Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“You know, I never even realized how much change bothered me until my entire life was turned upside down,” I told her as I wrapped my arm tight around her. I wasn’t sure if she would hear me above the news of passing cars and passers-by, but I felt like I needed to get it off my chest.
She looked up at me with a question in her eyes, but she didn’t say anything. I was grateful that she was letting me work through my emotions at my own pace. Remy was good at giving me space while ensuring that I knew I wasn’t alone. I couldn’t believe I’d honestly thought I could let her go before. Now, I didn’t think I ever could.
The wind had picked up and it was considerably colder than before. I could feel Remy shaking a little, her jacket clearly not thick enough for the temperature. I shrugged my own off and wrapped it around her shoulders. She looked up at me and for a moment, I expected her to argue, but instead she smiled and snuggled closer into the fabric. It was only a small gesture, but it really did make me feel like Remy was mine and mine alone.
Eventually, we began to approach the building I had in mind. The crowds ahead of us started to thin and I released Remy a little, feeling like she could cope a little more. She smiled up at me gratefully before speaking. “How is your father?” she asked.
Just hearing the word ‘father’ made my heart sink in my chest. I was still feeling overwhelmed by a complicated mix of emotions including anger, grief, and guilt about my dad. It was a relationship that I would never forget and one that had no doubt shaped my life entirely—for better or worse. Yet, Remy was the one person I’d managed to open up to about it before. I knew I could do it again.
“He... He passed away,” I admitted in a quiet voice. I looked down at my feet and felt my throat grow thick with sorrow at voicing the words aloud.
“Oh, Griff,” Remy said in a rush. She stopped walking and turned to face me. “I’m so sorry, I had no idea.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into a warm embrace. I hugged her back happily, giving into her kindness. In her arms, I felt safe and cared for. It was unlike anything I’d felt with anyone else before. Remy indeed was undeniably special.
“I didn’t expect it to be so hard,” I confessed as I held her tight. “But I was glad that I was there at the very end. You were right. I would have regretted it if I didn’t go.”
Remy pulled away and pressed a hand gently against my face, cupping my cheek. She smiled up at me and I felt instantly comforted. I didn’t understand how without saying anything at all, Remy had managed to calm me completely. After waiting a few moments to get ahold of myself again, I took Remy’s hand in my own and continued the journey through the dark city streets.
Finally, after a few more blocks, we came to a stop in front of a huge landmark building. I turned to face her, but Remy was just staring upwards, looking confused. “Where are we?” she asked with a frown.
“You’ll see in just a few moments,” I promised her with a smile before leading her inside.
I bought our tickets and guided her to the elevator. “I need a better backdrop for what I’m about to say than a crappy hotel room,” I admitted with a smile in her direction. “I hope you don’t mind.”
Remy gave me a puzzled look, but I didn’t indulge her anymore than that. Instead, I held her close as we rode the elevator to the very top of the building.
“Close your eyes,” I whispered and, as usual, Remy did as she was told.
When the elevator doors pinged open, I took her hand and helped her step out onto the platform. As soon as we reached the open air, I smiled and whispered, “Okay, you can open them now.”
Immediately, Remy’s blue eyes opened up wide and took in the sparkling landscape around us. She gasped and let out an excited squeal. “The Empire State Building?” she questioned as she took in the breathtaking view around us.
“That’s right,” I told her and pressed my hand to the small of her back. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
Remy nodded and I knew I’d made the right decision. But no matter how beautiful the view was, nothing compared to Remy’s beauty. In spite of the twinkle of the city lights around us, my eyes were fixed on her and her alone. She was my world now and I was determined to show her that.