“Icanskate, but I’d rather play chaperone and eat roasted chestnuts.”
She smiled. “If that’s the case, then you have a co-chaperone. I’d also like to buy tickets to a Broadway matinee. I want it to be a girls’-only outing. We’ll see the show, and then go out for dinner.”
“Which shows are you thinking about?” Lamar asked.
“I was thinking aboutSchool of Rock,Aladdin, orThe Lion King. Personally I’m partial toThe Lion Kingbecause of the music, costumes, choreography, and stunning sets.”
“Have you seen it?”
“No, and neither have my nieces. So I want it to be a surprise.”
“I’m going to ask one thing of you.”
Nydia’s expression changed, and she held her breath for several seconds. She didn’t know why, but she felt Lamar was going to say something that would set her on edge. “What is it?”
“Please let me pay for the theater tickets.”
She remembered him saying he was willing to pay for the girls’ outings and she’d figuratively bitten his head off. Nydia realized she had to compromise or she would end up debating every decision with Lamar. She nodded. “Okay.”
Lamar blew out an audible breath. “Thank you. Send me the details once you select the date, time, and seats and I’ll order the tickets.”
Nydia let go of his hand. “I’ve been running off at the mouth when you have to pick up your rental and drop it off at the airport.” Going on tiptoe, she brushed her mouth over his. “I can’t thank you enough for running interference for me.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, Lamar pulled her close. “I’ll do it again anytime you need rescuing.”
“Let’s hope this is the last time I’ll need you to rescue me from something that resembles a scripted reality show.”
Lamar stared at her from under lowered lids. “You’re right about that.” He angled his head and pressed his lips against hers in a surprisingly gentle kiss. “Try and stay out of trouble until we see each other again.”
She nodded and took a backward step. “Go before you miss your flight or you’ll be forced to check back into my humble bed-and-breakfast.”
He laughed as he picked up his carry-on. “I do recall the management offering chicken and red velvet waffles along with mimosas for Sunday brunch, so the next time I check in I hope they’ll still be on the menu.”
“Of course,” Nydia said, as she unlocked the door and opened it. “Goodbye, Lamar.”
He shook his head. “It’s not goodbye, but later.”
Nydia knew he was right. She’d planned to return to New Orleans the first week in October to set up the protocol for managing the finances for the inn, and she was looking forward to seeing Lamar again before returning to New York.
“Luego.”
Lamar winked at her. “That’s better.”
Nydia watched him as he made his way down the staircase and disappeared from view. She had spent a little more than twelve hours with Lamar, yet it felt longer because they’d shared breakfast, toured the rapidly gentrifying Harlem neighborhoods, and laughed until their sides hurt when watching a comedy in which some scenes were definitely over the top.
And aside from an unexpected misunderstanding, Nydia felt they were temperamentally suited to each other. She’d always found herself the outspoken one in a conversation, but it was obvious she had met her match with Lamar Pierce. He might not have been as volatile as she could be, but he also wasn’t restrained when it came to saying what he thought and felt.
She closed and locked the door.I like him, Nydia whispered. She liked Lamar enough to count down the time when she would see him again.
* * *
“Why can’t they let it go!?” Nydia shouted at the television as footage of Lamar kissing her filled the screen. It had been three days since she and Lamar were waylaid by the reporter and her cameraman.
The reporter stared directly at the camera. “I suppose we now have our answer why Nydia Santiago won’t marry singing sensation Danny Ocasio, because it appears she’s already taken. Danny’s rep says he’s totally devastated to know he’d dated a married woman for three years and not once during that time had she given him a hint that she was married. I suppose Danny can now close the chapter in this book featuring his former muse. This is Renata Joplin, reporting from—”
Nydia picked up the remote and turned off the television. She did not want to believe Danny’s people were garnering more than their fifteen minutes of fame. Her cell phone chimed a programmed ringtone. “I know why you’re calling me,mija.”
“Why they still messing with you,chica?” Jasmine asked.
