Three Thousand Miles (29 page)

“I am starting college late, my dream was to attend Yale but that wasn’t in my cards. So I am about to start community college in Brooklyn.” Maggie looks at her daughter and I cannot help but think of Dr James and
of
how he is besotted with Emma. She means a lot to him and I know that he loved her but I can see Maggie’s reasons for not letting Emma commit to him. Edward hurt her and
,
as
I
watch her stare at Adrian
,
I feel as is if she is not completely over him. I also feel that Emma is saddened by her mother’s interference she almost sighs as she talks about college. I feel as if Maggie may be pushing her into settling for a college that she is not in love with.

“Why wasn’t it on your cards? Did you not get the correct grades to apply there?” Adrian asks curiously. Emma shifts nervously at his question and Maggie does not give her time to respond.

“Emma got all her grades for Yale and she was even accepted but we cannot afford to send her there.” My heart sinks at her words even though I knew that was going to be the reason why Emma is not at Yale. Maggie cares too much about Emma attending college and I can see that she is pained by not being able to send her daughter to her dream school. I quickly glance at Adrian as he reaches into his jack
et
pocket. He takes out a black pen and his chequebook. He slowly begins to write a cheque and I watch as Maggie stares at him. Emma looks awkwardly towards me and I flash her, a brief smile. With one swift motion Adrian hands Emma the cheque. She stares at it as she holds up to her face.

“Adrian I cannot accept this. It’s too much and here take it back.” Emma quickly hands Adrian the cheque and he looks at me. I know that he is not good with words and I can tell that he wants my help
to
convinc
e
Emma to take the money.

“Emma, listen to me, you need this money. Adrian wants you to have your dreams. Please do not offend him by refusing his help.” I say soothingly. Adrian hands Emma the cheque once again and she looks to me again.

“It’s a lot of money are you sure you can afford this?” I gently smile at her.

“Emma your brother is a millionaire and although he does sometimes annoy me when he buys over
-
expensive things, but I have come to realise that is just who he is. He loves to give and he never asks for anything in return and I know that if you accept his generosity it would make him so happy.” Emma again smiles at me and I watch as she stares at her mother. Maggie is smiling and I immediately turn to look at Adrian. His eyes are glowing and he gently gives me a wink. I melt at the sight of him and I cannot contain my smile.

“Well
,
I don’t know what to say, thanks Adrian you don’t know how much this means to me.” Emma bounces from her seat and she rushes over to Adrian. He quickly stands and I watch as Emma gives him a tight hug. He smiles and then I notice that he is a little uncomfortable. He pulls back from her and Emma looks confused. Again, Adrian looks at me and I know
that
he wants me to fill Emma in on his affection issues.

“Oh something else you should
know
,
about
your brother
,
is
that
he has some affection issues and don’t be offended. It took him forever to finally kiss
me but when he does open up
, you will soon realise that he is worth the wait.” I say as Adrian glides over to me. Maggie jumps from her seat and she claps her hands in joy.

“Who fancies a little celebration drink?” I giggle at Maggie’s extravagant actions and I reply.

“I would love one; do you need some help in the kitchen?” I make her a face and she soon realises my intentions.

“Thanks Alanna,” she says as she wickedly smiles at me. Adrian gently squeezes my hand as I get up from the sofa. I glance back at the siblings and my heart skips a beat at the sight of them.

“Adrian frightened me when he walked in.” Maggie confesses as she pours champagne into four, tall stemmed glasses.

“Why?” I ask as Maggie hands me my drink.

“He is the spitting image of Edward and seeing him has brought back so many memories.” Maggie takes a massive sip of champagne as she shakes her head in disbelief.

“I know it must be hard for you. But at least Emma and Adrian seem be getting
along.” I say as I take a
sip of the sour champagne.

“He seems like a really wonderful guy and I cannot thank him enough for his generosity. Emma was heartbroken when she couldn’t attend Yale but now she gets her dream and I will always owe Adrian for that.” Maggie beams at her own words and I again think of Dr James. I stare deeply at her and I wonder if she feels guilty for not letting her daughter be in love. I could never imagine my mom standing in the way of Adrian and me so it is a little hard for me to understand. Even though I know about
Maggie’s past, I still feel as if
it is just an excuse. After all, she is now with Ryan and she said that he made her believe in love again. So why is she refusing to let her daughter experience love?

“He is amazing and I am completely in love with him.” I say. Maggie gazes at me and I wonder what her reaction to my confession might be.

“I can see that you love him and it is clear that he feels the same way. However, I still want you to focus on your career and I feel that Adrian would not stand in your way. Do you still want a career in social work?” I slightly shake my head at her and I feel a little annoyed with her. However, I hold back my true feelings and I answer her questions.

“Yes
,
I am still very passionate about social work. Actually I am volunteering tomorrow at the local community centre.” Maggie cannot hold back her smile as she hears my words.

“That’s wonderful, are you going to graduate this year?”

“Yes, graduation is next week and I am very excited and sad about that. My college years are ending and I have to think about growing up. I am scared about entering the real world but I will have Adrian by my side and as long as I have him, I will be happy. ” I take another sip of champagne and I hear Emma hollering from the lounge area.

“Mom where is that drink?” Maggie quickly lifts two glasses of champagne from the counter. I quickly realise that one is for Adrian and I stop her before she gives it to him.

