“So where do we put our bags?” I asked, sounding a bit breathy.
Just then a bearded man in a parka raised his voice and called out, “Welcome to the See The Stars event here at the Brooklyn Grange. I’m your host, Justin Nichols. This is the Brooklyn Grange Farm. Or,” he corrected,“one of them. The Brooklyn Grange has the world’s largest rooftop soil farms, hidden away in unexpected places. In addition to growing food, they help people to connect with nature and provide locally grown produce for the surrounding communities. They also host events. Like tonight. We’re going to feast on food they’vegrown and cooked, then you get to star gaze with an astronomer—me! This is the last stargazing event of the season, and it’s going to be chilly. I hope you all brought bedrolls or blankets! To get started, pick a spot on the roof where you have a good overhead view. You can drop your bags there. Then come to the rooftop Pavilion and grab one of the laminated star charts. They glow in the dark so you can use them to help you spot constellations.”
We all set down our loads, grabbed a star chart, and then clustered around Justin, our breath coming out in little clouds of steam. Jack put an arm around me and drew me close. I snuggled into his warmth and peeked up at him with a smile. He smiled back as we listened to Justin.
“Because this is New York City, there is always going to be light pollution that makes it harder to see the stars. But we are a little removed from Manhattan and we’ve illuminated our space with only red lights to preserve your night vision. Also, having it be a chilly night is an advantage. The air is clearer. If you’ll look at your charts, you’ll see the basic constellations we’ll be looking for outlined. Once your eyes get accustomed to starlight, you’ll find it easier and easier to spot them. I also brought a telescope, if you’d like to have a closer look at any of the planets or the moon.
“So how about we start with the buffet, then you can take your food to your blankets and enjoy a picnic under the stars!”
The Pavilion was lined with serving tables that had trays of food and a giant soup pot over a heating element. We waited in line and then grabbed silverware and dishes, placed them on a tray, and served ourselves. There was a basket of hot dinner rolls, butter, a spinach salad, and a beautiful soup that smelled like butternut squash. There was also an electric urn that had hot apple cider in it.
Jack and I took our trays over to our spot. He had laid down a mat, upon which he’d put a sleeping bag and topped it with a blanket. I sat down with my tray in my lap, and he sat next to me and draped the blanket over our shoulders.
I took a sip of my soup and glanced at Jack. His eyes twinkled at me over the rim of his mug, and he gently nudged me with his shoulder. My lips curved up in a smile and I nudged back. I felt like I should pinch myself to make sure this was not a dream. I was actually dating Jack Garcia! Beyond the pop star was a charming, sweet, thoughtful man who wanted to spend time with me. Me! We had a good start to the evening. Who knew where it could go from here? The thought made the corners of my mouth twitch. Jack caught the look and whispered, “What?”
My smile grew. “I’m just thinking how much I like being here with you, Jack.”
“I assure you, the feeling is more than mutual,” he replied with an easy grin.
Jack returned our dishes to the Pavillion and then we climbed into the sleeping bag so that we were cozily snuggled together, lying on our backs. He pulled the blanket on top of us and I was feeling warm and comfortable, with my head resting on Jack’s chest, his arm around my shoulder, and our hands clasped.
Justin was talking us through the constellations, starting with the Big Dipper. We checked our star charts and looked up. Yup, that was the Big Dipper.
I leaned to whisper in Jack’s ear, “No dis on this, but I think Scottsdale has better stars.”
He whispered back, “I agree. And more of them.”
“I wish we could have had this blanket on the golf course and done our star gazing there.”
“I was kinda wishing the same thing,” Jack breathed into my ear. His warm breath sent little shivers down my side.
“Are you cold? I could put my half of the blanket on you,” he said solicitously.
“No, I’m OK so long as you’re snuggled up next to me.”
“I will be your personal space heater, Eve. For as long as you need me.”
Hmm, as long as I needed him? That might be a very long time.
Jack separated his hand from mine and traced the side of my face with his fingers, his eyes looking at me intently. His touch raised a swirling heat in me that had nothing to do with blankets and everything to do with his embrace.
“Jack, I think we’re supposed to be looking at the stars,” I said, breathily, though I couldn’t bring myself to stop gazing into his delicious dark eyes.
“Mmm, I see something I like better.” And he breathed a kiss into my hair. Eeek. This really wasn’t the time or place for a make-out session, but I was tempted. Seriously tempted. Jack moved his mouth to my ear and feathered kisses along my earlobe, then down the side of my neck. I gasped a sharp breath, my insides tightening. I turned my head to look at him and felt dizzy looking at the hunger in his eyes. I wondered if he saw the same thing in my eyes. Every touch was setting off an electrical storm in my nervous system. If we were somewhere more private, I might have been brave enough to reach my lips to his…
In the dim, red lighting, it felt deceptively intimate. Like we were the only two people on the rooftop. It was easy to forget about the other people when I was with Jack. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He was like a magnet, drawing my attention, making it difficult to look away.
We managed to resist the temptation to make out. Barely. We listened to Justin. A bit. We even checked out the stars. Occasionally. I think there might have been something about bears. And a belt. But don’t quote me on that.
When Justin was done, we all gave him a round of applause and then moved, somewhat stiffly, to roll up our blankets and sleeping bags. Several of the couples were gathered around Justin, asking questions, so Jack and I were the first to the elevator. He punched the button to go down and turned to me with a grin. “So, what did you think?”
“I think I like watching stars with you.” His grin widened. “Thanks for taking me. It was a lot of fun!”
“It was my pleasure, Eve. Now you have a decision to make. Do you want me to take you home, or would you like to see where the band practices? I told you; it’s just a couple of blocks from here.”
As the elevator door opened, I was considering the offer. It was late and I was getting sleepy, but I really did want to see his band space. How long could it take to show me his practice area? We’d walk over, be in and out and no time, then grab a cab home.
“OK, I’d like that, Jack.” His eyes sparkled as he put his arm around me, and we led me out of the building and into the night.
