We went to as many places as possible. We started in Central Park, and I basically let him lead us around. It was worth seeing him give a cheeky smile every time he saw something he found exciting. I found it interesting how he found Manhattan so intriguing when he lived in Hollywood.

We were on the Subway now, heading back to the hotel. Both of us were sleepy and quite content. Spending the day with each other caused us to grow very close to one another. Even though 24 hours ago we were complete strangers, now it felt like we knew each other for years.

We were lucky enough to get seats next to one another in a sort of vacated area of the car. My mind was wandering, and I remembered again that the band was supposed to be touring soon; that Andy should be in L.A. rehearsing.

“You never got around to why you’re across the country from home.” I brought up nonchalantly. I glanced at him when he didn’t respond. I saw him shift uncomfortably in his seat.

“It’s… it’s complicated.” He said without looking at me. It was as if the happy mood was sucked out of the air so suddenly.

“Hey,” I nudged him with the side of my elbow. He looked at me (success!) and I saw that his eyes were sad. “Whatever it is, it’ll be okay. Promise.”

“You, my dear Lydia, should have been in my life from the beginning.” He half smiled.

“What makes you jump to THAT?” I asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m just so used to people constantly trying to know my business and not
respecting my privacy, but you- you’re different. You’re genuine. You don’t try to invade.” He admits. “If you had been there from the start, I may not have made such a big mistake now…” He trailed off.

“Hmm?” I questioned.

“Nothing, it’s uh, it’s nothing.”

The train screeched to a halt and we got off. Fucking Christ it was cold. Like 20 degrees cold. I let out a shiver as I pulled my coat tightly around me.

To our surprise, we found that it was lightly flurrying when we exited the subway. I involuntarily shivered again. I started to tremor slightly as we silently crossed the street with a crowd of people. I felt him wrap an arm around my shoulder. I looked up at him, partially shocked. I shivered again.

“You’re shaking like a wet dog.” He smiled slightly. He started to lightly rub my arm to create warmth. The blush this caused also helped keep me warm.

“I noticed.” I laughed through chattering teeth. “Only one more block of freezing every skin cell off.”

We finally got to the hotel, and it’s a good thing too, because my fingers were starting to turn an odd shade of blue.

“If you want,” I started as we got into the elevator, “You can chill in my room for a while. I stocked up on hot cocoa as soon as I got here.”

“I don’t really like the word ‘chill’ in that sentence at the moment.” He joked.

“…You can hang out and sit on the heater in my room if you want.”

“That’s better.” He agreed with a smile as the elevator dinged on our floor.

“So, did you have fun?” I asked as we trailed down the hallway. It was pretty quiet and vacant.

“Actually, yeah.” He stated. “I’m pretty used to the city life because of where I live, but, the atmosphere here is just different. Plus, you’re here.” He added with a grin.

I tried to ignore his comment. “Good. I’m glad you had fun.” I said as I retrieved the key from my bag. “And I know, L.A. doesn’t compete to N.Y.. I love both, but, N.Y. is just home.”

“You’ve been to L.A.?” He asked as I swiped the key.

“Actually, I go to school out there. I’m here now visiting family.” Because the topic didn’t come up (other than briefly on the train), we really didn’t discuss where we were from.

“Ah. I guess that would explain why you are here. In a hotel. …Wait…. If you are going to be visiting family, then why are you here- in a hotel?”

I laughed while opening the door, “Because they’re in P.A. now visiting my aunt.”

“Ahhh. I see.”

“They left before I got here. Come in.” I invited as I trudged through the doorway. He followed me in and I tossed my bag on my bed. I grabbed my pjs- blue and black plaid flannel pants and an old black t-shirt- off my heap of clothing and said, “I’m going to change because my legs feel like they’re suffocating in these wretched pants.”

He laughed and then asked, “Would you mind if I went to get mine? These jeans aren’t the best hot cocoa-sitting-on-heaters attire. ”

“Why the hell would I mind? Go get comfy.” I laughed.

He left, and I wound up taking a shower. A very quick shower. A half hour later I heard a knock on the door as I was trying to wrestle my brush out of my wet hair. It was stuck pretty good.

I opened the door with the lime green weapon of embarrassment stuck to the back of my head.

Even though I noted his sweatpants and blank tank top, I kept the theatric pout on my face. “Help. Me.” Was all I said.

“Huh?” he asked. I pulled him inside before turning around, in fear that someone else would see. “Youch.” I heard him breathe out when I finally did turn.

“How bad does it look?” I whined.

“I don’t think scissors will be necessary, but this is gona take some time.”

“Ugh,” I responded. “I got 99 problems and curly hair is one of them.”

“Nah, I like it.” He said as he tried to get it out of my cursed curls. I felt my cheeks flush and was thankful that he was behind me, unable to see this.

“This would probably be easier if we were sitting.”

“This. This is true.” I responded and waddled to the bed. I plopped down on the edge and he sat behind me with his legs crossed. I felt his knees pressed against my back. Suddenly, I remembered he has a girlfriend! And the infatuated fan has the epiphany.

“I’m sure you help Juliet with shit like this all the time.” I laughed nonchalantly. I felt his arms stiffen and fall still against my neck.

“Not anymore.” He revealed. I felt a little tug at my scalp. “You’re free.” He said flatly.

“BLESS THE HOLY FAMILY!” I exclaimed as I stood up and ran my fingers through my damp hair. And then what he said registered. And then I looked at his face. My hands dropped to my sides. There was a tear on his cheek.

What the fuck happened?

Notes

I just wanted to say that I DO read everyone's comments and I really appreciate everyone's kind words! Thank you guys so much!