We Are In Love In NYC

Monday

June 18, 2029

Jordan sat patiently outside the music room at the Manhattan School of Music, a sense of calmness washing over him as he waited for Layla. The music school buzzed with the energy of aspiring musicians, their instruments carrying melodious echoes through the hallways with the gentle notes of a piano, the rhythmic tapping of a drummer, and the soaring strings of a violin all blended together. He strained to catch the tune of a faint melody of violins floating through the closed door but it remained elusive, teasing him with its soft notes. Layla had kept the music a secret, insisting he wait until Friday to experience it fully. And so, he sat there, eagerly anticipating the moment he could finally hear Harmonica play. 

Being with Layla felt like a dream come true, and he cherished every moment they spent together as their connection grew stronger. Yet, as much as he wished the days could stretch on indefinitely, the reality of a new week weighed heavily on him. It meant that his time with Layla in New York was drawing to a close.

He knew he didn't want to leave.

The jingle of his phone's Facetime call snapped Jordan back to reality, and he glanced at the screen to see Asher's name flashing.

"Hey, man," Jordan greeted as he accepted the call, only to be surprised by Asher's birthday getup, complete with a high birthday hat and face paint. "Woo, what's going on?"

"Sorry, planning for the Big 5 birthday this weekend, it's been chaotic," Asher replied, taking off the hat.

"Nice, you shouldn't have taken it off though, you look good," Jordan chuckled.

"Haha, so I hear you're committing to the Rams. My coach just called me, and there's going to be a meeting with you and your agent tomorrow. That's amazing, man!" Asher congratulated.

"Yeah, it is. I'm actually excited," Jordan confirmed.

"What about Spencer? How did he take it?" Asher inquired.

"I haven't told him yet, but I will tomorrow. He's already dead set on Miami, so I doubt this will change his mind," Jordan explained.

"Okay, that's fair. But I'm happy I get to work with you next season. We could do wonders with a quarterback like you," Asher said enthusiastically.

"Thanks, I appreciate you," Jordan replied gratefully.

"So, do you mind me asking what made you change your mind?" Asher was curious.

"Not a what, more like a who. I spoke to a friend, and she made me realize that it was time to head back," Jordan revealed.

"Wait a minute, did you say she? I was just with you two days ago, and you were the Pope. When did this happen?" Asher was surprised.

"Oh, come on. I met up with Liv and her roommate Layla that night, and Layla and I just hit it off," Jordan explained.

"Layla? Why does that name ring a bell? Is she @laylakmusic on Instagram? The girl you're always so chummy with in your comments?" Asher asked, putting the pieces together.

"That's her," Jordan confirmed.

"It's about time, man. God, you were being so pathetic. I'm glad you stopped hiding behind the keypad," Asher teased.

"Why are you all coming for me? Is it weird to see two platonic friends dialogue online?" Jordan defended himself.

"Nothing about that was platonic..."