Chapters (61)
I had to stop walking then and lean against one side to take everything in.
‘Are you okay?’ Jake asked, coming to stand beside me.
‘Yeah, it’s just incredible. I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d ever get here. And in the run-up to this trip, I was so focused on what Hayley needed me to do and having to work with you, I didn’t fully grasp the fact I’d actually be here. Seeing New York below me like this just makes me realise I did something I’ve wanted to do for years.’
Jake smiled. ‘I’m glad you got to see this city, Freya. And I’m sorry if I made you feel like you couldn’t be excited about it with me. Being with you has made me see how far removed from myself I’ve been for the past few months. You seem like you always are just yourself.’
‘I’m not sure if that’s always a good thing, though,’ I admitted. I thought about how my advice to Jake hadn’t really panned out.
‘I wish you’d be more confident in your abilities. What made you want to be an agent?’
‘I’ve always wanted to work with books. I went to a book signing once and I met the author’s agent and she told me all about the job. It seemed like something I would love. But it took a long time to get the job with Hayley, and Liv was the one who kind of connected us, so maybe I’ve been struggling with a bit of imposter syndrome.’ I sighed. ‘That’s why I was so nervous for this trip and so desperate to prove myself, I suppose.’
‘Listen, I’ll talk to Hayley when we get back. Whatever happens for the rest of the conference, it’s on me, not you, okay?’ Jake said fiercely. ‘There should be no consequences for you. I promise, Freya.’
I could tell how much he cared. I had no idea if Hayley would listen to him, though. The six months I had worked with her had made me wonder if she listened to anyone but herself.
‘I appreciate that.’ I would have preferred the truth from him but he clearly wasn’t ready. He was trying to make things right. I had to give him that.
Jake looked across at me. My hair blew in the breeze and he touched a strand with his fingertips. I looked back at him.
‘I’d love to kiss you again.’