“I’ve been trying for the last two years,” Dean said through gritted teeth.
“He always makes me the bad guy!” Melissa yelled before stomping away.
Dean’s hands flew to the back of his head, where he threaded his fingers through his hair. “She is going to f**king kill me. Look at her.”
I did as he asked and stifled a laugh. Melissa was currently struggling to get her suitcase off the spinning carousel. The damn thing looked twice her size and she was being dragged along as she yanked at it, unable to maneuver it over the edge and onto the floor.
“Come on, let’s get out of here.” I nudged his rib cage with my shoulder.
When we got into the car, I positioned myself in the rear seat between Dean and Melissa, feeling like a referee just waiting to blow my whistle and shout, “Interference!” or “Offside!” But neither of them so much as looked at the other. This was going to be a long few days.
Dean stared out the car window, his eyes widening as he took in the views. I remembered how alive I felt the first time I came here. In the midst of my Jack-shattered heart, New York seemed to be the only place that could mend it. It buzzed with energy in the day, but it created it at night. I loved this city.
“Wait until you see the view from our balcony.”
Dean turned to me. “I can’t believe you guys live here.”
“It’s pretty awesome, right?” I smiled.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
The car slowed to a stop as we pulled in front of our building. “We’re here.”
Dean didn’t wait for our driver to open his door. “This looks like something straight out of Disneyland,” he said, glancing up at the light bulbs that lined the awning over our building’s entrance, and I laughed.
“It’s just those lights. I know. They look like the movie theater on Main Street. But you won’t think that in the daytime. Come on.”
“Thanks, Pete.” I smiled at the driver as he unloaded the last of the suitcases from the trunk.
Melissa looked straight up into the night sky. “Twenty-three floors up, right?”
“Yep,” I responded before wrapping an arm around her. “It’s not that bad. Just don’t look down.” A small sound squeaked out of my best friend.
The doorman held open the front door for us to walk through. “Evening, Mrs. Carter.”
“Good evening, Antonio. This is Jack’s brother, Dean, and my best friend, Melissa. They’re staying with us for a few days, so be sure to give them access.”
Antonio studied their faces, as if committing them to memory. “You got it. I hope you enjoy your stay.” He tipped his head. “Oh, and Mrs. Carter, tell Mr. Carter we miss him on the field and to get better soon.”
Forcing a smile, I told him I would pass along his message, but inside I started to crumble. “I hope you’re ready for this,” I warned Dean as the elevator dinged and we stepped inside.
Dean nodded. “But can I just say that this place is awesome? A doorman? Lights like Disneyland? I can’t wait to see what your apartment looks like.”
I held back a chuckle; he sounded like an excited kid. “It’s ridiculously nice. We’re really lucky.”
My mind shot back to the day we first toured this apartment. Jack had the rare day off and had found us this place after researching all morning. It was love at first sight for me, what with the granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, enormous master bedroom, and equally huge marble bathroom. The balcony with its view of the city was simply an added perk that called to my photographic side. To put it mildly, I fell in love the moment I walked through the front door.
Jack, on the other hand, didn’t even explore the apartment at all. Waiting for my approval, he said all that mattered was that I liked it. He had been sold on the doorman, the twenty-four hour security, and the private gym.
“Cassie? Hellooo.” Melissa waved a hand in front of my eyes, forcing me back to reality.
“Sorry,” I said with a sheepish smile. “I was just remembering the first time we saw this place.” I shook off the memory and stepped out of the elevator.
When I opened the front door, the shadows from the television and the city lights danced across the otherwise darkened walls. Floor-to-ceiling windows provided the most beautiful views of the city, and Melissa gasped as she pulled her suitcase through the entryway.
“Wow. That’s stunning. What a view, Cass.”
“Holy shit, that’s gorgeous,” Dean agreed as the wheels on his suitcase squeaked.
Melissa leaned toward me and whispered, “Where’s Jack?”
“I’m trying to sleep, but you’re all so f**king loud.” Jack’s snarky voice sliced through our otherwise enjoyable moment, putting us all on notice.
I pursed my lips together, my eyes instantly filling with tears, and waved a hand in the direction of the couch.
“Aren’t you a peach?” Dean mocked, before walking through the living room and flipping on every switch he could find.
The apartment lit up like a showroom and Jack cursed. “Turn those off. Fuck.” He glared at his brother in the bright light, and for a moment I was embarrassed at his appearance. He refused to shave and wouldn’t let me help him, so his beard was overgrown and he looked really scruffy.
“Stop being a dick,” Dean snapped back.
“Stop being here,” Jack growled before covering his eyes with a pillow.