by Linz VonC
“He must've found out she was my...girlfriend.”
He looked like he was in psychical pain. I couldn't even begin to comprehend what he was telling me. We sat in silence as we absorbed what had been said.
“So that's why you killed him today.” I said softly, my voice lower than a whisper.
He didn't confirm this verbally, but he didn't need to. His face said it all.
“He would have really hurt you Gretchen. I could not let that happen again, no way. I just couldn't. What he is capable of-“
He closed his eyes and his hand tightened around mine. He killed a man. For me? For Lucia too, I realised. He killed an awful man, who would have probably killed us given the choice.
“So the body-“ I started before Cal placed a finger to his lips to silence me.
“Will be gone shortly. I have to go back to meet with Verno. I have to end this baby.”
WHAT? Is he actually insane? Verno will kill him surely?
“No Cal. No. I am going with you.” I stammered, wondering why I was saying this. Love really is blind, and fucking stupid too.
His eyes met mine blazing and I sat back in fear.
“No Gretchen, you are not. This is NOT up for debate. I will not have you at risk. But I need you to be safe. I can't leave you alone. I need you to know how much I love you, ok. No matter what.”
His eyes burned into mine as he grabbed my hand and squeezed it.
“I can't believe what you had to see today. I am so, so sorry. So fucking sorry. I swear I think you need time to process-“
This time I snapped.
“No. No I don't. Because unfortunately for me, you don't get to choose who you fall in love with. I fucking love you. You saved me.”
His eyes shone with love as he gazed at me.
“So I killed a man and you still want to be with me? Wow, you are marriage material indeed,” he attempted a smile. “I’m going to get you home. I have to be back at mine shortly.”
Chapter 17
As the aircraft touched down on the runway I looked out of the window in excitement.
New York City. Anything was possible!
I leant back in my chair and waited for the seatbelt sign to come off so I could grab my bag. This past year had been such a whirlwind, I felt like I had aged ten years. Finally I was off to college, to pursue my dream of being a therapist. It was actually happening! I glanced around the cabin and noticed most people were business passengers or families on a trip. I disabled flight mode on my phone and sent my parents a text to let them know I had landed.
This was so exciting! I had arranged accommodation with the University, it was off campus but not far from Manhattan so I was ecstatic. I was so nervous though, there was so much going on here and I was just from a small town. I reached up and grabbed my bag when the seatbelt sign went off, stretching my aching limbs. I followed the line of impatient passengers from the aircraft, through the tunnel and into the airport. It was bright and busy and my heart lurched- I was really doing this! My phone beeped and I saw my parents were sending me good lucks and be safes text messages.
I smiled as I searched made my way to baggage collection, managing to spot my bright pink suitcase immediately. I heaved it off and looked for the signs to the taxi ranks, moving carefully through the crowd. I already loved the buzz of the city- everyone was already on their phones and moving quickly. I grabbed a free paper from someone handing them out and made my way out of the revolving doors and into the crisp New York air.
I stood quietly, as I checked my email on my phone for the address. I was concentrating so much I didn't notice someone falling straight into me.
“Oh shit, I am sorry. I didn't mean to literally fall into you.”
I looked up and saw a handsome guy with a football jersey on grinning at me.
“I'm Josh.”
He stuck his beefy hand out and I smiled.
“That’s great Josh, but I am not talking to a strange guy in a strange city.”
I stared back at my phone as he laughed.
“No, that’s a good point to make actually. Are you here on business or pleasure?”
I finally found the address and looked around for a cab. There were a long line of them and a queue of people waiting. I made my way over to the back of the line with Josh in tow. He was certainly persistent.
“Look Josh, I mean this in the nicest way. I am not going to engage in conversation with you so I will see you around, ok?” I smiled and moved away from him.
His face fell as he held his hands up.
“I'm sorry, just a sucker for a pretty face.”
I laughed as he moved onto another girl, who seemed a little more receptive than I. Eventually I was in a cab, riding through the bright lights of the city heading for my apartment. I was excited to meet my roommate, the rent was surprisingly good so I had hoped it wasn't going to be in too bad an area.
I marvelled at the Skyline as it fell into view and I inherited that famous New York Gawp I had heard about. The cab made its way through the traffic, the driver reluctantly answering my many questions, he seemed bored to tears to be honest. I sat back in my seat and almost pinched myself to prove that I was finally here. Slowly but surely, my cab pulled onto a residential street that actually was very pretty, considering it was still quite central. I pulled out my dollars and paid him, being sure to give him a tip as he pulled my luggage from the boot for me.
