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“So, Amber,” Rose begins, her tone gentle, “how are you feeling about the move? It’s a big step, taking Alex to Japan.”
I let out a breath, thinking about the big changes ahead. “It’s a blend of both excitement and worry. Japan seems amazing, and I’m eager to explore it with Alex. But it’s also a little scary, you know? Beginning a new chapter in a place far from home.”
Rose nods sympathetically, her dark eyes filled with understanding. “You’ve always been so independent, Amber, but this is a whole new level. Just remember, I’m only a phone call away if you ever need anything.”
I squeeze Rose’s arm in gratitude. “I know, and I appreciate it more than you can imagine.”
Our conversation shifts to the topic of my love life, or the lack thereof. It’s a subject that I haven’t dwelled on too often, preferring to focus on my career and caring for Alex. But Rose, as always, doesn’t let it slide.
“You know, Amber,” Rose teases with a playful glint in her eye, “you’ve been single for a while now. Are you sure you’re not letting life pass you by?”
I laugh, my cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. “Rose, my life is more about Alex and work right now. Besides, I’m not even sure where I’d find the time for dating.”
Rose chuckles, clearly unconvinced. “Well, just remember, love can surprise you when you least expect it.”
“Come on. Who’s possessed my friend with a love therapist?” I cry out. We both let out loud laughs, Rose crouching, hands on her knees.
“But for real,” Rose says, recovering from the laughter, “I really need a man for my friend.” She’s looking into my eyes with a joker’s smile. “So, you could bring home some Caucasian sweetness,” she adds, licking her lips. “Yummy.”
“Stop it.” I pat her shoulder. “Speaking of yummy, my tummy’s dancing.”
“Me too.”
We continue our exploration of Times Square, the intoxicating scent of street food wafting through the air, tempting our taste buds. We follow our noses to a colorful taco stand, the savory aroma irresistible.
I order a couple of tacos for myself and Rose. The vendor assembles them with skill, loading them with a medley of ingredients. The first bite is a burst of flavor, a tantalizing blend of spices and textures. Rose and I indulge in our street food feast, savoring each bite as we reminisce about our high school days, the crazy adventures we’ve shared, and the enduring bond of our friendship.
The taco stand transforms into a dance floor as a talented street performer captivates the crowd with his music. Rose and I join in, our laughter ringing out as we dance and twirl in the heart of the open space. For a moment, the world fades away, and it’s just the two of us, lost in the rhythm of the city.
As the night deepens, the neon lights continue to shine brightly, casting a luminous glow on the unforgettable moments Rose and I share. Soon, I would be hanging on a rope of adventure. Whether it will be cut or not, I don’t yet know.
Chapter Six
Derrick
Isettleintothecab, the leather seats cool against my back as I watch the driver take me through streets in a swivel, and to the airport. The city rushes past in a blur, a cacophony of horns and sirens, a constant reminder that time never stops. New York is as vibrant as ever, but my mind is miles away. I’ve just flown in from Tennessee, and now I’m boarding a flight back to Japan. The constant motion of my life leaves little time for reflection.
The drive to the airport is a whirlwind of emotions. The towering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, the endless stream of yellow taxis—a little slice of America, swoosh past. Each passing landmark serves as a silent farewell, a reminder of the life I’d once built here.
As we approach the airport, the traffic thickens, and my anticipation grows. I’ve always been a man of few possessions, and my luggage reflects that. Two small, carry-on bags and a laptop case are all I have with me for the journey.
We pull up to the bustling airport entrance, and I hand the driver some cash before stepping out. The airport is a hive of activity, noisy with voices and rolling luggage. Travelers rushing to-and-fro, each with their own destination and purpose. I navigate the crowds with ease, years of traveling honing my ability to move efficiently. The familiar scent of jet fuel and the drone of announcements over the intercom fill the air, a symphony of travel.
I breeze through the check-in process, a well-practiced routine. My flight to Japan awaits, and I make my way to the gate. The airport is a melting pot of cultures and languages, a testament to the global nature of modern life.
As I approach the gate, I’m greeted by a chorus of smiles from the flight attendants.They’re too nice, I think to myself, but I offer a polite nod in return. One of them, a young woman with a flirtatious glint in her eye, steps forward.
“Hello there,” she says, her voice honeyed with charm. “Welcome aboard. My name’s Emily. Is there anything I can assist you with?”
I give her a tight-lipped smile, not one to indulge in idle conversation. “I’m all set, thank you.”
Emily doesn’t seem deterred by my curt response. She leans in a bit closer, her gaze unwavering. “Well, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
I raise an eyebrow, my tone laced with sarcasm. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She saunters away, leaving me to find my seat. The plane is surprisingly full for a mid-week flight, but I locate my seat in an empty row near the back. It’s a stroke of luck, or perhaps a way of being granted some peace and solitude.
I settle into my seat by the window on the plane, and two empty seats sit ahead of me, leaving me a bit more space to stretch out. I can’t help but replay my conversation with Emily in my mind. Her flirtatious demeanor is nothing new, and I’ve become adept at deflecting such advances. It’s a skill I’ve honed over the years, a protective armor I wear to keep the world at bay.
