“I’m coming,” Gracie muttered, not sounding at all happy about it. She emerged sulkily from her room.
Becks, not missing a beat, just smiled and pulled Gracie’s arm through hers.
“Oh, come on, luv. You’ll have a fabulous time, I promise. Although,” she glanced down at Gracie’s outfit. “Are you sure you don’t want to borrow something? I have a sundress that would be perfectly adorable on you.”
“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” Gracie asked, looking down at her pink cardigan and jeans.
“Nothing,” Bri jumped in before Becks could list all the faults she found. “I think you look nice. Pink is a great color on you.” She smiled, and was surprised when Gracie gave her a tentative smile back.
“If only you’d take advantage of my keen fashion sense. I have so much to offer.” Becks sighed at Gracie wistfully. “Oh well, I’ll wear you down eventually. So, we’re off.” She grinned, leading the way to the door.
“Where are we going for dinner?” Bri asked, once outside. She was surprised to find that they were walking. She had to remember that this was New York, and that’s how you got places here: walking, taxi, or the subway. For a moment, sadness filled her as she thought of her Jeep. Selling her baby had been hard. But as she watched the crazy drivers on the road as they walked, she decided she wouldn’t be brave enough to drive here anyway.
“I happen to know a smashing little pub down the road a bit. You’re going to love it,” Becks grinned. As they walked, Becks gave Bri a quick run down of the different neighborhoods in the city, where all the good shopping was, and a few of the good restaurants close by.
“Ah, here we are.” Becks stopped in front of the unassuming pub, simply named Joe’s Tavern.
They walked in the door, and Bri was startled when the place roared, “Becks!” in unison.
“Hallo, lovelies,” Becks spread her arms, giving the room a huge smile.
Bri gaped at her, eyebrows raised. “They all know you?”
“Didn’t you know? I’m a local celebrity,” Becks returned. Bri just glared at her skeptically. “Kidding. I work here. Everyone here loves me though, so in a way, I am kind of famous. Come on, then,” she slung her arms through Bri’s and Gracie’s. “Let’s get a table.”
They spent the evening talking and laughing over cheeseburgers and onion rings, deftly working around the occasional interruption from Becks’ admirers. Bri learned that Becks was getting her masters in Marketing, while Gracie was going for her PHD. Bri made a special effort to keep Gracie included in the conversation, and by the end of the meal, she was smiling and sharing stories.
As they walked home later that night, the streets of the Upper West Side still busy despite the late hour, Bri couldn’t help but smile. She was already falling in love with her new city, and she was excited to see where her new life would lead her. She was going to be happy here, she could feel it.
Chapter 11
“Have you seen enough yet? My feet are killin’,” Becks visibly demonstrated by removing a nude pump and rubbing her toes.
“I warned you not to wear those,” Bri laughed. “Who wears heels sightseeing, anyway?”
“Fabulous people. Sore feet are a small price to pay for high fashion,” Becks threw back with a haughty look. “That’s a lesson you’d do well to learn.” She eyes Bri’s sneakers and jeans poignantly.
“I’m not traipsing around Manhattan in high heels.” Bri glanced over at her friend’s pained face and relented. “Okay fine, we can go. We can walk the Brooklyn Bridge another day.” She didn’t feel too bad about cutting their excursion short. Graciously agreeing to be Bri’s tour guide, Becks had spent the past couple weeks showing her around the city. She probably deserved a break.
Her face brightening, Becks put her shoe back on and they turned toward the nearest subway entrance.
“So, how did you end up in New York?” Bri asked as they walked.
“I came here for college, and after I graduated, I just couldn’t seem to leave. My family’s still back in London, though I keep trying to get my mum to come out here. But she’s stubborn. She and my dad divorced a while back, and it’s just her and my younger sis. Anyway, I love it here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Bri smiled. Already New York was feeling like home, and even the bustle of Los Angeles couldn’t quite compete. Exciting and unpredictable, there was always something to do here, something new to see. She could live here for decades and never get bored.
