Page 87 of Time Served in New York
“It was more acceptable than Boo getting hurt,” I reminded him honestly. Christopher sighed and looked down at the carpet, unable to come up with an argument for that statement. “I have to give the girls one last fun memory of Manhattan because I’m positive Preacher’s not going to ever let your sister come back. You know how he is.”
“If it was anyone else, I’d laugh at the thought of someone telling her what to do, but she’ll do what Preacher asks. She might not do it quietly, but she’ll do it.”
“She doesn’t know how to do anything quietly.”
“Good point.”
“Okay, I’m ready to go,” I said as I picked up the purse I’d chosen for today. “Don’t forget your coat. There’s snow in the forecast.”
“Another reason I’m glad we’re going home in the morning,” Christopher griped. “This weather is bullshit.”
“I’ll remind you of that when you’re bitching about the heat next summer.”
???
BREA
“That was fun in a very unsanitary and smelly way,” I admitted as I waited with Blue and Jenn at the top of the stairs. We watched as the rest of our friends made it up and joined us, and then I asked, “Now what’s the surprise you have on our schedule?”
“We’re going to get some coffee at a cafe I love, and then we’re going to walk through the park back to our hotel.”
Blue sighed as she glared at Frankie. “It’s fucking cold out here. What happened to those Town Cars you love so much?”
“Ages ago, Jenn mentioned that there’s a statue in the park that she really wanted to . . .”
“The Alice in Wonderland statue!” Jenn shouted as she bounced up and down. “You remembered!”
Frankie laughed and said, “Of course I did. Gunther’s isn’t far from the statue, so we can carry our drinks and see it on our way back.”
“This is so awesome!”
I couldn’t help but smile at Jenn’s excitement and fell into step behind her and Boss as Marques reached for my hand.
“Are you warm enough, Pickle?”
“I am. This coat Frankie let me borrow is great. I’m glad I brought the gloves after all.”
Marques put his arm over my shoulders and pulled me closer. “Do you feel a little better now? Still ready to go home?”
“I am. I miss the dogs and our house. I just want to relax for a few days once we get back. This week has been one thing right after another.”
Chef agreed with a dry laugh. “Pretty sure yesterday soured me on this place for good.”
“The whole town isn’t bad, Marques. I’ve had a lot of fun,” I admitted. “That’s not to say I’ll ever come back, but still . . .”
Chef’s laughter interrupted me, and he said, “I’ll bring you back whenever you’re ready.”
“I think I’m good.”
“Are we still on for a romantic dinner tonight?”
“We are. I’m going to get dressed up one last time and let you take me out on the town.”
“And then I’m gonna fuck you in the snow on our balcony.”
I sputtered out a laugh and looked up at the man I love. “It’s awfully cold. How about in front of the window overlooking the balcony?”
“We’ll see, Pickle. We’ll see.”
