Page 41 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“I hope it settles down for you guys soon.” I really did feel guilty about them having to work all day and all night and still sitting here now. I’d be passed out in a corner somewhere if I’d done that.

“It will,” Hayden said, suddenly optimistic. “Plus we have a day off to look forward to.”

Cora nodded. “What are everyone’s New Year's Eve plans?”

Milly shrugged while Hayden looked eager.

Lane was the only one to speak up. “I was planning on heading up to see the ball drop.”

Silence.

The conversations in the other lounge areas continued, but we stopped and stared at him. Several moments passed before he cracked a smile. We all burst out laughing, and at that moment my crush went from an eight to an eleven. Off the charts. He was handsome, smart—more like brilliant, and funny. As long as there was no wife...he was perfect.

“Oh, wow. I really thought I was about to have a long talk with you.” Cora wiped under her eyes.

Hayden nodded. “I didn’t know how to talk you out of it without being mean.”

Lane snorted. “Guys, I’m not insane. You couldn't pay me a million dollars to be anywhere near Times Square for the next few days. I want nothing to do with that circus.”

I made eye contact with Cora, urging her to come up with a plan. I pleaded with my eyes, and she finally looked away, toward the group.

“Taylor and I are actually hosting a party at my place. You guys should come.” She held eye contact with Hayden for longer than necessary. I shook my head and watched for Lane’s reaction. He seemed to be considering it. That was a good sign!

“Would it be okay if I brought my girlfriend?” Milly asked.

Cora beamed. “Of course. That would be great!”

Hayden perked up. “I don’t have any plans. I’ll stop by.”

His casual words didn’t match his earnest expression. I was growing more confident that if Cora asked him to swim to the Statue of Liberty, he’d dive into the bay without a second thought.

We were all waiting for Lane’s response again. He looked up and met my eyes. “Sure, I should be able to make it.”

Cora nodded. “Sounds great. I’ll email you all with my address.”

She glanced my way, and I forced myself not to jump up and down or cheer. New Year’s Eve with Lane? Could things get any better? I wanted to hug Cora for her quick thinking and offering her apartment. We hadn’t coordinated any of this, but she had my back. I’d be buying her coffee for a month.

With our mission completed, Cora opened the brown bag and offered me my usual Italian combo sandwich. She put her Reuben sandwich on her lap and carefully unwrapped it. I took a bite of mine as the conversation continued around us.

“Have you been to the bookstore that on thirty-second over by the Korean barbeque place we like?” Milly asked Hayden.

He shook his head. “I haven’t had time yet.”

“Do they specialize in anything?” I asked between bites. I had a soft spot for bookstores, and hearing of one I wasn’t familiar with was exciting. I’d scoured the city for the best used and new bookstores. I particularly loved the used bookstore under one of the city libraries in the Upper East Side. I had to limit myself to twenty dollars every time I went in, to keep from buying everything.

“Not really,” Milly answered. “They carry a bit of everything. And they have a great used section.”

I perk up. “I’ll have to check it out.”

She nodded, and Lane set his lunch to the side. “Have you been to the flea market in Dumbo? There are a few vendors there that sell used books. I’ve found some gems there.”

“I’ve been there a few times, but I never noticed booksellers.”

Cora leaned forward. “Maybe you could show her some time.”

I pushed my elbow back, hitting Cora on the side. I couldn’t believe she’d said that! How obvious could she be?

Lane’s eyes flicked to mine. “Yeah, I’d love to.”