“Would you like to wait here for your jacket, or meet the hosts for the evening?”
“I think we should get on with it,” she answers, shedding my jacket from her shoulders.
“That’s not going to happen.” I scold her lightly, slipping the jacket into place. “I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a jacket while you shiver.”
“I won’t shiver.” The wind rushes by in that moment, as if to prove she’s a liar.
A rough chuckle leaves me and I give her the option again. “We can wait here if you’d like or if you don’t mind wearing my jacket for a moment, we can start the night.”
“I think I don’t mind either way,” she says softly, staring up at me like she was before, although her gaze is ripped away the moment I hear my name in the distance.
“There you are!” Trent calls out.
“Well,” Suzette whispers, “I suppose your jacket will do for now.”
Suzette
The boat cuts through the river below us as the skyline rises above. The bright lights twinkle against the black sky. Up close, it’s intimidating but there’s still something elegant about those tall buildings.
The air at the bow of the boat is crisp and clean. With both of my hands holding the railing, I breathe in deep, grateful for a moment alone after the last hour of socializing. My cheeks hurt from the constant smiling. I laugh when it’s appropriate and keep everything light. This isn’t my first time at a gathering that’s … out of my league.
I’m sure it’s obvious that I don’t quite fit in, but it’s gone well as far as I can tell. Champagne flutes clinked as we worked through the crowd, and the small gathering of women mostly gossiped about social circles I’m not privy to.
Most notably, the view is stunning.
I grew up in New York, but not in the city. I knew the dream of it, breathed in the hope of what NYC offers. I believe in this city. It will never cease to amaze me.
New York City is freeing in the same way my divorce was liberating.
Admittedly, that freedom came from the fact that I had security in my job. I could make it on my own and live the dream I’ve had since I was a little girl without fear. That was then. My hands twist against the cold, smooth metal. This is now.
Apprehension spreads through my gut. I can’t deny the fear that my job might be on the line now. I’ve slept with Adrian and he’s sending emails about gathering client lists like he wants to rearrange everything at the office. Or rather his “team” is. If I don’t have that security anymore, then everything is at risk.
“You’ve been out here a while.” The deep rumble from behind me is startling.
Adrian appears at my side by the railing, looking out with me. “I was spending time with my thoughts.” Smiling at him, I step a bit closer. “Is your meeting done?”
“Yes.”
“Did you seal the deal?” I ask him as he breathes in deep, looking over my shoulder to gaze at the skyline. He peers down at me, a charming smile at his lips. “Always, my little vixen.”
With the heat in his eyes, I let out a nervous huff of a laugh and pull away.
“Dinner’s about to start. Let me get you a drink.”
It gives me a bit of relief that he’s not pressing me about what’s on my mind. I’m not sure how to talk about it with him yet. Adrian leads me back inside the cabin, the mood seeming a little more somber as more thoughts race through my mind. Thoughts of anxiety and anticipation about what’s going to happen at work.
Adrian takes me by the elbow to guide me through the tables, stopping at the bar for a glass of wine. The ship is massive and spacious. It’s obvious they spared no expense for this evening’s outing. The group of women I was chatting with earlier are seated with their companions, dining on caviar as they overlook the river.
All the tables have been set with linen tablecloths and beautiful dishes. This is how the other half lives. It’s elegance and convenience that will only ever be a dream for most.
“We’re toward the stern … for more privacy.”
We reach our table, nestled in a corner with lit candles and the perfect view of the ship splitting the water that reflects the bright lights of the city. I stop at the edge, bracing myself, suddenly uncomfortable. With a firm hand he tilts up my chin. “What’s wrong?”
“Just worried.” The knot in my stomach ties tighter.
“About what?”
It takes great effort to keep my expression neutral, in case anyone may see when I say, “My job.”
Light dances in his eyes. “It’s after six.”
“Unlike you, I can’t just turn it off. I can’t stop worrying about my responsibilities and wondering what’s going to happen to my income … and what might happen between us.”