before the door closed.

"Hey, Cherry," the bouncer grunted, and Bradley looked down at the stripper who was leaning against the wall wearing a pink wig, the tiniest g-string and some pasties. 

She was looking at Bradley a little skeptically as she replied, "Hey, Murph." She kicked a rock out into the parking lot as she told Bradley, "You're getting here awfully late. All of the private rooms have been reserved for the rest of the night."

"I'm not here for that. I'm just looking for some girls," he replied, waiting patiently while Murph inspected his ID.

"Yeah," she said with a laugh. "We've got plenty of those. The hottest ones in San Diego, if you believe the neon sign above your head."

"No," he told her, really not in the mood to recount his story again. "I'm looking for some women I work with."

Now Cherry looked downright unconvinced as she asked, "Are you a stripper?"

Bradley accepted his driver's license back and gave Cherry a hesitant look. "Well, no, I'm not."

"Didn't think so," she muttered, and Bradley stopped in his tracks before he even reached for the door handle.

"Excuse me?" he asked, giving her a much more scathing look. "What's that supposed to mean? I'd be a fantastic stripper."

She shook her head and adjusted her tiny underwear. "You don't have the right build for it."

Bradley burst out into sardonic laughter. "Cherry, you must be joking," he said as he tucked his wallet away and flexed his biceps. "I could totally be a stripper."

"What song would you dance to?" she asked in an accusatory tone. 

"Sweet Emotion," he told her immediately. Yeah, he'd thought about it before, and yeah, he knew he'd absolutely kill it up on stage. But she just made a face in response. "What's wrong with my song?"

"Nothing, I guess, but there's no way you'd be raking in the tip money."

Bradley pointed across the parking lot to Hard D Boys, the male club that was associated with Cheetahs, and said, "Just for that, I'm coming back for their open auditions night, because you have no idea what you're talking about." She shrugged, and he shook his head. "I don't have time for this. Have you seen three hot women? A red dress, a blue dress and a gold dress? Like short dresses?" he asked, tapping his thigh with his hand to indicate that your dress left little to his imagination. "They are like around this tall?" he added, sticking his hand in the air around your height.

"Sorry, Mr. Sweet Emotion, but I only take note of the biggest tippers."

Bradley groaned and pushed the door open, and the music was so loud, it wasn't even worth trying to ask the bartenders if they'd seen you. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the dark, he walked around the cavernous club, trying to locate you three, but it was mostly men. And then he had the disturbing thought that maybe some guys tried to pick you up.

"Why are you doing this to me, Blaze?" he whispered to himself as he walked back through every corner he could find. He even asked a woman to check if you were in the ladies' restroom. He came up empty handed again. 

"God damn it," he said once he was back outside with Murph.

"To be fair," Murph said as he lit up a cigarette, "I think you'd make an okay stripper."

"Thank you for that," Bradley told him sincerely as he tapped his rideshare app again, but then he heard a horn honking and looked up. It was Julian, hanging out his car window. He'd waited for him. 

"She's not here?"

"No, Julian. She's not here!" he said as he rushed toward the Toyota and climbed in.

"Well, where are we going next?"

Bradley closed his eyes and thought about what Phoenix had said earlier at the Hard Deck. "Pleasure Town. They were going dancing at Pleasure Town."

"On it," Julian told him and shifted into drive.

It was after midnight now. Pleasure Town wasn't too far away, but he'd be lucky to even find you in there on the weekend. But if he did, you'd be dancing like crazy with the biggest smile on your face, pretending you liked the music they were playing while you thought about your own playlists instead. You'd be drinking some neon colored cocktail and trying to talk the girls into leaving to get cookies from that place that was open all night. You'd maybe even be checking your phone and finally, finally texting him back.

"Yeah, you're right, Julian."

"About what, my man?"

Bradley rubbed his hands over his face. "I'm in love with her."

Julian reached his arm back at a red light, and Bradley fist bumped him. "Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! I could tell right away. Don't worry. We'll find her."

But it got harder to be hopeful the longer he was in the dance club. There was barely any room to walk around, and there were dozens of women in little dresses that looked like the one you were wearing, but none of them had your face or your smile. You weren't here. 

He stood on the dance floor and read your text one more time.

Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time.

He wanted to know what kissing you would feel like. Now that you opened his mind to something more, he'd never be able to stop thinking about it. But this time, he let himself finally focus on the word regret in your message.You'd regret what you said in the morning. He knew you; he knew you would never go for the idea sober. But he texted you one more time anyway.

Blaze, please call me when you get this. It doesn't matter what time it is. Just call.

When he walked back out into the cool, night air, Julian was right there at the curb waiting with a hopeful look on his face. "Bro, is she here?" When Bradley didn't respond, his face melted into sadness. "Or did she say the 'just friends' shit?"

