I drop my hand and stare at the dress.
I should toss it back in the trash, but any dry cleaner in this city can remove the stain, and I’m sure Ava will appreciate having the dress back.
I’m doing her a favor.
That’s all this is.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Ava
I glance across the table to where my oldest brother is sitting. I thought inviting him out for lunch would be the safest bet since I’m about to tell him something I know he won’t want to hear.
Even though it’s Sunday, I wasn’t sure if he would make time for me.
Since my birthday a few days ago, Declan has been immersed in work. I know that has a lot to do with the upcoming campaign for Wells. When my brothers announced that they were starting their own underwear brand, I had no idea that it would become a billion dollar business.
I should have seen it coming, though. Everything Declan touches turns to gold.
“I forget how good this place is.” Declan looks down at the half-eaten sandwich on the plate in front of him.
He has already polished off all the French fries that were on both of our plates.
I’ve only taken one bite of my sandwich, but that’s because nervous butterflies are fluttering in my stomach.
“I told you that Crispy Biscuit is fantastic,” I point out. “You should come here more often.”
“I might do that.” He raises both brows. “I’d have a reason to if you didn’t have to rush back to London.”
This is it. This is my opportunity to tell Decky my plans.
I pick up my water glass and take a large sip. I considered dragging my brother to a restaurant that serves cocktails in the middle of the day, so I would have some liquid courage to get me through this conversation, but water will have to suffice.
As I set the glass down, I suck in a deep breath. “I’m staying in New York for a couple of months.”
His gaze jumps to my face. “What?”
I skim the paper napkin in my hand over my lips. “Since it’s semester break, I thought I’d spend my time here instead of in London.”
His brows pinch together. “Here? In Manhattan?”
I nod a little too vigorously. “Yes. I needed a change of scenery, and I haven’t been back to Manhattan in forever, so this seems like fate to me.”
Declan rests both elbows on the table. “I’m surprised, Ava. I didn’t see this coming. What about your summer job? I know how much you enjoy working at that music store.”
I never enjoyed it. I tolerated it for extra credit since the husband of one of my professors ran the music store in the heart of London. They sold the business three months ago, and the new owner brought in all new staff.
“It was sold,” I explain with a sigh. “The job wasn’t there for me this year.”
My gaze drops to the black sweater he’s wearing. There’s a small snag near the neckline that I’m sure he didn’t notice when he was getting dressed. Declan is a perfectionist, and something as small as a flaw on a sweater could send it to the donation bin.
“I had no idea you’d be in New York for two months.” His eyes shine as he smiles. “I have to admit I’m fucking thrilled to have you around. I haven’t had a roommate in years, but I can’t think of a better one than you.”
My stomach knots because this is when I drop my bombshell on him.
“I rented an apartment.”
His jaw clenches. “You what?”
I straighten in my chair. I don’t need his permission, so I take ownership of my actions by being straightforward and unapologetic. “I rented a furnished apartment for the next two months in Chelsea. There’s a piano there. It’s quiet. It’s the perfect place for me to work on my compositions.”
If he’s hurt by my decision not to stay with him, he doesn’t show it. “You’ve given this a lot of thought.”
I nod. “I have. I know you wouldn’t mind if I stayed with you, Decky, but I need my own space. This is something I have to do for me.”
“It’s Declan.” He smiles. “I get it, Ava. I’m just damn happy that we’ll be in the same city for the next eight weeks.”
I never imagined this conversation would be this easy.
I thought he’d lecture me about wasting money. I’m shocked that there have been no warnings about my safety since he’s always been concerned about that.
My phone chimes luring my gaze toward where it’s sitting on the table. “Let me check on that.”
He nods before taking another bite of his sandwich.
I almost squeal aloud when I see the text message notification pop up on the screen of my phone. “I can’t believe this.”
Declan swallows, canting his head to try and see my phone. “What is it?”