“I would love that…”
I helped her into the town car and after I slid inside, she moved into my lap—pressing her lips against mine, whispering thanks once again.
Holding her close, I gave her a brief tour of my past as we drove through the city—grateful that the driver avoided driving by my former firm.
I showed her my favorite restaurants, my favorite places to relax, and a few places I would like to take her to before I left.
“We’ve arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, Mr. Hamilton.” The driver looked at us through the rearview mirror. “Will this be the final stop for the night?”
“Yes,” I said, noticing Aubrey narrowing her eyes at me.
“I thought you said—”
“Relax…” I kissed her forehead. “This is where I’ve been living since I flew here.”
>She grabbed her coat from inside and shut the door, looking up at me. “Do you even know how to use the subway?”
“Of course I do,” I said, clasping her hand. “I wasn’t always well-off when I lived here…”
A light snow fell as we made our way to the subway tunnel, and she leaned against me—pressing her body closer to mine. Holiday lights were strung about the tallest buildings—sparkling against the night, and a faint sense of excitement swirled through the air.
There weren’t that many people out tonight, and as we boarded a nearly empty train, Aubrey laughed at that fact.
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen a subway like this,” she said. “I usually have to fight for my own tiny space.”
“Hmmm.” I prevented her from taking a seat, instead making her share a pole with me. “How did your audition really go today? Surely you have more to say about it than okay.”
“I was crying when I sent that text. I was overwhelmed.”
I raised my eyebrow.
“I landed Odette/Odile in Swan Lake—on a professional level.” She looked as if she was about to burst into tears. “I still can’t believe it…All of my dreams are actually coming true.”
“Maybe you’re meant to play that role…” I wiped a stray tear from her eyes.
“Maybe.” She leaned closer. “I’m just happy that they’re giving us the next few days off…I think I’ll be able to relax and keep up with the news a bit more. You know, actually have some semblance of a life outside of the dance hall.”
“You could spend more time with me if you want to take a break. The news in this city is overrated and mostly false.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes,” I said, looking into her eyes. “I wouldn’t believe half of the shit in any of these papers.”
She smiled. “Have you heard anything about the huge trial that’s happening this week?”
“I’m pretty sure there’s more than one.”
“No…” She shook her head. “Not like this one…”
I hesitated. “What makes this one so special?”
“It’s more intriguing than special…It’s about two lawyers who once shared a firm—both of them were big shots, you know? One of them even won against the government in his very first case.”
“It was probably a lucky break.”
“I don’t think so.” She looked into my eyes. “I’ve read the transcripts. He knew exactly what he was doing, and the verdict actually affected public policy.”
I said nothing.