She’d even gotten used to life without a car, and was surprised at how independent she still felt without one. She could walk almost everywhere she needed to, and if she couldn’t walk, there was always the subway.
The subway had taken a bit of getting used to, Bri thought as she and Becks descended to the underground station. Daunting and overwhelming at first, she’d learned to navigate her way through the tubes and trains fairly competently, thanks to Becks’ expert guidance.
She and Becks had hit it off right away. They both shared a love of clothes and shopping, and spent many hours strolling down 5th Avenue, drooling over all the designer stores. After being on her own the past year, Bri was glad to have a friend again.
Getting off the subway, they stopped at a coffee shop for a drink. Bri pulled out her credit card automatically, the one her dad had given her when she went off to college, but paused, eyeing it dubiously. School was about to start, which meant that tuition would soon be due and she’d have books to buy, as well. Her dad had helped with her expenses at Duke, but she didn’t want to put that burden on him anymore. It was time she started supporting herself, at least as best as she could. Yep, she decided, she needed a job.
And a job would probably be really good for her, because all she did in her spare time these days was obsess over Cole.
She felt like the lowest kind of coward for waking out on him like she had. She knew she was a terrible person, deplorable and unpardonable, for falsely building up his hope, and then crushing him with rejection. Worse than that, she hadn’t even had the decency to actually reject him. No, instead of facing him and explaining herself, she’d snuck out while he was sleeping. Guilt twisted her stomach every time she thought about it.
Worried about him, and needing to know how he was doing, she’d watched every game he played in the playoffs. It was the only way to see how he was handling things. If she had totally destroyed him, it would surely affect his playing. She didn’t know if she was relieved or angry when Cole’s game wasn’t affected in the least. In fact, he played with more intensity than he had before. The only difference in him that she could see was in his post game interviews. He wasn’t as charming as he used to be, but instead was all business, keeping his responses short and direct. But the Jazz were in the finals; he needed to be all business. Cole couldn’t be too devastated by her abrupt departure if he could still play like he did every night. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself.
But deep down she knew. The tightness of his mouth, the rigidness of his body, the lack of light in his eyes all told her that he was hurting. She knew him well enough to see it. She’d hurt him badly, and no amount of rationalization could ease her guilt.
She also watched him as a way to still feel close to him. As sad as it was, she missed him, and she craved a connection to him, no matter how remote. Seeing him on TV helped fill the black void in her heart. She knew she didn’t deserve to feel this way; she was the one who walked out on him. But she couldn’t help it; she was just that sad and pathetic.
But when the Jazz lost in straight games in the finals, she no longer had a way to make sure Cole was okay. So she’d turned to the internet. She spent more time than she’d like to admit following him online and on social media. She was practically cyber-stalking him, but she couldn’t seem to stop. Becks had caught her a couple times, scrolling through headlines and pictures of him, but if Becks thought it was strange, she didn’t say anything.
&n
bsp; Not that all her cyber-stalking was doing her any good. In fact, it just made her feel worse. She wanted Cole to move on with his life, hoped he’d find happiness somewhere. But, the photos of him trying to find that happiness with other girls, spurred a wave of jealousy, pain, and regret in her. She knew it was wrong to feel that way; this had been her choice, what she’d wanted. But she couldn’t seem to move past her lingering feelings for him. Her stubborn heart refused to give in, no matter how illogical it was being.
No, Bri needed something more to fill her time, to keep her too busy to think about Cole. She’d found a couple of dance companies that offered weekend classes and clinics, which helped, but she needed some income supplementation, too.
Picking up her mango black tea lemonade, and one to bring home for Gracie, she told Becks her idea as they walked home.
“You want a job?” Becks looked at her dubiously. “When you’ve got daddy, who’s more than willing to pay for everything? Are you mad?”
“No,” Bri replied, getting defensive. “I just don’t think my dad should have to support me anymore. I’m a big girl, I should be able to pay my own rent.”
“Hmm,” Becks agreed reluctantly. “Well luv, I think you’re completely bonkers. But, if you’re that determined, why don’t you come work with me?”
