Page 102 of More Than Water
With a question in my voice, I add, “The truth is, he couldn’t wait to take off mine?”
Hillary stifles a giggle.
“I don’t know if you’re joking or not,” Parker states, rising from the couch, “but you certainly do make a memorable first impression.”
“She has that effect,” Foster says plainly. “EJ is memorable for most.”
“I can see why.”
There’s a knock at the door.
“Delivery,” a male voice announces from the hallway.
“I’ll get it,” Hillary says, walking toward the entrance. She makes the exchange of money for two large cardboard boxes with the deliveryman and then carries them into the kitchen.
“I should get going,” I state.
Hillary sets the food on the bar in the kitchen. “No,” she insists. “Stay. There’s plenty for everyone. Plus, Parker and I are just going to eat and run. We need to get on the road before it gets too late.”
I look to Foster to see if he has any objection—or desire—to me remaining here with them. It’s still his place, and I hate to intrude, especially since there’s obviously a slight disconnect between us.
He mouths,Stay, and gestures for me to follow Parker into the small eating area.
Accepting the hospitality, I nod and take a seat on one of the stools next to Foster and across from his friends.
Over a meal on paper plates, I get to know Foster’s friends. I learn little tidbits about his days growing up and some of the shenanigans that Parker and Foster got into as children and teenagers since their families are close. I also learn that Parker and Hillary met their freshman year, here at this university, and have been together ever since. Parker is now attending grad school in New York. Hillary lives with him in a quaint studio apartment and is working for a small magazine as a junior copy editor.
“EJ’s from New York,” Foster adds to the conversation. “She grew up there.”
“Oh, really?” Hillary lights up. “What part?”
I audibly swallow. “Manhattan,” I offer, knowing it’s vague.
“That’s so exciting. I love Manhattan. What was it like, growing up in the city?”
“I assure you, it’s different than growing up around here.”
Oblivious to my redirecting, Hillary continues, “The people can be so brutal. That must have been tough to grow up with—the way they judge you so quickly. Everything is a competition—from getting on the subway to ordering coffee. Hell, even buying groceries can be cutthroat some days. I never believed it until we moved there, but the saying really is true. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere.”
“Yeah, it’s pretty fast-paced, and the rivalry is real. You do gain a decent survival instinct though, if nothing else.”
“Do you plan to go back after you graduate?” Parker questions me.
I adjust my body in my seat. “Maybe. I’m not sure. I don’t really think New York is my scene anymore.”
“Well, I just love it there,” Hillary states, glowing from the conversation about the city that never sleeps. “The hustle and bustle. The excitement. The competition is always buzzing in the air, and the nightlife is like no other. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
“Then, it’s perfect for you,” I tell her reassuringly. “New York will always be exciting. That never changes. It can be stressful, too. The expectations are ridiculous.”
“Tell me about it, but I love the challenge. I find myself feeding on it sometimes.”
“I do, too, but it’s good to know your limitations.” I finger through the ends of my hair. “It’s a cruel place that can chew you up and spit you out whole before you even realize what happened.”
“You sound like you know this from experience,” Parker states.
“Yeah.” I chuckle, glancing at Foster, who is hanging on my every word. “Nobody does failure quite like me.”
“Well, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” Hillary offers, like there’s a silver lining to everything.