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

“There’s just a lot on my mind,” I inform Liesel, hoping to satisfy her with my blanket response.

“A certain someone is on your mind?” She digs further.

“No,” I lie unconvincingly. “Just stuff.”

Liesel pushes further, opening a cabinet and pulling a bottle of vodka out. She pours a small amount into the lid, reaching toward me. Reluctantly, I take it from her and down it in one go. The burn laces my throat, causing me to rasp before the liquor settles inside my stomach.

“That should help you clear your head, pack your clothes, and deal with your family,” she continues, placing the bottle back before I stop her. I motion for her to pour me another. What harm can it do? “That’s the spirit. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for your blessings, and I’m thankful for you and also this bottle.”

I giggle then follow with a hiccup. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bitch. I’m not usually so moody.”

“Hey, it happens to the best of us,” she assures me with a warm smile. “I better go pack, too. My aunt is picking me up soon to head to the airport.”

As she turns toward the room, I call her name.

“I’m grateful for you, too. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Probably be less intoxicated,” she muses. “And maybe healthier since my obsession with ordering pizza because of that cute delivery guy is out of control.”

I snort, shaking my head knowingly. “It’s borderline creepy.”

She laughs out loud before disappearing to her room. I follow her lead, heading to my room to pack. It’s been a while since I stayed at the apartment in Manhattan and have no clue what I left behind. Not wanting to risk it, I pack what I need, then check the time on my phone. Upon looking at the time, I notice no messages. Checking my socials really quickly, there’s nothing needing my attention.

Annoyed, once again, I zip up my suitcase fiercely.

It’s been two whole weeks since I left Will’s. And in that two weeks, not a single word from him. I could’ve texted him myself, but after his stern warning for me to be careful, I decided against it.

I don’t know what his lack of contact means, but I sure knew that men like him are easily distracted, certain that he’s busied himself buried between some woman’s legs. I’ll admit, it got to me more than I care to admit. I never considered myself a jealous person, and why I find the sudden need to be exactly that is beyond me.

And while I didn’t admit that to Liesel, the truth is I’m equally annoyed at myself for feeling this way.

Grabbing my things, I quickly say goodbye to Liesel and give her a big hug before leaving the camp

us behind for four days in the city.

Reuniting with my family is exactly what I need. My sisters, overbearing and demanding, all want to spend time with me but for different reasons. Whenever they could tag along with Mom and me, they would.

It means that Mom and I have less time to ourselves. Throw Dad into the mix, even less time. Though, as always, he was busy with work and disappeared to his office only to return at night for dinner.

After two days staying in my parents’ penthouse, I offer to help Mom prepare for Thanksgiving. Ava is nowhere to be seen, and neither are Addison and Alexandra. Still, I welcome the time with just us two women.

“With your sisters around, we haven’t had much time to chat.”

“I know, those chatterboxes always take the limelight,” I complain, jokingly.

“So, how are you really doing?”

I continue to peel the potatoes while conversing. “Honestly, it’s hard. Professors are demanding, and I’m trying to cram in some extra course work to finish earlier.”

Mom nods her head knowingly. “I understand, I did the same. Just don’t over-extend yourself. Your dad will kill me for saying this, but you also need to enjoy yourself, get out a little with friends.”

“I just don’t have the time,” I admit.

“And there’s no guy who has caught your interest?”

“Since Austin? No…” I hate lying, again, but don’t want to raise the topic of Will, given Mom’s relationship with him. She’s always been honest about just how important he is from the moment he was born. I don’t want to ruin their relationship, assuming she’ll blame him for coercing me to hang out and given our age difference, which isn’t encouraged. “I just want to be single for a while.”

“Understandable. Nothing wrong with being single.”