“Who cares if he does? Everything’s already covered.”
AJ nodded at the driver once and the short, round man tipped his hat before opening the door for us and placing our bags in the trunk. Before stepping into the car, AJ looked over his shoulder briefly as if he expected to see someone there. It was strange, but I blew it off. He realized that I was watching him and smiled reassuringly.
I had no clue where we were headed from the airport and AJ made sure that he kept the details of the trip a secret. Fifth Avenue…We turned onto the street and AJ started preparing himself to get out of the car, so I knew that we were close. We drove a few more blocks before pulling up in front of a large hotel that looked super expensive.
When the driver climbed out of the car and came around to open our doors, I thanked him and stepped out onto the sidewalk. I must admit, I felt a little like a celebrity getting out of a luxury vehicle in front of such a pristine hotel; the only thing missing was the red carpet and paparazzi.
While AJ checked in at the front desk, I leaned up against a nearby wall and let my eyes wander over every detail of my surroundings. A few minutes later we were on the elevator and on our way up to the fourth floor. We followed the hallway around to our room and it seemed like it took AJ forever to open the door – probably just me being impatient as I waited to see the inside of our room. As soon as I heard the lock disengage, I rushed inside and jumped up onto the king-sized bed to sprawl out.
“This is perfect,” I said as I stretched out on the comforter. AJ laughed and sat our bags down in the foyer before coming to lie beside me. We stared up at the ceiling with our fingers interlocked, finally able to enjoy being alone with one another. Our last months together at home were closely monitored after we’d gotten caught in the attic by Mom; and before that AJ was under his father’s close surveillance. This trip was going to be like a breath of fresh air for us both.
“You like it?” AJ asked.
I turned to face him. “Are you kidding me? This is like a dream!” He smiled and turned back to look up at the ceiling. “So, what’s on the agenda for today?” I asked.
“Figured we’d hang out, do a little sightseeing, and then hook up with Angel tomorrow before we go see the exhibit.” In all the excitement I’d nearly forgotten that I’d get to see my favorite cousin during my stay in New York.
I looked at him again and tried my best to just live in the moment, but I’m too much of a realist. I suddenly became aware of the fact that, soon, I’d have to leave him again…..for real this time. No secret hook-ups like this in New York. When it came time to part ways at the airport in a couple days, we’d definitely be feeling the sting of missing one another. I was pretty sure that, after this, I wouldn’t see him again until returning home to visit our families for Thanksgiving.
“What’re you thinking about?” He asked.
I didn’t want him to know that I was being so pessimistic this soon after arriving, but, as usual, I wore my heart and my emotions on my sleeve. There was no sense in trying to hide it from him. “I’m already thinking about having to leave you again. Can’t help it.”
AJ didn’t respond right away, only stared into my eyes while he thought to himself. I shouldn’t have said anything.
“Just enjoy the time we do have together and try not to keep thinking about that. We’ll talk everyday and I’ll do whatever I can to get there to see you, but don’t be so focused on me while you’re at school. Have fun! Go to parties! Hang out with your friends!“ He laughed a little. “Well, first start by actually making some friends, and then hang out with them.” I punched his shoulder playfully in response. “I’m serious. You don’t even open yourself up to let people in anymore. Like that girl you told me about yesterday. What’s her name? The one you already don’t like.”