Page 71 of In the Works

Over the headphones Lieutenant Hughes started to speak, the microphone making her voice sound scratchy. “Ladies if youlook ahead on our left, you’ll find the Hudson River which we’ll follow all the way down to Manhattan.”

Vic pointed her long, elegant finger out the front windshield, and sure enough, the Hudson glimmered under the early evening sun.

“God, it’s gorgeous.” I gawked at the scenery.

Vic moved her hand from mine to the top of my knee, which was gracefully covered by the long gown she had bought me. With enough prodding the fabric would have exposed my knee, but Vic seemed happy to leave it over the fabric for now.

Into her microphone, Vic explained, “the helicopter should get us there in 30 minutes. We should arrive just as the sun is setting over the city. “

Nodding, I turned my attention back to the rapidly passing mountains. All these little towns peppering the Hudson seemed so large when you drove through them. But from this distance, it was hard to deny just how tiny they were.

Time flew by as the scenery changed from remote landscapes to highways and suburbs. Just as I was getting used to the aerial perspective, the skyscrapers of Manhattan came into view.

Over the microphone our pilot started to give us some details. “We’ll be landing in the Lower East Side in approximately five minutes.“

A part of me couldn’t believe we had traveled what normally would’ve been a two hour drive in just 30 minutes. It was starting to make sense to me how Vic was able to get so much done, despite having such a busy life.

Resting my head against the glass, I took a look at the bustling streets below. They glowed orange as the sun descended below the island's horizon. Even for a weeknight, the city was alive.

Hughes found a spot to land and lowered the helicopter onto the designated pad. The sinking feeling in my stomach cameback just for a moment as we made contact with the concrete below us. As soon as the engine started to quiet, I felt myself exhale.

Vic reached across my lap and unbuckled the seatbelt she had clicked into place when I wasn’t paying attention.

The lieutenant spoke one more time through the headphones, “Thanks for joining us this evening. Miss Greenwood. We’ll be ready to take you home whenever you please.”

Vic popped open the helicopter door and squeezed past me to ensure I had someone to lean on as I got out. She held my hand firmly as I stepped out of the aircraft; my feet were a little wobbly on the new heels. Vic smiled at me as I moved, unable to look away

Once my feet were on the ground, Vic closed the door behind us and walked me toward the rooftop exit. We waved at Lieutenant Hughes before disappearing into the building.

The metal emergency door led to a long staircase and one elevator. But the building itself was immaculate, even this random hallway was crystal clean and newly renovated.

Vic hit the down button on the elevator and waited a few seconds. “Any guesses?”

“Truly, none. I think I’m just along for the ride literally and metaphorically.” I teased, clutching the small purse in my palms. When I turned to look at Vic, her charming smile sent a wave of nerves through my body.

Her smile only grew, knowing her secret was well kept. “You are the ride.”

I nudged her shoulder with a gently closed fist. “Stop being so charming, it’s distracting.

Just as her lips parted for what I was sure would be another witty reply, the elevator dinged and its metal doors slid open.Holding the door for me, Vic watched as I walked inside. I hoped she liked her choice of outfit, I certainly did.

She walked in behind me, clicking the lobby and reaching for my hand. Our fingers laced together as the door slid shut.

“Unfortunately, there was not a helipadonthe place we’re headed. So we’ll have to walk a block or two, if you’re okay in the heels?”

Biting my lip, I nodded. “I like city walks anyway.”

Vic’s eyes warmed as the elevator zipped to the first floor. Before I knew it, the pulleys were slowing and the elevator was easing to a halt.

The doors opened to soft jazz and a cozy lobby. A faux fireplace burned at its center, surrounded by chairs for waiting guests. Still holding my hand, Vic led me past the doorman’s desk to the front doors. They swung open automatically.

City air smacked me in the face, the heat from the day slowly releasing from the concrete underneath our feet. The lights of every building gleamed, neon signs glowing from the exterior of the East Village’s bars.

“Do you come down often?” Victoria turned to me as she guided us toward our actual destination.

Shaking my head, I held her hand tighter. “No, I would come see Zoey every once in a while when we were in college. But she didn’t want anything to do with me so that only happened a couple times.”

Victoria nodded. “Her loss.”

---