AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What?”
“Yeah,” he snorts. “Apparently, having a girlfriend would make me less likely to take off. It’s their way of controlling.” He shakes his head in annoyance. “And we both know that they won’t approve of just anyone.”
“I’ll help you in any way I can,” I offer.
“I’m already counting on that,” he smirks. I’m afraid of what plan he’ll come up with, but I’d do anything for my brother. My parents aren’t being fair.
“So, what are you planning for Lex’s visit?”
I tell him my ideas and the places I want to take her and ask him for suggestions as someone who isn’t a New York resident.
We talk about the showing I had today and the likelihood of the condo selling at the owner’s asking price. Then, I get more information about Tristan’s ideas for his non-profit organization. It’s been so long since we’ve had this much time together, and it makes me realize how much I miss having my brother permanently in my life.
By the time we finish eating and get home, I’m ready to change and call my girl. It’s been a long day, and all I want is to hear her sweet voice, see her smile, and listen to her speak. I turn on the candle she gave me and press her contact on my phone. Then, I settle into bed, crossing my legs at the ankles, and prop my phone on a pillow using a stand.
“Hey,” Lex answers with a huge smile.
“Hi, how are you?”
“Good. Are you in bed already?” She narrows her eyes as if that’d give her a better view of my space.
“Yeah,” I chuckle. “Wanted to be comfy, and I turned on your candle. Soon, my room will smell like you, and I could pretend you’re here.”
“Hudson…” she sighs. “Almost eight days.”
“Can’t get here soon enough,” I tell her.
Right now, I could use her warmth and peace in my home. I could use a hug from her, a kiss. I want to be close to her, breathe her in. I miss her more than I allow myself to realize. My priority is getting my career on track so I can decide what direction I want it to take. If my father is this adamant about keeping me away from Lex, he definitely won’t be on board with me moving back to Hartville and managing the office there.
28
Lex
The stress from the last week crushes me, and I blink my eyes to stay awake. I’m almost in New York City, and the drive has been interminable. Mostly because of my tiredness and anticipation to see Hudson.
The days passed rather slowly as I started up work again and spent my evenings video chatting with him. As nice as that is, I would catch myself looking out the big window at the studio expecting to see him, turning my head when the door to the coffee shop would open in case it was him. It was disheartening, but I’ll see him in less than an hour. I just need to battle New York City traffic first, which gives me anxiety going from all the movies and shows I’ve seen.
I drive down the highway that rounds the city, and I stare in awe. These aren’t skyscrapers; they’re universe scrapers. Wow. The monstrous buildings create an outline in the sky a few miles before me, and the ocean ripples to my left.
“Take the next exit.” My navigation app informs me.
“Oh, cannoli…” I switch my turning signal, focus on the road again and not the city that lies before me. My fists grip the steering wheel as horns blast around me. I go slow, not wanting to get lost or in an accident.
No one lets me get to my exit, and my heart thunders.
“Do you want me to stop in the middle of the highway until you let me pass?” I yell inside my car as if the offending drivers moving past me could hear me.
I’m going to get a massage after this drive. Finally, a kind soul lets me pass, and I swerve onto the exit, slamming on my breaks when I see the line of cars in front of me. My breath swooshes out of me, and I slump back in my seat.
My navigation app keeps directing me through the flow of traffic—right and then left, straight for point four miles. As if I know what distance point four miles is.
“I just want to arrive at my destination.” I have never driven in such a busy city before, and this is like a no-mercy, dive-head-first first experience. Goodness gracious, I wonder if I could convince Hudson to drive me out of the city on the way back home.
My phone rings, and I accidentally answer it on Bluetooth.
“Can’t talk right now.” I sound panicked to my own ears. It’s probably my parents checking in.
A deep chuckle makes me pause, and I glance at the screen before looking back to the road.
