Chapter 13: Old Guy
Jamal stood in front of the mirror in his hotel room, adjusting the cuff of his shirt. His backpack sat on the bed, ready to go, but his mind wasn't on his travel plans.
His gaze drifted to the shopping bag lying on the bed beside his backpack, and he sighed inwardly, thinking of what to do with the dress he had gotten Abigail. He ran a hand over his face, trying to push the heaviness in his chest aside.
The sound of his phone vibrating on the dresser snapped him out of his thoughts. He grabbed it and smiled faintly when he saw the caller ID.
Lucy.
He answered, leaning against the edge of the desk. "Love of my life," he greeted warmly.
Lucy was his mother's maternal cousin, but she was also his very first crush. He had a crush on her long before they found out they were related.
It was through her and because of her that he had struck up a friendship with Dawn, who had been equally smitten by Lucy.
"My Jam!" Lucy's voice carried her usual cheer. "How are you? I heard about Dawn's news. I've been meaning to call all morning, but everything's been so busy here at the office."
Jamal sighed, his shoulders sagging. "Yeah, it's been... a lot, especially considering the fact that I actually flew down to Blue York to see her."
"You did?" Lucy's voice softened.
"Yes. Yesterday was her eighteenth birthday, and I heard she was resuming college." Jamal exhaled heavily. "I wanted to meet her, but then I heard the news."