But I’m fucking done being passive in my own life.
“Get the fuck out, you motherfucker,” I snarl, shoving him violently. “We’re so fucking done. I don’t want to ever see youagain. Don’t call me. Don’t text me. I want you out of here when I’m back.” I grab my hair at the root and pull hard. “You know what? Fuck that. I’ll get Dixon to pack my things.”
“And where the hell would you go?”
I grab a bag and stack a bunch of clothes inside, not paying attention to what I’m grabbing as I zip it up and throw it over my shoulder. “Anywhere, as long as it’s far away from you.”
“Aoi.” He raises his voice and stalks behind me, “Don’t you dare turn your back on me. Aoi!”
I slam the door behind me and run. I don’t know where I’m going but I let my legs guide the way. My heart hammers in my chest and I realize it’s as much from fear as relief.
It’s over. Finally.
***
Amira whips up an amazing vegan curry, and I almost die from the sheer delight my taste buds are blessed with.
I haven’t told her about my argument with Jason, and I don’t intend to. I hardly want to think about that asshole in the first place, and sparing him any energy, even to cuss him out, is a waste.
“So, tell me more about Andrew. What does he do for work? How old is he? Because he’s definitely not our age.”
I grimace at the assault of questions. “Andrew is from a wealthy family. I don’t know if you know them, but he’s Bellami Lacroix’s little brother from Lacroix Corporation.”
She gawks at me, brows furrowing as she averts her eyes. “That’s…surprising.”
“I was shocked too, at first, but he’s not like those rich brats.” I smile at the thought of him popping into my mind. “He may only be twenty-three but he’s rather mature.”
“Twenty-three?” she asks, stunned. “He’s a decade younger than you, Aoi. That’s a big deal. And why are you smiling like that? Don’t tell me…”
I nod. “We made our relationship exclusive. I know this is sudden, but I really like him, Amira. I’m constantly freaking out about it, and it’s only been a day.”
“Lacroix,” she repeats the name with a scowl.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just thought the name was a bit familiar. Must be because it’s a famous family.”
“I really hope you two will get along,” I say. “He mentioned sensing that you don’t like him, but I told him you’re just worried about me.”
She grabs a thick, curly strand of her long, deep brown hair and begins braiding it. “I am. I simply don’t want you to get hurt by some young man who’s–pardon my crudeness–only having fun with your heart and will probably fuck you over.”
“Why do you say that?” I snap, pissed that everyone has decided to get on my nerves today. “He’s the first person that has managed to make me feelsomething. I’m happy with him. Yeah, I’m scared shitless that he’ll break my heart, or that I’ll break his, but I don’t want to focus on the worst.”
“Aoi-”
“I’m finally happy, so please can’t you just support me and at least try to get along with him?”
She drops her hair and grabs my hands over the table, smiling guiltily. “I’m sorry. You’re right andI amhappy for you. I’m just worried. But I promise I’ll be nice to him for your sake.”
“Thank you.” I beam as her thumb strokes the back of my hand. “Your approval means a lot to me.”
She nods and glances at my bag on the floor next to the couch. “So, what’s the luggage for?”
“I’m gonna move out of the hotel. It’s long overdue. I couldn’t stay there forever after all. Andrew is right. It’s unnecessarily expensive and I should just get my own place.”
“Need help finding an apartment? This is New York after all. It’s hard to find a good place that won’t cost you an organ,” she says, laughing and we resume eating. “It’s funny how one word from your new boyfriend was enough to make you decide to move out. The girls and I have been telling you this for a while, yet you never listened.”
I roll my eyes and pinch the back of her hand. “Are you insinuating I’m blindly following his advice? Thanks for the jab,mom, but my decision has nothing to do with him.”
