What'd Tom miss! (On Hold)

Chapter 22

" Dad, I'm going to Starbucks with Anthony, okay?" I called out as I left.

" Sure, be back within an hour" he called back.

'Okay, bye, love you" I say. Okay, don't judge me. My parents wouldn't understand why I'm giving Lexi a second chance. I just have to do it without the lecture I might get.

As I waited in NY traffic in the back of a taxi, I get a text from Lexi.

Lexi

I'm here

You close...

Em

About 5 minutes away

Getting out of the taxi now

I walked into Starbucks and instantly noticed Lexi in the corner, away from windows, which was a smart idea because we didn't want paparazzi following us.

" Hey, Em, " She said when i sat down, taking off my coat. She pushed over my favorite drink and smiled.

" Hi, Lex" I say, my voice course. "Can I rant?"

" Of course.. I won't judge, " She says, as she takes a sip.

" So, we won the court case as the media already found out about, but I just can't help feeling bad. I definitely want a relationship with Tom, but at the same time, I refuse to give up my life right now, " I start, taking a deep breath and I continue, "I mean, he searched for me for 8 years or so and sure he didn't find me but at least he kept trying, you know?"

" Well, obviously I don't know but I can try to understand. He's your blood so you feel like you need some sort of relationship with him since he is your only family left, " She suggests and I immediately nod.

" Like he's my blood and DNA, but they are my family, you know?" I say, " and the worst part is that I can't maintain a relationship without hurting the others, "

" What do you mean?" She asks, genuinely worried.

" If I maintain a relationship with Tom, I hurt my family. If I don't, I hurt Tom, " I say.

"Oh,, so it's a lose-lose situation, " Lexi says, frowning.

" Exactly, I don't know what to do, I'll figure it out though, " I say.

She reaches across and holds my hand, smiling. " You'll get through it. You always do. "

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH HER?" I hear from right behind me and I recognize the voice.

"Anthony?" I say in surprise, " What are you doing here?"

" Getting coffee. Having fun with this one here?" he says ironically, gesturing to Lexi. HIs little face was all scrunched up in disgust but his eyes showed shock.

" Anthony, can we talk about it somewhere else?" I mutter as people were starting to stare.

" You didn't tell anyone that you were coming to see me?" Lexi said in a soft voice, her annoyance and hurt clear.

" Lex.." I call out as she starts to collect her things.

" Bye, Emma, " She says as she walks out and starts walking away.

" So, Emma... care to explain?" Anthony asks sarcastically, but it was more than that.

He made it clear with his eyes that it was Lexi or him. If I left, I would make him more mad...

but I did...