The Only Exception

Two

"What did you do last night?" 

"Girls night. Movies, bitching. Nothing new." 

"Alcohol?" I cocked an eyebrow at him. 

"I'm a 21 year old girl, home alone with my best friend. Of course there was alcohol." He gave me a single nod, turning around to the door. 

"What are you just stood in the door way for weirdo?" I tipped my head, peeking around the blockage in the way of me seeing whoever he was talking to. You know in movies there's that point when time just freezes or slows down or whatever? I'd always thought it was made up but apparently not. Because there, in the now closed doorway, not daring to step a foot deeper into the apartment stood Spencer Crawford. Noah's longest running best friend who'd been MIA for the better part of 6 years and oh boy had 6 years turned the boy into a fully fledged man. 

His shadow cascaded across the apartment floor. Every single muscle on his body visible through his long sleeved sweater. He dropped a bag to the floor with a thud, forcing my brain to remember time was indeed a fluid thing and although everything had blacked out except Spencer, it was indeed moving forward and I had to as well. 

"You remember Spence right Lane?" 

"You mean the guy who dumped buckets of water over my head every summer for a decade? No. Can't say I do." I shot him a soft smile. "Hi. Long time no see." He didn't respond. Just pressed his lips together and raised his eyebrows. How polite. 

"Hey. So. Have you spoken to dad today?" 

"Yesterday morning. Why?" Noah sighed, sitting down on the coffee table opposite me. 

"Okay." He looked over at Spence. "Down the hall 4th door on the left." Spencer nodded, grabbing his bag and heading down there. I snapped my head back to Noah who shuffled in his spot. "So dad's stuck out in New York for the foreseeable. There was some issues with the planning and everything so he's having to work it out and it's just easier if he's there to sort it out so we don't fall off schedule." 

"Ohkay?" 

"Plan was for me to move back in until he comes back. But I got a call at 2am that someone fucked up on one of the plans over in Asia so I have to fly out to sort it. So dad asked if Spence could move in until we're both back." 

"What?" 

"Don't make a big deal out of it Lainey." 

"Are you joking? Please tell me you're joking? I'm perfectly fine here alone." 

"There's been a lot of break ins of high end apartments in the area Lanes. Security on them or not. They're not being polite with anyone in them either. One girl was taken hostage literally across the road last week just because her dad owns a small bank they could get more money out of. Do you think you're not on their radar when dad makes more than them? Chances are whoever they are is already planning on doing something either whilst you're out or here. Spence being here is just a deterrent. You're not home alone so you're more risky. Hopefully the police will catch whoever it is soon but until then-" 

"I've got a live in bodyguard slash nanny?" 

"No." I raised an eyebrow. "Fine. Bodyguard. I guess he is. It's just added security to keep you safe.  You're fine. Don't worry about it. But I've gotta go. I need to be in China ASAP so I can not miss the flight spot. Me and dad will be checking in, we've amped up security, you've got Spencer. Don't worry about it. Just focus on school. Kay?" Noah stood up, kissing my head again before heading to the door before I could answer. "Behave yourself." 

"Like I can't now." I muttered. 

"What?" 

"Nothing. Enjoy China." He shot me a weak smile. "I'm fine. Go. Love you." 

"Love you too. Bye."  He disappeared behind the door and I snapped my head to Chelsea, looking just as shellshocked as I felt. Because what the ACTUAL FUCK just happened? 

"Looks like we need a new plan."