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“Let me grab my purse.”
A couple of hours later, Finn had shown Colleen how to use the subway, insisting she buy a MetroCard and study the subway map to plan the best route to her new job in Chelsea. Next, he showed her some local shops and markets, highlighting which to use, and which ones to avoid. His attitude was business like, rarely showing any sense of humor.
This Finn—the New Yorker—was new to her. She’d only known him as a guest in her parents’ home. They’d roamed around LA, going to the beach, the movies, and In-N-Out for a burger. But now she was on his turf, and she was grateful for all his suggestions.
Maybe he was conducting this little tour out of obligation to his friend’s sister, but she appreciated him taking the time to help her.
“That’s enough information to get you started,” he said, walking down the street back to O’Connor Tower. It was early evening, but it wasn’t any cooler. She was used to warm evenings in LA, but not with the heaviness of humidity.
“Thanks, Finn. I appreciate you taking the time to show me around.”
“I’ve got this,” he said, waving off David as he opened the door for her.
“Listen,” Colleen said, turning to him. “Sean said in his text he wanted to get dinner. I don’t have a lot of money to splurge, but you must know a good place for a burger.”
“You don’t have to do that.” His tone was clipped, but his probing gaze suggested his interest.
They’d been good friends in the past, and now they were neighbors. It was time to make things less uncomfortable. “I want to show my appreciation.”
“I know a place nearby,” he said, nodding up the street. “It’s your first day in New York, let me buy dinner.” He took out his phone. “I’ll send Sean a text to meet us.”
“That sounds great.”
She walked with Finn for a couple of blocks, mostly in silence. He pointed out a few of his favorite diners and coffee shops. “Only buy Starbucks when you have to. The smaller shops have great coffee and they need local support.”
He walked with purposeful, long strides, keeping his concentration focused ahead with only an occasional look in her direction.
Colleen crossed a street and Finn grabbed her hand to avoid her getting clipped by a bicycle messenger.
“That was close,” he said, looking her over with concern. “Always, always keep an eye out for those guys. They’re aggressive and reckless.”
“Okay. I’ll remember.” He was staring at her with an intensity that startled her. It was a curious mixture of anger and frustration, but his touch was strong and reassuring. “Thanks for pulling me out of the way.”
“No problem,” Finn said. He let go of her hand and resumed walking, shoving his hands into his jeans.
As soon as he let go of her hand, Colleen missed the warmth of his skin next to hers. She pushed the thought away. She reminded herself that he was giving her a tour as a favor to her brother. There was nothing personal about him taking her hand to pull her out of the way from danger.
She had to jog to keep up with him, wishing she had worn comfortable shoes rather than her heeled sandals. She underestimated how much walking she would do around Manhattan.
“Here we are,” Finn said, approaching a building with a stairway that led downstairs.
The brick had been painted a dark blue, and an old sign over the door had “Blues Basement” scrawled onto it. She followed Finn down the steps. Cigarette butts and fast-food wrappers were scattered on the ground and graffiti covered a side wall. “This is a dive bar,” she said, taking a look around.
Finn held the battered, wooden door open for her. “Feeling a little out of place, princess?”
Colleen glared at him but had no snappy reply because yes, she did feel out of place.
“Don’t worry, you’re safe,” Finn said, gesturing for her to enter the bar.
As soon as she stepped inside, the scent of beer and whiskey was overwhelming. It was dimly lit, making it hard to see the torn music posters on the brick wall. A small stage was the centerpiece of the bar. A few people sat at the bar, playing a dice game. The crack of billiard balls and shouts came from a group playing pool. It was too warm, and the bar wasn’t even full of yet. Blues music blared through speakers mounted on the walls.
“Would you like to sit at the bar, or at a table?” Finn asked politely.
“A table is fine.” She cast a wary glimpse around.
Finn led the way to a table in the corner. Good choice. It was quieter here. He pulled out a chair at a battered oak table for her, and she took a seat.
“They don’t have an extensive menu.” He pointed to a chalkboard behind the bar with the daily specials listed. “But they have one of the best burgers in the city and a great beer selection.”
