“No, no, no.” She shakes her head adamantly. “This building is safer with top notch security and amenities. It’ll give you and Molly more space and feels like a home. A dorm is not a home.”
I laugh, finishing the last of my eggs. “Whatever you say. It’s beautiful.”
I won’t lie, I love the modern kitchen. It’s not huge but it has everything I need and then some.
“Well, I’ll let you go. I’m sure you need to get ready.”
I don’t bother asking what she possibly thinks I’d need to get ready for. “Okay, love you. Tell Dad I love him.”
“Love you, Emmie, and I will.”
The call ends and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
Looking down at my holey sleep shirt I realize I do need to change. Even if I don’t go anywhere, I don’t think I want to spend the entire day in an old shirt and cotton shorts.
Changing into a pair of the jeans and a tank top I figure that’s good enough. At least, it’s all the effort I’m willing to put in right now.
My phone chimes and I see a text from my brother. I can’t stop my instant smile when I open it and see the selfie of him in Central Park. My brother prefers the country, but he said this year he was going to make an effort to visit major cities.
Me: How long are you there for?
Atlas: As long as I feel like it.
Me: I should’ve known.
Atlas: You should visit.
Me: Let me pencil that into my schedule.
Atlas: Haha. Classes haven’t started. Hop on a train.
I shake my head in amusement. Atlas’s free spirit allows him to do things spur of the moment, but I don’t share that gene.
Me: No, but thanks for the offer.
Atlas: Party pooper.
Me: Every party has one.
My phone starts ringing, flashing the photo I have set for Atlas’s contact.
“Hello?” I answer, my tone inquisitive as to why he decided to call.
“Promise me something, Em.”
“Uh … why?”
“Just promise me. It’s not bad.”
“Fine,” I groan, rolling my eyes, but also secretly amused by my brother. “I promise. Now tell me exactly what I’ve sold my soul to this time?”
He chuckles on the other line. “Just that you promise to spend your time at college exploring who you are. Take risks. Have new experiences. I know getting on a train and coming to New York is a bit much for you but take those baby steps that get you out there. Life isn’t a perfect straight line, Emmie. It’s when you veer off course that you find yourself.”
“You’ve been going to too many poetry readings.”
“No, I’m being honest. Spread your wings. That’s all I want for you, sis.”
“I’ll do my best,” and surprisingly I mean it, I’m not just placating him.
“Do your best and then some. I have to go.”
“Don’t wreak too much havoc up there in the city. I know they can handle a lot but that was before you came along.”
“So little faith in me,” he scoffs. “Bye, Em.”
“I love you,” I say but he’s already hung up.
Two seconds later a text comes through from him.
I love you too. Now go be bad.
Chapter Seven
I don’t know how it happens, but it becomes an unspoken agreement between Hayden and I to spend most evenings together. Some nights we have dinner, and he goes home. Others we pop popcorn and gorge ourselves on snacks while watching movies.
We both seem to enjoy the other’s company and I find myself feeling at ease in his presence. Sure, I still find him attractive but that seems to fade into the background with how comfortable I find myself with him.
“Okay, serious question.” I pause for dramatic effect. Hayden’s lips twitch, trying to keep a straight face and not appear amused by my enthusiasm. “Is Home Alone overrated?”
“Absolutely.”
My jaw drops, my hands flying to my face in a poor impression of Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. “Blasphemy.” I shake my head, ashamed of his answer. “That’s a classic. My family watches it on Christmas Eve every year.”
I smile to myself, remembering one year when we were little, and my mom found my brother in the garage trying to pull paint cans off the shelf to make a contraption like Kevin’s.
“I’ve never really liked Christmas movies.” He reaches for the bottle of beer on the coffee table.
“Okay, okay,” I tap my lips as I think, trying to come up with another classic. “Bettlejuice!” I finally cry. “Please tell me you don’t hate that one.”
His husky laugh fills the air and my tummy definitely doesn’t dip at the sound. Nope. Not even a little bit. His lips are damp from his swig of beer and he wipes the back of his hand across them.
“I happen to love that movie.” His tongue rolls over the word love making it sound somehow exotic. He leans back, draping an arm over the back of the couch. “What about Homeward Bound? Have you watched that one?”
I rack my brain, but don’t recall it. “Doesn’t sound familiar.”
The smile he gives me has me feeling the tiniest bit afraid. Not scared of him, but of what he has up his sleeve. “That’s what we’re watching then.”
“Why do you have that look in your eyes? You act like you’re up to no good.”
“No reason.”
“Mhmm,” I hum doubtfully. “I don’t believe you.”
Despite my ominous feelings I hop up from my spot on the floor to get the popcorn ready.
With the popcorn in the microwave, I open the pantry and grab a box of Reese’s Pieces for myself and Milk Duds for him. I’ve stocked the basket with Molly’s favorites too. She calls or texts me every day and while I’ve gotten over my initial irritation I’ve settled into a reluctant acceptance. I hope things will get better when classes start, but I’m not holding my breath.
When the microwave starts dinging, I pull out the popcorn. Dumping it into a bowl I add some movie theater butter and a tiny bit of sea salt.
“Let me grab that.” Hayden leans in behind me for the popcorn bowl, the front of him pressed against my back. A tiny gasp leaves my parted lips at the feel of his body so close to mine. He doesn’t seem to notice my reactions when he gets close and I don’t know whether that means he’s oblivious or doesn’t care.
The two of us end up seated on opposite ends of the couch like usual, the popcorn and snacks between us.
“This is a kid’s movie?” I ask less than ten minutes into the movie.
“Yes.” He arches a brow, that same smile dancing on his lips. “Is that a problem?”
“No, I’m just wondering why you chose this.” Another hour and ten minutes later with tears streaming down my face I know why. “I hate you so much.” I blow my nose into a tissue. “Is this payback for making you watch Emma last night?”
“No, absolutely not. I’d never do such a thing.” He cracks up laughing as he takes in my tear-streaked face.
“Ugh, you totally did.” I grab the nearest throw pillow and lob it at him. “That’s so mean.”