“Never mind. Where is it?”

“On Eighty-eighth Street and Second Avenue, right across the street from Elaine’s. I know you ate there a lot with Lorraine. Don’t come in or anything. Just call when you get close. Take your time, Daddy. I don’t want you to rush or anything.”

“Of course, dear. I hope you don’t get any sicker before I get there.”

“I won’t. Love you! Bye!”

Conrad hung up the phone. I’m getting my daughter back, he thought happily. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to get my revenge with Lorraine. He stood for a moment thinking about what he could do to make her life miserable. “Ahhh,” he finally grumbled, then headed for his closet. “I’ll brainstorm in the car.” He laughed heartily. If there was anyone on earth who could think up ways to make Lorraine’s life utterly miserable, it was Alexis.

19

E mergency workers all over New York City were rescuing people from elevators, firefighters were battling fires started by overturned candles, police were patrolling the streets to maintain order, and Georgina and Chip were on the hunt for a bottle of champagne to share on a park bench.

They couldn’t find one anywhere.

They’d gone to Lexington Avenue and walked north several blocks, then south on Third. The liquor stores they passed were all closed, their gates pulled down and locked. One owner was sitting in the front of his store with several of his friends, guarding against looters. He was friendly but was not about to open up for them.

The bars they tried wouldn’t sell them liquor to go.

“What does it take to get a bottle of champagne in this town?” Georgina joked as they stood on the corner of Third Avenue and Fiftieth Street. Her anxiety was starting to build. Cute and boyish, Chip reminded her so much of Huck. He must be four or five years younger than me, Georgina thought. He’s being nice to me tonight, but he’d never be interested in pursuing a relationship. Her anxiety heightened, and she started to feel angry. He’d end up dumping me just like Huck did.

Chip put his arm around her shoulder. “I feel like we’re on a scavenger hunt.” He kissed the top of her head. “Your hair smells good.”

“Thanks.”

He reached down and started to push her bangs to the side.

“Don’t do that,” Georgina said quickly.

“Sorry. Why not?”

“I look better with bangs, that’s all.”

He started to laugh. “Rose, there are no lights out here. I can barely see your face.” He kept on laughing.

Georgina tried to laugh along with him, just like she did when Huck teased her. Huck, whom she met the first week of college and became the first person she’d felt close to since her grandmother died. They were always together that fall semester. She was so happy. Finally she felt loved again. And she loved him with all her heart. At a raucous party one night at Huck’s fraternity, a brother brought out a flaming hot wire in the shape of a Greek letter. “Initiation time for our new members,” he’d cried. “If you are truly committed to our brotherhood, you should proudly wear our symbol on your body for the rest of your lives. It’s a badge of honor!”