"When what will be?" I reply.
I completely forget what he just said as I fantasize about Luke's perfect lips pressed up against mine.
"Coming back to the city?" he says as his voice is filled with excitement.
"I'm not sure, but soon, I hope. I am planning to return within the next few days, if not early next week. I need to get back to work," I ramble.
The tone in Troy's voice shifts, "You know you have recently gone through a huge loss in your life and taking time for yourself is not a bad idea, Ali."
He's right, and he is repeating what he said earlier that I did not pay any attention to. However, it is none of his business, to be honest. Who is he or anyone for that matter; to tell me about what has happened and how I should be taking time for myself? I am the one who decides when that happens, not him, my aunt, Ris, no one. I need to get back to work; it will keep my mind off having to deal with everything. My life can go back to normal, and I can move forward. My life here is such a mess right now. At least I think it is, although I am not so sure. On one end, there's Luke, and on the other a feeling of emptiness that I have felt for the past few days.
A little irritated by Troy's comment, I reply in a snarky tone, "Yeah, I get that, but they need me back at Facade."
Not leaving any time for Troy to talk down to me about what is currently going on in my life and how I should take time to heal, I say, "Uh, my aunt is beeping in, I should take this. It's probably something relating to my dad."
It happens to be a bald-faced lie, but I'm done talking about my father's death or anything that accompanies it.
"Oh, okay. It was nice to talk to you, Ali. Keep me posted on your return, please." Troy says in the sweetest, most caring voice. "I miss you and cannot wait to see you!"
I reply, "Me too," before hanging up.
I put my phone on the armrest of the couch and sit down. I run my hands through my hair as I bring my chest to my thighs. I can't believe I just lied to Troy to get out of talking to him. I used to get so excited when he'd call or even text me, how things have changed since I've been back. I am so focused on Luke now, and I can't help myself. He just came out of nowhere and has taken my breath away.
My mind strays away from what just took place on my phone call with Troy back to Luke. He has the most beautiful light blueish-green eyes; it's like looking at the ocean. He also has perfect lips. I think they may even be more perfect than Michael Keaton's. He romanced with Hollywood beauties Kim Basinger and Michelle Pfeiffer in his Batman movies with those superb lips! I have always tried to find a guy whose lips could even come close to Michael's. It's hard to explain, but I mean, come on, he has the best-framed lips in history.
My phone buzzes. It's a text from Ris!
Girl!! I am off soon. Call me in twenty, okay! Winkey face, blowing heart kiss emoji.
Ris and her silly emojis!!
I wonder if Luke is going to the cabin this weekend with Jason and his parents. Probably not, because Jason hates him. Maybe Ris could come to visit this weekend and distract Jason for me to spend some more time getting to know Luke. Jason will be pissed once he finds out I am keen on Luke, but he will have to deal with it, as it's none of his concern.
Excited about what I just conjured up in my mind, I call Ris. She answers on the first ring.
"Girl, give me all the deets!! What's going on with you?"
I start off telling her what happened at the reading of my father's Will and how my father gave Luke some of his stuff, including ten percent of his business. I already told her about how Luke and I met while he was shirtless and how incredibly good-looking, he is, along with the issues with Jason. I also mention that he brought me home the night of Jason's party plus the details of that night. I then tell her every detail of my ride home with him today after the reading and our amazing lunch.
She screams into the phone, yelling annoyingly, "Ali has a boyfriend," before asking if I humped his brains out.
I let her down gently when I tell her we almost kissed but were interrupted when my phone rang.
"Bitch, you should have hurled yourself on to his lap and fucked him silly or at least sucked his dick while he was driving," she blurts out bluntly.
She is one of the biggest horn-balls, I know. I mention that I talked to Troy right before calling her, and she asked if I told him about Luke. I tell her I hadn't. She says good, fuck them both, before going off on one about how she wants to meet my hot shirtless beau. That reminds me of the idea I had come up with.
"Hey, is there any way you could come here this weekend and accompany me to my cabin?" I say in anticipated excitement.
"Jason, his parents, and I'm sure a few of his friends are going. I'm not sure if Luke is, but if you come, Jason will be too preoccupied with your pussy power to pay any attention to his hatred for Luke," I laugh, realizing I just told my best friend I practically want to pimp her out.
"Jason is your hot childhood friend, right?" she asks.
"Yes, I've told you about
