Dead Ends // Hugh Jackman

Chapter 36

It's been a week since Hugh and I have been in New York, and things haven't gotten any easier.

Even just going by myself to meet up with Ophelia has become a hassle. The press waits outside the complex the moment I step out, for either Hugh or I to show up. The lack of privacy is starting to take it's toll.

I don't want to leave the apartment, which is where I currently find myself. I'm scrolling through endless news articles and social media posts about my relationship with Hugh. I shouldn't be. It's not helping in the slightest, but it's the only thing keeping me occupied.

Plus, I can't get my mind off it no matter how much I try to distract myself.

As I read through all these stories about us, it's exhausting. I'm frustrated with the situation as I can't get a handle on it, and as the weight of the words, their judgement and opinions on my life, settle I also feel so helpless.

The current tabloid I'm reading is speculating how we met. It's all lies. I didn't throw myself at him and coerce him into dating me. I'm not a blackmailer or golddigger.

And, ever since our relationship went public, my phone number has been leaked.

I've been getting calls and notifications of being tagged in posts almost nonstop. It keeps binging, enough to annoy me and make me curious, but I need to stop this. I need to stop doing this to myself.

So, I power off my phone completely and toss it across the couch I'm sitting at. Burying my face in my hands, I groan.

It's emotionally draining. I don't know if I can endure the scrutiny. I want to be with Hugh. No doubt about it, but the constant public attention makes me want to hide.

I'm still on the couch when Hugh comes homes after a long, busy day. He's been rehearsing. I can't even focus on working on my novel when I should be.

Officially working with Ophelia, we've been working on my final manuscript. It's coming along quick with all the drafts I have. Once that's done, we're going to submit it to publishers and hopefully sign a contract to start that process all over again. There's no guarantee, but with Ophelia and Hugh I wish for the best. I hope all this that's going on doesn't effect my chances.

Hugh walks into the living room with his hands in his pockets. His eyes on me are laced with concern.

"Erin? You didn't answer me when I asked if you were home."

I hum, trying to give him my entire attention. "I'm sorry. What did you say?"

He must notice how distressed I am, because he suggests that we get some fresh air to escape the noise for a while.

"Let's head to the rooftop."

"What?" I don't move, because the thought of even putting on shoes and going outside puts me on edge.

"Come on, it'll make you feel better." Hugh gently takes a hold of my hands and pulls me off the couch.

I don't think it will, but I guess I have been in my thoughts for too long. I could use a distraction that might actually work. "Okay."

As we head to the roof, a place I haven't been to yet, I wonder why Hugh wants to bring me there, but the second we reach it, I understand why. It's so peaceful and quiet. The night sky stares down below us with a million twinkling stars. It feels like a sanctuary away from all the chaos.

With one of his hands entwined with me, he leads me out of the stairway. The door shuts behind us softly.

"You come up here often, don't you?" We get to the ledge and lean across the brick railing side-by-side.