Pain And Pleasure 18+✓

Seventy-two

"I thought I'd find you anywhere but... here." Josh stares at the fish nuggets chiming in the deep fryer after stalking me in the kitchen.

Feeling elated for some reason, I grin widely at him. "Why not? It's my kitchen, and I love cooking, so here I am."

I've decided to make dinner. After Adrian's departure, I didn't want my mood to sink again because of Laura. As painful as it is, I think we're better off without her. In time we'll learn to accept it, to live with it, and when that right moment comes we'll tell Isla everything.

I hope it won't destroy her.

Josh gives me a hand with the nuggets as he inquires about my mom. I know he's here to make sure I'm fine, and it warms my heart. Among the people I love earnestly in the world is this Asian hunk who's witnessed my every high and low in life. He's been the best friend a girl can dream to have.

Out of the blue, I hug him.

"Oh!" he shrieks, caught off-guard.

I don't let go, and eventually, his stiff body relaxes as he wraps his arms around me, probably smiling.

When I pull back, he asks me dubiously, "What was that for? What are you up to, Linc?"

I shrug, a small smile on my face. "I just felt like hugging my best friend, and telling him that I'm grateful for being with me all these years."

"You're not sick, Linc, are you?" His face contorts into worry. "This doesn't feel right at all. Tell me you're not leaving or something."

I sigh heavily. Thinking back on the conversation I had with Adrian about an hour ago, I think I've made up my mind. I press a button on the oven to finally pull out the banana bread that Sally's baby in the womb adores. As I turn to face Josh, a grin resurfaces on my face.

"I'm thinking of leaving Las Vegas," I reply coolly. "I figured if I want to start over, I need somewhere new. So I'm going to New York and I want you to be the first person to know as I haven't told my family yet."

"New—Wow." He slowly dunks onto a kitchen barstool, shock evident in his dusky eyes. "Okay, that's unexpected. Are you going with Adrian?"

I can feel my breath caught in my throat. I know that will be the question for everyone, but the answer is clear by now since I'm positive that I want to be close to him for the rest of my life.

"It's a bit of a yes and no." My answer confuses him. He narrows his eyes down at me. "I mean, I'm not going to live with him under the same roof, but we'll be closer since he also lives there. I'll rent a house, and you're free to visit anytime!"

Some relief washes over him, and I'm positive it's because he's concerned about me.

Josh has always been a cautious man, and despising to see me getting hurt again by a man is one of the things he never cowers to say out loud. But I'm a big girl now and I've learned to accept that pain is also a part of life just as pleasure is.

There's just a thin line between the two.

"Alright, Linc. You know I trust you a lot, right? I'm sure you know what you're doing so I'll support you all the way." He smiles assuringly, giving me that avuncular tenderness that subverts my fear and doubts.

Yes! I got this.

"I've also decided to go to Stanford," Josh continues as I resume preparing dinner. I blink in surprise. "I'm tired of this place. Besides, I'll get to watch over Jake for you, so you better thank me in advance, huh?" He throws a warm nugget into his mouth.

"You sure you want Stanford? Why?" I quiz.

"Well... It's because I liked it there when Jake and I visited. They got a promising School of Law and from there, I may have a chance to work at my Uncle's Law firm while studying. Plus, it's been among the options I had so why not? It's kinda win-win."