“I can’t come back,” I told her. “Not yet. But look, if my New York adventure is a failure like everything else in my life, my spinster basement will still be waiting for me.”
That seemed to reassure her enough to calm down and not send the Texas Rangers after me.
I promised to call her every day, and we said our goodbyes. When the plane got to the gate, I walked out with everyone else like a normal person. That was a good start.
I found my suitcase at baggage claim, then spotted a tall man in a suit by the conveyor belt, holding a sign with my name on it. That made things feel real. This wasn’t just a hare-brained idea Luke had suggested in passing. Other people were involved. Money was being spent.
I walked up to him, suitcase rolling behind me. “Hi, um, I’m Clara Snow. I think you’re here for me.”
“Yes, Mrs. Snow,” he said in a thick eastern European accent. “Allow me to take your bag.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you. Such a gentleman.”
He nodded but didn’t smile back. “Mr. Whitaker said to treat you like family.”
“I’ve seen how he treats his brothers. That might not be a good thing.”
The man didn’t laugh. I followed him quietly outside. The air was brisk and there was snow on the ground.
He led me to where a big black SUV was parked at the curb of the Arrivals terminal. I didn’t fly much, but I knew you weren’t allowed to park there for long.
More than one ticket was shoved under the windshield wiper. The guy grabbed them in a thick fist and put them in his coat pocket. I shot him a questioning look. He shrugged. “Mr. Whitaker will pay them.”
“If the penalty for a crime is a fine, it’s only illegal for the poor,” I said.
He nodded thoughtfully, thinking about it. “Yes, but it’s just parking.”
It was a stark reminder how different Luke’s life was from mine. He didn’t live by the same rules as everyone else. It would take some getting used to over the next few weeks.
My driver put my luggage in the back, opened the side door, and gestured for me to go in. “Come. Mr. Whitaker will be waiting.”
I got in and we drove off into the heart of the city. I was too in awe to ask what happened next. The buildings towered over us, casting everything in their shadows. It was exactly like I dreamed it would be. I felt like I was home.
I looked at the driver in the rearview mirror. “Do you have a name?”
“I am Lenny,” he said in his accent.
“Nice to meet you, Lenny. Do you work for Luke often or is this a one-time thing?”
“I drive for him fulltime.”
“I’m sure you’re not allowed to answer honestly, but what’s it like working for him? Is he nice or a jerk?”
Lenny finally smiled slightly. “Mr. Whitaker is a good boss. Strict but fair. I would be happy to drive for him until I retire.”
I nodded, glad he wasn’t a total tyrant once he was back in the city. The time I’d spent with Luke over the last few days hadbeen nice, but there was no way to tell if it was genuine. Anyone could fake it for a while. I would have to remember that over the next few weeks.
Lenny pulled up to the base of a massive high rise. Luke opened my door. I wondered if Lenny had texted him we were close. Or maybe he could track the car’s location. Either way, I was pleasantly surprised he had come to greet me personally.
“Luke!” I said, delighted.
“You’re an hour late,” he said grumpily.
His sour expression couldn’t wear me down now, though. I said goodbye to Lenny and hopped out of the SUV. Luke grabbed my bag and began to walk away.
Ignoring his mood, I gazed up, drinking in the buildings and the bits of blue sky peeking through. People had to move around me while I remained stuck in place, in a daze, on the sidewalk.
“We need to set some ground rules, Snow,” Luke said like a drill sergeant. “We’re on a schedule.”
