Page 115 of Until Now

“We’ll talk about it during your review,” I wink.

“Shall we, ladies?” The realtor motions towards the elevator. On the ride down, he explains he will have the paperwork drawn up and sent to me for review tonight. I thank him when we part at the front door.

“So, what’s the plan?” Elizabeth asks as we step out onto Columbus Circle. Michaela straggles behind us, her eyes sweeping through the oncoming crowd over and over again. She checks her watch, flustered.

“I was thinking Manhatta for dinner,” I say.

“Manhatta? Nina, that’s almost impossible to get into.”

“Is it? Seemed pretty easy when I called earlier.” My smile fades noticing Michaela’s continued strange behavior. “Reservation is at eight.” I share a confused look with Elizabeth before I finally ask, “Mic, are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Michaela tears her eyes from the crowd “Why do you ask?”

“Are you looking for something?” Elizabeth asks.

“No, of course not. Why would you think that?”

“Because you’re acting weird,” I say.

“Am not. I’m just—” Michaela is suddenly distracted by an incoming text message.

“Acting weird.” I finish for her and laugh. “Whatever, handle whatever it is you have going on. We have some time before dinner, so I’m going for a run.”

“Can we just meet you there?” Elizabeth asks, looping her arm with Wren. “I wanted to run down to SoHo before everything closes.”

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Central Park ismy second favorite place to go for a run. There is something magical about the quiet green space nestled in the middle of the bustling city. It brings a sense of peace when there is none outside of it. It’s part of the reason I like to stay at the Plaza Hotel, where I’m greeted by the park each time I walk outside. I make a mental note to have Wren schedule a meeting regarding a condo for when I’m in town.

I ran around the pond, past the zoo and carousel, through the maze of statues and memorials. I slow as I descend the Bethesda Terrace steps. Stepping through the stone archway, a familiar tune echoes through the Arcade. I recognize it as the song that played when Nick and I danced at Elizabeth’s wedding. A single violinist sits in the middle of the Arcade. The only person around — an odd sight for the normally busy tourist attraction. I sit on one of the stone benches just behind him.

My mind wanders to Nick. What is he doing right now? At dinner, Alex said he had an interview with a firm. I enjoyed my time with Alex and Anna the other night, I was glad I didn’t bail. We spent the night laughing over glasses of wine and when the restaurant closed, the couple walked me back to the hotel where we shared one more drink in the hotel bar. I wonder if Nick got the job? Where would he be moving to next? Would I see him again or would our only communication be through flowers and cards, maybe the occasional text?

A tear lands on my hand at the crescendo. I didn’t even realize I had started to cry. I wipe my eyes and roll my shoulders trying to regain composure. I clear my throat and wipe under my eyes again. Checking my watch, I should get back to the hotel so I can shower before dinner. My run isn’t going to last as long as I would have liked, but I had to help Kai when I got back earlier before I could leave. I stretch my legs preparing to finish my run. From the corner of my eye, I see someone else has finally joined from the fountain. They drop a few dollars in the violinist’s case and whisper something to the artist.

I turn from my stretch and run straight into them. “Oh my gosh, I am so sorry, I—” My words falter finally meeting their warm gaze.

“Hey, Princess.”

Chapter Sixty-Eight

“Nick?” I takethe opportunity to look him over — he’s dressed in dark gray slacks with a blazer over a blue button-up. His hair slightly longer, the ends curled in a small tuft that I want nothing more than to run my fingers through. Slight stubble shades his jaw, more defined. When our eyes meet again, I feel that familiar warmth spread through my chest.

The song picks up again.

“Posso avere questa danza?” Nick extends his hand to me, his smirk fading into a soft smile. I laugh, but take his hand and let him lead me in a small sway.

“Have you been studying Italian?”

“I may have taken a few lessons.”

My heart swells at the thought. When we have kids, I can teach them Italian without leaving Nick in the dark. The opposite of how it had been with my parents. He would be able to—

My smile falls. I’m getting ahead of myself. What is he even doing here?

“Hey, come back to me.” His thumb grazes my cheek.

“Nick, what are you doing here?”

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