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“You can’t be worse than me, and there’s only one way to find out,” I said and walked towards the food trucks. The sound of Zoey laughing as she caught up with me was music to my ears.
Chapter 14
Zoey
Brody was an incredible dancer, and he knew it. I was sure he had just teased me about how bad he was so that he could get me to dance with him. I don’t remember seeing him dance at any school dances, but I should have known with his athletic body and easy mannerism, he would be a natural on the dance floor.
He was warm, friendly, kind, and easy to talk to. He didn’t push about trying to make conversation but could take a simple observation about someone and could turn it into a twenty-minute conversation about our childhoods. It was strange how many people we saw would bring up stories or memories we had and how connected to him I felt because of them.
It helped me feel less apprehensive about being in the city when he told me about his own issues and concerns. I think he was only trying to make me feel better when he said I was brave for going on my own. It didn’t matter; it still made me feel good.
We danced, had a few beers, and watched the sunset on Governors Island. The beer went to my head, and it was probably why it was easier for Brody to get me out on the dance floor. As the day turned into night and we danced and laughed, I was sure I would have done just about anything the man asked. I didn’t mind, and I laughed at myself and teased him for making me think he was a bad dancer when it was evident he wasn’t.
He took the teasing in stride, and when he pulled me into his arms as a slow song came on, I didn’t want the moment or the night to end. There was something almost magical about being on the island. I felt like when we got on the boat, we left New York behind, even if it was only a short distance away. When I was there, I forgot about my job, my family at home, what I was doing in the city, and if I should be there.
It wasn’t just the island that did it but Brody too. He had a way of looking at me, of making me smile, and putting me at ease, and it was so different than any other man I had ever been with. He didn’t try to push me. He didn’t so much as take my hand when we were walking. We looked, and he acted, like we were friends enjoying a lovely day out with each other.
He kept his hands on my back as we danced, but as I closed my eyes and leaned into him, felt his hard chest next to my face, I longed for him to do more. I imagined what it would be like if he leaned back and brought his mouth down to mine. I couldn’t think of a better spot to have a first kiss than under the setting sun with the band playing a soft love song with a man as sexy and fun as Brody.
It didn’t happen, and it wasn’t going to.
As the sun set, the warmth of the day went with it, and we headed back to the mainland. The boat was fuller than when we came, and I wanted to lean up against Brody. We sat out on the deck and watched the lights of Brooklyn as we headed back to Manhattan.
“Thanks for a wonderful day,” Brody said.
“Shouldn't I be saying that to you? You were the one who gave us such a great day.”
“It didn’t start out that way. You were kind enough to give me another chance to salvage what was a disaster.”
The comment was something I was beginning to understand was entirely who Brody was. He wasn’t good with taking compliments, but he was very quick to give them out. I wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t like having the attention on himself or if he liked making sure that everyone else was okay and having a good time.
“I’m glad you suggested we go to Governors Island. I didn’t even know it existed, and I’m sure I would never have gone if you hadn’t taken me.”
“Wonderful. Do you think you’ll go again?”
“By myself. No.” I shook my head.
“If you want me to go back with you, all you have to do is ask,” he teased, and I blushed.
It wasn’t what I was getting at, but I liked the idea of us going back again. It had been a good day, one of the best days that I had since I came to New York. I had a chance to see what he saw in the city and why he liked it so much. It didn’t completely change my mind, but I wasn’t as fearful as I once was. It didn’t mean I was going to wander off on my own like he was suggesting, but I was open to the idea of doing more.
“Maybe. I’m sure there are other places we can go and check out,” I suggested.
“Definitely,” he said as we got off the boat and got in a cab back to my place.
“What do you suggest?” I asked.
“We could go for a bike ride through Washington Square Park. There are a few places where you can rent a bike unless you have one. I don’t. Or we could head up to the Cloisters and see the tapestries there. It’s a beautiful area and reminds me a bit of Governors Island with all the greenery and space. There’s a nice park up there that I have gotten lost in a few times. Don’t worry; I won’t get us lost, or at least not for very long.
“If you are up for it, there are some local breweries in Brooklyn that I’ve been meaning to check out to see if we should carry their beers at the bar. We could do some bar hopping and maybe grab dinner over there.”
“They all sound like good ideas, whatever you want,” I said.
“I would do any and all of those. Do one strike your fancy more than another?”
“All of them could be fun,” I said.
“Oh, there are the botanical gardens in Brooklyn. They should have some great stuff out with the fall and the leaves changing. We could go there.” Brody immediately saw how excited I got about the idea.
