We’ll be leaving in a few hours, but Rachel isn’t home when we get back to the mansion. Carter, on the other hand, is there, formally dressed, and is about to leave.
“Mom is having lunch with her friends, and I’m going to the office. I have an appointment with Andrew,” Carter says.
“Your business partner? Good luck. We’ll be leaving shortly.” Julian pats his brother on the shoulder as we walk past him.
“Later, Jules.” Carter gives a salute and exits the house.
I follow Julian to the stairs, becoming increasingly intrigued. “What do you mean business partner? Is he really leaving SEG? You said he’ll be judging the competition, right?”
“Not until he established his own firm. And, yes, he is still a member of the panel. Other departments are also competing this year. Carter is looking for new talents, preferably singers, actors, and dancers.”
“Interesting. More opportunities, then.”
“That’s right.”
Julian walks into his bedroom and opens the door. He instantly cups my face, inhales my scent, and crushes his mouth onto mine, passionately bruising me. “You’re still here right in front of me, but I already miss you.”
I laugh. “It’s not like you’re leaving me here.”
“I know, but you’ll be busy. The competition is in five days.”
“Yeah, and Ophelia’s concert is two days later.” I rise to his height level and peck at his lips. “But it’s not like we don’t go to the same school. You’ll be just as busy. Remember how you facilitated this contest?”
“I did. What did I just do?” He chuckles.
“See how dedicated you are? You give students like me the opportunity to pursue our dreams in all aspects.”
“But we’ll make time, okay?”
“Don’t ignore my texts.”
“I won’t. I promise. And you’re not required to win, okay? You can try, but no pressure. I believe in you.”
I don’t respond. I simply smile, slip my arms around his waist, and squeeze him for a bear hug. I love how he smells like a delicious man, with mint, sweet fruit, and woody notes. He sounds like John Pitch, though. I remember I needed to email his assistant today.
***
On our way back to Manhattan, I quickly call Lora, hoping Julian won’t notice the subject of our conversation.
“Hello, Lors. What’s up?”
“Not good. They have no plans of leaving the apartment.”
Damn it! I have nowhere to go. I guess I’m out of options for tonight. Maybe I can find a hotel room until I find another place? No, it’s still too pricy and out of my budget range.
Maybe I can stay with Julian for the night or a few days. But then I’ll have to explain what happened to him. I can’t bother him too much. That’s where I last saw his ex, Kristoff, and Peter. I don’t mind Peter, but what if Kristoff or Julian’s ex pays a visit?
“I secured your stuff in my room,” Lora continues, sighing. “I can meet you as soon as you arrive in Manhattan. Where are you now?”
I cast a glance at the road. “I’m still far away. Another hour or so. I’ll send you a text.”
“Yes, please. Maybe we can get together later at Starbucks and figure this out. This is entirely my fault, not yours, and I am not neglecting a friend. Don’t worry. Kristoff is joining us this morning. I told him what had happened. We’ll talk.”
“Thank you, Lora. It’s not your fault, either. But could you please ask Kristoff—” I pause, glancing at Julian, who seems to be listening. “Can you ask him if he can bring my notes for the elective?”
“Sure, sure. Take care. And please call me.”
“I will.” I end the call.
I suppose this is a major issue. This isn’t just unfinished lyrics or homework but the possibility of becoming homeless again.
“Is everything all right?” Julian asks, concerned.
“Yeah.”
“I can tell if you aren’t,” Julian insists. His gaze is still fixed on the road.
“It’s just a school thing.” Maybe I’ll tell him later if I find a solution. “Um, I’ll have a snack with Lora and Kristoff this afternoon when we get back. Could you drop me off at Starbucks near the school?”
Julian replies with a nod. He scratches his chin as if thinking, but he did not say anything else.
I open my email and compose a message to Mr. Melnard.
To: [email protected]: My apartmentGreetings, Mr. Melnard.I hope everything is going well for you. I know this isn’t one of my monthly updates, but I feel obliged to inform you, so I hope you don’t mind. This is an emergency situation. My lessor has asked me to vacate the apartment as of today due to a personal matter. I’m still looking for an immediate solution with my friends, so I’ll notify you as soon as I find a new place. However, if I can’t find an apartment with the same lease, may I ask for your help to find one? I just wanted to let you know about my current situation and apologize for the inconvenience. Sincerely,Anya ScottAfter rereading it three times, I hit send. I hope I don’t come across as demanding more money or ordering him around. I’m just desperate right now.
I rest my head on the seat’s recliner, preventing myself from breathing heavily again, dreading that Julian will notice something is wrong.
I close my eyes for a moment to reflect. Maybe I should ask a classmate and stay in one of Whitlock’s dorms? But I’ve heard they’re already full.
Lora and Kristoff might also be able to help me... I guess I’ll just have to wait.
A ringtone from Julian’s phone abruptly interrupts my thoughts.
“Yes,” Julian says after a brief pause. “What? No. I’m still driving.” Pause. “I’ll meet you later this afternoon. Yes, get that car, too.” Another brief pause. “Make sure it’s close to the school. Thank you for telling me.”
I wait for more, but I think the call has already ended. I open my eyes slowly and look at Julian’s stern expression.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Anya, would you like to spend the night with me?”
“Oh, um...” My heart skips a beat. Maybe I won’t sleep on the street tonight. “Sure, but people keep finding me there.”
“Don’t worry about it. Stella’s already blacklisted from visiting. I’m also changing my door code. I’ll text you the new one.”
“Are you sure? Don’t you have anything planned for tonight? I might bother you—”
“You do realize you can ask me anything, right?” he snaps, cutting me off.
Whoa! What’s up with his sudden mood shift? “Of course,” I say, gulping.
Hold on, did he overhear me talking to Lora? But I was talking in general…
“Call me after your snack,” he says as if I’m four years old.
“I will.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shout at you.” He sighs. “Please let me know when you’re coming.”
I respond with a silent yes. Then, he tightens his grip on the steering wheel and accelerates.
When we arrive in Manhattan, Julian drops me off in front of Starbucks. He only kisses me on the cheek before leaving, and that’s it. He speeds off.
Did I say or do something wrong?
I texted Lora that I was already in Starbucks, but Mr. Melnard had responded to my email.
From:[email protected]: Re: My apartmentTo Ms. Scott, Thank you for informing me of this. I will find you a place as soon as possible. Mr. Pitch will take care of the rent. Sincerely,Dean MelnardExecutive AssistantJohn Pitch ScholarshipWhat? That’s not what I asked for. My allowance suffices to cover the lease.
To: [email protected]: Re: Re: My apartmentMr. Melnard,I appreciate your help. You are, as always, very kind. However, I can pay for it with my grant. I’m grateful, but you don’t have to give me anything else.Thank you very much,AnyaMr. Melnard seems to be vacant today. His response is almost instant.
From: [email protected]: Re: Re: Re: My apartment Please accept Mr. Pitch’s generosity, and thank you for letting me keep my job ;) Sincerely,Executive AssistantDean Melnard John Pitch ScholarshipWow. I guess Mr. Melnard can be humorous after all. I typed I could just look for it myself, so they won’t bother, but I deleted everything because it’s impolite. Gosh! I feel like I’m taking advantage of the situation.
To: [email protected]: Re: Re: Re: Re: My apartment Please convey my heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Pitch. Take care. Sincerely,AnyaNow I can just tell Lora this and hopefully ease her mind. Julian offered me his penthouse tonight, so maybe it’s okay if I ask him for a few more days until Mr. Melnard finds a new place.
When I look up, Lora and Kristoff have arrived.