“You mean random setups by parents?”
They shared a laugh. The bartender placed their drinks—hers a Tito’s and soda and his a Corona—in front of them.
“Yes. How’d you know?”
“When did you move here, and was it for a job?”
“Last week and yes.” She took a drink and crossed her long legs, drawing the attention of at least two other men sitting nearby. “I’m a production assistant at one of the local television stations here. I worked for their affiliate in Miami, and when the opportunity came up to move to New York, I grabbed it. I always loved New York, and I’m hoping to get on the other side of the camera and do some news reporting.”
“Sounds fascinating.” He wished he knew someone he could fix her up with. He wished he could reveal himself to her.
“Your father said you run a very successful catering company.”
“My father is being kind. My partner and I have a small neighborhood catering store that we’ve built up over the past year. We’ve created a lot of goodwill in the neighborhood and have a very devoted following.”
“Sounds wonderful. A real New York success story.”
“Yes. We’ve worked very hard, putting everything we had into the business. As a matter of fact, my partner and his fiancé left today for Boston, on vacation for the first time since we’ve opened.”
“Oh, that’s so nice. I hope they get a chance to enjoy themselves.” She sipped her drink.
“I hope so too. Gideon is way too tied to the business, and I know Jonah—his fiancé—is hoping they can relax a bit, even though Jonah is there for a conference.”
“Oh. They’re gay?”
He bristled a bit. They’d been having a nice conversation; Rico hoped that wasn’t about to change.
“Yes.”
“That’s wonderful that they’re getting married. I don’t understand the opposition to it. And I hate that term “gay marriage”. It’s marriage. Period.”
Inwardly sighing with relief, Rico stared unseeing at the floor. “I don’t either. Like my father…I don’t get it, but he doesn’t have to understand, just respect people. He knows Gideon and always liked him, but when I told him he was getting married, it was like he changed completely.”
“Their generation needs to realize the world has changed, and they can either join or step out of the way.”
They clinked glasses. He liked her, really liked her, and hoped they could be friends. But he didn’t know her enough to trust her; only time would tell.
As they finished their drinks, he pulled out his wallet.
“I hate to cut the evening short, but I have to get in early tomorrow. With Gideon out, I need to make sure everything gets done on time.”
“Of course I understand. Let me give you my share.”
“No, it’s my pleasure. It was great meeting you. I hope we can do it again, and maybe I’ll show you some of the sights of the city next time when I’m not pulling double shifts.”
“I’d like that.” She pulled out her phone. “Give me your number so we can stay in touch.”
He recited the digits, and she texted him. “Now you have me as well. Where is your store, in Brooklyn?”
“Yes, Cobble Hill. Not far from the Brooklyn Bridge. A very old, pretty neighborhood.”
As he finished paying, she called for her Lyft, and the car sat idling in front by the time they walked outside.
“It was so nice meeting you, Rico. I really hope we can do it again?”
He liked her and hoped so as well. “I’ll call you.”
To his surprise, she kissed his cheek, then waved and got into the car. He watched it pull away.
