chest and the other hand reached up to her neck, holding tightly to the pendant she was wearing. It was a gift her mother gave her a few years ago, which she wore every time she traveled out of the city. Her fingers absently brushed over the stone as she breathed in and out slowly. Part of her couldn’t believe it. Alisa was actually in New York City.
“Ahem.” Evan stood at least two or three feet behind her. “Well, I guess I’ll let you get some rest. You had a long night.”
Alisa didn’t turn, but she looked down and off to the side where she could see him in her peripheral vision. Indeed, she had one of the longest nights of her life, it seemed. Even with the hour or so she managed to sleep on the flight over, she was still exhausted.
“Rest up, and if you need anything, you know where to find me.” His footsteps were light, though audible, as he retreated towards the entrance.
“Evan.” Alisa spoke up, making him turn heel to face her once again.
His piercing blue eyes were so pale against the sun peeking through the hotel window. “Hmm?”
A faint smile graced her lips, one of the first genuine smiles she could offer the director. “Thank you.”
With a nod, he grinned, though this time it wasn’t the cocky grin she could not stand. It was a genuine smile. “Get some sleep, princess.”
***
It was hard to sleep.
The television was on and the volume lowered to 3. The voices were faint, and the soft buzzing of the TV set was all that was keeping her company. She was restless and tossed and turned in her bed. It wasn’t that the pillow wasn’t fluffy enough or the linens weren’t inviting enough. Alisa had already spent a good part of the morning in tears as she idly fiddled with her wedding ring.
It was 1:00 p.m., and she had just gotten out of a nice warm bath, when she heard the faint vibration of her phone on the bathroom counter.
I’m really sorry about last night.
It was Evan.
Alisa wasn’t sure how she wanted to respond. She left the message open, got changed, and was blow drying her hair when she heard it go off again.
I understand if you hate me.
Again, she left it alone. She harbored a lot of ill feelings against Evan for being the way he was. She was so mentally and emotionally exhausted; there was nothing he could say to her at that moment which would ease her pain.
Once she was satisfied with what little makeup she applied, Alisa propped herself back in bed with her laptop, ready to jot down more notes for her newest novel. She was in the outlining phase of the story; a new supernatural drama, and the characters were almost all thought out.
I hope you’re okay. :/
As she was retrieving her phone to answer, it rang in her hands. Much to Alisa’s surprise, it was Alex.
“Well hello, babe!” Her face immediately lit up as she answered.
“Do you know how amazing it is to hear from you?” Alex squealed.
“How have you been?”
“Wonderful! I have so much to tell you. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming into town sooner?” Alex spoke quickly, and Alisa could tell he was just as excited as she was to finally be back in contact.
“I’m sorry, sweetie, I barely found out yesterday morning and … well, everything has been kind of a rush since then. How are you?”
“I’m fantastic! I miss your face. How long are you in town, and can we meet?”
“Absolutely. I will make time.”
“Amazing! I can come by tonight if you’re not busy. Where are you staying?”
“Actually, today is my free day. As far as I know we have an itinerary for the next two days.” Alisa explained then gave him the address. He hung up the phone, but she didn’t let go of her phone. Evan sent her messages while she was on the call, so she took a moment to peek at them.
I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
If we’re going to work together, I can’t have you upset at me.
At this point, she
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