"She's not here," he replied, once again climbing in the back of the now familiar car.

"We going somewhere else now? The pursuit continues?"

Bradley grimaced and said, "I think I should just throw in the towel and regroup. Can you take me back to the Hard Deck? I'm definitely sober enough to drive home now."

But even Julian sounded disappointed now. "Of course, dude. Anything you want."

"Thanks," Bradley grunted, watching as the city lights faded a bit as they got closer to the beach. When Julian parked near the Bronco, he said, "I appreciate all your help tonight."

He gave Bradley another fist bump. "You gotta start fresh tomorrow, man. And you can't leave me hanging, okay? I need a wedding invitation."

Bradley chuckled as he climbed out for the last time. "I'm about to leave you the biggest tip."

He tapped two hundred bucks into the app as Julian drove off shouting, "Good luck!"

With nothing else he could do right now, he climbed in the Bronco, cranked the engine and started to drive himself home for the night. He was tempted to swing by your place or at least try to call you one more time, but he decided to let you get some sleep before you started to regret your message. That way he'd have a little more time with this hopeful feeling in his chest.

----------------------------

There was pounding. There was so much pounding. Maybe someone turned the music up even louder at Cheetahs? Or were you at Pleasure Town now? "Make them turn it down," you moaned, trying to cover your ears. That's when you realized you were in your bed. At home. Someone was knocking on your front door.

"Wait," you croaked as loudly as you could, your ears still buzzing from the loud music all night long. The bachelorette evening had been highly successful. Halo had a great time. But now you were hungover and not in the mood to deal with anyone. 

As you climbed out of bed, you grabbed your phone from the nightstand to check the time. The battery was almost dead, and you had a bunch of missed texts and calls, but you couldn't even focus on that until the pounding ceased.

"Please stop," you whined, flinging your door open before you even checked to see who it was. When you saw him it felt like someone poured warm caramel sauce on your heart or shoved you hard into a wall made out of soft foam: he always made you feel good and gooey and squishy in the most heart pounding, confusing way. "Rooster."

When he moved slightly, he stopped blocking the sunlight behind him and you squinted your eyes and groaned as you took a step back. "Blaze," he said in that raspy as sin voice as he blessedly closed your front door behind him. "You have a hangover."

You nodded, but even that was too much. "What gave it away?" you asked him softly, still holding your phone.

He snorted. "Well, for starters, you're still wearing your dress from last night."

"Oh." You hadn't realized that as you looked down at yourself for confirmation. "We went pretty hard. I can't even remember much after you bought us the Johnnie Walker at the Hard Deck."

He remained quiet until you looked back up at his face. "You... remember texting me?" His tone was one you'd never heard before, and it took you a few seconds to realize he was nervous. On edge. Hesitant. He was never any of those things with you, and you didn't like this at all.

"I texted you?" When you lifted your phone higher, you started to wonder why he hadn't hugged you when you opened the door. He usually always did. He swallowed hard, and you watched the scars along his neck as his Adam's apple bobbed.

"You really don't remember?"

Now he just sounded really fucking sad, and for some reason your brain was screaming at you that there was something you were definitely supposed to recall from last night. Something about Bradley. You left him at the Hard Deck after he paid for the Scotch, and then you went to dinner and drank more while you thought about him the whole time. But there was definitely something else.

"No. I really don't remember," you whispered, annoyed with yourself. You felt like it was somehow your fault that his lips were pressed in a tight line and his brow was creased.

"It's not important," he replied, all businesslike now. "Can I see your phone for a minute?"

"Yeah," you told him, handing it over and watching while he punched in your passcode. "What did you end up doing all night?"

He sighed and looked at you. "I ended up following you around to no avail."

"Why?" you asked, still clearly missing a piece of this whole puzzle as he started tapping your phone screen with his thumb. 

"That's not important either," he whispered, and you decided you didn't like any of this. 

You snatched your phone out of his hand and wrapped your arms around his neck. Almost reluctantly, he hugged you back before reaching his hand up to where you were holding your phone, trying to get it again. "What do you want my phone for so badly?"

He was acting strange, and when he said nothing in response, you lunged out of his grasp and tapped on your text thread with him. 

"Blaze," he barked out, but it was too late. You read what you'd sent him last night.

Full disclosure, I'm drunk. And I'll probably regret this in the morning, but... I think about kissing you all the time.

"Oh my god!" you screeched. "I didn't delete that?! I hit send!" You couldn't even meet his eyes now as you tried to figure out how to get him to leave so you could cry in peace.

"Blaze, it's okay," he promised, but you knew it wasn't.

