Page 87 of Cowboys at Coconuts

As she took an escalator to the second floor, her phone vibrated. She smiled when she saw a text from Gage asking her to meet for lunch at Sardi’s. His second message included the restaurant’s address. Texting back, she responded she was on her way.

Hailing a cab, Alex felt like a real New Yorker when she gave the driver directions. “Sardi’s, please. It’s in the Theater District on 44th—”

Cutting her off, the cabbie said, “I know where it is. Been around forever.”

Fine.Settling into the seat with her purse and shopping bag in her lap—since Gage had told her stories about people leaving purses, phones, and wallets behind in cabs—butterflies filled her stomach.Why am I always excited to meet Gage and dread seeing Tony? I need to listen to my intuition.

Once the driver stopped across the street, she paid him, and hopped out. Stepping inside the popular dining spot, she marveled at the caricatures of celebrities adorning the dark walls.

She glanced around the crowded room and spotted Gage at a table for two. Smiling, he waved her over. “I see someone went shopping.”

“After going to Ground Zero, I decided to do something lighter.” Holding the shopping bag in the air, Alex said, “This contains expensive makeup I didn’t need.”

“Nice eyebrows.”

“Haha.” Alex glanced up as a server wearing a dark red jacket, white shirt, and black bow tie greeted them. He filled their water glasses and handed them menus. “Can I interest you in our lunch specials?”

After hearing about the items, they decided on the Sardi’s Special Appetizer for Two including bruschetta, asparagus rolled in smoked salmon, roasted bell peppers, and grilled shrimp.

“It’s a good thing I walk my legs off here. Otherwise, I’d gain twenty pounds on this trip.”

“You could use a few pounds.” The server brought sodas and their food arrived quickly. Between bites, Gage told her about the wannabe influencer who had hired him to drive her around Manhattan all morning, insisting he take photos of her holding various products in front of iconic sites for her Instagram page.

Groaning, Alex said, “What a weird job that must be. Not yours, the influencer. This place is so different from the Midwest. Fun but crazy different.” Glancing around the room, she pointed out her favorite caricatures. “Those are so cool. Look, there’s Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, and Cate Blanchett.” Swiveling her head, she added, “And Tom Hanks, Carol Burnett, and Hugh Jackman.”

Eyes twinkling, Gage said “Are you going to name them all?”

Alex studied yet another wall and pointed. “There’s Elizabeth Taylor and Farrah Fawcett. Oh, Tony Danza and Morgan Freeman.” Turning back to Gage, she said, “Okay, I’ll stop, but this is exciting.”

After they polished off their meal, Gage leaned back. “I have an idea.” He paid the bill, reached for her hand, and ushered her outside.

As she stood by his limo, Alex asked, “Where are we going?”

“Central Park. You can’t come to New York without seeing Central Park.”

“Great. I’m sitting in the front.” After Gage worked his way through monumental congestion, he parked in his private, hideaway spot and led her to a tree-lined, grassy area.

Alex’s pronounced eyebrows shot up. “This is the first green grass I’ve seen since coming to New York.”

“I thought you might like it.” Gage pointed toward a bench.

They sat on the bench, legs touching, as people jogged past, rode skateboards, or relaxed on blankets. Music from teens seated nearby filled the air.

After nearly an hour of people watching, Alex shifted on the bench. “Do you remember I’m going home early tomorrow?”

He nodded. “Unfortunately, yes. I wish you could stay longer.”

“Me too, but if I do, I might be out of a job. Hannah would like nothing more than to see her name on my office door.”

Brushing a stray golden hair off her face, Gage said, “I understand. We’ve all gotta work. I’ll take you to the airport tomorrow.”

“No, you’ve done enough. I’m taking a car service. The bellman at Cheri’s place has already scheduled it.”

Gage’s face fell. “So this is goodbye?”

Placing her hand over his, Alex said, “For now. You’ve been great. I’ve had an amazing time. Thank you for everything.”

Wincing, he said, “That sounds formal.”

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