For lunch, we grab hot dogs and pretzels from a cart and sit on a bench facing the Hudson.

“You want to know something? The walking tour kind of saved me,” I admit, keeping my eyes on the water so I don’t have to see his reaction. “I was in a bad place, completely holed up, and it came along and got me out of the apartment right when I most needed it.”

“I actually got the idea of it from seeing how you were struggling,” he says.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah.”

“I loved that line about not being sure if you want kids, but that the Pershing Square Beams would be a reason to have them. It cracked me up.”

Miles smiles. “Yeah, well, that might have been one of the few times I tried to remember I was writing for a client and not myself. Jude and I had never discussed whether he wanted kids, so I tried to keep it vague. Of course, I want kids. The Pershing Square Beams is only one of a million reasons to have them.”

“Really?” I ask.

“Of course. Don’t you want kids?”

“Ehhh, I don’t know yet, but I’m leaning toward no.”

He stops mid-chew. “Oh, really?”

“Have you seen the look in that mom’s eyes? The one who’s always in Café Crudité? I mean, her baby is effing adorable but no, thanks.” I shrug. “Who knows though? I still have a lot of time to decide.”

“People always say they have a lot of time, but then all of a sudden they’re in their thirties or whatever and it gets complicated, you know?” He looks intense all of a sudden, the way he looked the day we met.

“Hey, lighten up,” I say, patting down his messy hair.

“I’m just thinking about Leanne. My boss at TITMH. Sorry, Tell It to My Heart. She was going to have kids with Clifford, and now they’re divorced, and it’s like”—he mimics me—“ ‘who knows’ now. Which sucks.” He clears his throat. “I’m guessing.”

I’ve clearly hit upon a touchy subject. And I don’t know if I want to ruin an otherwise perfect day. Besides, that portfolio isn’t going to write itself. “Playing hooky has been awesome, but I think I should get some work done.”

He stands. “Yeah, me too.”

“Want to meet up the day after tomorrow? I could call to rebook those massages at Hotel the . . .”

He perks up. “Yes! I’ve got some errands to run that morning. Will you be okay getting there on your own, or—”

“Shoot me a point-by-point instruction manual and I’ll make it my personal treasure hunt.”

“You got it.”

We seal the deal with a kiss.

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 31

MILES

“This might be a new masterpiece. Even for Clifford.” Aisha looks up from her phone. “I think I may have just gotten fired. But also offered a new job.”