In the hallway he asked, “How was your weekend?”

I looked him in the eyes. “Awful.” We stopped in front of the elevator.

“Why awful?”

“Because all I did was worry about you.”

He was quiet a moment then said, “Thank you for worrying.” He pushed the up button and said, “I told you I’d be okay.”

“I know. You look much better.”

“I am.”

“So, I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“I’m around all week. And we have the partners’ party this Friday.”

“When do you leave for New York?”

“Monday. Have you ever been to New York at Christmastime?”

“I’ve never been to New York at any time.”

“Not even to check out the hotels?”

“Not even. Either Mark or one of our guides does that.”

“That’s a shame,” he said. “There’s no place like New York at Christmas. Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall. It’s magical.”

“Maybe someday,” I said.

“Come with me next week.”

“Yeah, right,” I said.

He looked at me seriously. “You said we’d see how things were going. I think they’re going well, don’t you?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Then come with me. I’ll have meetings during the day, but you can go sightseeing. Then at night, we’ll go out on the town. It will be fun.”

“I’d have to see if I can take the time off.”

“How much vacation time do you have?”

“I don’t know.”

“When was the last time you took a vacation?”

“I don’t know.”

“Exactly. Time to cash some in.” When I didn’t speak, he said, “Look, when are you going to get another offer for an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City?”

“I’ll think about it,” I said.

“All right. You think about it. But let me know soon so we can book your flight. The flights get pretty full this time of year.”

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll let you know by tomorrow.”

Just then the elevator bell rang. Zoey and Cathy stepped out.

“Hi, Nick,” Zoey said. “Hi, Elise.”

“Hello, ladies,” Nicholas said. He leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. “Think about it.” He stepped past them into the elevator. “Have a good day.”

After the door shut Zoey said, “Think about what?”

“Did he propose to you?” Cathy asked.

“No,” I said. “He wants me to go to New York with him.”

“At Christmas?” Zoey said. “New York is amazing at Christmas. What’s there to think about?”

I thought for just a moment, then said, “You’re right.”

I called Nicholas just ten minutes later. “I want to go.”

“Excellent,” he said. “I’ll have Sabrina book the flight.”

“How long will we be there?”

“All week,” he said.

“I’m so excited.”

“Me too,” he said. “You’re going to love it.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

CHAPTER

Twenty-two