Page 29 of Ten Hours

“You’ll see.” He guides me into the elevator the instant the doors slide open.

“There you go again.” I cross my arms in front of myself as I lean against the back wall of the elevator car.

Abel hits a button labeled RT before we start to climb.

“What’s RT?” I ask when he slides up next to me.

“Rooftop.”

“We’re going on the roof?” I look at him like he has five heads. “Are you forgetting that the goal was to get out of the cold?”

“Relax, it’s enclosed.”

“What?”

“The rooftop terrace is enclosed. And heated,” he quickly adds.

“You have a heated, rooftop terrace? I didn’t know such a thing existed.”

“There’s only a couple buildings in the city that have them. It’s one of the main reasons I chose this one. It’s nice to be outside without actually being outside. Especially when it’s as cold as it is tonight.”

“So explain to me how a struggling musician affords to live in a place like this?”

“I never said I was struggling. You assumed.” He grins. “I actually do pretty well for myself.”

“Sorry,” I mumble, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“Don’t be. Most people assume I can afford to live here because of my parents, which isn’t entirely untrue. My parents set up savings accounts for all of us when we were younger, something to help get us started when we ventured out on our own. That money has definitely helped.”

“It’s nice that you have parents that care enough to do something like that.”

“Yeah, I guess. I just wish it didn’t come with so many strings.”

The elevator doors slide open and Abel exits onto the terrace, leaving me to follow after him. I immediately scan our surroundings, a bit taken aback by how nice it is up here.

I was expecting to walk out onto an actual rooftop. Instead it’s like being on the top floor only the walls and ceiling are all made of glass. There are several comfortable looking outdoor couches and chairs spread throughout the large area. And a few small tables with chairs are lined against the outer walls. Strand lights sweep across the ceiling above us, giving off a soft glow that illuminates the space perfectly.

“This is amazing,” I say, more to myself than to Abel.

“Isn’t it?” He looks around the space. “In the evenings there are usually quite a few people up here.”

“I can see why. I think I’d live up here if I could.”

“There’s an outdoor space too, so when it’s warm you can sit outside.” He draws my attention to the door directly in front of us. I look beyond the glass walls to what looks like an oversized balcony that wraps the entire enclosed area.

I don’t even notice the view right away, although you would think that would have been the first thing I noticed. We’re up high enough that you can see nearly half the city stretched out in front of us.

“Wow,” I say under my breath, crossing the space.

“Pretty amazing, huh?” I jump slightly when I feel Abel settle in behind me, his arms wrapping around my middle before his chin settles on my shoulder.

“I’ve never seen the city from this high up.”

“Really?”

“Really,” I confirm. “I don’t get out much. Work. Home. Repeat.”

“That’s a shame. It’s such a beautiful city and there’s so much to see and do.”

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