“I can’t believe I overslept.”
“Your suit’s in the closet.”
“Max is calling you.”
“Fuck.” I grabbed my cell and walked out of the bedroom. “Are you at the shop already?”
“Already? It’s nine. Where are you, boss?”
“I’m so sorry. I overslept,” I said, wedging the phone against my ear and shoulder so I could crouch to tug my shoes on.
“Geez, that’s a first.”
“I know. I’m on my way. I’ll be there soon.”
“I’m going to go grab some coffee.”
“No problem.”
I said good-bye, hung up, and stuffed my cell into my slacks. I bumped into Calvin in the bedroom doorway. “Want breakfast?” I asked, running in to fetch my sweater.
“No time,” he called, knotting his tie and walking into the living room.
Calvin was already standing at the front door and buttoning his coat when I came back out of the bedroom. I joined him, threw on my jacket and scarf, grabbed my shoulder bag, and barely had time to put my sunglasses on before following him out. I locked the door, and we raced down the rickety stairs to the ground floor.
It was beginning to rain when we stepped outside. Not a lot, but enough to guarantee another cold, not entirely winter, but not quite spring day ahead.
Calvin surprised me when he took my face with one hand, tilted my head up, and kissed my mouth lightly. “Have a good day.”
“You too.”
He smiled and pulled his car keys from his pocket before hurrying down the sidewalk.
I dug my umbrella out of my bag and headed in the opposite direction. I was lucky to live so close to the Emporium that it was within easy walking distance, and I had no need for cabs or the subway. And thank God for that. With the way the MTA hiked up fares, who could justify the expense of a monthly pass these days? As for cabs… let’s be honest—who actually thinks they’ll get to work on time during morning rush hour by taking a taxi? Walking around folks who strolled, those attempting to text and walk, and early rising tourists was definitely the lesser of the evils.
On the Emporium’s block was a man named Henry, who was standing under a large umbrella and doling out free newspapers to the passing crowds with the same chipper attitude and smile he’d had for the three years I’d been working here. I knew he was a native New Yorker because Henry was a talker and always had lots to tell me.
“Mr. Snow,” Henry said with a big grin. “You’re late!”
“Tell me about it.” I accepted the folded newspaper he offered.
“No boyfriend today?” Henry had met Calvin exactly one time and had since asked me about him just about every day. I swear he was more smitten than I was.
“He’s late for work as well,” I clarified, already inching away.
Henry made atsk-tsksound and shook his head. “Don’t work too hard.”
“Yeah, you too!” I said, waving the paper at him before hurrying toward the Emporium.
I stopped at the shop, closed my umbrella, and froze in place before I had a chance to open the woven metal gate. Right there, on the sidewalk, was a brick. Just like the one thrown through my window yesterday.
“Hey, it’s about time,” Max called.
I turned around to see him rushing across the street with a take-out tray of coffee. He pulled his hood back as he reached me. “Morning,” I said distractedly.
“Morning to you. Must have been some night you had.”
“What?” I glanced back up at Max.
