Lennon Miller and Jack Hughes were once inseparable. Being born on the same day, in the same hospital to moms who were best friends would do that to two people.
Every memory Lennon had as a child consisted of the brunette boy at her side. He was he...
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"Does it ever drive you crazy, just how fast the night changes."
~*~*~
"You better be lying."
"I'm not lying Lily."
I've just finished the last round of interviews when Liliana comes flying into the bookstore. She has a bewildered look on her face. I guess word travels fast.
A few days ago I signed the contract written up by Jack's agent. I'e thought about it non stop since I left that conference room. I think it's by far the stupidest thing I have ever done but at the same time something is telling me I need to do this.
Not just because I fired my agent and now I have to figure out how to keep my book published. I am so new to all this but I've done extensive reasearch and I found an incredible woman who offered to be my new agent. She is based in New Jersey so it will be easier for me to meet with her and get the ball rolling.
"Why are you doing this?"
"I'm tired of doing long distance. We've been dating for almost 6 months now and it's finally time we take the next step."
Angela gave me an entire script to follow. It's so convoluted but the lady knows what she is doing and it makes total sense based off both of our lives. It also does an incredible job of discrediting all the things that Jack has supposedly done.
"Well, I'm happy for you. What is going to happen with the store?"
"Im interviewing someone to take over when I'm gone. I'll still be the owner but I need someone to run the business while I am in Jersey."
"I'll do it."
I stop in my tracks and look over my shoulder at her. "What?"
"I said I'll be your manager. Come on you know I know this store almost as much as you do."
She's right and she probably the only person I truly trust to run this place like I would. The thought of leaving it in someone else's hands has me growing itchy. This place is my baby and I'm already dreading being away from it for so long. I know this is only temporary but it's really hard.
"Are you sure?"
Liliana leans her elbows on the front counter. She's an older woman who's taller than me with the kindest eyes. Liliana has really ben my only friend since I moved to Oregon. I never took the time to meet new people because for the most part I've been a shell of the person I was.
Jack took everything from me that day. He clawed at my personality and ripped me to shreds with his bare hands. Nothing has been the same since he left and I never really had the motivation to change anything. To re-find myself and my happiness until recently.
It's so ironic that the second I grasp onto any semblance of happiness Jack comes waltzing back into my life. Asking me for favors and looking at me like no time has passed. It's absolutely maddening but it's also completely familiar and exactly what the old Jack would have done.
Good to know some things never change.
"I got fired yesterday."
"You what?" I spin around and give her my full attention. She has been working at that bank for nearly 11 years now. I can't believe they would ever let her go.
Liliana just shrugs her shoulders like it's nothing, "The bank is closing down. Something about not getting enough business. Anyways, I need a job and you need someone who you can trust."
"I couldn't possibly ask you. It's a lot of responsibility."
"Lennon, I'm offering to help. I'm a quick learner and you know that we have the same brain."
I've always thought that Liliana is another version of myself. We think the same and act the same it's so bizarre. When I first thought about signing the contract and moving away she was obviously the first person to come to my mind but I never thought it would work out this way.
It seems the universe is pushing for this to happen. I don't know why but every little detail is wrapping itself up perfectly and the only thing left to do is pack up my shit and move.
"Okay. If you want the job it's yours."
The smile that takes over her face is nothing short of appreciative. She is going to be paid well and she knows it. We spend the rest of the day going over things. I let her take over the sales and watch from behind as she absolutely dominates. She does an ever better job that I do and although it slightly annoys me, I can't help but smile to know that July Above is in good hands.
~*~*~
Later in the day when I finally get home I have no choice but to start packing. I'll be in New Jersey at the end of the month. Luckily I don't have to pack my entire apartment. Big money Hughesy paid for someone to pack the rest for me. All I need to do is get my essentials set aside in my suitcases.
An hour into packing my phone dings from its place in my closet. I threw it on the carpet after I broke the zipper on one of my favorite jackets trying to cram it into a dress bag. Reaching for it I turn it towards my face and see that an unknown number texted me.
"Hi Lennon, it's Jack. I just wanted to send you a text so that you can have my number in case you need anything at all. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you doing this for me and despite everything, I'm excited to see you again. Don't hesitate to call or text if you need anything."
Rolling my eyes I send him a short text back. I know that I need to have some sort of communication with him to make this work but I am determined to keep it as limited as possible. I don't want anything to do with him. I'm really only using him for the publicity. That seems selfish but then again I don't care.
"Don't count on hearing from me."
"I understand."
He types back quick as hell like he was waiting for me to reply. I leave him on read and go back to my least favorite thing in the world. Packing. I'm just really glad that I don't have to do all the work and I'm excited to get a brand new incredibly expensive apartment for free.
When Jack was first drafted to the Devils, him and I spent hours looking at house and apartments in New Jersey. I think the area is beautiful and I'm ready for a change of pace. My phone dings once more and without looking I know it's Jack.
This time I don't bother responding. Whatever he has to say isn't important enough for me to stop once again. If I stop then I won't continue and i'll slowly loose the nerve I built up to even do this. Whatever he has to say he can say it to my face in two weeks.
