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“I could tell. You went pretty red. What are your plans for the rest of the day?” he asks, grabbing my hand and entwining his fingers with mine.
“Whatever you’ve got planned for me.” It turns out Will has a lot planned for Dad and me. For the next three days, he takes us all over the city, showing us all the tourist traps, but also some of his secrets of the city. His favorite bagel shop or the best view of the empire state building. His secrets are my favorite. They make the big city feel more personal.
Chapter 32
By the end of the third day, I am completely wiped out and happy to spend a day in bed. Apparently, Dad has the same idea because he decides to stay at the hotel the next day, so it is just Will and me.
“What would you like to do today?” Will asks as he meets me in the hotel lobby.
“I’m kind of exhausted. Why don’t you just show me what a normal day for you in the city is like?” I’m not sure if I ask for this because I have enjoyed his insights about the city more than any of the tourist traps or because I just want to feel close to him.
“I would like that.” Will intertwines my hand with his as he leads me out onto the streets.
We start with a donut from his favorite café, which we eat while walking to a pre-owned bookshop that he loves. As we walk down the bustling street, I can’t help but imagine doing this with Will every Saturday once I’ve moved up here. I want to do all the normal, mundane things with Will. I want to live life with him because he makes walking to a bookshop in a crowded city just as fun as road tripping across the United States.
After perusing the shelves at the bookshop for a while, we each find a couple of books to buy. Books in hand, Will guides me to a somewhat secluded grassy grove in the park. There we lay out on the grass and read as we watch the clouds pass overhead. In this grove, with Will by my side, all my anxieties about moving seem distant. I didn’t think such peace could exist in the city, but I’m pretty sure I could feel this way anywhere with Will by my side.
When the sun begins to set, we head to Will’s apartment. His apartment is tiny. It is so small I think it would fit in my neighbor’s camp trailer back home. It is basically a single room that is playing the role of kitchen, living room, and bedroom. Thankfully, the bathroom has its own door, but everything else is on full display. I’m impressed Will fit a couch, table, and bed in this space without making it feel crowded. Despite being tiny, it is easy to feel at home with the bookcases covering the walls and the pictures of Will and his siblings.
“What do you want for dinner?” Will asks as I look at the items on his shelves.
“Oh, I’m fine with anything.” I say, distracted by the cute picture of him with his siblings as children.
“Well, I’m cooking, and I can only make two things. So, will it be spaghetti or a grilled cheese?”
“Spaghetti.” I decide after a second.
“You just want to do that noodle thing from Lady and the Tramp, don’t you?”
“You caught me.”
“That’s okay. I’m all for it, especially since all my other kissing plans were killed by your dad being there.” Will says as he pulls ingredients from the fridge. “Oh wait, I almost forgot.” Will says and opens a cupboard to pull out a shopping bag. “I got this for you.” He hands me the bag.
I open the bag and pull out a piece of red fabric. As I unfold it, I recognize what it is, and a laugh bursts out of me. “You bought me an apron?”
“Yes, I like my cooking apprentice to be appropriately attired.” Will laughs as I tie it on.
“Where do you want me?”
“Dangerous question, STG.” Will winks, his devilish grin letting me know none of his thoughts are appropriate.
“Oh, shut up.” I push him aside to cook the meat as he works on the sauce and noodles. When it is done, Will serves up two plates and hands me two bottles of water.
“Follow me.”
He walks out the front door of his apartment. I follow him into the hall and up the stairwell to the roof, where I find a patio complete with string lights. Will sets our plates down on a table and pulls out my chair. As he sits down across from me and throws me his best dimpled smile, I can’t stop the overwhelming surge of the love that flows through me.
I love Will Whitmore. I love his dimpled grin, that is so hard to earn. I love that he thinks so differently than me. I love that he makes me feel in extremes that no one else has ever made me feel. I love that this simple day in the city with him has been the best day of my life. I decide to enjoy it with no fears of the future.
We talk until late in the night and Will walks me back to the hotel under the lights of the city. We kiss goodnight at my door and it is simple and sweet as the rest of our day. As I close the door as Will walks away, I thank the universe for giving me one perfect day with Will.
Chapter 33
If the universe had gifted me with a perfect day yesterday, today it conspired to ruin all my plans. It begins with an early morning text from Will. Apparently, he had gotten pulled into an emergency meeting at work and wouldn’t be able to see me until later that day. I decide that isn’t too bad as it gives me an opportunity to visit Columbia’s campus. I will be able to check out where my apartment will be and the buildings my classes will be in.
I call Flynn to ask him if he wants to meet with Dad and me today. The medical school had resumed classes at the beginning of August, so he is pretty busy with class, studying, and homework, but he says he can meet us for lunch and show us the apartment.
Dad and I have a wonderful time as we tour the university. I love the big open courtyards and the marble buildings and the way they contrast with the surrounding city. Even though it is so different from home, I can see myself here.
