Elle Jones

Chapter 25: Goodbye New York

Minutes after she asked that question, Austin's hesitant face grew weary at the sight of his own mother, who is curious about his appearance.

"What is your name?" she asks politely.

"Say, " Kristy smirked. "Nice outfit. I wanted to get something lovely for my wife, but she is more of a dark and gloomy type. Almost like my son Austin, come to think of it."

Speaking of Austin, he looked like he was ready to shit himself.

Embarrassed, I said to Kristy: "I am sorry, my husband is very shy around people."

Kristy looked at me in embarrassment.

"Oh." she blushed, turning away from Austin's paralyzed face. "I am so sorry for prying into your life. I will be on my way."

She gives us a happy grin then disperse into the crowd of morose people.

As soon as Kristy left, Austin marched over to me.

"Was that my mother? Just now?" he asks. "Because I could have sworn I saw my mother standing in front of me."

When I nod slowly, Austin groaned.

"I am so fucking grounded," he mumbled, running his fingers through his white-blond hair. "I am so fucking grounded."

"Calm down, " I assured. "I am sure Kristy didn't recognize you."

"But what if she did?" Austin asks, feeling worried. "Oh God, what if Olivia and Kristy came home and realize I ran away?"

I give him a sad smile. "Kristy and Olivia are not going to know."

"But what if they do?" he asks, looking deflated. "I don't want them to worry about me."

After a long sigh, I approached him then placed my hand on his right shoulder.

"Austin, if you stay in that apartment, we won't be able to honor Elle Jones' memory." I reasoned.

"And besides, since Joseph is looking for me in New York, the first place he might go to is your apartment."

Austin opened his mouth to speak, but because he couldn't counter my statement, he closed his mouth tightly then ducked his head.

"I guess you are right, " he murmured. "But what if someone sees us?"

I frown instantly.

"They are not going to find us, " I reassured. "Just as long as we do not use our cell phones, keep to ourselves, and lie."

Then taking a deep breath, I added: "But if you do want to go home, now is your chance."

Austin squints at me. "What?"

"Go home," I instructed patiently. "Be with Kristy and Olivia. I will film this movie on my own—"

"And do what?" Austin scowled. "Hide from Warren and the cops?"

I let out a sigh. "It's better than putting you at risk."

Blinking at me, Austin comes over to me and puts his comforting hands on my shoulders.

Because I am not used to people touching me, I tense a little at his physical touch. However, I didn't slap Austin's hands away or give him a hostile look.

Instead, I let his comforting hands help me think straight.

"Jack, " Austin began slowly. "I support your decision to go to Australia."

"But?"

Austin let out a deflated sigh.

"But, " he adds. "I don't want my moms to worry about me. What should I do?"