Billion Dollar Stranger - Stephanie Brother Page 0,55

laugh. "Somethings are fucking dangerous."

"Life is dangerous," he says, suddenly serious, and I wince, thinking about the shit he's been through in his own life. The Harrington men have a rough time when it comes to love.

"Are you okay?" I ask, remembering it was Robert who called me.

"Yeah, fucking A," he says in a ridiculously exaggerated accent.

"So, how come you're calling?"

"I don't know. Just wanted to shoot the breeze." I imagine him shrugging and rubbing at the hair above his ear, the way he always does when he's stressed. I don't like that he's so far away. I know from experience that being alone when you're feeling low can be hazardous. It's all too easy to give in to temptations that do nothing to make you feel better in the long run.

"Well, I'm always available for that. Hey, you know I might be in Rhode Island on Friday. Are you around on the weekend if I come to New York?"

"Yeah. Saturday or Sunday?"

"Sunday, maybe. I'll let you know."

"Okay…and Aaron, you should try with that girl if you like her."

"What about life being dangerous?"

"Fuck it, Aaron. It's dangerous, but it's also too damn short."

"Yeah," I say, thinking about Robert's girlfriend and how young she'd been. "I'll call you, okay?"

"Yeah, brother," he says, and hangs up.

25

NICOLE

I’m feeling ridiculously nervous as I arrive at the airport with my small wheelie suitcase handle clutched in my sweaty palm. It isn’t like I’m traveling out to America specifically to see Aaron, but that’s how it feels, and I still have no idea if he will come to the hotel as I’ve suggested.

My company felt sorry for me with two transatlantic trips in such close succession, so I’ve been booked into Virgin Upper Class. I can understand why rich people pay for the service. Who wouldn’t want to be picked up at their front door by a driver in a luxury car, transported to a special entrance at the airport, whisked through a designated security channel, and then directly into the swankiest lounge you had ever seen? I’ve arranged to have my hair trimmed and styled, which is all part of the complimentary service, and still have time for a delicious lunch complete with a glass of champagne. I should be relaxed after such a pampering, but I’m on edge, feeling the sting of rejection before it has even happened.

During our last phone call, Maya was frustrated with me. She told me that when you can’t control things in life, you have to learn to accept that whatever happens will be for the best in the long run. I try some positive thinking while I watch the planes taking off on the runway outside. I imagine sitting in my hotel room, drinking a measure of whiskey and hearing the door unlocking. Aaron comes into the room, looking pensive but happy to see me. He leans forward and kisses me softly.

It’s a beautiful fantasy, but it doesn’t feel real. The thing between Aaron and me is far from perfect. It’s messy and raw and uncertain.

I’m on a day flight, so I don’t have any use for the flat bed, but I enjoy the space and my own entertainment system featuring a good choice of films. I also like the way the seats are configured to mean I am not sitting directly next to anyone, so small talk isn’t required. When I have things on my mind, sometimes I want to be able to dwell on them without interruption.

I arrive in Boston and then take a connecting flight to Providence, arriving dead on time. Outside the airport, the company I’m arriving to meet with has arranged a car to collect me. The chauffeur is a large, round-faced man with the broadest grin, and is holding my name emblazoned on a small whiteboard.

He insists on pulling my small suitcase, even though I’m more than capable. Actually, I’m grateful as the journey seems to have taken it out of me. I’m out of breath from hefting my luggage and my heart is beating like I’ve been running. I really need to get to the gym more often and increase my fitness. I settle into the back seat for the drive to the hotel. It’s early afternoon, but as it’s evening back home, I stifle a yawn, shutting my eyes against the bright sunshine. I have my meeting in the morning, and then I’ll be back at the hotel just after lunch to wait on Aaron. I’ve planned what to leave