Hours later, Andrew pulled over to the curb at Lincoln Center.
I unbuckled my seatbelt and looked at him. “Are you going to be standing outside the ballet hall when I get done today?”
“Probably.”
“With hot chocolate?”
“Would you prefer something different?”
I smiled. “No…”
He leaned over and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I thought I was doing the right thing by kicking you out that night, by pushing you away…It was definitely a mistake.”
“I’m not coming back to you just because you said that.”
“I didn’t ask you to.” He trailed his finger against my lips. “I would, however, like you to consider forgiving me.”
“I’ll think about it. Just because you—”
His lips were on mine—kissing me, begging me, saying all the things he couldn’t say with words. And this time I was listening, missing everything we once had before he pushed me away.
Not letting me go, he ran his fingers through my hair and caressed my neck.
“Go think about that,” he whispered, slowly pulling away from me.
“Um…” I struggled to catch my breath as he stepped out to open my door.
“I’ll see you tonight.” He kissed my lips before leaving me standing in the middle of the street, completely breathless again.
Shit…
I headed toward the dance hall, confident that I would dance like I was on air today. I opened the doors and felt someone grabbing my shoulder from behind.
“Aubrey?” The voice asked. “Aubrey, is that you?”
I turned around, shocked. “Mom? What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you…”
I noticed the pin on her suit, “Vote Smart. Vote Everhart,” and knew that wasn’t true. She was in town for something that had to do with my father’s campaign; I was only a pit stop.
“Well, now you’ve seen me…” I turned away and slipped inside the building.
“Wait, Aubrey.” She followed me. “Do you really think that moving across the country was the best way to get me and your father’s attention?”
“I didn’t leave North Carolina to get your attention.”
>“Because she says things she doesn’t mean all the time.” He looked at me, instantly setting my nerves on fire. “And I know she’s just angry with me.”
“Dude!” Brian let out an exasperated sigh. “I’m her boyfriend so clearly she’s moved on…She has a boyfriend.”
“I honestly don’t feel threatened,” he said, still looking at me. “Did you get my coffee this morning?”
What?! “That was from you?” My eyes widened. “I thought…”
“What coffee, Aubs?” Brian looked concerned. “What is he talking about?”
“Andrew…” I shook my head. “Thank you for the coffee, but that doesn’t make up for anything…”