AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sputter, trying to contain my laughter. I know Lucas isn’t always a jerk, but right now all I want to do is laugh. I cover my mouth, allowing the giggles to take over.
“It’s not that funny,” says Alex while smiling widely. “Although, I’m happy to see you feel a bit better.”
“Oh, I feel absolutely terrible.”
Alex gives my hand a gentle squeeze again. “You can tell me. I guess things with you and Lucas haven’t been perfect?”
I groan and press my free hand to my forehead. “It’s not just him.” I sigh. “I mean, yeah, this is our second fight, but things haven’t been what I thought they would be.”
Alex’s brows pinch together. “Like how?”
I make a face, not knowing if I should spill my guts to Seth’s arch rival and Lucas’s kinda friend. Staring into his blue eyes, I feel as if all my pain is being absorbed. I’m too weak to say no.I open my mouth, knowing once I start, I will never stop. “Paris just isn’t what I expected it to be. The internship program is hard.”
Alex shrugs. “That makes sense. Good jobs and programs are supposed to be hard.”
I wince, already hating myself for I’m about to say. “Well, I ended up skipping an afternoon to go to Samuel Allen’s firm. You know, to do some photography for him. He’s trying to do some advertising on Nstagram.” I chuckle and run a hand through my hair. “I guess he wants to come off more modern and hip.” I grimace, recalling the words he said to me in his office.
“I have a feeling Lucas will drop you eventually. Better sooner rather than later.”
“Did he do anything to you?”
I turn to Alex and I see that horror in his gaze. “No,” I say quickly, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. “He didn’t do anything to me.”
Alex’s eyes narrow. “Really?”
I nod. “Really. It’s more of what he said. It’s kinda in line with what his mother said to me before, as well.”
Alex chuckles. “Oh, so you met the great Christina Brent, did you? That must have been interesting.”
I frown. “It was terrible.”
Alex scoffs. “Oh, I can definitely believe it.” He shudders, and his hand slips from mine, running through his hair. “She’s always trying to see what she can get out of a situation. She’s a bit of a drunk, but she’s surprisingly smart. What did she say to you?”
“Oh, pretty much that I’m nothing and Lucas will drop me eventually.” I shrug. “Samuel said about the same thing, although a little less cruel. More like I’m too driven.”
Alex rolls his eyes, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “Oh my God, these people.” He shakes his head. “If I didn’t have running, I wonder if I would turn out to be just like them.”
The taxi stops and Alex opens the door, offering me a hand and helping out onto the sidewalk. I turn towards the apartment, frowning while my gaze travels all the way up to the top floor, wondering if Hunter is sleeping and if Seth is out for another run. The door slams shut, and I turn around to say goodbye to Alex, but I stop, my heart nearly leaping into my throat when I see the taxi driving off and Alex still on the sidewalk.
“Aren’tyou-”
“I’ll walk you up,” says Alex with a soft smile. “I wouldn’t want you getting kidnapped on your way inside.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You watch too many movies.”
Alex scoffs. “I do not,” he says while striding towards the door and typing in the code.
I blink, worry sinking into me before I realize Alex is a family friend. He’s probably been to this place hundreds of times. Of course he knows the apartment code to get inside. I watch him pull the door open, holding it for me while giving me a wink. “After you, my dear.”
I chuckle while shaking my head, striding inside. The lights flicker on at my movement. My gaze settles on the elevator, blinking away tears as I recall that barely two hours ago Lucas and I were right here. I had thought this was going to be a magical night.
So much for that.
Alex strides past me, but I remain glued in place, wondering if it’s better to go for a walk in the park, clear my mind. Part of me wants to go for a run with Seth and talk about the fight, but I know he’s training for the marathon. He won’t want to slow his pace for me.
“Rachel?” Alex asks while standing in front of the elevator, his brows furrowing as he watches me. “You’re not going to cry again are you? I don’t have another handkerchief.”
I sniff and wipe my eyes. “No,” I say, my voice cracking.
