Free Kelly's Quest (NYC LOVE Book 2) by Jennifer Ann Page A

reception.
    Jewels crosses her legs once she’s on the couch and settles against my side the way she always did in our dorm room as she works on twisting the top off the wine bottle. “So! What’d you think of Central Park? We’ll have to go running through there some time. I’ve only been on the edge of it a couple of times with Adam, but Theo keeps inviting me to run the trails with him. I guess the park is huge.” She hands me the bottle. “Speaking of, how’d it go with Theo just now?”
    “We didn’t kiss, if that’s what you’re hinting at.”
    “So you’re not interested?”
    “Are you kidding? Of course I am. He’s one of the hottest guys I’ve ever met. He’s really funny and kinda sweet, too. I’d be stupid not to give him a chance. He’s the total package.”
    “You don’t seem convinced.”
    “I’m just really not ready to start a relationship when I have other things to worry about, like finding a job, and figuring out what I’m going to do here, if I can find a way to finish college. What if I don’t find an affordable place to stay, or a job that pays enough for me to live here?”
    Jewels begins playing with strands of my hair, something she only does when completely inebriated. I didn’t realize she had so many drinks tonight. “It’ll all work out, Kel.”
    “And if it doesn’t?”
    “Then you move back to La Crosse. Or somewhere else in Wisconsin. But you should stop worrying about it so much right this minute.” After taking another slug of the wine, she sets in the bottle in my lap and snuggles into my side, wrapping her arms around herself and closing here eyes. “You’ve got all the time in the world to figure this out. Just enjoy life while you’re here.”
    “Jewels?” I ask softly, wondering if she’s sleeping. She hums with her eyes still closed. “Have you ever wanted something that you knew wouldn’t be good for you?”
    “Does falling in love with a guy who wanted to give up on life count?”
    I look down at my sweet friend, reminding myself she’s been through hell and back with Adam. My drama is like a stroll through the park compared to all she’s been though.
    I stroke her head gently. “Yeah, that counts,” I whisper, listening to her breathing slow into soft snores.
    I’m going to have to sort out my living situation and feelings for Erik on my own.

FIVE
     
     
    Jewels, Adam, and I spend the entire next day unpacking. Yeah, the two of them are a bit sickening to be around at times, but they’re so in sync with each other’s emotions and every move that it warms my heart. They’re the first couple I’ve been around where it’s obvious they’re meant to spend the rest of their lives together.
    I’m caught up in the excitement of my best friend settling into her very first place off campus with the guy she’s head over heels in love with, and completely forget about my meeting up with Theo later. Erik sends me a text while I’m getting ready, asking when he can expect me to move in. The reminder that I still have to tell Jewels something , even if it isn’t the truth, weighs down the excitement of going to see Chloe’s band perform. I quickly type:
     
    Come 2 The Sticks on 23rd St tonight after 9. I’ll fill u in .
     
    The city’s alive with locals and tourists as Adam, Jewels, Theo, and I wander down to the hip bar just before nightfall. You’d think it was the weekend rather than a random weeknight the way an excited vivacity buzzes through the crowd on the sidewalks. For the most part it’s easy to pick out the visitors from the residents the way some stop to take pictures frequently while others carry along at a steady pace, filled with laughter and conversation. I find myself wondering if I’ll ever fit in with the locals, or if I’ll always be overwhelmed by the constant movement of the massive city.
    As we wait in line to enter the bar, I occasionally feel Theo’s warm breath on my neck as if he’s staring down on me.