Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Chapter 20

Hugh avoids me like I'm the plague.

When I wake up, he's gone, and when dinner rolls around, he doesn't come back. Not like he had been earlier in the week.

I head back to Wharton on Sunday, and it's only Thursday. If this is how the rest of my impromptu trip is going to be, that would be a bummer.

If he would just let me see him for a minute, just one, I'd apologize for what I said Wednesday evening in that parking lot. I'd explain myself, tell him it was an accident, but he won't let me even though I got up just as he was leaving this morning.

He must have heard me shuffling down the hallway after him, because he swiftly turns the corner, and I hear the front door open then close.

Was it really that terrible of me to say that he can't glance in my direction at all? I feel like I'm missing something. I don't know what's going on in that gorgeous head of his. I wish I did so I could know exactly what's he's thinking in order to fix this misunderstanding.

I stand there for a moment in the hallway before I pivot and go back into the guest room where I left my phone. If he won't let me say it to his face, I'll message him instead.

That doesn't mean he'll read or respond to it, but at least it'll be out there.

However, when I power on my screen, there's a text from Avi. I immediately open it.

Avi: Hey, Erin! I know I said I wanted the week to spend time with family, but I was able to finish reading your book and adding comments about what revisions to make. I was hoping to surprise you with it, but your brother says you're out of town. I'm too excited to wait until you get back, so I decided to email it to you.

She's done? Already? Like she hasn't had it for almost a month, so I don't know why I think she wouldn't have it finished by now. Still, this is amazing! I can't wait to check it out.

Me: Thanks, Avi! I'll give it a look right now.

And, I will. I don't have work or anything else to do for that matter, so why would I waste another second not reading her suggestions?

After I take out my laptop and get situated on the bed, I'm prepared to stay right there for the foreseeable future until Avi sends me another text.

Avi: You're welcome! BTW, where'd you go?

I'm hesitant to answer just because I don't want to give too much away, but I owe her a decent explanation.

Me: I'm in NYC.

Avi: WHAT?! Why?!

Now I have to be a little more cryptic in my answer and tell her a version of the truth that Hugh isn't a part of, but if I say too much she'll only ask more questions.

Me: I met with a literary agent.

Avi: No way, that's great! I thought you wanted to self-publish though? What changed your mind?

Hugh did, and my lips that pulled into a grin fall slightly.

How do I reply to that? I definitely can't say it was him. I wonder what Milo told her exactly? Did he tell her I came with someone? I can't exactly ask her without giving away more than I should. So, I settle for something vague. Probably too vague, but I'm not exactly a good liar even in texts.

Me: A friend.

Avi: ...Trenchie?

I don't know how she comes to that conclusion. I have other friends. Some of which we share like Carlos, Ruth, and Presly.