Chapter 13
Another nightof thinking of him.
This time was different however.
Penny kept being plagued by thoughts of returning home tomorrow, her dream self running from the plane that was to whisk her back to her life.
She woke breathless and even more confused. What did it mean? Her life was in London. Everything she cared about was there. Everything she wanted.
Wasn’t it?
She only had one day to figure that out – today – tomorrow she was scheduled to board a flight, first thing.
Mike arrived around ten, and the pair spent most of the day talking, lamenting that Christmas Day was over already. Both avoided the ever looming elephant in the room, that was her soon departure.
They left at two, for lunch at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, another unforgettable experience.
The restaurant boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that looked onto 6thAvenue and Rockefeller Centre.
They shared crab cakes and salad, Mike opted for steak while she had seared tuna, as their main. Lunch was long and full of even more conversation. They talked about the things they wanted in life – a home, family – a place to call their own. They had similar desires they discovered, but neither mentioned what it could mean.
By the time they left it was dark.
As they walked, Penny got the distinct feeling that Mike was stalling, but for what she couldn’t imagine. They walked 5thAvenue again, and she was once more in awe of the lights and displays. She still wasn’t sure where they were headed, and honestly, she wasn’t bothered.
She was having fun and she was going to enjoy it while it lasted.
“What’s this?” she asked as they arrived at Radio City Music Hall.
“This,” he smirked, “is where we’re going.”
“The Rockettes? We’re going to see the Rockettes?” Her voice was several octaves higher than normal, and her smile brilliant.
Mike offered his arm, hooking Penny’s into it. “Let’s see the show.”
The choir sung a medley in harmony and the orchestra played as the curtain rose, illuminated in twinkling white lights. Then came the first act, a wintery night complete with full moon, glowing white trees and of course the highlight, the dancing Rockette reindeer and a singing Santa. She shook his hand as the jolly soul came into the crowd to greet them. She was mesmerised, and it only grew the longer they watched.
Mike loved this show, it was one his uncle had taken him to several times as a child. He knew Penny would love it. And while the audience watched the show, he watched her. The way she looked on in wonder, the way her smile lit up her face and the lights of the stage reflected in her eyes. He smiled, only because he knew she was enjoying it. He tried to settle in to do the same, but his eyes kept drifting back to her.
