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“Well, how about we remedy that tonight? My place, say seven?” Veronica’s velvet voice is pouty and full of promise.
“I can’t. Can we move this to tomorrow night?” It has been a while since we saw each other last, but I like to keep our relationship casual, despite Veronica’s occasional attempts to make us more permanent.
She sighs. “Fine, tomorrow, but don’t forget.” She clicks off, and I hold the phone out, looking at it and grinning.
CHAPTER3
ANA
I’m flusteredby the time I get to my favorite restaurant downtown. Despite getting the job earlier in the morning, I feel apprehensive, having counted on a few more days before I started the new job.
But it looks like today is my last day of freedom. So, lunch at Balthazar is just what the doctor ordered.
Race is already at a table for two. He raises his hand as he sees me, his eyes questioning. We got our usual people-watching spot with the best view of Spring Street.
As I flop down, I clumsily bump the table. Ice clinks and water sloshes onto the tablecloth. I apologize and turn to hang my purse on the back of the chair while Race dabs at the spill.
“That bad?”
He is my best friend and roommate. During our senior year of high school, we decided we would live together when we both got into Columbia, me on a full scholarship, him on a Mom-and-Dad sponsorship. He comes from money but doesn’t like being alone, and neither do I. Since we are both single in New York, it made sense to share a place. And it’s a lot more fun.
He knows me inside and out. When I was going through a tough time after my parents died, he was there for me. When Race decided to come out to his parents as gay, I stood by his side. We are practically family.
I look at him, my eyes welling up with tears.
“It was hard to walk away from my building this morning. Looking around at all that I have lost just about killed me. Then I see the big chain coffee houses that stole my business with customers that used to frequent my place waiting in line for their more expensive, fancy coffees. I had to walk past them on my way to the interview. It was disheartening.”
Race is silent. He knows I need to vent and is gracious enough to let me spew out all my frustration.
The waiter comes, and we both order salads.
“How did the interview go?”
“I got the job,” I exclaim. ”At least something went my way today. But you should have seen this guy, Race. Smug, rich, entitled, the embodiment of all that I hate about corporate businessmen. And at the same time, he was charming and fun, and I enjoyed his company. I’m so confused.” I laugh, aware of the contradiction.
I notice I’m tying my napkin into a knot. Race reaches across the table and puts his hands over mine.
“Breathe, Ana.” He looks me in the eye, so that I know he’s serious, and I start to calm down. I take a deep breath, then another one, and my body gradually relaxes. I sit back against the chair and stare at the table.
“That’s better,” Race says and sips his water. “So, tell me how you really feel.” There is a moment of silence before we both erupt in laughter. It feels good to laugh after the confusing day I have had so far.
I lean forward and look at Race conspiratorially. He does the same.
I whisper, “He might be the enemy, but he is super hot.” I wink. “He made me tingle all over.” That lightens the mood, and Race chuckles.
“So, tell me all the juicy details, girl.” I relax and tell him about Brando looking like a titan, the curl over his forehead, his sinful eyes, and the rippled biceps teeming from his expensive suit.
Race can’t help himself and covers his mouth, shimmying in his seat. “He sounds just awful.” Sarcasm drips from his lips, teasing a smile out of me. Race knows how to calm me down and find the positive in any situation.
My phone breaks our joke, and as I pick it up, I realize I don’t recognize the number.
“Hello, this is Ana.”
“Hi,” a woman's voice responds on the other end, “I’m calling about the building you have for sale. We would like to set up a meeting with the buyer for later today, around four o’clock. Does this work for you?”
My face gets hot with emotion.
So soon?
