Page 69 of The Way We Score

It’s not all I want to say, but Wendy’s back with our burgers, wings, and drinks. Releasing our hands, we sit back on our stools. My hamburger is massive, although besides being exhausted (and apparently a little horny), I’m also ravenous.

We spend the next hour eating and watching the game. Wendy makes sure we have everything we need, and I’m impressed by how many customers he greets as we have our lunch.

“You really are a celebrity.” I lean forward, shouting over the noise. “Everybody knows you.”

“Logan and I started coming here when we moved into the city. It’s close to our building.”

Nodding, I glance around the somewhat basic bar. It’s filled with a mix of guys in T-shirts, caps, and jeans as well as a few couples and even some men in button-downs and khakis.

It has a good vibe, and I can’t help thinking it’s just like Garrett to find a place in Manhattan that has the same feel as his restaurant back home.

The football game is still going strong when he surprises me. Standing, he waves to Wendy for the check and walks around to where I’m sitting.

“You don’t want to finish the game?”

“Do you?”

Shaking my head, I look down with a laugh. “Not really.”

Wendy walks up with the check, arching an eyebrow. “First time I’ve seen you leave before the game ended.”

“Seen one game, you’ve seen them all.”

My eyebrows rise in disbelief, and I exchange a look with Wendy.

She leans into my ear. “This is more than childhood friendship.”

Pressing my lips together, I take Garrett’s extended hand. I don’t think he heard her, but my chest is still hot. He helps me off the stool, and Wendy stands back with her arms crossed watching us in a way I wish she’d stop.

“Have a good weekend.” He gives her a wave and continues holding my hand as he leads me out to the SUV waiting at the curb.

A few guys shout at him when we step out onto the sidewalk, and he waves. I look around and notice we’re close to the park. “Want to walk back?”

“Whatever you want.” He taps on the window and signals the driver.

Then we stroll the long block, past the Museum of Natural History, until we’re at Central Park West. My hand is in the crookof his arm, and I lean into his side as I watch my feet on the uneven bricks that form the hundred-year-old sidewalk.

We’re surrounded by people walking or sitting on benches and talking or playing with kids or walking dogs. The city is buzzing with activity, but it feels like we’re the only two people on Earth somehow.

We round Columbus Circle, residences turn into businesses, and soon we’re walking past Rockefeller Center, then Radio City Music Hall. We continue a few blocks more until we’re at his building.

He speaks to the doorman, and I wait as he enters the elevator code. Stepping inside, he turns his back to the wall, smiling down at me as he holds out his hand. “You okay?”

Nodding, I look down at my shoes. “Good thing I wore these boots. That walk was longer than I expected.”

“It always is here.” He smiles, and I put my hand in his.

His fingers close around it, and my heart beats faster. I think about what Wendy said, about this being more than a childhood friendship, and in a way it is. Our affection has never faded, but so much has changed. We’ve grown up, and we’re both so far apart now.

The elevator dings, and we step out, across the small landing, and I wait as he enters the code for his door. It opens, and I follow him inside.

He closes the door, and I continue into the living room, going to the wall of windows and looking down at the crowded sidewalks below. Shadows grow longer, and the seasons are changing, evening comes early, and the air is crisp.

Warmth is at my back, and he’s standing behind me looking out as well. My skin prickles with the sensation of his closeness, and my chest tightens.

“What now, Liv?” His voice is quiet, and I turn to face him.

“Now I need to tell you why I’m here.” My voice is quiet, and he nods like he’s been waiting for this.

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