Page 17 of Vacation Friends

“You certainly have the looks for Broadway.”

Her cheeks warmed. “Thank you. But looks aren’t enough. I should have known that.”

“Sometimes these things take time.”

Something about his tone filled her with a moment of hope, like maybe she still had a chance. Like maybe her future wasn’t confined to working at a department store selling clothing that cost more than she made in a month to rich women who turned their noses up at her.

She peered up at him and offered a grateful smile. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”

“I’m just telling the truth.”

They continued down the street, ignoring the throngs of people sharing the sidewalk. The savory scent of garlic and roasted tomatoes from a nearby Italian restaurant filled her nostrils, mingling with the odd odor of the city that she’d never quite been able to identify. Sewage? Subway gases?

She wasn’t sure.

They reached the subway and paused.

“I’d offer to give you a ride home, but I have a feeling you’re not the type who will take a ride with a stranger—which is only smart.”

She gave him a soft smile. “You’re right. I try not to do that.”

“Could I at least pay for a taxi for you?” He tilted his head as he waited for her response.

“Then I might feel like I owe you something.”

“But you wouldn’t,” he told her. “This city can eat people up and spit them out. I know it seemed like that when I first moved to New York also. It’s the least I can do to help someone out.”

“No strings attached?” She studied his face looking for any signs of ulterior motives.

“No strings attached.”

Cecilia glanced at the steps leading to the subway and considered how much nicer it would be to take a taxi.

But taking the subway was just one way of taking care of herself, of not depending on anyone else. She liked standing on her own two feet.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to catch a train back to my place instead.”

“I understand.” He didn’t seem surprised.

“Thank you again.” Cecilia gave him another smile.

“Any time.”

She glanced at him one more time before heading down the steps.

It was strange. She wanted so badly for the man to ask for her phone number. Or for him to give her his.

But then it would seem as if his kindness was done just as a matter of hitting on her, because he wanted something in return.

That might have changed Cecilia’s overall image of him.

She had glanced at his left hand as they spoke.

No ring.

How was it possible for a man like that to be single still? He had it all. Looks, charisma, kindness. If she had to guess, money.

She knew from working at the department store what expensive clothes looked like. His suit was definitely expensive.

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