Chapter 2
T he fifty-something building supervisor Julie, who looked remarkably like Meryl Streep, had personally introduced herself upon arrival, assuring that she was on hand if Hannah needed any help settling in. On Monday morning, Hannah quickly sought her out in the hope of borrowing a standard phone-charging cable since the penthouse’s charging stations had been customised for tech at least three iterations ahead of her own phone.
When she mentioned the note from next door, Julie burst out laughing, shaking her head. ‘Ed just doesn’t know when to quit. You’ve gotta admire that, right?’
‘Well, with the lawsuit and everything, I really don’t want to step on anyone’s toes … ’ Hannah replied since she couldn’t be certain whether Julie might be involved in the residents’ dispute. In her line of work, diplomacy was a given and she’d always been a pro at poker face. Which could often be a blessing or a curse, depending on the situation.
‘Look, a lot of people in this building can be a pain in the butt, but he’s actually a pretty decent guy. Always gives out a great Christmas bonus. I think he’s just one of those old-school types who doesn’t like the way the world is changing around him and it makes him cranky.’
‘Well, I know that type all too well,’ Hannah admitted. ‘My grandfather was similar – gruff, no-nonsense, always talking about the way things were back in his day. Typical Irish male of his generation. From what I can tell from that note, though, the difference is that my granddad wasn’t so … angry about it.’
‘I think Ed’s just lonely actually.’ Julie shrugged. ‘Always used to be pretty friendly but now that I think of it I rarely see him around these days. Likes his privacy. Seems he gets all his groceries delivered online and doesn’t go out much, or have many visitors either. Poor guy probably doesn’t have anything to do all day but go online or watch the news, which would make anyone miserable,’ she added, rolling her eyes.
‘You might be right,’ Hannah demurred. ‘I went over and knocked on the door a couple of times over the weekend, wanting to introduce myself and assure him I’d be there to take care of issues with mail or anything else on Courtney’s behalf, but he never answered.’
Julie shook her head. ‘A lot of people here went crazy when they found out that her application had been approved. You’d have thought that the board had announced that we were opening up a petting zoo in the lobby and turning the roof into a stage for Cirque du Soleil.’
‘I don’t get it. Life’s too short, isn’t it? And Courtney’s great.’
‘Well, like they say, the rich are different. And some people take longer than others to get with the times.’
‘Case in point?’ Hannah held up her charger and grinned. ‘I suppose I really need to think about upgrading. And I don’t have an excuse either, being so close to the mothership,’ she chuckled, referring to the famed Apple store at the top of Fifth Avenue, a few blocks down.
‘Yep, like it or not, time moves on.’
‘Speaking of which … ’ Hannah checked her watch, ‘I need to get going for work. But first, coffee. Where’s the nearest Starbucks around here?’
‘Oh, there’s a much better place just a couple of blocks down. Frank’s – been around forever. Does the best cinnamon rolls too.’
Hannah smiled, her mouth watering already. ‘Perfect, thanks for the recommendation.’ She popped the rolled-up wire in the pocket of her blazer. ‘And the charger.’
Manhattan was ablaze in the morning sunshine as she stepped out of the building onto the bustling Upper East Side during the commute rush. The city rose before her like a phoenix, its sheer magnificence almost too much to take in all at once.
Cars and bicycles moved briskly along the streets, while purposeful pedestrians carrying coffee cups and briefcases filled the intersections and overflowed into doorways as they hurried past one another.
There was a unique energy here that always filled Hannah with a sense of awe, and as she glanced around she couldn’t help but marvel at how much the city had changed over the years, all the same. So many shiny new skyscrapers – colossal edifices of glass and steel – towered above the lower-rise brownstones and older ornate construction so prevalent in this part of town.
The sidewalks were full to bursting with people – rich, poor, and everything in between – all hustling and bustling with their own unique purpose and destination. It was as if every person walking by had gathered together their hopes and dreams and poured them into this town, suffusing it with life. She knew exactly how that felt, having done it herself all those years ago.
