Almost Everything

Chapter Eight - In My Veins

I'm waiting in the living room of the penthouse for Jackson to emerge from his bedroom. We are alone because Nate is still out on his date. My hair is up, teased, and messy. I did my eyes dark and smoky; they look great with the short silver shift dress and heels I pick for our evening out.

New York is the fashion capital of the world and I want to stand out.

Jackson walks out of his room wearing a pair of black dress pants, and a white button-down top under the black suit jacket. It is the same outfit he wore to the wrap party in Greece. His face is smooth and freshly shaven. His hair is styled with messy spikes, and I want nothing more than to run my fingers through it. His eyes are still blue-gray and it is starting to bother me, he is shutting down on me.

The town car is waiting outside for us and we make our way to the club. "I thought we were going somewhere for dinner, but tonight is just drinks. I asked the kitchen to have burgers and fries delivered to our room around three tonight." He finally breaks the silence.

"Thanks. A night of drinking is good too. I've had one hell of a day. So, while you were sleeping, Nate and I found out that my dad is indeed seeing Paul." I share.

"What? How do you know." He turns to face me.

"We found photos. I'm upset that he wouldn't tell us, I just want people to be happy in life and I support whatever that is. I'm hurt that this was kept from Nate and me. I mean he's obviously bi-sexual because he and mom have me and Nate, but I'm just sad that he feels we won't understand." I ramble on.

"Is this why we had to go to your parent's house today?"

Nodding, I look at him. "Part of it and another part of it was that I was hoping to find a reason why my mom hates me so much. I did nothing to her and I'm always in her path of wickedness."

He grabs my hand. "Ava, she doesn't hate you. If anything, I think she's jealous of your life."

I start laughing and shaking my head at him. "Jealous of my life? She married the biggest Hollywood producer at eighteen years old, had an amazing job on Broadway, and has more money than most small countries. I can't see what she'd be jealous of."

"Maybe that wasn't enough for her." He offers.

The car stops, and he gets out. My door opens and I take the hand he's offering. We quickly make our way into the packed club.

"Are you going to tell me why you are so angry?" I ask him.

"No." He smirks at me.

"Jackson?"

"Ava, I'm not angry with you. I want to have a fun night because you deserve it. I'll work through my anger." He kisses my forehead.

He leads us to the booth near the bar. His brother stands and wraps his arms around me. Kyle was my first crush. I would spend hours drooling over him when I was at Jackson's house. He was cut perfectly and there wasn't an ounce of fat on his body, but there shouldn't be since he's one of New York's best personal trainers.