I haven't worked long enough to be desperate for 5 o'clock yet. Taking my time to meet Linda, she surprises me with two tall lattes outside the shop.

"A celebratory treat.”

“Thanks, miss.” I bow my head and we continue down the sidewalk.

“Good news, Roger got us tickets for the Global Citizen Festival. It’s a benefit concert held tomorrow here at the park.”

“Yes, I heard about it-wait, what time does that start?”

“We’re leaving around noon. Roger’s staying over to take us. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course! It’s your apartment, Linda! But I also have to work tomorrow night.”

“What-why would Roger have you working if he got you a ticket?”

“Because he wasn’t the one who asked, Kade did.” I pause as we find seats on the L train. “He wants me to go to a Jazz concert and I said yes because I’m dying to write again.”

“So he just dumps this assignment on you?”

“Not exactly . . . he’s picking me up.”

“Oh. Ohhhh, like a date?”

“No! We’re working together. Which reminds me, I don’t have a formal dress for this event.”

“A dress? He’s picking you up? Jude, I’ve seen this man, he’s not ordinary. I wouldn’t be surprised if he used that as an excuse so you couldn’t turn him down.”

“What are you talking about, Linds?! He’s like . . . old-er.”

Linda’s brows boomerang as she takes another sip and shakes her head.

“What?!”

“Your age difference is the same as Roger’s and mine. You don’t always have to go for the young ones who can barely grow a mustache.”

“Yes because I haven’t a clue who you’re referring to,” I snicker.

I remember Harry’s unread text. Forget sharing any of it with Linda from here on out. Just in time, we arrive at our stop and switch trains.

“I have a dress. . .”

“Are you sure?” I ask apologetically.

“Yes. What fun is it to have a roommate if you can’t share your things?”

“Do you know . . . has Roger shared anything about Kade’s personal life?”

“You fancy him, don’t you?”

“I mean, he’s good looking, I can’t deny that. But he’s also very different from the guys I know. A little goofy, a little arrogant, but not too much. Borderline charming jackass… He and Roger act like siblings at the office. Sometimes he can be so loud and obnoxious.”

“See, not much age difference.” Linda winks and we laugh.

“I just can’t see it . . . anything happening between us. He belongs with some tall blond with legs that go on for days.”

“What are you not a catch, Jude? Don’t sell yourself so short. You’re not ordinary either.”

“I’d rather go with no expectations of this being a date than making a fool of myself.”

“We’ll see then.”

---

Roger, Linda and I sit in the living room after dinner. Once she mentions my plans with Kade tomorrow evening, Roger widens his eyes startled by the news.

“Kade’s the one who gave me the extra ticket.”

“The one I’m using?”

“Yeah, and he never said anything about inviting you to to the Jazz Fest.”

“It was so last minute though, before he left.”

“Hmmm. Maybe he decided to include a piece for the website.”

“Ummm hmmm.” Linda winks again with a malicious smile.

“What’s that look for?” Roger turns to his girlfriend.

“Nothing. I just told her it sounds like a date to me.”

He glances back at me like he can’t decide what expression to front.

“I have to text my mom,” I announce, grabbing my phone and climbing out to the fire escape.


Hello. How are you? It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you. –H


I finally answer, several hours later.


I’m doing well. How’s the tour going? –J


It’s ridiculously late. I don’t expect a reply, yet when I surf through my feeds, my phone chimes and Harry’s name pops up.


Concerts are lovely. Glad to be back at it. :) We’re in London right now, 4 shows left. I thought you might not answer this time. . . –H


I want to tell him I’m very aware of his tour schedule but I can’t give myself away.

I hope I didn’t wake you. :/
That’s great to hear! And why wouldn’t I respond? –J

No worries . . .
And last time I got the impression you were annoyed with something I said. We don’t have to revisit the conversation. I only want to know you are well. –H


I moved to New York City with Linda. I love it here. –J


He doesn’t answer as fast as I’d like. This must have shocked him.


That’s amazing, unexpected and perfect. I can see you there.
She’s a beautiful city. I enjoy visiting when I can. –H

You think so? I’m still settling in, it’s going to take some time. Luckily I have a great job and our apartment is in a great location. I’m happy. –J

You got what you wanted. That’s all that matters. We’re happily living our lives. –H


“Apart,” I whisper.


Should I let you go to sleep? –J

I have a few minutes.
I’d like to talk on the phone some time. –H


The last time we spoke was two days after I left London. I’m stunned he even asked.


Sure. Some time soon. –J


I’m tempted to call him right now and hear his voice.


It’s crazy to think how often I’m in and out of L.A. and now you’re on the other side. Further still. . .
Can I ask you something? –H

Yes, go ahead. –J

We’ve never discussed it, but would you be opposed to seeing me if I’m ever in the neighborhood? –H


He doesn’t know that I check in on what he’s doing weekly, sometimes daily. Google, tabloids, official tour page, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter etc. . . Whatever I can get my hands on.


No. That would be nice. –J

Alright. I should go back to sleep.
Take care. Chat soon? –H

Definitely. Good night, Harry. –J

Notes

A/N: Chapter Song

Infinity -1D

How awesome is this song?! It fits so perfectly with this chapter. Hearts and stars :) xoxo