by L C Kincaide
“Like a baby. And you? Or was I snoring again?”
“Like a drunken sailor on shore leave.” He chuckled. “Most appropriate to the venue.” He was back in bed peeling back the sheet. “Now, where were we?”
“You were appreciating my exquisite bottom.”
“And so it is.” He kissed her ear. “And these.” He moved to her eyelids brushing feather kisses over them. “And these.” He brushed her lips. “And these.” His lips left a fiery trail down her neck. “And this…”
“You left the curtains open. The people across the street will see!” She warned, half teasing.
“Then we must hide under the covers.” He said pulling the sheet over them and silenced her giggles with a deep kiss.
“What shall we do about breakfast?” Adam asked towelling his hair.
“Let’s have it here and we can get ready without rushing.”
“Seems like a fine plan. So, bacon and eggs with coffee?” He studied the menu.
Emma wrinkled her nose. “What are you having?”
“The Continental. I can’t decide between the croissants and the brioches. And tea.”
“Hmmm… that sounds good.”
He looked up and arched an eyebrow. “Really? Have you fallen under my influence?”
“The heat affects my appetite. I’ll take the brioches and you the croissants and we can share.”
“I do love the way you think.” He dropped a kiss on her head and reached for the phone.
By the time Room Service arrived with their breakfast trolley, they were dressed.
“Milk or lemon?”
“Lemon, please.”
He grinned. “I never expected we’d have breakfast in common.”
“To be honest, neither did I.”
“Of course, we have more in common than most couples. For one thing, we have the same great-great-great-grandparents?” He counted them on his fingers. “Did I leave out anyone?”
“That depends how far you want to go back. You need one more great if you want to include Margaret and Reese.”
“Can we perhaps number our grandparents by what generation they belong in the eldest being five? By the time I’ve addressed them all properly half the day will be gone.”
“That will make it easier. I only know because I’ve spent a lifetime around them, their portraits anyway.” She observed him. “At first, I thought you looked exactly like Mason, but I think you resemble Reese more.”
“Do you? How so?”
“Mason had a dark, brooding quality which you don’t. Reese always seemed to me more approachable.”
“Ah, you only say that because you’ve never seen me when I’m missing you.” He reached for her hand. “I look terribly dark and broody then.”
“You do?”
“Absolutely. Ask Fiona Walsh the next time you see her, she’ll tell you I’m utterly foreboding and unapproachable.”
Emma grinned. “There’s no denying your genes.”
“No, and I’m hoping Mason had some redeeming qualities. Thus far, he seems like a rather selfish chap.”
Emma considered his estimation of Mason Everdon. “He was… complicated.” She put down her napkin. “I thought we’d start with Greenwich Village. You’ll like the buildings there and you can educate me on their architectural style.”
“That sounds brilliant.”
Emma went to the closet. “There’s one thing first. I was going to give it to you last night before I got distracted.”
He smiled at her broadly. “I’m intrigued.”
She took the cardboard tube from the suitcase and gave it to him.
“Allo-allo! What’s this then?” He gave her his best cockney accent.
“I found it going through my mum’s photo album. I thought you would enjoy having it in your office with the painting.”
He opened the tube and carefully teased out the enlargement. “Blimey! Your mum’s album must be enormous!” He said unrolling it.
“I had it restored and enlarged, silly.”
“It’s lovely! Thank you for this wonderful gift.” He leaned over and kissed her. “We should head out before we are distracted again.”
“Good idea.”
“They’ve filmed movies in these locations, but I can’t remember the names.” Emma squinted down the tree-lined street. “I like the look of this one. The brownstones remind me of Sir Theo’s house.”
“He’s your uncle?”
“Yes. I stayed with them after my mum died.”
“I may have met him at the reception.”
“If you did, you’re not likely to forget him. He has a head full of white hair and a strong personality.” She laughed. “He looks a bit intimidating, but he’s really sweet. What is the style here?”
“That’s easy — Second Empire. Look at the Mansard roofs and elongated first-floor windows and cornices.”
From there, they wandered toward Barrow Street where he pointed out the features of a Georgian Revival.
“I recognize the Georgian part from the manor’s style.”
“The Revival adds a touch of Italian Renaissance making it rather flamboyant.”
“Seems a little tacky to me, but they must have loved it at some point.”
“Tastes change, not always for the better.”
By the time they reached the two-story red brick of the Federal Style, the heat was beginning to take its toll, and they bought a plastic bag each of sliced mangos from a street vendor and munched on those as they strolled.
“That really hit the spot, but I’m a mess.” Emma held up her sticky fingers.
“You have a bit there.” He leaned closer. “Let me help you with that.” He kissed her. “You are delicious and refreshing.”
“Thank you, but my fingers are still sticky.”