“Maggie, Adrian does not drink alcohol.” She quickly frowns at me and says.

“Then what does he drink? I noticed that he did not like my coffee either.” Maggie says a little harshly. I feel that maybe I have offended her, but I know how Adrian feels about alcohol therefore I could not let her give him that champagne.

“He only drinks water o
r
tea,” I inform her. Maggie quickly puts the glasses down onto the counter and she switches on her kettle. I watch as she rummages through her cupboards. Maggie finally pulls out a small black box of earl grey tea. She smiles at me.

“The British and their tea,” Maggie smiles at her words and I press a little smirk from
my
lips. As soon as Maggie makes Adrian his tea, I quickly help
her to
carry the drinks into the lounge.

“Adrian I hope
that
you like earl grey?” He smiles as he reaches out for the cup.

“It’s my favourite.” Adrian takes a small sip of the hot tea and he slightly wrinkles his nose at the taste. Maggie notices his reaction and she quickly asks him what is wrong.

“How is your tea?” H
e smiles at her as he places the cup down onto the table.

“
It’s
fine, Alanna and I have dinner plans so we must say goodbye for now.” Adrian quickly rises from the sofa and I follow his actions. Maggie and Emma escort us over to the door and Maggie reaches in for hug. I gently grip onto her and then Emma quickly hugs me
,
too. Adrian smiles and he reaches out for
a
handshake.

“Adrian
,
I cannot than
k
you enough for my tuition.” He briefly smiles at Emma and he says.

“No problem and if you need anything else
,
please don’t be afraid to ask. I am only a phone call away and that applies to you as well Maggie.” I glance back at them as we leave the apartment. I watch their smiles and the happiness that is in their eyes. I feel delighted and pleased that everything went
so
smoothly.

Adrian ushers me downstairs and again into the black luxury car that is waiting for us. I slip into the seat and I glance out the window. I turn to Adrian and I catch him staring at me.

“Baby, thanks for being with me today, I could not have gotten through it without you.” Adrian reaches over and kisses me. I pull back from him as the car speeds off.

“Adrian I feel that you need to help Maggie. It is obvious that she has little money and her house is terrible. This is an awful neighbourhood and she doesn’t deserve to stay in a place like this.” Adrian listens carefully to my words and I see him wrinkle his forehead as begins to talk.

“Baby
,
what can I do to help?”

“I don’t know but you have to do something, it’s not fair on Maggie and your sister deserves better.” Adrian nods in agreement and I smile at him. He quickly takes out his phone and he begins to dial a number. He loosens his top button as he holds his phone to his ear. I stare at him and I feel as if my eyes are going to fall out of their sockets. He is too perfect and I still cannot get over his beauty.

“Hello Samantha,” Adrian says firmly into his phone. I stare at him and I cannot help but wonder who Samantha is?

“I need you to look at property for me in New York.” I smile at his words and I know that what his intentions are.

“I need something in Soho with at least three bedrooms. Can you look into this for me?” Adrian smiles and then he hangs up the phone. He turns to me.

“How do you think Maggie would feel about a new house?” I take his strong hand in mine and I gently lean over to him. He lightly holds my chin as he leans in and kisses me. I break free from him.

“I think
that
she would l
ove it.

Fourteen

The next morning I wake early and I quickly shower, and I get ready for the day ahead at the community centre. I dress casually in dark blue skinny jeans and a pink sweater. I loosely tie my hair back into a high ponytail and I grab my bag
and head out the door. I march down the hallway and out into the cold street of New York. The driver from last night instantly greets me and I gently roll my eyes at the sight of him. I walk over and he takes my bag. I glance at him in confusion and I quickly take my bag back from him.

“Miss, is there something wrong?” He asks in a confused voice.

“Yes, what are you doing here?” I say rather firmly. The driver looks uncomfortable as
he
awkwardly stands in front of me.

“Mr Black has ordered that I drive you to the community centre today. Did he not mention it to you?” I shake my head at him and I quickly take out my phone. I dial Adrian’s number and he quickly answers.

“Hello baby,” he says smoothly.

“Adrian, why do I have a driver? I could easily take a cab?” I say firmly. Adrian gently laughs at my words.

“Baby calm down,” he says sarcastically. I am beginning to lose my patience with him and
I
question him more.

“Adrian there is no need for all this; I am going to the community centre it’s like a ten minute drive.”

“Yeah
,
well
,
ten minutes is too long for me to think of you alone in a cab, with a bloke.” I bite my lip at his words and even though they are somewhat sweet, I still feel annoyed with him.

“Come one you actually expect me to believe that’s the reason?”

“What other reason is there?” He asks firmly. I exhale and I give in to his demands.

“I am late so I am going to get in the car but Adrian I don’t want this to happen again. I hate it when you try to control things and
I
have been enjoying this mellow side to you lately so please don’t go back to your old ways.” Adrian again lets out a gentle laugh.

“Okay, whatever you say baby.” I smile at his smug words and I know that my outburst meant absolutely nothing to him. He will always control everything and he has told me that is the way
that
it has to be. I do not even know why I am trying to change him because I know that I never will.

I arrive at the community centre, I quickly jump of the car, and I make my way into the building. I walk briskly along the hallway until I come to the reception.

“How may I help you?” The woman behind the desk asks as I approach.

“Hi
,
I am here to volunteer,” I say quickly. She stands up and she gazes at me.