“Do you think you’ll stay there? Long-term, I mean?”

He hesitated. “I honestly don’t know. I’ve never really thought that far ahead. I don’t have any plans to move any time soon, though. It’s where my work is. Well, it’s the place I sleep when I’m not traveling, that is.”

“So, when you’re not traveling, what do you like to do for fun in the city?”

He smiled. “Anything you want. It’s there. That’s one thing I love about Manhattan. Great sports teams, restaurants, shows. I have some good friends there now so there’s always something to do.”

“I saw a Broadway show there a few years ago. A few of us went for a girls’ weekend and had a blast. We stopped at the M and M store in Times Square after the show.” Paula remembered being surprised by how crowded it was in Times Square, people so close together that it was almost claustrophobic.

David grinned. “I’m a big fan of that M and M store.”

“Have you ever been in Times Square on New Year’s Eve? I can’t even imagine how crowded that must be.”

“No, we stay far away. I don’t like it that crowded.”

“I bet it must be beautiful at Christmas, though, with all the lights?”

“It is. But it doesn’t hold a candle to the Nantucket Stroll. I haven’t made it back for that in a long time. Maybe this year.”

“That’s always a busy weekend for us at the hotel.” They were already almost completely booked. Many people came every year and booked for the following year when they left.

When they finished their pizza, they walked back toward the art gallery where they were parked. When they passed by The Gaslight, they could hear the music from the band inside. David slowed his steps and they listened for a minute.

“Feel like going in and having a drink, maybe catching a set?” he asked.

“Sure, why not?”

They went inside and were seated at a small cocktail table not far from the band. Paula ordered a glass of chardonnay and David a gin and tonic, a departure from his usual draft beer.

“It’s my summer cocktail,” he explained.

The band came on and played a good variety of older rock songs and current favorites. It didn’t take long before the dance floor filled up. It was too loud to talk easily so they just sipped their cocktails and people-watched. David was easy to be with. As they’d spent more time together, Paula had grown used to having him around and realized she was going to miss him when he left. He was a great sounding board to bounce ideas off of, but she also just liked talking to him, too.