Page 42 of Destined for Him

“You okay?”

I press my lips together and climb into the back of his car, jamming my belt in.

“The sooner we leave, the better.”

Tommy chuckles and raises his brows, shooting another glance at my mom.

“Hey, if you want to talk about anything, you can. I’m a good listener.”

I raise my eyes to meet his before he shuts my door.

“Good to know. Thanks.”

Mom insists on playing old music that takes her back to her youth, and she and Tommy sing along while we drive.

The knot in my stomach eases when a sign tells us we’re leaving town, and I relax a little more.

The city never appealed to me like it did Ivy, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if it’s something I should look into.

I’ll meet more people, and that’s never a bad thing. Maybe I can study something and work evenings and weekends. Get myself a little apartment—

“Your choice, Shelby. Wanna stop for a coffee?” Tommy gazes at me in the rearview, and I shrug.

“I’m not bothered. Keep going or stop; it’s up to you guys.”

Kevin said he’d come with me to see Ivy. It doesn’t matter that we fell out—he hasn’t seen Ivy or Griffin in a while. The more I think about it, the more annoyed I get.

Why has he let this fuck everything up?

I take a deep breath and watch the landscape change from country to city, dozing off when the car rocks me to sleep.

“Hey, sleepyhead. We’re in the city!” Mom gushes, her eyes shining.

“What’s Ivy’s address?” Tommy asks, his finger hovering over the sat nav screen.

I search my phone for the text from Ivy and mumble it to him, repeating her zip code until he gets it right. Soon the car is moving again, and this time, I pay attention.

Tall buildings block out most of the sunlight, and every corner has a coffee store or bar. Clothing stores line the streets, and I can’t help but stare at how people are dressed here. Most men are in shirts and chinos, but I’ve spotted some in full suits.

Yum.

The women are immaculately made up with heels that could make you weep, their makeup applied with such precision I can’t help but wonder if they’ve got assistants or something to help them dress in the morning.

We soon reach a residential area and pull up alongside a red brick building with ice-white windows.

“Here we are; this must be it,” Tommy declares, peering up at it. “You know, if it gets a little crowded there, you can always stay with us.”

Mom nods her agreement, but her smile is tight.

I get it; she wants some time alone with Tommy.

“I’ll be fine. Can you pop the trunk?” I lean forward to kiss Mom, but Tommy is already out of the car, grabbing my bag for me.

“Such a gentleman,” Mom says with delight as he opens my door. “Love you, baby. Call if you need me.”

I flash her a smile and then step out, taking my bag from Tommy.

“Don’t I get a kiss?” Tommy leans forward, offering his cheek.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com