Only Friends (Destinations Series Book 1)

with a girl, who at the time was eighteen years old. As an artist, my mother was exposed to ridicule, isolating herself after the divorce. I hated him on account of it. Leila, who was my fiancée at the time, was the pivot of the whole story and I hated her too. It still chills me to remember the grotesque scene, to enter my father's room, and see it leaning over the table, while he fucked Leila willingly. After that, I never trusted any woman again.

Little by little my mother got over it and forgot. She was again the cheerful and fearless woman that everyone knew, but I never forgot. I could not forgive my father, and since his surname was very well known, I never signed it. No one knew I was Charles's son and I intended to keep it that way indefinitely.

I very much wanted to finish my philosophy course to join my doctorate in law. I hadn't yet decided which college to go to, but I was already preparing for the tests that I would have to face. Because I had a photographic memory, it was easy to get through the subjects without having to show up in class. So the rest of the time, I spent training or having fun.

After seeing the construction work, we left for lunch. We spent the day at Central Parke and visited the MET, to learn about the progress of the exhibition. I liked being with my mom so much, I could barely see the time go by. In the early evening, I decide to go home, then I get my bike and go towards my apartment, which is a few blocks away from my mother's.

- Good night, Simon! - the doorman, who readily opens the glass door of the entrance hall of the building.

- Good night, Mr. Taylor! - he answers smiling and settling down.

I wave by walking down the wide corridor that extends from the entrance to where the elevators are. I live on the rooftop of the building in front of the apartment where the infamous Aron Carter lives. He's a party guy every week, but thanks to the acoustic insulation, I didn't hear anything at all.

I contemplate one of the cards my mother had given me as I head for the third elevator, which opens. A couple comes out hugged from inside the elevator, laughing like teenagers. I frowned on them when I realized it was Aron Carter and Tiffany Dowson. They were about to eat themselves while trying to walk.

- I thought Aron was Brooke's boyfriend! - I whisper confusingly. - What the hell was he doing with Tiffany?

Giving up my shoulders, I try to ignore the couple who cling to each other like they're in a motel room. I make a disgusting face, turning my eyes to the deplorable scene. Until Aron finishes the kiss he gave in Tiffany and crossed his gaze with Ryder's. He smiles at me with arrogance.

- Good night, Taylor!

Aron greets me with a disdainful tone as Tiffany adjusts her neckline and licks her lips, looking in my direction.

- Good night, Carter! - I answer by looking at Tiffany with disgust. - Fun night?

I had no idea why he made me say that, but a sudden anger went up my throat.

- A lot! - he answers ironically. - If you want, there's still room for one more.

Tiffany smiles at me with malice. None of the girls I used to go out with were as covert or slutty as her.

- You know Taylor... - She blinks, breast-feeding. - The night is a child and there is always room for more in our celebrations.

- Got it! - I say folding my arms and smiling with irony. - So you're celebrating?

- Yes. - Aron responds with animation.

- Well, I'm not the kind of guy who gets involved in other people's private celebrations, so... - I smile waving. - Enjoy yourselves!

I'm starting to walk away, but Aron gives me an ironic smile stopping in front of me.

- Ah! Which one's Taylor? I know you like that kind of fun, and Tiffy makes a point. - he looks at her smiling. - And I love to satisfy her wishes.

I look at him in horror.

- Are you offering to share your whore with me?

- Be more careful talking about my girlfriend!

Surprised, I shrug my shoulder.

- I thought you were Brooke Evans' boyfriend?

He smiles with disdain at me.

- Yeah, but you know what it's like... Aron takes a break. - There's always something better on the market, so we can try it.

- I have no idea what you mean, but make the most of it! - I mean by mentioning getting in the elevator and ending that disgusting conversation.

- Of course you do, Taylor! - Aron continues. - We're the same!

I'll stop listening to it and turn around towards him.

- If you're comparing the fact that I go out with several girls, you can stop there! - I say. - I don't go out with prostitutes and I wouldn't treat a girlfriend like one, or even consider turning her into one.

I didn't like Aron. He was presumptuous, arrogant and compared himself to me. I knew he treated Brooke like trash and was relieved to know they were done. I just hoped it was her.

- Who did you call a whore? - Tiffany asks angrily in her voice.

- You! - I answer by looking in the direction she's headed.

Aron lets out a growl, so come on top of me. Deviating from the attempt to punch me, I