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She waves to me before she looks down at the folder she’s holding. The elevator dings, and I don’t give her another thought as I step inside. The wind has picked up since I was last out, and I hurry to where I parked my car a few blocks away that morning. I wonder if I could sell the thing today and get it out of my hair. I should have taken the train to Manhattan.
Noah’s loft is just as I remember it, all gleaming stainless steel and granite. I plunk the bags down in the bedroom. The bed is covered in plastic that I pull off, and then I strip the rest down to the mattress. I have no idea what Noah did in it last, and I won’t sleep on the sheets unless they're fresh.
After I change the bed, I take the sheets off the furniture and throw everything in the washer located in a small room next to the pantry. Then I set to work wiping down all the surfaces with cleaning supplies I found in the closet in the hall. It takes me a couple of hours, but the place is finally clean.
I’m sweaty despite the cold weather. Not having much else to do, I set the water temperature in the huge glass shower stall to hot and strip while I’m waiting. I can’t help but look over my lean frame in the mirror. I’ve lost too much weight, making me look gaunt. It’s time to start treating myself better and working out again.
Conveniently, Noah has a full gym in his loft, and I plan on using it. My muscle definition is not what it was before Cassie died, and my face is getting too angular. I didn’t realize it until I had my beard shaved off. My chin is no longer square, but sharp and my cheekbones protrude, making my blue eyes look sunken.
After my shower, I realize that I have no food. Every change thus far has breathed new air into my lungs, and the longer I’m in the city, the more my appetite returns. I search through the drawers in the kitchen and find a multitude of menus. I’m craving a good New York pizza and place an order with a place several blocks away.
The front desk calls me when the pie has arrived, and I head downstairs to pay for it after I throw on a pair of old sweats and a t-shirt. I look nothing like the residents in this building, who dress in designer clothing. I’m going to have to remedy that and purchase better clothing. I only bought a few pairs of slacks and dress shirts today.
Upstairs, I can’t get enough of the pizza. After I eat six slices, I can barely move, but I feel good—energized—and happy like I haven’t felt in months. I decide to call Rory even though our last conversation was pointed and hostile from start to end. I practically accused her of being overly intrusive. I know that hurt her because she was just concerned. I dial her number, hoping she’ll pick up. My heart races as it goes to voicemail after four rings.
“Aurora, uh, Rory, it’s your Uncle Lucian. I don’t know if your father told you I moved to Manhattan. But I’d like to talk to you. I’m sorry about the last time we spoke. Anyway, call me if you want to. I love you.”
I hope my quick apology will be enough for her to call me back. She might still be angry with me even after all these months. As I put away the rest of the pizza, I’m proven wrong because five minutes later, she calls back.
“Rory?”
“Uncle Lucian, why didn’t you tell me you were moving to the city?”
“It was spur of the moment. My friend Zane asked me to invest in his company, and I didn’t want to go back to Boston. I just got here yesterday.”
“Where are you staying?”
“Your dad’s place. Your grandfather is not happy about this, so I didn’t bother asking if he had any vacancies.”
“I know the feeling. He wasn’t happy when I moved for Hunter, but then again, neither was Daddy.”
“I miss you,” I blurt out.
She laughs slightly. “I miss you too.”
“Rory, I’m sorry about the last time we talked. I was an ass. I know you were worried about me.”
“It’s forgotten,” she reassures. “I want to see you. Can we have lunch this weekend?”
“Yes, I’d like that. Maybe we could have dinner tomorrow.”
She’s silent for a few moments. “I have a dinner. It’s a family thing at Lexi’s. I could ask her if you could join us. I’m sure she would love to see you.”
It’s my turn to hesitate. “Is Megan going?”
“She usually shows up with her fiancé and son.”
“Then, it’s better I don’t.”
She sighs. “You broke up years ago.”
“Still, it’s better I ease into it. I’ll see Lexi another time. Please tell her I was asking for her. Give her my number.”
“I will. I’ll text you a time and place for lunch.”
“Terrific. I’m glad you called me back.”
“Of course. I love you, Uncle Lucian. Talk to you tomorrow.”
