“I feel as if I’m on a movie set whenever I come here.”
He smiled. “Which movie? One Fine Day, Home Alone 2 or Ransom?”
Their voices and footsteps echoed and he paused under the elegant arches, looking toward the famous fountain.
“I’m more likely to think of The Avengers. Or that episode of Dr. Who. I’m not a lover of romantic movies.”
“Me neither.”
“You’re a guy. You’re not supposed to enjoy them.” She strolled toward the fountain. “Aren’t you going to ask me my favorite movies?”
“I already know your favorite movies. Psycho. Rear Window. You’re a Hitchock addict.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? The guy was a genius. You’re forgetting Vertigo. I love that movie.”
“You also love The Shining and Alien.”
“The first one. Ridley Scott.”
“I love his work.”
“He should have won best director for Gladiator. He was robbed.” She glanced at a couple who were locked in an embrace by the fountain and then looked away quickly. “So there’s nothing else for you to find out about me. You already know everything.”
Not everything, but he intended to work on that.
They walked along the path that skirted the lake, watching the last glimmers of light play across the still surface of the water.
“We’re eating at the restaurant on the lake?”
“Yes.” He opened the door of the restaurant and she walked past him. He breathed in the subtle floral scent of her and felt her bare arm brush against his.
All evening she’d been the one who was tense, but now it was his turn.
“This is perfect.” She settled into her chair and gazed at the water. “I’ve lived in New York almost all my adult life and I’ve never eaten here.”
“Jake took Paige here a few weeks ago.”
They ordered, and Frankie sat back as the waiter poured their wine.
“Does it feel strange knowing the two of them are together?”
“Yes. I’m still getting used to it, even though Jake is my closest friend. I have an overprotective streak when it comes to my sister.”
“It’s a good trait.”
“It drives her crazy.”
“But if you asked her, I bet she wouldn’t want it to be any different. You two are lucky. When I was growing up I would have done anything to have someone to share the crap with.”
“You had Eva and Paige.”
“But that’s not the same as having someone on the inside. Friends can listen, sympathize and support, but there’s a difference between supporting from the outside and living through it.” She paused. “There are some things you can’t even share with your friends.”
And that was something else he hadn’t known. He’d always assumed she shared everything with Paige and Eva.
There was music playing in the background but he didn’t hear it.
“What things?”