Could it truly be Ryan, then, or Billy, or was someone else entirely at play?
But of course, that led to more questions – specifically, as Jodi pointed out, Beth’s willing participation in this venture. If Ryan was behind it, then for decency and morality’s sake she should stop. If Billy was behind it then she definitely didn’t want to continue. And by some chance, if it was Danny, what was his motive?
Never mind the reasoning behind it if it was someone else entirely…
Even though she had thought the words ‘secret admirer’ in her mind, Beth hadn’t really seriously considered that option yet, and now she felt like a fool.
But no, this couldn’t be a stranger, some random person, putting this together, she realised. It had to be someone who knew her; especially given the New York movie references, which seemed specifically tailored for her, and all three men were aware of that passion.
Beth swallowed hard. More confusion. More uncertainty. More questions.
She was between a rock and a hard place with this one.
‘Jodi, Ihaveto continue with this. You just don’t understand.’
But Jodi was already shaking her head. ‘No, I do understand, I’ve been there before. You seem to keep forgetting that, for some reason. You are feeling a bit let down by Danny lately, I get that. You are looking for something exciting in your life. This “treasure hunt” falls into your lap. You lie to me, your best friend, and get me to help you with this, while I operate under the notion that it’s Danny who’s behind it. But you have other ideas – that this crush of yours—’
‘He’s not a crush,’ Beth insisted, annoyed. ‘I told you before, he’s afriend.’
‘Whatever,’ Jodi continued, unconvinced. ‘You start pretending or drawing conclusions in your mind that maybe Ryan is behind this. And you justify in your head that this is just for fun. But, Beth, if Danny isn’t doing this and Ryan is, it’s inappropriate. He’s out of line and not respecting you when you say you’re not available. I mean, unless—’
‘Unless what?’ Beth snapped, not meaning to sound as harsh as she did. She didn’t lose her temper with people, especially Jodi, but right now her buttons were being pushed.
‘Unless you are done with your relationship with Danny.’
‘No, I’m not. I’m not finished with Danny. It’s just a rough patch. That’s all. And we will work it out… somehow. And this treasure hunt…’ Her voice trailed off as she realised that she didn’t have an excuse. And any comeback she had now seemed illogical. At least it did when Jodi made it all sound so black and white.
Beth bristled internally. What right did Jodi have to make her feel guilty? Just because her friend couldn’t see the magic and romance in anything didn’t mean that Beth had to cut it out of her life. In that instant, she decided she would continue the treasure hunt, but she wouldn’t let Jodi know. If Jodi didn’t want to help any more – well, fine, she didn’t need her help.
However, there was one thing that continued to trouble her and nag at her insides. And she couldn’t deny that it did present somewhat of an issue.
Where her next clue was pointing her – the Waldorf Astoria. A hotel.
If Ryan was the one behind this, what would she do if he was there? At the hotel waiting for her? She frowned. No, thatwouldbe crossing the line. And she would leave. Simple as that. And that would be the end of this treasure hunt.
But what if… Beth allowed her mind to trail off, considering other options.
What if it was just another stop? What if there was another clue waiting for her at the Waldorf? She realised that she had to find out.
She couldn’tnotfind out. Whoever had set this whole thing up realised that too; knew Beth well enough to know that she wouldn’t rest until she got to the bottom of it, which was reassuring enough in itself.
No, Beth was going to the Waldorf Astoria, whether Jodi liked it or not.
Chapter 20
Jodi had insisted on taking the subway all the way to Beth’s stop in Lower Manhattan after they had ended their shift at Carlisle’s mid-afternoon, and had even got off the train with her – walking side-by-side practically to the front door of her building – even though she was supposed to be heading in the opposite direction, off the island to the Bronx.
Beth knew what her friend was doing. She was babysitting her. Making sure that she didn’t pursue the next clue and go to the Waldorf. Right then, Jodi was walking next to her, eyeing her suspiciously. ‘So what are you going to do this evening?’ she asked.
Beth shrugged. She was trying her best to look casual, nonchalant. ‘I don’t know, make dinner, take Brinkley for a walk. And then watch a movie.’
‘What movie?’ Jodi enquired with a sharp tone, as if daring her to saySerendipity.
Well, Beth could play that game, too. ‘I don’t know, Maybe I’ll just settle in for a nice night ofRamboorFull Metal Jacket. Something with lots of blood and guts. That’s what I feel like at the moment.’ She looked darkly at her friend, but Jodi simply laughed it off.
‘Sure.Full Metal Jacket. That sounds like you. You might want to try outPlatoontoo, if you are on that kind of kick.’
Beth waved her off. ‘So is this going to be a habit? You walking me home from work. I’m off tomorrow, do you need to pick me up the day after? I’m just wondering how much babysitting I require, that’s all.’
