Chapter 24

TWENTY-FOUR

WILLEM

The autumn breeze swept across the rooftop, and if I'd still only been a mage, it might've sent a chill down my spine. But I was a vampire now and the cool air didn't bother me as much. The rooftop bar in New York was a far cry from being on the Island. There was a minimalistic approach to the way it was all set up. A wooden bench ran the entire length of the wall and fluffy pillows were spread over it. Gray tables were set up every few feet, creating little groups for people to sit. On the other side of the rooftop were high tables where people just stood and mixed together. The bar was open and brightly lit so everyone could see the drinks on display. On any given day, they'd be packed, but tonight it was closed for the private event for our Facebook travelers' group.

This close to Halloween, I thought that this too might be a themed party, but this was a normal low-key cocktail party where my crewneck sweater and blazer fit in just fine. There were some groups of people who seemed to be familiar with each other and then there were people like me who seemed more like loners looking for an escape. I was happy to have the reprieve from my family and their questions about Indi and me. Just thinking about the last few days sent my head reeling. I took a deep sip of my drink and placed it down on the high table in front of me.

"Oh, man, you're not who I think you are?" An older man with a balding head and round belly walked up to me.

"That depends on who you think I am." I smirked.

He pointed at my brown boots. "I recognize those from your posts. You're very good about hiding your face, but I'd recognize those boots anywhere. You're Liam Arrow! As in Follow The Arrow ."

I nodded. "Indeed I am."

He offered me his hand. "Harold Smythe. I wrote Travel for Travel's Sake ."

"Oh right. I enjoyed the seize the day, seize the food part." I chuckled. "You have a very good take on life."

"Why thank you." He pulled his phone from his pocket. "I'd love to get a picture."

"Oh, um. I'm not really big on pictures." I didn't want to be rude, but there were strict rules about this type of thing.

"Not of you." He scoffed and pointed to my shoes. "Of the boots. No offense, you're a good-looking guy, but the boots are famous."

I chuckled. "Be my guest."

My phone buzzed in the inside pocket of my blazer, and I pulled it out. I opened the thread with Andi. ‘By any chance are you at that thing on the rooftop in New York tonight?'

My heart jumped a bit, but I didn't dare hope. ‘I actually am. I needed a time-out from the family.'

Those three little bubbles jumped as she typed, and I found myself waiting in anticipation. ‘ I guess tonight is the night we're going to finally meet. I'm on my way up .'

My pulse quickened. No way. NO WAY. Andi Jones was here. Five years of wanting to meet, and it was finally going to happen—and we hadn't even planned for it.

‘I'll be the guy with people taking pictures of his feet.'

‘You're joking.'

‘Afraid not.'

‘Lol well I hope it's lucrative.'

I chuckled. ‘Feet pics always are.'

‘Speaking from experience? I learn something new about you every day.'

This was just what I needed. I had to get Indi out of my head, and talking to my best friend for a night would be like a balm to my battered soul. Perhaps when she heard the whole truth, she would be able to offer me some insight as to how I would get myself to just stop wanting Indi.

‘And about to learn more.'

‘I'll be the one in the cream cable-knit sweater.'

‘Can't wait.' And it was true. My whole body nearly vibrated with anticipation. Her presence would be a most welcome distraction from everything.

"I can't thank you enough, Liam." Harold straightened his stance.

" Liam ?" a familiar voice snapped, and my eyes shot up.

I sucked in a sharp breath. " What are you doing here ?"

Harold smiled at Indi, then motioned to me. "Yes, I couldn't believe it myself. Liam Arrow. Here. In real-life. Anyhoo, thanks for the pic. I'll tag you online, if that's cool?"

"Um . . . yeah, that's fine. Sure, just not my face, right, Harold?"

"No face. Then no one will pay attention to anything else." He winked to me.

Indi's jaw dropped. Strands of her pink hair flew across her face, and she tossed them over her shoulder. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, he's Liam Arrow. He should be here. He's one of the most famous ones in our group. He let me take a picture of his boots. Those are just as famous. You should get a pic of them for your own page," Harold rattled on. I was too confused about what the hell was happening to pay attention.

"Thank you, Harold. It was so nice to meet you." I offered him my hand.

He glanced down at it and a dopey smile spread over his face as he took it and shook my hand. "Nice meeting you too, Liam!"

When he walked away, I turned my full focus on Indi. "Did you follow me here?"

"I wouldn't follow you," she snapped. "Did he call you Liam ?"

"Yeah, it's my pen name." I looked her up and down, then it hit me as if lightning struck. My breath caught in my chest and I placed my hand on the table. Indi was wearing a cream cable-knit sweater. "Wait . . . no. It can't be. Andi ?"

She marched up to the table and took my drink. "Yours?"

"Yes."

She held it to her lips and threw her head back, taking it all down in one shot. She placed the glass down on the table, then wiped the back of her hand across her lips. "You're Liam Arrow?"

"You keep asking as if my answer is going to change." Shock like I hadn't known ran through my body, and I found myself lost for words. "And how are you Andi . . . just how?"

"I can't believe this." She shook her head as people started pointing at me. Harold motioned toward me, and I knew I was about to get more attention than I was looking for in this moment. She looked over the edge of the building and her eyes widened. "Is that . . .?"

I followed her gaze and looked down into the building next to ours, which was only a story shorter. There, sitting at an oversized white desk, was Araqiel. He wore a pristine white suit. The moonlight reflected off his smooth, bald head. He'd covered his desk with four different groups of Tacos. He pointed toward each one and spoke animatedly. Zuriel sat across from him in his all-black clothing. He leaned back in his chair, ran his hands through his hair, and rolled his eyes.

"I think it is."

People started to walk toward our table, and Indi took a step back.

I reached out and grabbed her hand. "No more running, Indi."

She yanked her hand from my grip. "I'm not running."

I glanced at the people getting closer to joining us. "Indi— Andi. God, I can't believe this right now."

"I have questions, Will— Liam. "

I nodded. "And I don't?"

She glanced toward the people approaching us and the others watching from a distance. She pinched the bridge of her nose. "I can't ask them here. With them. "

"If I said I had somewhere private we could talk?—"

"I'd say let me follow the arrow." When I didn't move, she narrowed her pink eyes at me. "That means start walking, Willem."