Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90114 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
I squeeze his hand. He squeezes back a little harder. Just hard enough I know he's there. Just hard enough I feel safe.
I hate that I feel safe from his touch, but I do.
The helicopter rises slowly. Then we're moving forward. Over the city.
It's a different view. The tops of skyscrapers. Rooftop gardens. People drinking at a balcony bar.
It's not like a plane. We aren't that high up. People aren't ants. Cars aren't the size of toys. But they're still far away. Smaller. Like they don't matter. Like we're so far above it all, none of it matters.
Shepard points to our right.
It's beautiful. The sun, sinking into the horizon, streaking the sky orange, casting its glow over the Hudson.
The pilot says a few things about the city and the view. But I don't catch any of them. Only the orange glow of sunset reflecting off Shep's smile.
It's such a beautiful smile. I miss it. I miss him. The person I was with him.
But that was another lifetime ago.
And this—
The helicopter jerks forward. Shep squeezes a little tighter. The pilot says something about it being normal. All clear. It's just a bumpy ride.
Don't think about the helicopter crash in that Jurassic Park movie. Which one was it? And when did I find time to watch it?
Dad wanted to see it. Something about the dinosaurs. And the views of Hawaii. And wouldn't it be great to live there one day, on an island where our biggest concern is the best waves?
Or maybe that was me. I'm not sure. Neither one of us knows how to surf. We barely ever see the beach. Once or twice a summer, if his health allows. Lately—
Maybe I can take him out to Montauk on the LIRR. The coast is beautiful.
Or maybe we can fly there in a fucking helicopter.
My heart thuds against my chest. We're so far up. It feels so dangerous.
I should be terrified. But I'm not. The thrill is exhilarating.
New.
When was the last time I felt this kind of excitement? I'm not sure. I'm not sure what I'm trying to do here or what I'm going to tell my father.
I'm only sure of one thing, I want more of this feeling. And Shep is the only one who can give it to me.
Chapter Eleven
Jasmine
Sure enough, we land on the roof of the hospital.
Ian bids us farewell. Helps an EMT climb into the helicopter. Apparently, he's a colleague of Shepard's who does rescue missions in his spare time.
Another rich man with the world at his fingertips.
I suppose I shouldn't judge. The guy is using his free time to volunteer. Sure, his volunteer method requires all sorts of money. But he's still offering his spare time.
That's more than I can say.
Once upon a time, I dreamed of volunteering at community theater productions. Or even teaching high school students theater. I've never had time. Or knowledge.
It's been forever since I've read a play, much less practiced acting.
How would I teach a thirteen-year-old the basics when I barely know them myself?
I guess this is my chance. I'm unemployable in the world of venture capital. Wherever I work next, it's going to take a while to find a new gig. To find an industry where my status as the future Mrs. Shepard Marlowe doesn't hurt me.
Or maybe I should live more like Amanda. Fall in love with the life of luxury. Spend my days fixing tea and taking private acting classes. Spend my nights attending every play in the city. And, while I'm at it, why not fly to London once a month to take in some theater in the West End?
Shep can find a helicopter like that. A first-class ticket to London is nothing. Probably not enough for him. He probably demands a private jet.
It's ridiculous. But then it's more ridiculous to deny his wealth.
If Dad knew I was rejecting Shep's generosity, he'd shake his head. We have limited resources in life, Jasmine. You need to take advantage of them when you have a chance.
It's smart. Smarter than letting my pride rule my decisions. I'm not too good for Shepard's money. I've got the paperwork to prove it.
And now…
I suck in a deep breath. Press my lips into my best smile.
It's not good. Too customer service. Too I will not allow you to ruffle me.
This is my father. I don't want to lie to him.
I may not be happy about my current circumstance, but I'm happy Shep paid for Dad's treatment. That's something. That's huge.
I try to focus on the weight no longer on my shoulders. It's bigger than that. A noose no longer around my neck.
An ability to breathe again.
I take Shep's hand and follow him down the hallway. All the way to Dad's room in the corner. "I'll go first. Explain the surprise."
Shepard nods sure.
I take a deep breath. Exhale all the tension in my shoulders. Dad's treatment is covered. That's what matters. That's the only thing that matters. I turn the handle. "Hey."