Read Online Trouble Me by Beck Anderson - Free Book Online

Long Island. I’m housesitting for some friends of theirs. So, I guess I can’t say you moved into my building, really. But you did just move in, didn’t you?”
    We climb down the stairs to street level. I wince a bit. There will be ice when I get home. I say a silent apology to my abused knee. “We’re just here for the summer.”
    “And the ‘we’?”
    “My boyfriend and my two sons. They’re with their grandparents right now, but they’re excited to be in New York for the summer.”
    “Most people escape if they can. To the Hamptons, or somewhere else that’s not so hot with pavement.”
    “It’s different from where I’m from, so I like the novelty. I like new adventures.”
    “Me too. Grad school is good for that.”
    “So, you’re going to be a fashion designer? Like runway and Paris and all that?”
    “Hopefully. I love men’s fashion, which some people think is weird. I’d love to do a men’s and women’s line, clothes that fit with both maybe. Twiggy, Mick Jagger, skinny ties. Mod androgyny.”
    We come to the front of the Argo Tea, the best spot in the universe as far as I’m concerned. “Ah, sweet relief. This is the only reason I ran today—the promise of a giant iced green tea.”
    “I thought you’d be a sweet tea drinker.”
    “Really? Why?”
    “Your accent is southern, isn’t it? Maybe just a hint of it?” She pulls her jacket back on.
    “You’re good. Yeah. A while ago, though. But born and bred south of the Mason-Dixon line, that’s true.”
    “Well, Southern Kelly, welcome to New York. Hope you have a great summer. I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you around in the lobby, yes? Maybe we can go on a run together sometime.” She gives a little wave and turns on her heels, leaves the shop before we’ve even ordered. I stand by myself for a second, puzzled.
    I thought we were going to bond. Maybe I was too overeager and scared her off.
    I get my tea and sit outside, watching the traffic and the people pass by. I’m disappointed—my first New York acquaintance might not turn out to be a buddy. Now it looks like my best shot at a new friend might be one of the doormen.
    I guess I’ll be executing the rest of my day alone. I decide to go to a bakery off of Houston Street next. It’s another subway ride, but I want to get off and walk Greenwich Village a little. It’s seemed greener, calmer, and mellower than some parts of the city. I want to get my bearings there a little more. I have a sad moment that no one will be coming with me.
    I dig out my phone. I dial Andrew.
    “Yes?” He picks up right away.
    “I just wanted to say hi.”
    “Hi, and happy birthday tomorrow. Are you excited?”
    “I’m ready for Tucker and the boys to be here. That’s what I’m excited about. Except that we won’t have the condo to ourselves anymore.”
    “We should’ve messed around in the kitchen and living room and study while we had the chance. You didn’t remind me to ravish you all over the house, woman! Damn. I should leave. We could fix that now, before anyone’s home.”
    “You need to work. You want to work. This’ll be a big movie for you.”
    “What I want is to come home and see you. The birthday girl. The mother of my child.”
    “You can’t leave. It’s not even ten a.m. yet. Next week, we’ll hang out on set. It’ll be fun. This week, you work.”
    “Fine. At least tell me what you and the little Pettigrew are up to.”
    “I ran up on the High Line. It was quiet and just gorgeous. And I met someone who lives in the building. She seemed sweet.”
    “Really? Well, that’s good.” He sounds a little skeptical.
    “That didn’t sound like a good tone. What?”
    “I wonder if she knows who we are.”
    “I don’t think so. Do people know we’re in the building?”
    “At some point we’ll get sold down the river. A doorman or somebody will tip off the paparazzi. A neighbor, maybe.”
    “I didn’t tell her who you were.” I feel a bit defensive.
    “I