“Down at Joe’s? Do you think I could?” Hope bloomed in her. It couldn’t be this easy.
“Sure. Joe is a bit short on waitresses at present, and could use the help.”
“But I’ve never waitressed before,” Bri grimaced. “I have zero experience.”
“Psht,” Becks waved her off. “Like that matters. You take orders, you get drinks, you bring food. It’s not rocket science. Why don’t you come into work with me tonight, and we’ll talk to Joe.”
“Okay, that’d be great,” Bri grinned, feeling giddy and excited.
A few hours later, she followed Becks into the tavern, finding Joe, the pub’s owner and namesake, behind the bar. Her earlier excitement had fizzled into nerves as she smiled at the short, broad, gruff looking man.
“Becks!” He smiled as he caught sight of them, and his stern expression melted into warm affection. “You’re in early. I wasn’t expecting you for another hour at least.”
“Yes, well I have some news that couldn’t possibly wait. Ta-da!” She held out her arms and presented Bri, game show style, to Joe. “I’ve found the solution to your waitressing problem. Eh? What do you think? This is Ambria Donnelly, and it’s been her dream to be a waitress in New York.” She grinned at him.
“You want to be a waitress?” Joe asked Bri skeptically.
“Yes.” She forced as much confidence into her voice as she could, despite her nervousness and confusion.
“She’s my new flat mate, and she’s a grad student at Columbia, too,” Becks grinned.
“You’re hired,” Joe jumped in immediately, reaching over to shake her hand. “When can you start?”
“What?” Bri glanced between Joe and Becks uncertainly. “Just like that? Don’t you need references or something?”
“Nope,” he smiled broadly at her. “Becks here is all the reference I need. If she thinks you’re worthy, you’re in. Plus, you’re smart. That makes everything so much easier. So, when do you want to start?”
“Um, as soon as possible?” She hadn’t meant to sound unsure, but she was still slightly confused. This was like no interview she’d ever been to before.
“Great,” Joe smiled. “How about tonight? You can shadow Becks and Sarah for the next couple nights before we turn you loose. Are you available weekends?”
“Yeah, weekends would be great.” Since she didn’t have much of a social life, and a nonexistent dating life, having something to keep her busy weekend nights would be perfect.
“See,” Joe pointed at her, “I knew hiring you was a good idea. Becks apparently has too many dates to work weekends.” Becks stuck her tongue out at him. “So I’ve been short staffed for a while. Okay then, it’s official. Friday will be your first shift. Be here at 5:30 and we’ll get you a uniform. Welcome aboard.” He smacked her on the back. “Hey, Sarah,” he called to the passing blond waitress. “This here is Ambria. She’s our new waitress. She’ll be learning the ropes the next few nights, so help her out with anything she needs.”
“Great,” Sarah gave Bri a welcoming smile. “It’ll be nice to get some more help around here. Come on, and I’ll show you what we do with the dirty dishes,” she lifted the tub of dishes in her hands, and then nodded for Bri to follow. After a quick glance at Joe, Bri followed Sarah into the kitchen, a bright smile on her face.
Bri paced her apartment, wearing a path from the front door, past the kitchen and back again, too excited to sit still. She’d cleaned and straightened everything in sight, but cast another quick glance around the room, checking for anything she’d missed. She knew she was being neurotic, but she wanted everything to be perfect. Layla was coming!
Layla had called a few weeks before to tell Bri that she wanted to come visit her before the semester started. This would be Layla’s first time in the Big Apple, and Bri had a list of things for them to do together. If only she’d get there already.
After glancing out the window for the five thousandth time, Bri finally saw the cab pull up to the front of the building, and she rushed downstairs.
“Bri!” Layla screamed, climbing out of the car.
“Layla!” Bri screamed back, and threw herself at her friend. They hugged and laughed and cried, while the cab driver pulled Layla’s bag out of the trunk.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Bri grinned as they walked up to her apartment.
