“Wow,” Hilary whispered when they walked in. The clothes were amazing and of the best material she’s ever seen.

“Bonjour!” the woman working the store greeted them, “Are you looking for something in particular?”

“Oh no way, I’m just looking around. Your clothes are incredible!”

“Merci,” she smiled then straightened out a beautiful dress on a manican.

Hilary continued looking around, while Greg saw a flyer for modeling. It was a tan paper with gold trim, really nice for just a flyer. He folded it in half then slipped it into his jeans pocket.

“Hilary, you ready? We have to meet Jesse in 40 minutes and it’ll take us 30 to get there,” he asked.

“Yeah, sure,” she said quietly taking one last look around.

They walked out of the store and she almost jumped in the air.

“That was SUCH a cool place! Imagine working there!” she was shrieking with happiness.

They stepped onto the subway and got off at E. 85^th St.

Sparkler’s was pretty crowded but Greg held onto Hilary’s hand and guided her through the crowd to his and Jesse’s usual table. Jesse was already waiting for them. He stood up halfway when he saw Hilary and smiled, shocked.

“Hey Jesse!” she smiled her cute million watt smile.

“Hilary! I wasn’t expecting you!”

Greg nodded at him and they all sat down, Greg and Hilary across from Jesse.

“Gosh Jess, it’s been such a long time. But I guess we’ll all be able to hang out together more, right?” she took a sip of her iced tea. Greg fidgeted in his seat, feeling uncomfortable. He hadn’t told Jesse yet.

“What do you mean?” Jesse was confused.
“Well I’m living with Greg for the time being,” she looked over at Greg who was distracted with his straw wrapper.

“Greg, you didn’t tell him, did you?”

“I only talked to him this morning. But if you want I’ll tell him now, Jesse Hils going to live with me, better?”

“Funny…”

“Ook, but why?” Jesse asked. Hilary looked at Greg, and Greg to Hilary.

“Not tonight, Jesse,” Greg stated. The waitress came at a perfect time.

The three were talking like it was old times, and catching up on everything that recently happened, from college, to back home. But Hilary didn’t think it was a good time to tell Jesse about her dad. She was wearing enough make up to cover her eye, even though the swelling was somewhat visible. Jesse noticed Hilary wince getting out of the booth, but didn’t think twice about it.

When the three got outside, Hilary kissed Jesse’s cheek and Greg did the hand-shake-half-hug motion, and then they went separate ways.

She’s hotter than I remembered her! I hope there isn’t anything between her and Greg still. Jesse thought as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked down the sidewalk, a lady bumping into his shoulder as he walked.

Greg unlocked the door and pushed it open and Hilary followed behind. He looked at her face once he took off his jacket, and her nose was red from the cold.

“You look so cute when you’re cold,” he laughed. Did I just say that out loud!

“Haha,” it got quiet, “so I’ll crash on the couch?”

“Naw, you can take the bed, I don’t mind,” he offered.

“No. I feel bad enough. I basically pressured you into this. I want to sleep on the couch,” Hilary said firmly with a confident smile.

“If you insist…” he laughed. He got out another blanket and a spare pillow from the closet.

The bedroom and living room were one big area. Greg’s bed was against the back wall, and the pull-out couch sat somewhat in the middle, to divide the two areas.

Not 20 minutes after the lights were out, Greg could hear Hilary’s steady breathing. She was completely passed out. He quietly got up and walked to the couch, barely sitting on the edge. He carefully brought his hand to her face and brushed the stray hair that fell in her face, covering her eye. His touch was gentle and innocent. His fingers moved across her bruised, yet perfect face.

His thoughts went back to the flyer, still in his pants. She’ll be the most gorgeous model in New York.