When he gets into his side of the car he answers, “He has a meeting and asked me to bring you to his office.”
“Sounds good.” I buckle my seat belt and lean my head back as Devon drives us back into Manhattan.
I came to this city four months ago hoping for an escape. Instead I found myself face-to-face with the thing I was running from. Myself.
I was afraid of who I was without the ability to play music. I found a new place for myself in a world of teaching others to play.
I was afraid of letting someone into my heart for fear of it being broken. I learned I am strong enough to withstand any loss. And when I finally allowed my heart to be opened up, I found a love that shines so bright, I want to burn in it.
Devon drives us inside the garage to Asher Industries and parks alongside an elevator. We get out at the same time and meet at the elevator. When it arrives, Devon puts his building pass into the panel. He’s about to hit the button for Alexander’s office floor but I put my hand on top of his.
“I’d like to go to his apartment.” I have a far better idea for how my night is going to go and it doesn’t start off inside an office of Asher Industries. I’m thinking naked Thai.
When the code is punched in, Devon excuses himself from the elevator car and leaves me alone. It’s a long way to the top but the elevator is pretty fast. A concerto doesn’t do it. Instead, I play a dance tune on my fingers. My head bobs to the beat that plays in my head.
The elevator doors open and I am inside the vestibule of Alexander’s apartment. It dawns on me I don’t know the code to get in. I take out my phone and type him a message.
Wanted to surprise you.
Epic fail.
I need the code to your apartment.
That is a nice surprise
1-2-3-6-9
I need ten minutes and I’m all yours : )
I look at the code on the screen. I know the one and twenty-three are for his birthday. But he is definitely not born in the year nineteen-sixty-nine.
I roll my eyes. Boys.
I punch in the code and open the door. The lights inside are on and before I can even think about how it’s a waste of electricity leaving them on when no one is home, I realize, someone is home.
What the . . .
“What are you doing here?”
Malory Dean is standing in the middle of the great room with her arms crossed, a black folder in her hands and a very serious expression on her face.
“I should be asking you the same thing. How did you get up here?” I ask.
She scowls at me as if I should know the answer to that. I don’t, so I scowl back.
“Why won’t you leave him alone?” My question is slow stated, each word emphasized.
This causes Malory to half-laugh and lift her chin in pride. “Before whatever escapade the two of you have been on, I am the one who kept his bed warm at night. For three years I was the one who kept his fucking head on straight.”
I know better than to let an old flame ruin what Alexander and I have. “You’re a bitter ex-girlfriend. Why should I listen to a thing you say?”
Malory’s cheeks flush. She is not happy with my defiance. “Because in eight days he is about to make the biggest mistake of his life and it’ll be all your fault.” Her words hit me like a brick. I have no idea what she is talking about and it is killing me. “He didn’t tell you, did he? Asher and his fucking games. He thinks he has something to prove to this goddamn world.”
She releases her arms from around her chest and then leans on her hip. Her stance is open as if she is trying to explain something to me yet sighs as if explaining it to me is beneath her. “Did he tell you his real name?”
I nod.