As I watch Riley’s small feet disappear, my mind veers off in its usual direction, that familiar ache rattling around in my stomach. Seeing Ember was unexpected, but now I can’t get her out of my head—not that I ever could. If only I could go back. Get a do-over. But life has this odd way of moving forward. Even when you don’t want it to.
Like a heavy rock sinking to the bottom of the river, my lungs are weighted down. My breaths don’t come easy these days. But I need to man the fuck up and deal with a situation that I created. Ember has moved on. That much is apparent. I only hope he’s taking better care of her heart than I did.
She doesn’t need any more cracks.
“RISE AND SHINE!” I pull the bright blue curtains open, letting the sunshine pour into Avery’s room. She grumbles and hikes the covers over her head. “Up.” I whip the blanket off and she squints at me. “I’m on my way to the gallery and you need to be at work in a little over an hour. So hurry up and we can head in together.”
“I dislike immensely that you’re such a morning person now,” she grumbles again. “I should’ve picked a different roommate.” Lifting herself to a sitting position, she hangs her legs over the side of the bed, her shoulders slumped. “You’re in such a good mood today.”
My stare goes to the window and the hustle and bustle of the city streets. “Actually, I feel better. I decided that I’m going to make more of an effort with Grant. He really is a good guy and I want it to work.” A sigh bubbles up from my chest. “I need to start focusing on all the good. I guess I realized I’ve been focusing on the wrong things.” I throw a towel at her and she catches it with a groan. “Anyway, we’re going out to a club tonight. I need to make up for snapping at him the other night. He didn’t deserve that. And, I think you should come with us.” I reach for her hand to tug her off the bed. “Now hurry up and shower so we can get out of here.”
“I’m wondering how many more words you can say before you take a breath,” she muses, and I pierce her with a glare as she drags her feet to the bathroom. “Okay, Miss Happy. I’m going? I’m going.”
From the other room, a sound alerts me of a text message. I stroll to the kitchen and retrieve my phone from the counter, sliding open the screen.
Mom: Hi sweetie, just checking in. Wanted to let you know I got my airline tickets for next month. Can’t wait to see you and Avery
Me: Hey, Mom. Can’t wait, too! Avery is already mapping out your visit so get ready. Be sure to bring sneakers
Mom: You know I don’t own any
Me: LOL. Yes you do. The ones you wore last time
Mom: Oh, right. Memory refreshed. Okay, sweetie. Have to run. Talk to you soon. Love you
Me: Love you too
Not more than five minutes pass when Avery emerges with a towel wrapped around her body, blonde hair dripping onto the carpet. “Now I remember why I always shower first. I barely had any hot water.”
“You snooze, you lose,” I tease, my hands draped around a cup of steaming hot coffee. “I made you some, so you can use that to get warm.”
“I don’t like your attitude today.” Avery groans, stomping off down the hall. She pauses just short of her room. “Can you make me a container of that lemon chicken from the other night? I’m going to take some for lunch.”
“Sure.”
By the time Avery finishes her morning beauty routine, the streets are crowded with people hurrying to various destinations. As they rush around us, I’m reminded of why we love living in Manhattan. Energy that you can feel in your fingertips. The waft of boiled hot dogs and the essence of warm, salted pretzels that greet us on almost every street corner. The fashion, and of course the wonder of the fashionably absurd. Every day is a surprise. Like reaching into a box of cereal for a prize. You never know what you’re going to get.
“How do you like your new boss?” I ask as we weave our way through swarms of people talking on their cell phones and drinking their morning lattes.
“She’s good. We’ve butted heads a few times because we both have strong personalities, but we talked and I think we’ve come to a new understanding.”
“What’s that?” We sidestep an attendant waiting to valet park. “Not to mess with you or you’ll poison her coffee?” She laughs, reaching into her purse to yank out a pack of gum.
“Want some?” she offers, and I shake my head. “My breath could knock over about fifty rhinos right now, and as a Senior Executive Assistant that’s unacceptable. I’m setting up a big meeting this morning with some new hotshot CEO.” Folding the stick of gum, she pushes it into her mouth. “I must impress.”
I toss her a sideways glance. “You always impress.”
“Awww….” Avery grabs my elbow, sliding her arm through mine. “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.” Her smile is warm. “You know, I’m really happy we moved here.”