GIRL NEXT DOOR

CHAPTER 4

Abigail Mendez

I was too stunned to speak.

Did she really just appoint me for the job?

Deep down, I knew Aya. This could be one of her tricks just like the ones she used to play back in high school. Make someone trust her completely, then ruin that trust when it mattered most.

But I wasn’t fazed. This wasn’t about trust. This was for my mum.

I quickly pulled out my phone and saw George had been calling nonstop. I had put it on airplane mode earlier so it wouldn’t disturb me. I dialed him back.

“I’ll meet you at home,” I said in a low, serious tone intentionally scaring him.

It was getting late, and I rushed to catch a bus. I fell asleep for most of the ride, and when I wasn’t asleep, I was thinking. About Aya. About what life would be like working as her assistant. About all the secrets her family might be hiding, especially her mother, whom I hadn’t seen in over a decade.

I finally arrived at the terminal and spotted George waiting, pacing with worry.

“Georgie!” I called out, running toward him. He stood up the moment he saw me.

“How did it go?” he asked, searching my face for an answer.

I heaved a long, dramatic sigh and hung my head low, pretending to be defeated.

“It’s alright,” he began, his voice soft and comforting. “It’s not the end of the world, Abby. You’re strong, you’ll find another—”

I cupped my face and let out a fake sob, shaking my shoulders.

“Abby, don’t cry... ehh—” He stopped short when he noticed the grin I was trying to hide behind my hands.

“I got in! I got in!” I shouted, jumping into his arms.

“Wait…really? Really??” he shouted back, lifting me off the ground as we spun around, laughing like kids.

“I trust you, always,” he said, gently taking my hands in his and slinging my bag over his shoulder.

We chatted the entire walk back home, bubbling with excitement.

“Should we have a drink to celebrate?” he asked as we got to my doorstep.

“Nope,” I said with a smirk. “We’re traveling tomorrow. Let’s keep it sober..for once.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Responsible Abby. I like it.”

We stepped inside, and for the first time in a long while, I felt like something big was finally starting.

It was a fresh Saturday morning, and George and I dressed casually,like two people ready to start a new chapter. Everything was packed, every box taped shut, and yet I still couldn’t believe I was really leaving this house behind. I was going to miss it. A lot.

We loaded my things into the back of the rented truck, checked the route one last time, and hopped in. Detective Sam had texted me the address of the apartment he secured for me, somewhere in New York City.

The drive was long, but we made the most of it. George and I sang along to every song on the playlist, shared snacks, and even dozed off a few times our heads bobbing with every bump in the road.

Hours later, as we entered the city, I gave the driver directions. Eventually, we pulled up in front of a tall apartment building that looked even better than I'd imagined.

“Apartment 1904,” I told George, glancing at my phone for confirmation.

We decided to carry a few light boxes inside first, just to get a feel for the place. As we made our way through the lobby, we were greeted by a few elderly ladies seated near the reception. They smiled warmly and even offered to help us figure out where everything was. Their kindness made the place feel a little more like home.

Before long, we were done unloading and unpacking. I received the key card to the apartment and instructions on how to change the passcode. Once inside, George and I got to work, arranging the furniture, stacking books, and clearing out boxes one by one.

The apartment was stunning far bigger than I expected. Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling, sparkling like crystals. The kitchen was sleek and fully equipped, with state-of-the-art appliances. The bedroom was massive, featuring a walk-in closet that could pass for a boutique and a bathroom that looked like it belonged in a luxury hotel. Whoever owned this place clearly put in serious effort and money.

By the time everything was in place, we both collapsed onto the plush sofa, exhausted.

“Mendy,” George called.

I turned my head slightly from where it rested on his lap. He only ever called me that when he wanted something.

“So I was thinking…”

“No, you can't,” I cut in without even hearing him out.

“Just for tonight, ehhh?” he pleaded, pouting. “I’ll move tomorrow. Let me just stay here with you, just tonight, please?”

“You need to go back to Syracuse today. Who’s going to look after the house? And don’t forget you still need to study. Or don’t you want to go to college anymore?” I asked, trying to sound convincing.

“Just for today,” he begged, widening his eyes for effect.

I sighed. “Okay, fine. You win.”

He threw his hands up and let out a happy cheer. We both laughed and made our way into the bedroom.

Now that I wasn’t distracted by cleaning, I finally took in the full grandeur of the room. It looked even better than before the soft lighting, the calm neutral tones, the perfect arrangement. Everything just felt... right.

Soon enough, George and I were fast asleep on the bed. We’d always been comfortable around each other. There had never been anything romantic between us as far as I knew. We were more like siblings than anything else. Safe. Familiar.

And for tonight, that was enough.