I had a longing for Cal suddenly, as I felt exposed and vulnerable. He hadn't been in touch before I left, telling me he was really shitty at goodbyes but that we would try the long distance thing. I sighed, pulling my suitcase up to the steps to the door that read ‘Eleven A’. I searched my phone once more, making sure I was pressing the correct buzzer. I waited patiently as I heard footsteps come towards the door. I gulped trying not to be nervous, this was after all, my new roomy. The door opened to reveal a very striking brunette with large brown eyes studying me.
I stuck my hand out.
“I'm Gretchen, from Winterburg? You must be...” I racked my brain to recall her name unsuccessfully.
“Nancy.” She drawled with a bored tone. She shook my hand limply and moved back so I could walk in, not offering to help me at all. She wore black thigh high boots which left a gap of flesh between them and a long red shirt that hung over one shoulder. Her dark hair was poker straight and her lips were painted red. She closed the door behind me as I dragged my case in awkwardly. She folded her arms and sighed.
“So we share the top floor,” she eyed my bags. “There's no elevator so it's gonna be a struggle with your things.”
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver key.
“This is yours. I’ll see you around.”
She turned on her heel and walked out of the door I had just come in, leaving me gawping after her.
How rude!
I closed my eyes and wished more than anything Cal was here. How the hell was I going to get this case to the top floor?! Why was my roommate such a bitch? She literally had waited to let me in then she had left, without offering to help. Urgh, was this what all New Yorkers were like?
I gazed at the stairs, trying to think of a solution. My phone beeped and I felt my heart lurch when I saw it was Cal.
Settling in ok? I miss you already.
I felt tears prick my eyes as I imagined him back in Winterburg, in his cosy house all alone. He better be alone, I thought, texting him back quickly.
Roommate isn't too friendly. I have to get my case up three flights of stairs. Any suggestions?
I tried to appear jovial, but in reality I just sat on my suitcase.
Leave it downstairs and pay someone to take it up for you later. Are you ok Raven?
I laughed in spite of myself. That was so Cal. Pay someone to sort it for you. I started to type back my response as I heard footsteps come down the stairs. The guy had platinum blond hair, a shirt complete with a scarf and the tightest jeans I have ever seen. He glided p
ast me and opened front door. I turned to see the guy from the airport beaming at me.
“Hey it's you! Ooh are you my roomy?”
“Erm no…I’m sharing with Nancy? You have just missed her actually…” I mumbled, looking at his case pointedly.
“There are no elevators.”
The guy with the blond hair looked bored. What was it with these people?
“Floor 2. I'm Nicholas.” He sighed, as Josh reached his hand out to which Nicholas shuddered.
“I don't shake hands unfortunately. Germs.”
He sniffed and ran his hand through his perfect hair. I stared at his waist which must've been the width of my thigh. Wow. Josh laughed.
“You're kidding me right? I'm sharing with a germ phobe. Brilliant.”
Nicholas glared at him.
“I am NOT a phobe of any kind. I just don't like to take risks with strangers.”
I smiled secretly, aware that was the second time today Josh had been called a stranger. Nicholas looked at me disdainfully.
“Are you going to sit on that until an elevator magically appears?”
I flushed, standing up quickly.
“No. I am going to probably break my back getting it upstairs. But thank you for your concern.” I found myself replying sarcastically.
Nicholas's eyebrows rose approvingly.
“Oh, you have spirit. I like that.”
I glared at him. I wanted to dislike him but his demeanour had something about it I quite liked.
Josh yawned. “Look curly, I can take it up for you. You can buy me some beers later. Deal?”
I felt myself smiling broadly.
“Yes, deal. I cannot face this on my own, I hate being such a girl...but I really can't do that. Thank you so much.” I gushed.
He nodded, his playful side suddenly replaced by a tired version.
“No worries Curls. I got this.”
He reached down and carried my suitcase in one hand and his in the other. Nicholas and I met eyes and lifted our eyebrows up.
“How gallant of him. He must be very strong,” murmured Nicholas, watching Josh as he walked up the stairs effortlessly. I was truly grateful as we followed him up the steep stairs. By the second floor I was completely out of breath and holding onto the railing for dear life. I heard my phone beep as I pulled it out.
Raven, don't tell me you are trying to drag that case up three flights of stairs...
I grinned as I typed back,
No, someone else is doing it for me. Gretchen 1, NYC 0
No sooner had I sent the text did a ping come straight back. I smiled knowingly.
Who is he? Don't forget, you are mine. I do NOT share.
I heard Josh calling me from the floor above.
“Curls! Come on I am not up here for my health!”
Nicholas had disappeared in to his room. I followed the direction of the stairs, legs protesting. I made it to the top floor and gasped.
Josh eyed me with concern.