As Hannah ambled along in the sunshine, her skin prickled with a sense of optimism and anticipation. Everywhere she looked were signs of spring – vibrant blossoms of tulips and brilliant yellow daffodils, heralding warmer days to come. And as she continued her journey along the edge of Central Park, the recreational space looked even more alive with its unique display of colour and beauty.
Unable to resist ducking inside for a bit on her way, the more beautiful everything became. The trees were in full bloom, displaying their lush greens and cherry blossom pinks in contrast to the bright-blue sky. And surrounding it all stood so many classic landmark buildings from old New York – intricately detailed brownstones and mansions, a marked contrast to the modern skyscrapers towering above them. It was always here within the confines of this verdant space that she truly felt the energy and beauty of the city. A quiet oasis amid the chaos.
That was something she’d definitely missed in a car-centric city like LA, and while there were some wonderful individual neighbourhoods there, there was no replicating New York’s unique combination of conversations, laughter, or dizzying array of sounds and smells. And today, as Hannah wandered through it, the city felt more than just a place of nostalgia – it was a new beginning, a fresh start that held as much potential as it did uncertainty.
Anything could happen here.
Hannah found the local place Julie recommended without issue. A narrow premises not much wider than its double-door entry, Frank’s was tucked away between a cigar store and what looked like one of those pet pampering places for Park Avenue pooches.
She headed inside, finding to her relief that for this hour of the morning, there was surprisingly no line, just a couple of customers waiting on orders and oh my, what was that mouth-watering smell …
‘Are those fresh?’ she gasped, approaching an old-style wooden and glass display cabinet filled with the most delectable pastries and sweet treats imaginable, but indicating the cannoli in particular. Yes, she wanted to try the cinnamon rolls Julie recommended, but oh was she a goner for fresh cannoli …
‘Made just this morning,’ replied a booming voice from behind the counter, a heavyset man in his mid-fifties who she guessed must be the titular Frank. ‘What can I get you? Or should I say how many?’ he chuckled, dark eyes twinkling.
Hannah laughed. ‘I’d love to say them all but I think that might be pushing it. Just one for now, and a coffee too, thanks. Black, no milk or sugar.’ Since this didn’t seem to be the kind of place that offered macchiatos, lattes and such. Which suited her perfectly, since too much choice made her head spin.
‘Sure, let me ring you up and pickup’s just this end,’ Frank said, indicating further down where some other patrons stood, drinking coffee or waiting on their orders.
There were a couple of tiny tables and an empty pair of stools lined up at a full-length window just inside the door, and Hannah thought how nice it would be to sit there for a bit and watch the world go by outside. She made a mental note to do just that at the weekend maybe. Frank’s seemed like one of those charming old-style people-watching spots that had been around forever. And she was pretty certain that, given the opportunity, the man himself would have a story or two to tell.
‘That’ll be six dollars and ten,’ he said and Hannah duly lifted her wrist to tap with her watch.
But Frank shook his head. ‘Sorry, cash only here,’ he apologized, pointing to a nearby sign on the wall that she’d failed to register.
The downside of old-world charm.
‘Oh! Sorry, I didn’t think to bring any with me. You don’t do card payments, even?’ she blustered, reaching into her purse on the off-chance there might be a couple of bills in her wallet. It was just for something to say though, since Hannah knew she didn’t have any cash on her and, in truth, rarely used it anymore. ‘Sorry, I’ll need to cancel it then,’ she admitted, crestfallen. And she truly was. That cannoli looked (and smelled) incredible .
‘I got it,’ mumbled someone who’d just come in behind her, a guy – around her age, she guessed – shuffling along with a cane.
‘Oh, thanks, but honestly, there’s no need,’ Hannah was quick to protest.
‘It’s not a problem. And believe me, I know how hard it is to leave one of those behind; they’re my favourite, right, Frank?’
He chuckled at the proprietor who seemed unperturbed, as if customers offering to pick up the tab for complete strangers was par for the course in here. And since this guy seemed like he was a regular, maybe it was.
‘Truly, you don’t have to—’
‘It’s fine. Besides, nobody leaves cannoli in Frank’s,’ he added, green eyes crinkling, and in a tone reminiscent of that famous line in Dirty Dancing , and Hannah had to smile too. It was one of her favourite movies.
