Running To You Read Free Page A

every morning, but his chiseled chin always has a day-old scruffiness to it by mid-afternoon. I realized early on that he was different and although he had many female friends, he never went out with anyone specific. It wasn’t until my freshman year in college that he told me he was gay. His very religious family disowned him and it was so painful for him to admit it, but when I shared that I had known all along and loved him anyway, he never looked back. He is still a chick magnet, but like me, hasn’t been lucky in the love department with the fellas! Maybe the move will be good for both of us in the love department.
    Since our apartment has dual master suites, there is no fighting over who gets the bigger bathroom. This apartment was perfect for us in location and amenities. The only downside is that it stretches my budget thin. Cooper has always been good with his money, so he has savings to tide him over until he’s working full time again or picks up a great modeling contract. The agent that helped us relocate indicated he had a few connections in the modeling industry, so the networking has begun. My ability to save money was difficult while trying to pay for college and repay student loans. I refuse to take any money from my father and shudder at the thought of even thinking about him. He was furious that I did not take his offer to work for his publishing company, Morrison Industries, or let him help pay my tuition. As soon as I could, I distanced myself from him, worked part-time barista jobs and plowed head first into becoming my own person. Dad and I never see eye-to-eye on my choices, he always wanted me to follow his path, work for him, and walk in to a position at his company. There were many options for me there, but the employees would know that I just stepped into a role rather than earn it, and I wanted to earn being my own person. This strong willed streak has led to many a disagreement between us and many tears, which usually resulted with me walking away from him, rather than standing up to him. When I turned 18, I moved in with Cooper and started at Northwestern, putting myself through school and doing it my way.
    “Hey, did you drown in there?” Coop was yelling through the door. “No Coop, I’m fine, I was just finishing the final touches on my hair, and I'm still not happy with it.” Opening the door, Cooper’s eyes were big as golf balls, but he wasn’t smiling. I blurted out “Oh shit, do I look that bad?”
    “Alex, you look amazing! You’re a tall drink of water in those tight-ass low-riders!”
    “Really Coop, you’re just proud of your stylist handiwork, and you have me blingin’ from here to the moon. You’ve got me in 7 bangle bracelets, 3 necklaces, 5” long drop earrings, a cream RUFFLED...RUFFLED mind you, top! Coop you know I hate ruffles, I don’t know why I let you talk me in to this blouse and all this jewelry. I feel like a mannequin that a 5 year old is playing dress up with."
    As if Coop could read my mind, “Alex, it’s only a ruffle at the neckline and the blouse looks fantastic tucked in the low-riders with that brown belt. Now go get those Manolos you used for target practice and let’s get movin’. There is fun out there to be had tonight!” dragging me out the door.
    Sambuca’s is a happening place, and in full throttle as we make our way to a table over in the outdoor lounge area. We still have a good view of the stage and the sax player is playing one of my favorite songs by Dave Koz, Start All Over Again . As if the song is an epiphany, that is exactly what Cooper and I are doing, starting our lives over. Or more than that, maybe we are at least, starting the next chapter.
    Noticing the song’s resemblance to our fresh start as well, Cooper took my hand and had me dancing before I knew it. I am sure that most of the patrons around us thought we were a couple, but neither of us cared. At that moment, we were the only ones dancing and giggling, just