Chapter 199

Eleanor's POV

Drew and I sat awkwardly in his car. Usually, we're both the life of the party, but that unexpected kiss turned us from social butterflies into awkward teenagers. The silence was deafening, and neither of us dared to break it. We just sat there, stiff as boards, not knowing what to do with ourselves.

I noticed Drew trying to say something several times, but the words never came out. I kept biting my lip, unsure how to handle this situation. My mind was racing. *How did we go from being bros to... whatever this is?*

Finally, Drew took a deep breath and broke the silence. "So, uh, let me get your account details first."

"My accounts..." I shifted uncomfortably, "Mrs. Harrington had them all frozen."

"Cash then?" he suggested.

I hesitated, not sure whether to accept or decline.

"I need thirty grand," I finally said.

"Just thirty?" He looked concerned, like it wasn't enough.

"Thirty's fine," I assured him.

"I'll hit the bank tomorrow when they open, get some more cash out," he quickly added.

"Really, you don't have to..."

"I'm a very generous sugar daddy," he declared with mock authority. But with his boyish features, casual suits, and that perpetual friendly expression, he looked about as intimidating as a golden retriever puppy.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks, sugar daddy. But seriously, I know you mean well. I don't know when I'll be able to pay you back, but as soon as I can..."

"Eleanor, do you think I'm joking?" His expression suddenly turned serious.

*What else could this be?* Who catches feelings for their drinking buddy? Sure, our lips had connected, but that kiss was as chaste as a middle school dance.

"I'm dead serious," he said, clearly frustrated.

"Could you really hook up with your wingman?" I tried to keep it light.

"You might see me as your wingman, but I never saw you that way!"

I froze.

"Look, I've had a crush on you since forever. I only played the friend card because you weren't interested. Remember when you kissed Jace at that party? I actually had flowers and everything ready to ask you out that night. Then I saw you two making out by the Harrington's front gate."

My eyes widened. I had no idea Drew had feelings for me, or that he'd witnessed that moment.

"I buried my feelings and stayed your friend because I didn't want to make things weird. God, Eleanor, watching you heartbroken over Jace killed me. I wanted to tell you how I felt so many times, but I was scared of losing you completely. Do you have any idea what these years have been like?"

"Living it up at The Plaza, surrounded by socialites?" I quipped.

"I... that was just to get over you!" he defended weakly. "Besides, I might've partied at all the clubs, but I never crossed any lines. I have standards, you know."

"I didn't say anything," I smiled. Being with Drew had always been easy, natural. A moment ago, I'd been at rock bottom, feeling so trapped that even dark thoughts had crept in. But somehow, his words made everything feel a little lighter.

Maybe life wasn't as dire as it seemed.

"So... will you be my girlfriend?" he asked nervously, looking like an anxious prom date.

"Well, I did take your money," I teased.

Watching his face light up with joy, his already boyish features transforming into pure happiness, I felt an unexpected warmth spread through my chest.

Checking my phone, I suddenly jumped. "I need to get going," I said, gathering my things.

Drew's face fell. "Already?" he said, trying and failing to hide his disappointment.

"How about moving in together?" I said matter-of-factly. "I can move in tomorrow. Just need to handle something tonight." In film industry, I learn to cut through the BS pretty quick.

Drew nearly spat out his water. Watching his face turn red, I had to admit - maybe the tabloids were wrong about him being Manhattan's most eligible playboy. His deer-in-headlights expression seemed too genuine to fake.

"That's... wow, that's kind of sudden..." he stammered, fidgeting with his glass.

I almost smiled. *For someone who's supposedly a sugar daddy, he's acting like a teenager.* "Just drop me home then," I said instead.

The real reason for my hurry was Tom - he'd be back tonight. That thought alone made my stomach turn.

"Of course," Drew said, already reaching for his keys.

When his car pulled up to the run-down motel, I watched his expression shift from confusion to horror. "This is where you've been staying?" He couldn't keep the shock from his voice.

"Yeah," I said simply.

"Jesus, Eleanor... I'm sorry for being a jerk earlier. If I had to..." he trailed off, shaking his head. "I wouldn't last two days here."

I gave him a slight smile. That was Drew's best quality - his honesty.

Opening the door, I said, "I've got it from here. Drive safe."

"At least let me walk you up. This neighborhood's sketchy after dark."

"I'm good. Go home, Drew."

"Text me when you're inside," he insisted.

"Will do."

Clutching my purse with the stack of cash inside, I walked into the dimly lit building. It's amazing what you can get used to when you have no choice. Before I reached the room, I heard the crash of breaking glass. In this building, domestic violence was as common as sirens - everyone pretended not to hear.

I burst through the door to find him holding a broken chair leg over Maya.

"Back off!" I shouted.

He spun around, surprise flickering across his face before twisting into an ugly smirk. "Well, look who decided to come home! Was just teaching your mama what happens when you try to hide my meal ticket!"

Seeing Maya on the floor, her waitress uniform torn and bloody, something snapped inside me.

"Why did you come back? Get out of here, Elle!" Maya struggled to her feet, trying to push me toward the door despite her injuries. Her desperation broke my heart.

"Ain't nobody going nowhere!" he slurred, waving the chair leg. "Not till she starts earning her keep down at Joey's club!"

"Please, go," Maya begged, still trying to shield me with her body, ready to die protecting me.

Looking at her, I felt tears burning in my eyes, but beneath them was something stronger - rage.