Chapter Thirty-Five - They are not ruining my last day here.

McKenna

I wake to the sun coming from my hotel window. I must have crashed out eventually. I search for my cell to check the time. It is nine. I also checked if there were any texts or calls, but nothing came up. Paxton forgot I existed last night. I thought my brother would have contacted me to make sure I was okay. Assholes! Anything could have happened to me, and none of them would have known. I groan and sit up. I need caffeine, and then I will knock on Carter’s hotel door to make sure he is back. If not, I will text him to make sure he is okay. I can’t help but worry about these things. It is in my nature. Maybe they got lucky and were too busy to tell me if they were okay.

I make myself a coffee and take a few sips. I won’t be able to drink it in peace until I know my brother is okay. I sigh, pull a dressing gown on and leave my room to go down to his. I knock loudly on the door and wait. It soon opens, and my brother appears, looking rough.

“Nice to know you are still alive.” I snap.

He cringes, “Not so loud. My head is pounding. I’m sorry we didn’t get back until five this morning. We hit up a few of the afterparties.”

“Okay,” I reply and walk away, returning to my room.

I know they are back, so I can go about my day. I return to my coffee. I take it out on the balcony to drink and enjoy the view of the city. Today, I plan on spending the day alone. We were supposed to have plans, all three of us, but the guys will be too rough to go anywhere, and I am not letting their hungover asses ruin my last day here. I finish my coffee and head for a shower. I will take myself out for breakfast.

I take a quick shower and get ready for the day. I make sure I have everything before leaving. A part of me wanted to leave my cell at home to be an asshole, to make them worry, but I decided against it because it seemed a little childish. I shouldn’t be this mad. They have the right to have fun. I am still annoyed because they left me alone at the event last night.

I walk at a quick speed, wanting to avoid running into Paxton. I wouldn’t be surprised if he had some woman in his room—one of the pretty ones from last night. I got to the elevator and left the hotel without any issues. The streets were already bustling with people enjoying their Sunday morning.

I search for somewhere to eat and drink, which doesn’t take long. I find a cute little café with a view of Central Park—perfect. It is a lovely day, which means I can sit outside. I have a book in my bag to read.

I find a seat, and someone comes to take my order.

“Can I please have an iced latte and your chocolate chip pancakes with a side of fruit”? I smile at the waiter.

He smiles and nods, “Coming right up.”

I thank him, and he disappears. I take my book and get comfortable. It is nice, and I feel relaxed. I can forget about everything that happened last night. I have loved being here but look forward to returning home.

The waiter came back with my drink, informing me that my pancakes would arrive soon. I love iced coffee; it is yummy and refreshing. I take a sip, but my cell rings before I can take another. I glance down and see Paxton is calling me. I was beginning to think he had lost my number. I reject his call. He tries again, and I do the same thing. I don’t want to talk to him. I am having some me time.

A text comes through only a minute later. God, can he not leave me alone?

Hey, dimples, where are you? I came to your room, but you weren’t there Xx

I groan. He obviously doesn’t believe he has done something wrong. I don’t reply. I ignore that, too. My food arrives, and I focus on that. He can worry about me for the next few hours.

****
I have been sitting at the café for a couple of hours on my second iced coffee. I don’t plan on moving until I finish my book, which will not be much longer.

“Hello,”

The sound of an unfamiliar voice makes me look over my book. There is a guy there, one I have no idea who he is. He is cute, though. He is only a couple of inches taller than me, with sandy blonde hair and pretty green eyes covered by glasses.

“Um, hello,” I say politely.

He rubs the back of his neck nervously, “Are you okay? I have been sitting a few tables away for a little while now, and you seem almost sad.”
“No, I am okay. Thank you for coming over to ask.” I smile.

It is sweet of him.

He nods, “Can I, um, maybe join you?” he asks nervously.

“Yes, sure,” I reply, motioning him to sit.

“I am Morgan.” He says, offering his hand to me.

I take it, “Nice to meet you, Morgan. I am McKenna.”

“Do you live here?” he asks.

I shake my head, “No, visiting. I head home tomorrow.”

“Oh, that is a shame.” He whispers.

“Why?”

I am curious why he came over. Was it to check I was okay or because he liked what he saw?

His cheeks turn red, “I thought maybe if we got along, I could take you on a date. I think you are beautiful. Sorry if I am being too forward. I am not good with all of this, with women.” He chuckles nervously.

I giggle, “No, it is okay. It takes a lot to approach someone.”

“Yes, I don’t really do it. Just my luck, though, when I do, you aren’t from around here.”

He reminds me of me. Shy and awkward. He is cute, though.

“I’m sorry, but how about we order a coffee and chat and see how it goes? If it goes well, we can exchange phone numbers and text. And if I am ever back in New York City, we could go out?” I suggest.

It takes courage to start a conversation with a stranger you find attractive. It is the least I can do.

Morgan smiles brightly, “I would like that. Thank you for not telling me to go away and leave you alone.”

“I wouldn’t do that. I am like you when it comes to meeting new people. It isn’t an easy thing. I am shy and a little awkward.” I laugh.

“It is good to know I am not the only one.” He chuckles.

It may not go well. We may not click, but we can chat and see how it goes. It isn’t like I am looking for anything right now, but there is no harm in trying and seeing what happens.