After I Fall (Immortal Billionaires #1) - Melissa Sercia Page 0,20

crying and too much wine. I glanced through the peephole and everything about last night came flooding back. “Shit,” I cursed under my breath.

I opened the door and there was Max, bright eyed and holding two cups of steaming hot coffee. “You forgot, didn’t you?”

After three fruity cocktails at Red Apothecary last night, I had agreed to hang out with Max all day and have him show me around the city. “I did. I’m so sorry. It was a rough night.”

Max shoved one of the coffees in my hand and let himself in. “No worries. I’ll wait while you get ready.”

“Uh, Max, I’m not feeling up to it today. I’m still processing some news I got last night.” What was it going to take to get rid of him?

Max waltzed over to the window and looked out. “This view is on point. Look, Raven, whatever it is that’s got you so upset, you can’t just sit here all day by yourself and wallow in it. You gotta get out and get some fresh air. And if you want to talk about it, I’m a good listener.”

I was starting to get the feeling that he was being a little too pushy. “Max…you’re sweet and I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’m not interested in starting something new with anyone right now.”

Max spit coffee out through his nose. He doubled over, bracing himself on the couch while erupting in laughter. I didn’t know if I should have been relieved or insulted.

“What’s so funny?” I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks.

“Raven…I’m gay.” He was now hunched on the floor holding his side from laughing so hard.

I was mortified. “Oh my god. I’m so sorry. I’m such an idiot.” I wrapped my arms around myself and wished I could disappear.

Max plopped down on the couch. “It’s okay. I haven’t laughed that hard in years. You country girls are so refreshing. Now, you’re going to get dressed and accompany me out so you can make it up to me.” He had a smug grin on his face.

“Ah, I see what you’re doing. Fine. I owe you after that embarrassment. Give me twenty minutes.”

He gave me a wink. “Another reason why I like you. A city girl would keep me waiting here for hours.”

Exactly twenty-five minutes later, I had showered, changed into a faded pair of jeans, yellow cashmere sweater, and black wedged boots. I threw my dark hair up into a ballerina style bun and applied a light coat of mascara and clear lip gloss.

Max let out a low whistle. “Damn, girl, you clean up nice.”

“So what’s the plan for today?” Now that I was ready to go, I was actually looking forward to getting out and distracting myself.

“We are going to have a true New York City adventure. First things first, no more cabs. Today you are going to experience the subway.”

We started out with brunch and mimosas at Cafeteria, followed by a walk through Central Park where I fawned over the bronzed Alice in Wonderland statues for a little too long. That was always my favorite book as a child. I used to dream I was Alice and prayed that when I went to sleep, I’d be in Wonderland when I woke up.

We hit the shops on Fifth Avenue—window shopping only as the price tags were way beyond my budget. Then Times Square so he could make fun of all the tourists with their fanny packs and Statue of Liberty tee shirts. Next I coerced him into Dylan’s Candy Bar so I could load up on sweets. He laughed and feigned embarrassment as I proceeded to try every gummi candy before purchasing.

The weather was starting to turn with a light rainfall, so we decided it would be the perfect time to check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Not only did they have one of the world’s largest collections of art, but they also had a bookstore and a restaurant.

“I’m really glad you dragged me out. I’m feeling so much better,” I said as we climbed up the main steps.

“There is nothing this city can’t cure. Thanks for being my date for the day.”

I wanted to cringe. “Sorry again about that. I shouldn’t have assumed you were into me.”

Max chuckled. “It happens. No big deal. I found it hilarious actually and flattering, of course.”

I breathed a sigh of relief. The last thing I wanted to do was to offend the only friend I had in New York. “So do