‘Well, thank you, I really appreciate it. And I’ll pay you back – maybe drop off the cash later to pass on or whatever.’
‘It’s just a couple of bucks, forget about it.’
She stole a closer look at the guy. Having ordered for himself, he proceeded hesitantly along to the register. Leaning awkwardly on the walking aid, he dug some cash out of the back pocket of his jeans.
Tall and sturdily built, with a broad chest, sandy-coloured hair and a couple of days’ growth on his (nicely chiselled) chin. Outdoorsy type, definitely not a Park or Madison Avenue suit, and way too much muscle to be tech or stockbroker, but who knew these days?
Back in LA, Rob had probably spent more time at the gym than he had with her, Hannah admitted to herself wryly. Her ex was extremely body-conscious and careful about what he ate.
But there was something about this guy’s build that suggested his bulk was genetic as opposed to pumped. She wondered too about the cane and whether the necessity for that was also genetic, or just temporary.
But wow oh wow, those eyes. Deep pools of green with golden flecks that, when focused on you, were enough to turn anyone to mush. And they were focused on Hannah now while she remained there, still a little dumbstruck that such a fine thing had picked up the tab for her morning snack. The snack currently still waiting for her to collect at the other end. So really she should stop daydreaming and just get a move on.
‘Well … thanks again, I really appreciate it and … I’ll pay you back, honestly. Like I said, I’ll call back with the cash, or return the favour sometime?’ She smiled. ‘That’s if you come here often or …’
Oh, for crying out loud, just stop talking.
‘Sounds good.’ His eyes crinkled up again, this time in amusement, and realizing she was babbling, Hannah hurriedly moved to the pickup point, deciding to just get the hell out of there. Probably just a combination of first-day work nerves and unfamiliar surroundings that were making her so tongue-tied and discombobulated, she told herself, getting a grip. Because now he seemed to think she was flirting and she definitely wasn’t.
Was she?
Eager to get moving, she grabbed her stuff off the counter and whipped backwards, not realizing the guy had since come up right behind her. Completely distracted, Hannah barrelled straight into his cane, sending it flying into the air, and her saviour off-balance.
Time seemed to stand still for a moment and she watched in horror as he scrambled (and failed) to recover his footing, before crumpling to the ground.
‘Oh my god, I’m so sorry! Here, let me help you, give me your arm …’ Mortified beyond belief, and horrified that she might have hurt him, Hannah dropped her stuff and grabbed at his shoulder, wrenching his arm back as he hoisted himself up on one knee and attempted to steady himself against the register. ‘Oh my god, sorry, I’m such an eejit.’
‘You OK, man?’ Frank had since hurried out from behind while the other customers looked on with mild interest.
‘I’m fine,’ the guy insisted, wincing in pain, or was it embarrassment?
‘Just … take my arm, OK?’ Hannah insisted. ‘It’s grand, I’ve got you.’
‘I said I’m fine … ’ he repeated through gritted teeth, his complexion reddening, and she noticed his eyes had turned a much darker shade of green now, emerald almost.
Frank duly pulled across one of the window stools, and the guy leaned back against it, stretching his right foot – the bad one obviously – out in front of him, while his face twisted in agony.
Shite, what had she done? Hannah stood there uncertain of what to do next, her mouth open and closing like a fish, her hands jittery. Her instinct was to keep apologizing but there was little point in that. She’d done enough.
‘Can I get you a drink of water or something or … ’ She trailed off awkwardly, realizing everyone was looking at her now. ‘I really hope you’re OK, but just know that I feel terrible and … ’
The look of frustration he shot her suggested that Hannah’s repeated protests weren’t helping. To say nothing of the fact that the entire incident seemed all the worse for the fact that he was being so kind and doing her a favour.
No good deed goes unpunished …
‘OK, well … thanks again.’ Raising her coffee cup in one final attempt at an apology, Hannah backed out the door and onto the city street, grateful to be swallowed up by the pedestrian masses.
And escape Cannoli Guy’s now considerably less friendly gaze.