Page 111

My brain was in a fog. The only thing on my mind was to get to Troy.
Chapter 48
Troy
The plane bumped and rumbled as it landed on the runway, the woman next to me tightly gripping the armrest. She wasn’t much of a flier, which she told me as we departed New Jersey. Even though the flight was just under an hour, she clutched my arm the whole time, letting out little gasps during any form of turbulence. I had to bite back a smile. This was what flying coach was, I supposed.
It didn’t matter, though. Anything was better than staying in Atlantic City with my cheating, hypocritical, egotistical father any longer. After our big blowout, I doubted we could ever get back to a good place, if we were ever in one to start with. I could still hear his voice echoing in my head as I had left that meeting room, so angry and loud. But I shook my head free of it. I was home, and one step closer to seeing Monica.
The plane slowed to a stop and the woman next to me slowly peeled each finger off me as if her skin had melted into mine. I looked over at her, her face drained of color.
“You made it.” I nodded with encouragement.
“Barely,” she said with a weak smile.
“What brings you to New York?”
“My boyfriend. Though next time, he’s coming to me.”
I laughed.
“What about you?” she asked as she unclicked her seatbelt.
“I live here. I’m on my way to see my girlfriend.”
Though I had never said the word before, it felt right rolling off the tongue. Monica and I hadn’t exactly established what our relationship was, but we loved each other. I was pretty sure that meant she was my girlfriend. It had been so long since I had been in this situation. It all felt very middle school, but I was happy.
Happy that we could finally be together now. It may have taken a nasty fight with my dad to get here, but it was worth it. I had finally broken free of him, and now I just needed to step down from my position at the hedge fund. Then Monica and I could truly be together, free of any rules or judgment.
My father could have the hedge fund for all I cared. He had told me time and time again how he could run it better, so now was his chance. I didn’t realize how easy it would be to let it go until I realized how little it meant to me.
“Well, she’s lucky to have you. I don’t think I would have gotten through the flight without you.”
“Happy to be of service.” I chuckled.
The rest of the passengers began to deplane, and I slid out of the row of seats, following behind her. I pulled her bag down from the overhead compartment and handed it to her. I noticed a familiar book cover peeking out of the side pocket. I smiled.
“How is the book?” I asked, looking to her bag as I pulled my own bag down.
“Oh, it was so good. I couldn’t put it down.”
Of course, she couldn’t. Monica had written it. I couldn’t wait to get to her.
“She’s a fantastic author,” I gushed.
“You read romance?”
“I know the author, but yes, I read her stuff.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Wow! That’s amazing! She’s one of my favorite authors.”
I smiled, feeling proud.
“I have to ask…” she started hesitantly.
“Yes?” I asked curiously.
“Is her life as romantic as her books?”