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“I know you both are ready for grandkids, but we’d like to graduate first.”
My father arched a brow. “Again,juggle.”
I kept my mouth shut like the prize child I was as we said our goodbyes, and as my parents got into their car, we headed down Fifty-First Street for the short walk to the Waldorf Towers.
Serena let go of my hand as soon as their car was out of view, linking her arm through mine instead. “All right, you can breathe now.”
It was crazy that I needed the reminder, and as I sucked in the cold night air, my shoulders immediately relaxed. I’d been so good at playing this part for so long, but lately the pressure had been getting to me, making it harder to compartmentalize all the different parts of my life. Including the new addition of her father.
I looked down into a pair of warm brown eyes and smiled—my first genuine smile all night. “Thank you.”
“Of course. Can’t have you passing out on the sidewalk. You’re too heavy to drag.”
I snorted. “I meant for the whole night.”
“I know. But that’s what we do, right?”
“Right.” Breathing came much easier as we passed by the crowds out heading to Radio City Music Hall, moving out of their way as they all seemed to stop in the same spot to take pictures. The holidays were in full swing now, which meant more patience was required while out and about with the influx of tourists, but I couldn’t deny there was something special about this time of year and the way the city lit up.
“So,” I said as the entrance to the Towers came into view a few short minutes later. “You enjoyed dinner?”
“I enjoyed the wine.”
A smirk crossed my lips, because while Serena enjoyed seafood, the raw stuff wasn’t up her alley, though she did a great job faking it for my parents. “Guess it’s a good thing I ordered a pizza.”
“Sausage, bell pepper, and extra cheese?”
“Of course.”
She rested her head on my shoulder and grinned up at me. “It’s like you read my mind.”
“More like I know you as well as I know myself, andIam hungry.”
She laughed as the doorman of the Towers pulled open the door for us.
“Good evening, Mr. Abernathy.”
“Hey there, nice night out tonight.”
He nodded as he looked between us, a wide smile on his weathered face. “It is. Perfect night for a romantic walk through the city.”
“Isn’t it?” Serena agreed, casually slipping back into girlfriend mode as she patted my arm. “The night sky, the holiday atmosphere—the only thing missing was the snow.”
As the words rolled casually off her tongue, I thought the only thing missing for me was a certain someone. Mr. Carrington’s gorgeous face was an image that was too quick to come to mind. I remembered the way he tried not to look at me last night in his office but couldn’t seem to help himself when he thought I didn’t notice.
But I wasn’t supposed to be thinking about that. I was supposed to be focused on thedaughter—not the father.
“You coming?” Serena tugged on my elbow. “Or do you plan to stand in the doorway all night?”
I shook off my wayward thoughts and headed through the lobby to the elevators. So much for keeping things in separate boxes.
It was a quick ride up to my floor, and as we stepped out into the hall, we saw the pizza guy about to knock on the door.
“Ah, perfect timing.” Serena reached for the box and inhaled the delicious aromas wafting out with a moan.
I chuckled, pulled a twenty from my wallet, and handed it to the guy. “Thanks. I haven’t fed her for a week.”
Serena rolled her eyes as the guy thanked me and got back inside our empty car.
