False Start [#1]

O 3

C H A P T E R  O 3
diamonds are a girls best friend

The roof, top of Giant's HQ, at night, is my favourite place to be.

Strange, I know, who's favourite place would be somewhere at work.

But this one is mine.

Peaceful and calming. A secret. A hidden spot to let go, remove the mask and be unapolgetically yourself.

White smoke filters between my lips, swirling up into the dark air. I look down on the bustling city beneath me, ant sized people litter the sidewalks, honking cars fill the roads, and the building lights bring the whole atmosphere to life.

I love New York, I couldn't imagine not living here, in this chaotic place, surrounded by faceless people, with no name, going through a life of their own. It makes me feel a sense of belonging, some place I'm not the craziest, or loudest. Or the loneliest.

"Thought you'd be up here."

I spin, my heart hammering, to see Lane sneaking up on me with a smirk.

Turning back around, I grunt out. "You gotta stop popping up on me like that, asshole. One of these days I will attack."

Lane laughs as he comes to a stop beside me, resting his big forearms on the stone wall, overlooking the same view as me.

"You're awfully scrappy, princess, I admit, I still reckon I could take you on."

Rolling my eyes, I ignore him, mindlessly handing over the lit spliff in offering.

Lane takes it, sucking in a lungful and handing it straight back.

"Is there a reason you're pushing this divorce idea by interrupting my me time?" I ask, side eyeing him as he blows the smoke out.

He chokes a little before answering. "I went to your office, Azzy said he saw you disappear up here hours ago. Figured you probably was still around. How ya doing?"

I drop my head on the side of Lane's shoulder. "Good and bad, y'know."

He sighs under his breath. "I know, princess. I've seen a change."

A sniffle escapes as I attempt to hold back the dam.

Lane knowingly wraps one arm over my shoulders, and pulls me close, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

"I wish I had answers for you, Mals, I really do." He says, earnest, and honest. "But only Huxley can give you them, and from what I've heard, you've avoided him like genital warts."

I grimace, looking up at him disgusted.

Lane never cares though. He's unfiltered, and careless. It's endearing, refreshing as much as it is annoying.