“Me, too,” Layla grinned back. “I’ve never been to New York before. This place is amazing.”
“Yeah, it is,” Bri agreed, opening her door. “So,” she asked after she’d stowed Layla’s bag and given her the tour of the apartment. “What do you want to do first?” She was bubbling with so much excitement she was practically bouncing.
“Well, I’m kind of hungry,” Layla replied. “How about we go get something to eat?”
“I know the perfect place.”
Bri took Layla to her favorite café down the street. It had everything from pasta to pastries, and even sold fresh bread. They ordered their food, and as it was a warm, beautiful day, found a table outside in the shade.
“How do you get used to it all?” Layla asked, looking around in wonder.
“Get used to what?”
“Everything: all the people everywhere, the traffic and the noise, the huge buildings. Doesn’t it get overwhelming?”
“Well, the noise takes some getting used to,” Bri laughed. “It’s a totally different lifestyle, but it really didn’t take long to get used to it. There’s a rhythm here that speaks to me. I like the hustle and excitement. I feel like I belong here.”
“You do seem happy.” But there was something in Layla’s voice, the sad tilt of her lips that made Bri think that this didn’t please her friend.
“Yeah, I am. Or at least, I’m trying to be,” she shrugged.
“So, there’s something I should probably tell you,” Layla began ominously, after their food was delivered.
“Oh yeah?” Bri asked, swallowing her bite of turkey croissant sandwich.
“I’m not just here for a visit. I kind of came with a hidden agenda.”
“Oh?” Bri put down her sandwich and looked at her friend warily. “And what would that be?”
“I’m here to talk to you about Cole. And,” Layla cut off Bri’s imminent protest, “before you say anything, we are having this conversation. You don’t have to say anything, but you will listen, understand?”
Knowing it was pointless to argue with Layla, Layla always got what she wanted in the end anyway, Bri sat back and crossed her arms, not in acquiescence but in resignation.
“Good,” Layla eyed her. “First, you should know that Cole has no idea I’m here. He didn’t ask me to talk to you or to interven
e, so don’t blame this on him. This is all me. The second thing you need to know is that what I’m about to say, I say out of total and complete love for you, and nothing you do would ever change that. Okay?”
Bri nodded, scowling.
“Okay. That being said… What the hell are you doing!?!”
Bri actually flinched at the disappointment and anger in Layla’s voice.
“Do you know what you’ve done to him? Of course you do. You’re not stupid enough to think that there would be no fallout from your actions,” she glared.
Bri jolted in surprise. She’d never told Layla about staying with Cole after her dance concert.
“Oh yes, I know all about that,” Layla sneered, interpreting Bri’s shock. “And while we’re not going to get into it now, I’m pretty pissed and hurt that you didn’t tell me about your little… I don’t even know what to call it. Rendezvous? Hook up? Total lack of judgment?”
“Mistake,” Bri answered softly, rubbing her brow. “It was a mistake.”
“Well, whatever you want to call it, it destroyed Cole.”
Bri’s eyebrows shot up. “No it didn’t. He’s been fine. I’ve been watching him, following him, making sure he was okay. He hasn’t missed a beat.”
“Really?” Layla laughed bitterly. “You’ve been watching? Well, then I guess you’ve seen the way that he’s totally withdrawn from his friends and family, Devon and me included. You’ve seen how sad and angry he is, how he’s so depressed he only leaves his house when he has to. Surely you’ve seen that he’s lost any and all enjoyment in his life, even those things that have meant the most to him.” She shook her head. “He’s lost, Bri. He’s fallen so deep into the darkness that he can’t even see the light anymore.”
“But,” Bri protested, “he was fine during the playoffs. I watched every game, and he wasn’t affected at all. He’s been out at parties and galas and openings. With a different girl on his arm each time, I might add. How is that not okay?”
“Oh yeah. Just because he can put on a good show, that must mean he’s fine,” Layla scoffed. “You of all people should know how good he is at giving people what they want.” She glared at Bri. “Just because he looks fine, doesn’t mean he is.”
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