Page 9 of Manhattan Kiss

“Yup,” she says.

The linoleum on the floor turns from blue to green and suddenly we’re by some lifts.

“These are the staff elevators,” Rhonda says. “Never use the guest elevators if you’re not with a guest.”

I nod. We have the same rule at The Rookery.

“And the porters take priority with the luggage.”

“Okay.” Even though these are rules I’m used to, I still pull my phone out and make a note. I don’t want to forget anything.

My parents thought I was crazy for handing in my notice at The Rookery. And Darcy thinks I’m crazy for going across the ocean. I don’t want to prove them right. Even though I’m scared, and inside I’m wondering what I was doing saying yes to this job, I really don’t want to fuck things up.

When I leave, I want it to be on my own terms, not because I’ve been fired.

The lift arrives and Rhonda and I travel up one floor in silence. My head is too full to small-talk with a woman who clearly doesn’t want to small-talk.

When we come out of the lifts, the floor has changed from linoleum to carpet—a sure sign we’re on a guest floor.

After passing a couple of doors, Rhonda comes to a stop and knocks on one. “Good luck,” she says. “I’ll see you around.”

Avril opens the door, a huge smile on her face. “Aurora, it’s so good to have you here.” She pulls me in for a very unexpected hug. Then she glances at Rhonda. “Thank you so much for meeting her and bringing her up.” She turns to me. “Rhonda knows everything about everything. Any questions, she’s your gal. Any of us are, really, but when we want to know something, we all go to Rhonda.” Avril laughs.

Rhonda offers a small smile and then heads off.

Avril ushers me inside. “You’ll remember Poppy from the wedding, even if she hasn’t hounded you quite as much as I have. As you know, she mainly looks after the financial and administrative sides of things, whereas I deal more with front of house, but we manage things together really.”

I smile at Poppy. “Nice to see you again.”

She rounds her desk and pulls me in for another hug.

I’m not not a hugger. But the first time I meet my boss, I definitely don’t expect to be hugging them. But, like I said, New York is different.

“How are you settling into New York?” Poppy asks, as she guides me to a small table under the window with four chairs around it. We all take a seat.

It gives me a few seconds to figure out what I’m going to say. “It’s very different.”

They both laugh. “It can be a shock to the system. Even to Americans.”

“Really?” I ask.

“Yeah,” Avril says. “But eventually, you’ll find your rhythm. I always think that New York is like a record. Until you get the needle in the groove, it’s all scratchy and weird sounding and then, all of a sudden, the needle finds its place and it’s beautiful.”

I smile at her analogy. I like the idea that all of a sudden life can be beautiful.

“So I have to be patient?” I ask.

“Patient and also observant,” Poppy says. “Don’t expect it to be like London. It isn’t. But just watch it and feel it, and then you’ll be part of it.”

They’re making New York sound like it’s magical or something. A magical city.

I can only hope.

I need some magic in my life at the moment.

“Okay, so if you need anything at all outside of work, you have our numbers,” Avril says. “You can call us anytime. And why don’t the three of us go to brunch this weekend? Do you have plans?”

I shake my head. “None. My best friend’s brother and his wife live in the city, but they’re away at the moment. I was just planning to do some sightseeing.”