“Are you ok? You really need to get fit. You are gonna be doing this at least twice a day.”
I pulled out my key and ignored his comment, rolling my eyes.
“Thankyou Josh. I owe you.”
The door swung open and Josh pulled my case in for me.
“There you are my lady. Right, I will meet you on the second floor at seven pm. You owe me those beers. Ask your roomy to come. Is she hot?” He looked at me wickedly.
“Stupidly actually. Really hot.” I shrugged, walking into the apartment.
“Yeah?” Josh looked interested. “Definitely bring her. Laters baby.”
He tipped an imaginary hat and smiled as he backed out of the door closing it softly behind him.
I walked into the main room and saw a mustard sofa with cream throws and cushions tossed over it casually. The floor was natural wood, the windows were bay fronted and overlooked the street. It was open plan so the kitchen was tiny, a coffee machine and a hob dominated the small side. I smiled to myself and squealed.
Oh my God, I am in NEW YORK CITY!
I opened a door and saw a small but tidy bathroom, complete with a mirror over the basin and a shower in the corner. I walked on and saw what must be Nancy’s room, it just screamed her. Black sheets on the bed and a blood red chair in the shape of lips. There was a floor length mirror with fairy lights hanging over it with make up on the floor in front of it. I could smell her perfume and imagined she had zero problems with men, smelling and looking as good as she did. I moved along and opened the door to what was clearly to be my room. The bed was in front of the three large windows with a bedside table on each side. A lamp sat on each table, and along the side of the wall near the bed I saw a wardrobe. A desk was on the other side, with room for my books and my laptop. I loved it! I pulled my case in, and started to put my things away. My phone rang and I saw it was Cal.
“I wasn't joking.” I heard his voice and my insides melted. I fell backwards onto the bed.
“I know. His name is Josh and he was kind enough to bring it up to my room for me. He is probably going to be more interested in my roomy than me, so please don't worry. I just owe him some beers.”
I twirled with my hair, remembering Josh calling me 'curly' and thought I would leave that bit out.
“Your roommate cannot be hotter than you. Although I am praying she actually is. Are you coming back yet?” I heard the longing in his voice.
“No, I'm not qualified yet.” I teased.
“So what’s your plans city girl?” He asked curiously.
“Well Josh said I owe him some beers so I’m heading to his for seven. He wants to meet my hot roomy.”
There was silence on the other end and I laughed nervously.
“I have to get to know people baby...”
Silence. I rolled my eyes. This was ridiculous.
“Cal?”
“Yeah? Listen, be safe. Don't be on your own with him. Ok? Don't trust anyone. I love you.”
With that he hung up and I started at my phone in surprise. I get that he is jealous but what did he expect me to do? Not speak to anyone? I sat up and hugged my knees. I had no idea where we were heading tonight but I should probably get a shower and get ready. It was five pm now.
New York City waits for no one.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
By seven I was dressed and ready for wherever the night was going to take me. Nancy still wasn't back so I imagined Josh was going to be disappointed. I had jeans on with a silk grey top that tied at the neck and bottom of my back. I left my apartment, feeling slightly nervous as I made my way down to the second floor. I knocked on the door of Josh & Nicholas apartment and smiled as the door opened to reveal Josh. He whistled and ran his hand through his hair.
“Looking good Curls.”
I rolled my eyes and told him my name was Gretchen to which he shrugged. He looked behind me hopefully and I laughed.
“She hasn't come home. Sorry...”
We heard the entrance door slam as our eyes met.
“Ooh...” I teased as we watched the staircase curiously. Sure enough it was Nancy, but she wasn't alone. An older man followed her in a suit with his tie loosened, his salt and pepper hair loose. Nancy stopped and I smiled as I introduced her to Josh and Nicholas, who had peered over Josh's shoulder to see the new arrivals. I stepped back as Josh stepped forward, totally unfazed by the man by Nancy’s side. Nancy eyed him appreciatively, taking in his muscular body and all American good looks.
“I'm Josh. You must be Curlys roomy.”
Nancy raised her eyebrow at me then looked back at Josh.
“Have you anything to drink in there?”
She walked past him into his apartment, to which he smiled wickedly, following her. The man in the suit smiled and I looked at him awkwardly.
“I'm Tate, Nancy's brother.”
His voice was deep and masculine, but friendly. Unlike his sister I noted. I smiled.
“I'm Gretchen, Nancy's roomy.”
/> His eyes twinkled.
“Lucky you.”
He laughed sarcastically and I laughed with him.
“Shall we follow?” He gestured into the room behind me. I jumped, laughing.
“Yes, better than congregating in the hallway...” I felt nervous as I noticed his eyes on mine a beat longer than they should've been.