"You were going to delete that message. And the ones you sent to me after it," you accused. "Weren't you?" When he just stared at you silently, you realized he was trying to save you from being embarrassed, but it was way too late for that. He didn't want you. He was never going to want you.

"No hard feelings," he said softly. "Go ahead and delete it yourself. We can pretend this never happened."

"No hard feelings?" you practically wailed, afraid you were going to cry in front of him. "I just ruined everything. You were never supposed to know how I feel about you, Bradley."

As soon as you ducked your head away from him, his fingers were under your chin tipping your face up so you were looking him in his impossibly endearing brown eyes. "I need you to explain this to me. Okay?" He took your phone gently from your hand and held it up with the message displayed. "Please, Blaze. Did you mean it? Is that how you think about me?" When you nodded slightly, he readjusted his hand on your face so he was cupping your cheek instead. "Baby, I followed you everywhere last night. I called you and texted you and rode around in a white Toyota with Julian for hours on end."

"Who's Julian?" you ask softly as Bradley slid your phone into his jeans pocket.

"He's my new friend," he replied, which cleared up exactly nothing for you. "I went on this insane chase from Cowboy Star to Cheetahs to Pleasure Town just to try find out if there was even the slightest chance that you really meant what you said."

He closed the distance between your bodies as he stroked his thumb along your cheek. "It was supposed to be my little secret," you whispered. "I just typed it out to see how it would look. I read it in my head and imagined how you might take it. It was supposed to get deleted. You were never supposed to know."

"Is it really so bad that I do?"

His question hung in the air between you, and once again you nodded. "Yes, Bradley. Yes, because it's going to complicate everything now. Work, and our friends, and hanging out at the bar. It's all ruined. Because you'll never look at me the same way you used to."

"Blaze," he rasped. "Baby, I don't want to look at you the same way I used to. Like I was never going to measure up. Like I could never be what you wanted."

You gasped as your eyes went wide. "What are you saying?"

He groaned and pressed his lips to your forehead, and you melted against him. "I'm saying that I chased you all over the city last night hoping like hell that you meant what you said. And that you didn't regret it."

Your head was spinning, but not from the hangover as you thought about how it could feel to be with this man. "You want this?" you asked in awe as your hands eased up along his chest to slip around his neck again.

"Desperately. And if you think you want to see where it goes, we can take it slow, you know?" he asked, his brown eyes hopeful once again. "We don't have to rush into anything crazy."

But you knew you were already kind of crazy about him. You had been for a long time. So you whispered, "I think I could fall in love with you," and his lips came crashing to yours. You moaned into his mouth. His lips and his mustache were even better than all those times you'd imagined kissing him. His huge hands were bunching up the fabric of your dress at your hips. You wanted every part of your body to be touching him from now until forever.

This was how good it felt when you and he stopped pulling your punches. When you both stopped pumping the brakes. You raked your hands through his wavy hair, gasping for breath as you asked, "Did you really try to find me last night?"

"Of course," he promised as you kissed along his mustache and across his cheek. "It was enlightening. I learned a lot about myself. Hey, do you think I'd be a good stripper?"

"God, Rooster," you groaned just thinking about it. "You'd be an excellent stripper."

"I fucking knew it," he grunted, half guiding you and half carrying you to your bedroom. "Listen, we should cuddle right now, but I'm going to need you to come to Hard D Boys with me one night. I'm pretty sure it's just to prove a point, but you never know."

You really weren't positive what he was talking about now, but it didn't matter. His lips were on your neck, and his weight was pressing you down onto your bed, and he was saying the most wonderful thing.

"I know for sure I could fall in love with you."

-----------------------------

He's such a simp, he would chase you anywhere. Imagine taking your brand new boyfriend to his stripper audition just because he has to prove a point. I mean, I wouldn't complain lol. Thanks for reading! And thanks to @beyondthesefourwalls and @thedroneranger

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

@solacestyles

@daisyhollyxox

@blog-name6996

@bcon24

@avada-kedavra-bitch-187

@katiebby04

@marantha

@averyhotchner

@abaker74

@heli991113

@k-k0129

@noz4a2

@shanimallina87

@ccbb2222

@xoxabs88xox

@cherrycola27

@fanboyswhore9

@xomrsalliej4787xo

@desert-fern

@horseslovers2016

@mattyskies

@hookslove1592

@blahehblah

@sadpetalsstuff

@local-spidey

@schoollover

@lex-winchester

@nicole01-23

@jessicab1991

@happyrebelruins

@samsgoddess

@bellaireland1981

@sagittarius-flowerchild

@mygyn

@yuckosworld

@daggerspare-standingby

@nessjo

@trickphotography2

@lyn-js

@furiousladyking

@godsfavoritebabe

@bethabear12

@halo-mystic

@sherlockstrangewolf

@theamuz

@khaylin27