Julian pushed at the door. Juggling his bags, he paused to hold his hand toward Abraham. “Thanks man, I owe you.”
Abraham flashed a smile. “I owed you. Now we’re good.”
He heard the lock click into place behind him as he strode through the parking lot. Halfway down the alley, Nigel piped up in his head.
Are you sure we can’t stay? Why is your heart rate up?
“No,” Julian muttered. “We can’t stay. We have to run.” He kept to the shadows, rushing away from the bar. His only chance was to get moving and stay moving.
Alone?Nigel asked in a shaky tone.
“Just you and me, kid. Just you and me.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Regge contemplates his future in both business and romance
Two days after I’d shaken hands with Julian, I transferred the majority of savings Theo had gifted me into an account and signed a bunch of papers at a lawyer’s office. I was now the very apprehensive owner of the Hotel Fulbright. Abraham drove me home after.
“Regge, I know the pack has agreed to do some construction but let me know how else I can help.” He flashed a smile at me.
“You haven’t heard from him, have you? Julian?” I asked.
The big man shook his head. “No. He decided it was best to leave town. Your money has been deposited into his account, and my part in the deal is done. I got to get back to the bar. Where can I drop you?”
I watched the traffic and crowds slip by us, wondering what Hunter was up to at this time of day. Since he went to New York, we hadn’t spoken or texted. It seemed like the thing to do. Leave Hunter his space. Give him time to think. Strangely, I missed him. We hadn’t seen each other in a month prior to the hotel incident, but since then, so much had changed in our relationship. At least, I hoped we still had a relationship.
“Home. I guess.”
Abraham glanced over as we waited at an intersection. “Still haven’t heard from Hunter?”
I shook my head. “This whole venture would be much more doable and less scary if he was with me.”
“Is that all you want? A business partner?”
“You have already given me your two cents worth on this issue. I talked to Hunter. I did. But he was all let’s be friends and then he pisses off to his mum’s. What am I supposed to do about that?”
Abraham nodded, but at the green light, he made a right-hand turn and then another, and we headed in the opposite direction.We pulled up in front of the 30thStreet Station.
“What are we doing here?” I frowned.
“It’s a train station.”
“I know that, but—”
“For a smart kid, you can be so dumb. We’re here so you can go to New York. Where you will knock on Mrs. Hunter’s door and beg her son’s forgiveness. Say you’re a complete ass and you know it. And that you’ll do better.”
“But—”
“No buts. Just go. Yes, you tried. I get it. It’s like learning how to fight. You get knocked down in the process, but you get up and try again. You know the address, yeah? I know you’ve been to the city before. There’s like a bunch of express trains to New York. You’ll be fine.”
“I don’t even have any clothes packed or…” I stopped, knowing it was useless to argue.
“If you’re good and lucky, you won’t need any. Now get out of my car. Call me later.” Opening his wallet, he peeled off three bills—hundreds.
I grumbled, but I took the money.
“Thanks, Abraham.” I stuffed the cash in my pocket. The idea of seeing Hunter both thrilled and terrified me. At least I wouldn’t be sitting at home waiting. Moping. The car sped away, leaving me to shuffle into the train station with other travelers.
