P-1
Hannah’s eyes widened. So much for nothing to fear from the neighbours. Seemed they were still engaged in active battle.
Chapter 2
The fifty-something building supervisor Julie, who looked remarkably like Meryl Streep, had personally introduced herself upon arrival, assuring that she was on hand if Hannah needed any help settling in. On Monday morning, Hannah quickly sought her out in the hope of borrowing a standard phone-charging cable since the penthouse’s charging stations had been customised for tech at least three iterations ahead of her own phone.
When she mentioned the note from next door, Julie burst out laughing, shaking her head. ‘Ed just doesn’t know when to quit. You’ve gotta admire that, right?’
‘Well, with the lawsuit and everything, I really don’t want to step on anyone’s toes … ’ Hannah replied since she couldn’t be certain whether Julie might be involved in the residents’ dispute. In her line of work, diplomacy was a given and she’d always been a pro at poker face. Which could often be a blessing or a curse, depending on the situation.
‘Look, a lot of people in this building can be a pain in the butt, but he’s actually a pretty decent guy. Always gives out a great Christmas bonus. I think he’s just one of those old-school types who doesn’t like the way the world is changing around him and it makes him cranky.’
‘Well, I know that type all too well,’ Hannah admitted. ‘My grandfather was similar – gruff, no-nonsense, always talking about theway things were back in his day. Typical Irish male of his generation. From what I can tell from that note, though, the difference is that my granddad wasn’t so … angry about it.’
‘I think Ed’s just lonely actually.’ Julie shrugged. ‘Always used to be pretty friendly but now that I think of it I rarely see him around these days. Likes his privacy. Seems he gets all his groceries delivered online and doesn’t go out much, or have many visitors either. Poor guy probably doesn’t have anything to do all day but go online or watch the news, which would make anyone miserable,’ she added, rolling her eyes.
‘You might be right,’ Hannah demurred. ‘I went over and knocked on the door a couple of times over the weekend, wanting to introduce myself and assure him I’d be there to take care of issues with mail or anything else on Courtney’s behalf, but he never answered.’
Julie shook her head. ‘A lot of people here wentcrazywhen they found out that her application had been approved. You’d have thought that the board had announced that we were opening up a petting zoo in the lobby and turning the roof into a stage for Cirque du Soleil.’
‘I don’t get it. Life’s too short, isn’t it? And Courtney’s great.’
‘Well, like they say, the rich are different. And some people take longer than others to get with the times.’
‘Case in point?’ Hannah held up her charger and grinned. ‘I suppose I really need to think about upgrading. And I don’t have an excuse either, being so close to the mothership,’ she chuckled, referring to the famed Apple store at the top of Fifth Avenue, a few blocks down.
‘Yep, like it or not, time moves on.’
‘Speaking of which … ’ Hannah checked her watch, ‘I need toget going for work. But first, coffee. Where’s the nearest Starbucks around here?’
‘Oh, there’s a much better place just a couple of blocks down. Frank’s – been around forever. Does the best cinnamon rolls too.’
Hannah smiled, her mouth watering already. ‘Perfect, thanks for the recommendation.’ She popped the rolled-up wire in the pocket of her blazer. ‘And the charger.’
Manhattan was ablaze in the morning sunshine as she stepped out of the building onto the bustling Upper East Side during the commute rush. The city rose before her like a phoenix, its sheer magnificence almost too much to take in all at once.
Cars and bicycles moved briskly along the streets, while purposeful pedestrians carrying coffee cups and briefcases filled the intersections and overflowed into doorways as they hurried past one another.
There was a unique energy here that always filled Hannah with a sense of awe, and as she glanced around she couldn’t help but marvel at how much the city had changed over the years, all the same. So many shiny new skyscrapers – colossal edifices of glass and steel – towered above the lower-rise brownstones and older ornate construction so prevalent in this part of town.
The sidewalks were full to bursting with people – rich, poor, and everything in between – all hustling and bustling with their own unique purpose and destination. It was as if every person walking by had gathered together their hopes and dreams and poured them into this town, suffusing it with life. She knew exactly how that felt, having done it herself all those years ago.
As Hannah ambled along in the sunshine, her skin prickled with a sense of optimism and anticipation. Everywhere she looked weresigns of spring – vibrant blossoms of tulips and brilliant yellow daffodils, heralding warmer days to come. And as she continued her journey along the edge of Central Park, the recreational space looked even more alive with its unique display of colour and beauty.
Unable to resist ducking inside for a bit on her way, the more beautiful everything became. The trees were in full bloom, displaying their lush greens and cherry blossom pinks in contrast to the bright-blue sky. And surrounding it all stood so many classic landmark buildings from old New York – intricately detailed brownstones and mansions, a marked contrast to the modern skyscrapers towering above them. It was always here within the confines of this verdant space that she truly felt the energy and beauty of the city. A quiet oasis amid the chaos.
That was something she’d definitely missed in a car-centric city like LA, and while there were some wonderful individual neighbourhoods there, there was no replicating New York’s unique combination of conversations, laughter, or dizzying array of sounds and smells. And today, as Hannah wandered through it, the city felt more than just a place of nostalgia – it was a new beginning, a fresh start that held as much potential as it did uncertainty.
Anything could happen here.
Hannah found the local place Julie recommended without issue. A narrow premises not much wider than its double-door entry, Frank’s was tucked away between a cigar store and what looked like one of those pet pampering places for Park Avenue pooches.
She headed inside, finding to her relief that for this hour of the morning, there was surprisingly no line, just a couple of customers waiting on orders and oh my,whatwas that mouth-watering smell …
‘Are those fresh?’ she gasped, approaching an old-style wooden and glass display cabinet filled with the most delectable pastries and sweet treats imaginable, but indicating the cannoli in particular. Yes, she wanted to try the cinnamon rolls Julie recommended, but oh was she a goner for fresh cannoli …
‘Made just this morning,’ replied a booming voice from behind the counter, a heavyset man in his mid-fifties who she guessed must be the titular Frank. ‘What can I get you? Or should I say how many?’ he chuckled, dark eyes twinkling.
