The Trouble With Love: An Age Gap Romance (The Forbidden Love 1)

“The problem is over two hundred miles between us. This is harder than I thought.”

“Then break up with him. Simple.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Millie,” Andy says, crossing his arms while watching me. “Do you really think Austin is just sitting there and pining for you? Have you seen the girls in college?”

“Yes,” I drag, aware that beautiful women surround Austin. “But doesn’t love count for something?”

“Do you love him? Or are you just saying that because you lost your virginity to him?”

My eyes widen, my head turning abruptly. “How did you know?”

“Ava, but in her defense, I thought it happened too.”

“The two of you are a pain in my ass,” I complain, frowning. “I do love him, I mean, what I feel is more than just a crush. We’ve been together for over a year. I can’t just throw that away because it’s getting hard.”

Andy’s attention is pulled toward a bunch of pigeons fighting for a donut a little kid drops on the pavement. Moments later, he turns his head while creasing his brows.

“Millie, you have to be honest with yourself. Sooner or later, the two of you will grow apart. It’s only natural, I mean, how many high school romances do you know that lasted?”

“Well, Mom and Dad, for starters.”

Andy purses his lips. “Um… from what my mom says, they were apart for eight years, so that doesn’t count.”

I rack my brain trying to come up with an answer but fall short. Maybe Andy is right, but nevertheless, I don’t want to give up just yet. For as long as it feels right, I’ll fight for us.

“So, back to you and your dating life…”

Andy laughs beside me. “Not much to tell, Millie. It would be oddly gross if I went into detail.”

I shake my head, grabbing my soda bottle to throw into the thrash. “Where to next?”

“Museum of Metropolitan Art?” Andy suggests.

“Let’s go.”

We head toward the subway, spending the rest of our time walking around and commenting on all the art pieces on display. We often argue when our opinions differ but forget about it minutes later when we find ourselves laughing at something trivial.

The hours pass so easily, our fun coming to an end once again. Andy hugs me goodbye as he leaves for class. We agree to catch up for my birthday in a week, dinner in the city at a restaurant of my choice.

It’s a glorious day considering it is fall. The sun is out, a warm blanket on my face to cancel out the occasional cool breeze. I take my time walking through Central Park, admiring the surroundings and watching people as they go about their activities. The casual stroll is enjoyable until my legs grow tired from walking.

I stop by a small café, ordering myself a coffee and taking a seat to rest my legs. I recheck my phone, and still no message from Austin. As I’m just about to put my phone away, the phone rings with my Aunt Nikki’s name appearing on the screen.

“Why, hello there, favorite aunt of mine,” I greet jovially.

“If I were indeed your favorite, I’d have been visited by now,” she points out while I cringe at the lecture I’m about to receive. “A birdie told me you’re in the city today.”

“Yes, I am. I needed a study break.”

“Well, I insist you join us for dinner tonight. Rocky can take you home since there’s no chance in hell you’re taking a train that late.”

My lips flatten, knowing I have no choice. “Of course, sounds great.”

“Now, have you had a chance to visit Will?”

“Will? Uh no… I’m sure he’s busy with work.”