“We should find someplace to wash up before they arrest us for lewd behavior.”
“Good idea.” She reached for his hand from habit. “Oh, what a tacky mess! We could be stuck like this!”
Adam laughed. “That wouldn’t be so bad.”
They headed for the washrooms in a smoothie bar, the cool air coming as a shock after the heat of the street.
Cleaned up, Emma gazed at her reflection wearing a silly grin.
“Lord! This weather! My hair’s a mess!” The girl beside her plucked at a frizzy nest on top of her head.
Emma pressed a cold wet wad of paper towel to the back of her neck. “Sure is hot out.”
“Yeah. Dog days.” The girl agreed.
Emma balled up the paper towel and tossed it in the receptacle and left the washroom. Adam wasn’t anywhere, so went outside to look and not finding him there either, she wandered to the shop window next door to wait for him. At least it was cooler in the shade. Movement made her glance up, and she smiled at the familiar reflection, but when she turned to face him, no one was beside her.
What… the heat must be causing hallucinations. She shrugged and returned her attention to the wares on display.
“Here you are!” Adam appeared beside her. “I couldn’t resist.” He said holding up a cup.
“What is it?”
“A Turkish Delight smoothie. They told me it was sweet and good for you.”
He gave it to her to try. “Mmmm…. yummy. I’m tempted to keep it for myself.”
“Then I’ll have to help myself in other ways.” He nipped at her lower lip.
“All right. You can have some.”
“What else do you have to show me?”
“You’ll see.” She led him toward Washington Square Park. “This style I recognize.” She said proudly.
“They are similar to the manor’s.” He indicated the Doric columns an
d double-hung sash windows. “But ours have a fanlight rather that a transom.”
“Are any of these places familiar to you from the movies?” They paused at the edge of the Square.
He gazed up at the famous arch. “Yes, films of an apocalyptic nature.”
“Let’s go to the other side for a better look.”
Despite the heat, the Square was active with people of all ages, many of them students from the nearby university. Strains of Vivaldi drifted in the air as they approached the fountain where a musician was playing a violin. Adam tossed a bill into his case and the young man smiled.
“Looks more impressive being here. I hope an enormous wave doesn’t sweep us away.”
“Or no zombies attack.”
They laughed.
“Let’s take a picture.” Emma took out her cell phone. “When I was in England, I didn’t dare take any selfies for fear of appearing gauche. My mum would have been horrified if she caught me.” She chuckled and held up the phone.
“I’ll take your picture if you want.” A young man offered.
“Would you? That would be awesome.” She said delighted and handed the phone to him. He set his backpack onto his skateboard and backed up a few steps. “Okay — say cheese!” He took the shot and one more just in case.
“Thanks so much.” Adam said.
“You’re not from around here, are you?”
“England.” He said.
“Cool!” He picked up his backpack and dropped a foot on the board. “Peace!” He called and rolled away.
“Friendly bloke.” Adam said watching after him.
“The city has a bad rep for crime, but the people are friendly, most of them anyway.”
“This is a charming place. Let’s take a seat in the shade.” He steered her toward a bench. “We can sit here and feed the pigeons.”
“We don’t have anything to feed the pigeons with.”
“Then we’ll watch other people feed them.”
Emma smiled and leaned against him resting her head on his shoulder.
He held her hand in both of his. “Are you all right in this heat?”
“Hmmm.”
Laughter and squeals of children romping and murmurs of conversation enlivened the park. Nearby, a band had set up and was playing jazz tunes muting the blaring horns of the traffic. A couple strolled by, the woman pushing a stroller. Emma closed her eyes enjoying the restful moment. The face of the baby boy came into focus and she opened them.
“I thought only mad dogs and Englishmen ventured out into the mid-day sun. Apparently New Yorkers too.” He kissed her brow. “Maybe we should head back soon; come out when it’s cooled off a little.”
“But there’s more to see. What about the Empire State Building?”
“It’s probably loaded with tourists. Unless you know of a venue that won’t be.”
“Only one place comes to mind, the Fish Market in the South Street Seaport area.”
“Havens! I think I’ll pass on that. Besides, you are the most important attraction on this trip.”
She squeezed his hand, and they watched the activity in the square.
“Do you like jazz?” Adam asked after a while.
“My parents played it when I was growing up. My dad had a huge collection of all the greats — Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington. He used to bring his records to the manor when we were staying there, and he played them on the old Victrola. Can you imagine?”
“Exceptional acoustics.”
“It was almost festive when I forgot where I was.”
“What was he like, your dad?”
“He was kind, funny and smart. Matthew, my brother is a lot like him. He loved music and art and culture. We went to a lot of museums and concerts.”
“What did he do?“
“He was a Realestate developer. Matthew runs the company now. He died when I was twelve. He got very sick, and it didn’t take long after that.”
