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“What about ...”
“Your parents haven’t been called yet. I didn’t have time and couldn’t unlock your phone. And your friend Grace at work was going to come with us, but the owner threatened to fire her if she left.”
I shook my head. Of course, I could be on my death bed, and Tino would be stressed about covering my shift.
“So, I was waiting until you came to. I didn’t want to worry anyone unnecessarily. I hope that’s all right then. But if you have a boyfriend or family you want me to call ...” he said.
“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head, which only hurt it worse. “No to both.”
“All right,” he said, eyeing me.
“I just, well, I don’t want my parents here hovering quite yet. Not until I have less of a headache. But you don’t have to stay or anything. I appreciate you coming.”
“And the boyfriend bit?” he asked.
I shot him a look and shook my head. He nodded. It seemed like he was a little happy about that. But it could have just been my imagination, I admitted to myself.
“I’m not leaving,” he said. “This was all my fault. If I hadn’t rushed into that door like the building was on fire...”
“It’s not your fault. I’m just a little bit cursed these days, I think.” I sighed, looking down at my hands.
“Well, you can’t be too cursed. You heard the nurse. It could have been worse. But I don’t want you to worry. I take full responsibility for this bloody mess, and I will take care of everything.”
“There’s nothing to take care of. I’m fine.” I crossed my arms, trying to believe the lie myself.
“I saw how worried you looked about the recovery time. And I also know if your boss wouldn’t let your friend leave when you were hauled out on a stretcher, he’s probably not going to give you light duty for the next few weeks.”
This guy didn’t even know Tino as far as I knew, yet he already understood who he was at the core. That was sad.
My head was still pounding. I didn’t want to think about money or my job or my mother hovering over me at the sight of the injury. I just wanted to close my eyes and be back in New York, in a simpler time when life wasn’t such a mess. Back before it all crumbled around me like a dilapidated castle.
I exhaled loudly. He leaned closer. “Like I said, I’ve got you. Whatever you need. I’ll cover your salary and expenses while you heal. But you can do something in return for me.”
I turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “What?” I asked, apprehensive.
“Are you a local?” he asked.
“Yes. Born and raised, although I’ve been in New York for over a decade now,” I answered. And then realized I still didn’t know if this guy was a serial killer or what. I hadn’t watched enough crime shows, apparently, to be careful.
“Well, I’m new, as the accent probably tells you. I’m staying for the summer. I’d love to know about the local haunts a bit more and take full advantage of what the city has to offer. Maybe when you’re feeling up to it, you could help me navigate a bit?”
“Like go on dates?” The tone of my voice probably told him everything he needed to know.
“No, not at all. Just like a tour guide,” he assured. My heart dropped a little bit at that, not that I’d admit it. I mean, certainly with what I imagined was a very disheveled look going on, dating would be the last thing on his mind. I was a little embarrassed. Besides, it was for sure the last thing on mine. Oh, and there was also the fact he could be an ax murderer or a criminal on the run or who knew what else.
“Good,” I replied, though, looking away. “I’ve sworn off all men.”
“And I’ve sworn off dating, too. Too complicated and mucky. I’m just here to relax a bit.”
“Okay,” I said.
“All right,” he replied. “I’m going to step out for a minute and get a cup of tea. Do you need anything?”
“No, I’m fine,” I lied.
He eyed me. “You don’t want McDonald’s or anything? I’ve heard Americans love their McDonald’s.”
“I’m sure you’ve heard a lot of things about Americans that aren’t true.”
