Page 91 of Resisting the Fall

“We couldn’t miss the chance to watch you perform,” Mom said. “Especially when New York is so much closer than Cleveland.”

Maven shook her head. “Six hours still isn’t close.”

“It was worth the drive,” Dad said. “We can’t wait to hear you play tomorrow.”

Maven’s blush was perfection. “Well, I’m so glad you’re both here.”

Mom glanced from Maven to me, then put her hand on Dad’s arm. “Let’s let these two have some time together, huh?”

“We’re still on for breakfast tomorrow morning?” Dad asked.

“Yep,” Maven said. “My mom and Carson said they’d meet us at the restaurant at nine.”

Mom gave Maven another hug, then remembered to give me one before I could comment on it. “We’ll see you two in the morning.” They waved again, then disappeared around the corner.

Maven smiled up at me, bringing the bouquet I’d brought her to her nose to smell. “Thanks again for the flowers.”

I barely resisted telling her my mom had insisted I bring them. “You’re welcome.”

Her smiling eyes met mine. “I can’t imagine where you got the idea from.”

I chuckled. “I paid for them though.”

She took hold of my hand, intertwining our fingers. “So… what do you want to do?”

I glanced at my watch. “It’s already eleven.”

“This is New York City. The city that never sleeps.”

The last thing I wanted to do was go back into New York City’s chaotic streets. “The hotel has a rooftop lounge. Want to check it out?”

“That sounds perfect.” She followed me toward the elevator.

There were a few couples already up there occupying most of the seats, but Maven walked toward the outer wall that overlooked the city.

I stepped up behind her, slipping my arms around her waist. “I have to admit,” I said as I looked out. “From up here, it’s actually kind of beautiful.”

Maven laughed and leaned back into me. “I think you’d like New York City more than you think you would. There’s so much to do.”

“You like it here, don’t you?” I already knew the answer. Despite her attempting to rein in her excitement over the last few months, every time we spoke, it was obvious how much she loved it.

She glanced up at me. “I like it more when you’re here.”

“Then maybe I should move here.”

Maven gave an airy laugh. “Yes, please.”

“I’m serious, Maven.”

She spun toward me, her lips parted. “What?”

“I’m done being away from you. So if that means I have to move to New York for the next year and a half, then I’ll do it.”

“You can’t just move to New York. What about your job? Wally wants you to take over his business.”

“I’d be back before he retires. And in the meantime, I’m sure I can find some construction work here. There seems to be a lot of that going on.”

“But where will you live?”