“I’m sorry. He sounds like a fine man.”
“He was. I still miss him. You would have gotten along pretty well, I think.”
“It seems we have one or two things in common.” An idea occurred to him. “Why don’t we go someplace that plays jazz tonight?”
“I’d like that.”
“Come on. We’ll take a taxi to the hotel. I have something to show you.”
Emma grinned.
“Something you haven’t already seen.” He grinned back shaking his head. “As I said before, I do like the way you think.”
He pulled out a large portfolio from the armoire and set it on the bed. Inside were drawings and blueprints, and he lifted several sheets and placed them on the table.
“Do you remember when I told you in Boston I would draw preliminary sketches?”
“That’s them?”
“Based on your specifications.”
Emma squinted at the lines trying to make sense of what they represented.
“Let’s start with this.” He selected a sketch of the central hall, but looking different.
“You wanted to eliminate the skylight, so I brought down the ceiling so it’s flush with the ceiling of the open gallery.”
“It looks cozy.” She said surprised.
“The pillars would be daunting to deal with making that happen, but possible. You would gain the extra space on the floor above if you chose to use it.” He pulled out another sheet detailing the back view. “The two north wings gone, we could make a modified conservatory so there’s natural light from above and a way to hang chandeliers.”
“That looks really nice. You made it liveable.”
“It has potential.”
“As it is now, well, you’ve seen it and for all I know, it may not look exactly like that.”
“How so?”
“It’s a strange place. I don’t trust it.” She examined the drawings. “But if anyone can make it better, you can.” She yawned.
“Poor darling. You’re exhausted.”
“It’s just the heat.”
“Come and lie down for a bit.” He led her to the bed and Emma curled beside him.
“This is nice.” She rested her head on his chest, his arms wrapped around her. “We get along pretty well, don’t we?” She said sleepily.
“We do.” He agreed. “Tell me. What does your ideal relationship look like?” He asked after a while.
This. “Being together, happy sharing interests, happy doing nothing. Our laundry all jumbled together. Sounds silly and boring, doesn’t it?” She murmured from far away.
“Not to me. It’s part of being together.” He held her while she dozed.
“How long have I been out?”
“Only an hour.”
She winced. “Sorry.”
“To be honest, I enjoyed the rest too.”
“Where should we go tonight?”
“I’ll go to the front desk and ask. Why don’t you have a bath and get ready?”
“A bath. What a great idea.” She sat up and stretched.
“All right. Off you go.” He ruffled her hair. “I’ll be right back.”
“I have just the place and it’s within walking distance.” He announced on his return. “We have reservations for seven, which gives us two hours.”
“That sounds good.”
“The bath looks rather inviting.” He said sitting on the edge of the tub, his fingers swirling the water.
“All right then, come in, but I’ll have to let out some of the water first.”
“I lied. You look absolutely inviting.” Adam was already undressing as she reached for the stopper. “Adam! Wait!”
He stepped into the tub and lowered himself. The water
level rose and sloshed over the edge.
“You’re sitting on the drain!” Emma laughed.
“It feels dreadful. I don’t recommend it.”
He shifted, and the water began to drain again.
“You don’t look very comfortable. There’s not enough room in here for us both.”
“There will be if we arrange our legs artfully.” He grasped one of her ankles and moved her leg to one side. “One goes here and the other over here.”
“Mmmm…”
“Uh-oh… now see what you’ve done.”
“Me? So, it’s my fault?”
“Utterly. He pulled her closer.”
“Have you had enough?” Adam indicated the plate of leftover Tapas. “You’ve hardly eaten anything since breakfast.” He leaned forward so Emma could hear him over the music.
“It’s the heat. It kills my appetite.” She called back.
He got up and slid into the booth to sit beside her. “There, that’s better.” He draped an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him.
They had chosen a booth at the back of the club for privacy while still enjoying the show.
“It looks like a popular place.” Emma swept the packed room. Plaster walls with exposed brick under a vaulted ceiling mimicked an underground Speakeasy with wooden tables and booths, all of them occupied. Tealights glowed on tabletops and softly lit alcoves provided warm lighting. The jazz band played on a podium and several couples danced on the oak floorboards in front. “This was a great idea.”
Throughout dinner, she tried not to think about their diminishing hours together. Why did time have to pass so quickly? They just got here. By this time tomorrow, she’d be in the condo and he at the manor. Live in the present, she reminded herself, but the weight of their inevitable separation pressed on her.
When would they see each other again? The odds of him being able to get away a month from now weren’t good, and she had to stay until after the Masked Ball in October and that was weeks away. You will not start blubbering! She would miss him even more than before, and it would take longer to get back to a normal routine. Neither had mentioned tomorrow. It’s just as well conversation was difficult over the music.