“I’m not doing anything that I can’t handle,” I tell him, jutting my chin out in defiance.
“Suit yourself. I just don’t want to hear it when he shows you once again who he really is.” With that, Ash turns on his heel and heads into my apartment, whistling as he goes.
Sighing, I unlock my car and speed off in the direction of August’s apartment.
Hendrix: Can I see you?
I shoot the text after I’m parked out in front of his building. I got lucky and there was a spot right outside. I decide that it’s a good sign and that I was meant to come here.
August: Your brother is not with you, is he?
Hendrix: No, he’s back at my apartment.
August: Come on up.
I head into the building and smile at his doorman as I start to make my way past him.
“Are you heading up to see Mr. Cromwell, hun?” he asks me.
I smile at him. “Yes, sir, I am.”
“Oh please, hun, ‘sir’ is my father, please call me Max,” he tells me. Max looks like he could be my grandfather. I decide immediately that I like him. His soft blue eyes and grey fluffy hair make him look sweet. I wonder why he’s still working. Does he do it for paycheck or is he just looking for some light conversation with tenants and their guests as they wait for the elevator?
“It’s nice to meet you, Max. I’m Hendrix.” I say, holding my hand out.
He shakes my hand lightly. “Are you named after Jimi Hendrix?”
I chuckle. I’ve been asked that question so many times. “I don’t think so, Max. I think my father wanted a son and had my name picked out before I was born, so I was stuck with it,” I glib.
“Is that really why?” he says, chuckling. “Because I’m pretty sure they had those machines that told you the sex of the baby before the delivery room.”
I laugh along with him. “Yeah, I think my mom enjoyed listening to Jimi Hendrix. Hell, she may have had a thing for him. That’s how IthinkI got this name.”
Max nods. “I like it.”
“Thanks, Max.” The elevator dings and I step into it. “Try and stay out of trouble,” I tease him.
“Oh, Miss Hendrix, you are heading up to see Mr. Cromwell. You are the one who needs to stay out of trouble.”
I place my foot in the path of the door so that it doesn’t close. “I think I’ll be alright since I don’t plan on staying.”
He shakes his head. “They usually don’t stay the night, Miss Hendrix.”
“I see,” I reply, moving my foot. “Don’t worry, we’re not like that.”
“It’s a shame. I like you, Hendrix,” he says as the door closes fully.
“Great, I’m just like all of the others,” I say as the elevator makes its way to the top floor, where August is waiting for me.
When the door opens, I see him sitting on the couch, holding something to his face.
“Don’t get up on my account,” I say as I make my way into the living room.
“I just got punched. I might be delirious; I’m not a hundred percent sure that you’re actually here. Maybe this is a mirage.” His eyes track me as I cross the room. “Come here and let me take your clothes off so I can see if you are real.”
I laugh out loud. “That will not be happening tonight.”
I sit on my knees beside him. “Here, let me see.” August lets me pull the ice pack away and I can see there’s a hint of bruising on his jawline. “It doesn’t look like he broke the skin.”
