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It might be better for everyone if Zoe returned home. I could finally move forward with my life without constantly anticipating her around every corner, waiting for her to step out of the elevator. Maybe I can get a hold of her old boss and get him to apologize, offer her her job back.
That might not be a terrible idea.
For the time being though, I’ll need to acclimate to this situation and pretend like Zoe isn’t here. Keep my focus on the game, on work, and the playoff season. The trade deadline looms in two months, immediately followed by the playoffs the month after. Our team must stay unified and laser focused to claim the Cup this year. Competing with my former self has always been a top priority, and I need to secure my position for the coming seasons.
Approaching the building door, I nearly run into George all bundled up in his black pea coat, leather gloves, and gray scarf. I gifted him that scarf for Christmas two years ago. He said it was the most expensive piece of clothing he’s ever owned, and something about that memory always warms my heart and makes me sad at the same time.
“George, I didn’t know you were doing the night shift again.” Pausing at the open door, I rest my hand on his shoulder.
His ears are red, his skin sensitive to the sharp January wind.
“I like to mix it up here and there. Besides, I haven’t been sleeping well lately, so I figured I could cover a few nights for Robbie.”
Robbie is one of the full-time doormen who works here.
“Hmm, sure. And it has nothing to do with Robbie’s new baby?”
George’s full brows curve up as he tries to hide his smile. “Do you always have to be a smart-ass, boy?”
A laugh bursts from me as I nudge George inside the building. George is very proud and will not budge, not even for me. Even after all our chats and gift exchanges over the years, he forces a level of professionalism to remain between us.
“With you? Always.”
“Robbie is young; he needs to recover and look after his family. It’s more important for him to be there for his wife.”
“You’re a good man, George.”
“I know. You should take some notes from me. Find yourself a nice woman.” He beams, rubbing his red, cracked hands together to warm them up.
“That doesn’t sound too fun.”
“Another exciting night?” George says, ignoring me.
I grunt, rolling my eyes as I lean my back against the marble desk.
“Not exciting then?”
“Not at all. Wish I had stayed home.”
The beeper goes off at George’s desk, and he whips around to see who’s approaching. I look down at my watch, noting it’s well past three a.m. Normally, it’s pretty quiet around here between three and five, but it is New York. There is always movement, and I’m not sure anyone actually sleeps here. We’re all a bunch of workaholics.
The door swings open, and Zoe strides in. My heart lurches in my chest, and I divert my attention to George’s feet as he makes his way toward her, already apologizing for not holding the door open for her.
“George, stop! It’s fine. I am totally capable of opening a door.”
Even the sound of her voice drives me wild.
She’s dressed in matching bright-yellow mittens and a fluffy hat, looking adorable despite the apparent lack of warmth in her attire. There’s no makeup on her face, and her curls are flowing wildly around her shoulders and back. She’s clad in comfortable sweats, as if her decision to leave the house was a spontaneous, last-minute choice. Clutching a green grocery bag, the tip of her nose is crimson.
I want to kiss her nose and wrap my arms around her.
She must have walked to the store farther down High Line Street. Does she not realize there is a Whole Foods right beside the Vessel, not even ten feet away?
Jade eyes lock on mine, rooting me to the cold, stone ground.
“Hey,” she whispers.
Just leave.
