Chapter 21 CHAPTER 021
Come to think of it, having her funeral as his wife and not letting on to the world that they were already separated was quite honorable of him to do.
But then why the fuck would he push me away now? I can't even remember whatever reason he gave, I was too heartbroken and angry with a mix of shame thrown in there.
I still feel deliciously sore from our time last night. I can't believe it was just last night. From when I tiptoed out of his room this morning to now, it feels like a lifetime has passed.
But it was just yesterday I was screaming his name as he held me tight for my orgasm to pass through my body. Just yesterday and today, we no longer live in the same house.
I look around the quiet apartment. Fuck. This was all I wanted when I was travelling down here over a week ago, and yet I can't find any joy in the fact that I have my own space now.
An apartment with a skyline view of downtown Manhattan. Fully furnished. The apartment complex has amenities like a gym, a pool, a lounge area, a restaurant. It is the best of the best. But it doesn't fill me with any joy. I feel hollow inside.
My phone goes off ringing beside me, I debate just letting it ring till it stops, but then it occurs to me that it might be Linc calling me, so I scramble for it embarrassingly fast.
"Hey girl!" Ashley's excited voice reaches me and I do my best to swallow my disappointment. I have lost my damn mind. Why the fuck would Linc call me after our talk this morning? But he kissed me. And then he pulled away from me.
"Ashley." I shake my head to clear it of all the distractions. I have been in New York for over a week now and it is like I don't remember my life in Boston. My best friend, Ashley. I have become this new person who is obsessed with her stepfather. Gross.
"Didn't you see my texts?" She says, her voice is serious but I know Ashley, she is probably smiling. She has an easygoing demeanour. It is one of those things that drew me to her.
"Shit. I am so sorry. Things have been...er, busy around here." Busy fucking my stepfather. God, I have to screw my head on right.
"I thought as much. But you could still call, you know." She says. Maybe she isn't smiling afterall.
"I will do better..." I say, trailing off as I watch the city lights come on, illuminating the sunset lit skyline. The view is breathtaking.
"You better. Have you talked to your stepdad about what I asked you?" She says and the tension in her voice pulls me away from the view.
"Shit." I slip.
"Amelia, come on. If he says no, then that is better than just not knowing at all. C'mon. Almost all the firms I have applied to says I applied too late." Ashley sounds hurt and I feel like shit.
Where do I even begin explaining the situation between me and my stepfather to her that she would understand how and why I can't really ask him for any favours, especially not right now.
"Okay, you know what? I will ask him tomorrow. I swear. I promise. I am so sorry, Ash." I say, even as I mentally prepare for the talk tomorrow. I don't want to see him so soon after this morning, but I can't keep putting it off.
"Hm. Okay. I will text you a reminder tomorrow." She says, most of the tension in her voice is gone. Another of her best qualities, Ashley never holds onto grudges.
"I won't need it." I say, with a small smile lifting the corner of my lips.
"Yeah right." Ashley says with a snort and I laugh out loud. It feels great to hear from someone outside of the mess that is my head currently.
"So, how are you?" I ask her, we haven't really talked since I moved back home, I know she is still in Boston because she didn't like going back home to her folks.
"I am good. Bored to death. I have been going out to the city but without you to accompany me, it doesn't feel the same. How about you? How is New York treating you?"
"Wait! You won't believe who interns here too!" I scream in excitement, remembering Tyler's face.
♠︎♠︎♠︎♠︎
"Hi." I say around the tightness in my throat. I am in front of Linc, feeling my chest constrict with a mix of anger and embarrassing warmth. Why does he have to be so fucking hot?
This morning, he has on an ash gray three piece suit, his hair is perfect and the sunlight streaks in through the high rise window behind him, illuminating his face in a way that highlights his features so clearly. He is really aging perfectly.
My stepfather just happens to be the hottest middle aged man I know.
"Amelia, hi." Linc looks up at me, stapling his fingers on the desk. I hate the tingle that goes through my spine at his full attention. His eyes. So dark, I can't imagine the secrets they carry. All the lives this man has lived that I know nothing about. And yet, I want him.
"So, uhm, I wanted to ask for a favour." I wring my hands in front of me. I am aware I am being a nervous wreck in front of him, but I can't help it.
This man had me screaming his name just two days ago and today, he is looking at me with zero emotions on his annoyingly hot face. I hate him. That is not even remotely true.
"I am all ears." Linc says, watching me quietly. Fuck him. Why the hell is he being so...professional? My heart flutters painfully. Did the sex really mean nothing to him? Did I mean nothing to him? So it really was just an itch that had to be scratched?
I want to scream at him, throw something at that annoyingly calm face and make a scene. Demand for him to go back to being painfully aware of me.
To want me. I don't mind giving him my body to do as he please. I just want him to want me. God, I am so screwed. The man is my stepdad for heaven's sake.
"My friend from college can't find a place to intern at. So, uh, shit. Uhm, well I told her I will at least ask you first. You can say no." I look away from him, biting down on my lower lip. Nervous and hating it. I am supposed to be flaming mad at him.