Andrew tilts his head as though encouraging me to go on, but I want to move on from this subject. It will burst the bubble of holiday joy the Rockettes cocooned me in.
When I don’t go on any further, he takes the hint and says, “Well, he always talks fondly of you. He’s very proud of you for making your own way here.”
I give him a sad sort of smile. The announcement for my stop comes on and we stand and walk over to the doors.
Once we’re on the street level again, I shift to the inside of the sidewalk, knowing he’s going to force me there anyway.
“Ah, you’re learning.” There’s a hint of amusement in his voice.
“I’m a quick study.”
“The practice came about because way back, people would throw their waste from the chamber pot straight out the window. This way, men were much more likely to be covered in shit than the woman.”
I stop walking and stare at him for a moment. He stops and turns to face me.
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Swear to God.” He chuckles.
“You should really refrain from telling any dates or girlfriends that in the future. It really feels much less romantic when feces are involved.”
He grins wryly. “Noted.”
We approach my building and I’m thankful that Mrs. Hoffmeister is nowhere to be seen. Early this week, she sent me to the corner store to grab her cigarettes and hemorrhoid cream. I thought of telling her I couldn’t go, but the truth is that it’s much easier for me to do it than it is for her. Even if she technically could do it herself.
When we reach my building, I turn to Andrew. “Thanks for seeing me home. Sorry it’s so out of the way.”
“I told you it’s no bother.”
We look at one another until I tear my gaze away when the invisible string between us feels as though it’s being pulled too taut. “I have a meeting with Bethaney next week. Maybe I’ll see you there?”
“Not if I can bloody well help it.”
I laugh and look back at him. “Well, thanks again.” I turn and take one step up the stairs.
“Kenzie.”
I turn back around. “Yeah?”
Being on the steps puts us much closer to eye level, and it’s a little jarring at first to have our lips so closely lined up.
“I may not be a Christmas cheerleader at this point, but I enjoyed myself tonight. Thank you.”
The moment feels weighted in a way that a single thank you shouldn’t. “You’re welcome.” My voice is filled with something I can’t make sense of.
He shoves his hands in his pockets, nods, and steps back, watching me walk up to the door. Once I’ve used my key to get inside the building, I turn and give him a small wave. Only then does he turn back toward the subway station.
I enjoyed myself this evening too. Even if I couldn’t prove to Andrew how amazing the holidays can be, I still feel as though I accomplished something. I’m just not sure what.
ChapterFourteen
Andrew
Aknock on my office door causes me to look up from the contract I’m reviewing. Darla stands there with her usual “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be doing” expression.
“Yes?” I lean back in my chair and stretch my back.
“Bethaney just called and says she’d like to see you in the conference room about the holiday party.”