Here & Now // T. Hall Sequel

Chapter 1

I didn't want to do this, but I had no other option. I'd be boarding a plane in 5 minutes, or whenever they would decide to call my row. It was honestly weird not flying first class, but now that I'm alone, I don't really care for being up there. All it was is drinks in a real glass, but I'm probably going to drink the vodka they give me straight from the tiny, little bottle. I'm sure Dierks Bentley would be proud. Maybe I should tape a picture of my dead family to the tray table next to me. Except I'm sure this obnoxious lady on her phone wouldn't appreciate that.

After our "divorce" me and Taylor went on a few dates, but ended up falling apart. Now that my family was gone, I didn't have anyone. So why not give my ex husband a visit? Maybe he would give a little insight on what to do because my extended family was no help at all.

The flight into Edmonton was hell. Turbulence sucks and it didn't help that I was already freaked out about dying. Seems like everyone in my family is lately.

I knocked on the door and his roommate answered.

"Hi." I managed to get out. Those small bottles of alcohol didn't help me with the nerves. At all. "Is Taylor here?"

"Uh. No. He'll be back though, come in." He opened the door and I walked inside, dragging my suitcase behind me.

"I'm Annabelle, by the way." I stuck my hand out for him to shake.

"I got that by the southern accent," he grinned, "I'm Jordan. Are you thirsty or anything? I heard you have a thing for margaritas."

"I'll pass on the booze, but a glass of water would be nice."

"You're not pregnant, are you?" He was worried for his roommate. I don't blame him, though. I would be worried if my roommates ex-husband showed up unannounced.

I'm 23 and already have an ex-husband. I'm sure Ross Geller would be really proud of me too. Only, I don't think Taylor is gay. And I'm not. But I'm sure that's easier to explain than getting drunk and marrying a professional hockey player in Vegas.

"Nope. Just didn't know what to do with my massive inheritance so I came to visit Taylor and hope he'll let me crash on the couch for a while. Until I know what I'm doing with my life."

I had a job back home, but I quit. They told me I could come back after I felt better, but I didn't know when that would be and I just needed some time to go do my own thing. I was still young and I had more than enough money to last me well into my 40s. I was probably going to put a majority of it away to earn interest somewhere. Possibly invest it in something.

Sure, having the entire family fortune is great, but I miss my sisters and my mom nagging me about finding a boyfriend and hanging out with my dad on the weekends, even if I hated football. It was always our bonding. I mean, I didn't always hate the sport. It just was something I grew out of when I started into that rebel grunge phase that I haven't gotten out of yet. At least I know to how present myself in social situations for the most part.

I sat on the reclinder, curling up in a blanket while Jordan watched highlights from a game last night. After a few dates with Taylor, I got to know more about hockey so I wasn't completely clueless when they replayed certain parts of the game.

"Belly." Taylor said, breathless as a girl stood next to him. I looked up over the back of the chair and smiled.

"Hey loser."

"Jess, I think you should go." He turned to kiss the girl goodbye, but I got up and introduced myself.

"No, she can stay. I just need to talk to you for a while. I'm Annabelle, by the way." I stuck out my hand for her to shake, but she just looked at me. I guess Canadians aren't as nice as people say.