WALK WITH YOU, CHAPTER 7
Well this is not the way I thought this day would end up going when I left my hotel this morning. Exploring New York with a complete stranger I can‟t seem to let go of and now with complete irrationality I am in fear of never seeing again.
Wrapped in our tense standoff, he breaks eye contact first and starts toward the exit of the fountain and towards the street. This is it, he‟s going to leave and that will be the end of whatever this has been. I contemplate running after him but I know that‟ll just make me look crazy and I don‟t feel like making this situation anymore crazy than it already has been. He stops halfway up the path and turns to me, his stunning face shrouded in darkness. “You coming? Or am I going to have to wait for you all night?” Relief mixed with a sudden onset of nausea, I am stunned. Paralyzed to my spot I don‟t register what‟s happening right away and just stare back at the dark angel in front of me.
He makes his way back over to where I am and stops just inches from me. “I don‟t want to leave. I am having fun. I‟m also confused as hell right now and don‟t know how to figure it out.” Before my mind can stop me, I fling my body against his and wrap my arms around his neck. He catches me in a huge hug which leaves my legs dangling in mid-air due to his height and my lack thereof. “Sorry.” I say into his neck. God he smells good. He rewards my apology with a low chuckle and squeezes me tighter to his body. I feel like I could stay here all night if he‟d let me. Setting me down on solid ground, he stares down at me with a sarcastic smile.
“You got to stop being such an ass Izz.” I mock insult and smack him across his chest.
Evan backs away laughing and I come back with, “Excuse me, my ass is awesome and don‟t you forget it.” Walking backwards he shoves his hands in his pockets.
“I know I‟ve been staring at it for the last hour and trust me, I won‟t.” I didn’t mean it like that. But yeah, alright. Another mental fist pump for me.
This place really is a concrete jungle. Shops upon shops line the street as well as huge buildings, restaurants and staples like the Barclays Center which we just passed not too long ago. We‟ve fallen into a comfortable rhythm now and it gives me a chance to reflect on the events of the day. How has this all happened? C‟est La Vie when it comes to mine. I feel like I‟ve never had the time to adapt to anything long enough without it changing drastically on me. That‟s why I‟ve always been quick on my feet. Ready to roll with the punches, and there have been a lot of punches. I‟ve always tried to not let life get me down and focus on the bright side, the future and everything it holds for me. Pity eyes are something I‟ve become accustom too especially when it comes to my parent‟s death. I‟ve always hated the looks on people‟s faces when I tell them. Probably why I don‟t tell very many people unless absolutely necessary anymore.
Signs up ahead for Manhattan Bridge pull me out of my reverie. “Do we have to cross a bridge?”
Evans gives me a sideways glance. “Yeah, of course. Don‟t you remember driving over one on the way to Di Fara‟s?”
Do I? So much has happened since then I feel like that was a week ago. “Yes, I just forgot. Is it safe to walk across?”
“I guess we‟re going to find out.”
