‘Doesn’t matter, still works perfectly fine.’
He resisted arguing the point. Maybe letting go of a bit of control could be good for the both of them. ‘I’m happy to check out the Christmas markets, but maybe later. I’d like to take you up the Empire State Building next, then go to Times Square. Both will look spectacular in the dark and if we set off now the sun will probably be starting to disappear by the time we get there. And it’s not too far to walk back to the inn afterwards.’
‘Deal, as long as we can check out the Winter Village at Bryant Park. It’s near there,’ she explained, finding it on the map to prove her point. ‘It has an ice rink.’
‘Nice try, but I’m not up for another stint just yet.’ They pulled on their coats, ready for the off.
‘Chicken.’ The way she smiled told him she’d be testing her powers of persuasion later.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.
*
Nathan and Scarlett found their way back to the Inglenook Inn after the lights and buzz of Times Square, preceded by a memorable trip up the Empire State Building that gave them a different viewpoint of the city, almost like a model village with its tiny cars dotted on the streets, buildings that looked less imposing now they were dwarfed by their counterpart. They’d passed on visiting Bryant Park on the way back; even Scarlett had seen sense, with their energy levels well and truly ready for a refuel.
They stepped up to the brownstone, the huge wreath on the door made up of different textured leaves, deep-red berries, a bit of sparkle and the tartan bow to finish, a welcoming sight. Miniature pine trees framed the heavy dark-wood door and the second you stepped inside you were drawn in by the garlands winding all the way up the banisters with the delicate lights, the fireplace already going in the communal lounge and the huge Christmas tree that emitted its scent around the entire space. Nathan was sure they wouldn’t have felt anywhere near this comfortable in a hotel.
‘I think I need to go lie down upstairs,’ he declared, feeling at home, when Scarlett flopped down on the big sofa.
Darcy beckoned him in. ‘Nonsense, you can relax here. The fire is for your benefit, not mine,’ she smiled. ‘Actually, it’s for mine too.’
He sat next to Scarlett and Darcy reminded them they could eat here if they couldn’t face going out again.
Scarlett kept her voice low so she didn’t offend Darcy. ‘I’ve got my heart set on one of those big floppy slices of pizza from a takeaway joint.’
‘Don’t tell me,’ he sighed, ‘like they do in the movies. They don’t look all that appetizing to me.’
Darcy wasn’t in the least offended they wanted to venture out again after they’d topped up their energy and as Nathan sat back Darcy asked his daughter all about her favourite movies. They talked location spots in the city, some of which Scarlett had heard of, others she made a mental note to drag him to no doubt.
Darcy adjusted an ornamental fir cone dusted in frost on the tree by the window. ‘If you want street food and you’re keen to check out the Christmas markets, plus you don’t want to walk too far, then I’ve got the perfect solution.’ From the desk she plucked a leaflet, colourful and with ‘The Garland Street Markets’ emblazoned on the front. ‘This is the first year these markets have run and it’s a bit of a smaller set-up than some but should have what you’re looking for. I have a friend running a knitting stall there this year.’ She gave them the gist of the directions and turned the leaflet over to show a map. ‘It’s not far from here and the market runs along the sidewalk of Garland Street for just over a block.’
‘I’m still getting used to words like sidewalk and block,’ Scarlett admitted as she got up to nose at the ornaments hanging on the tree.
‘How’s Myles?’ Nathan asked. They’d been texting but he was always so busy.
‘He’s working hard.’
‘He’s like his dad,’ said Nathan.
‘Don’t let him hear you say that.’
‘I thought things had settled down between them. Not that he told me much, we’re men after all, but I got the impression he enjoyed spending time with his family nowadays.’
‘He does, but what his dad did in the past was let his relationships suffer because he worked too much.’ She gave a tentative smile. ‘Myles doesn’t want that to happen.’
‘I don’t blame him. And in our line of work there’s a lot of burnout. Neither of you deserves that.’
‘Thank you.’
‘You seem busy too, and this place is wonderful.’
‘Myles and I are both guilty of being very career-driven. I’m so glad you like it here, but I can’t take all the credit.’
‘I bet you could take quite a bit.’
‘Thank you. I do love working here, even when it’s crazy busy.’
When her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes he got back to talking markets. ‘I think we’ll give these a try.’ He indicated the leaflet.
