I’ve brought Maddie home to New York several times over the last few years, but seeing her excitement never gets old. I love that no matter how many times I bring her to New York or she visits on her own, she looks at it with open, fresh eyes, acting like it’s her first time all over again—appreciating the city for all its worth.
“How did today go?”
“The interview went smoothly. Initially, I was nervous, but it was okay once I got into it. I should find out in a week or two, before the end of school. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.”
“What else have you been up to? How’s the apartment hunting?”
“Apartment? I think we have a different meaning when it comes to that word. They were huge…bigger than any of the houses from where I grew up.”
“That doesn’t tell me how you liked them. You need to pick, and soon. I want to spend the summer getting it ready together.”
“Jeez,” she huffs. “This is too much pressure.”
“Is it, though?” I goad her. “You’re getting free rein to buy a place in New York City. Tell me which one you loved most. If you didn’t like any, I’ll have the realtor send us more.” She doesn’t answer, but I know she hasn’t hung up. “We need to live somewhere.”
“Well, what one do you like best?”
“Truly, I like them all, but the one that borders the West Village and SoHo has two penthouses on the top floor. Leo can buy the other one with his inheritance. Real estate is a great investment, and Mom and Dad agree.”
“Are you only saying it because you know I love the lofty feel?”
“No, truly, I’d hate to move away from my brother, plus one day, when we’re business owners, we’ll be working together nonstop. It’ll make it easy to get shit done.”
“It was my favorite,” she whispers, as if I didn’t know that already.
“Then I’m going to put an offer in. I’m sure we’ll get a deal if Leo pulls the trigger, too.”
“I don’t know what to say…”
My phone beeps, and I see that it’s Mason.
I send it to voicemail. This isn’t the time to cut off our conversation.
“Say nothing. Tell me more about your day. How was yesterday with my sister?”
“Oh, we had the best time. Camila brought me to the Met, and oh my god, I’m in love. Then we went downtown to a comedy club in the Village. Remind me why I didn’t go to school here?”
“Because USC has an amazing B.Arch program, they offered you a full ride, and I’m here.”
“Oh, yeah, that.” I can hear the smile in her voice. “I wish I had a few more days here.”
“So stay. You know Mom would love to have you longer.”
“I have class.”
“Yes, Maddie. I’m well aware.” I roll my eyes to myself. “How could I ever think you’d miss a day?”
“Don’t make fun of me!”
“It’s the end of the school year. You’re not missing anything important. Be a rebel. Miss one day. I dare you.” She hesitates, and I have a feeling she might say yes, so I add one more thing to sweeten the deal. “You know my sister misses you.”
“You think it would be okay?”
I almost trip over my shorts, shocked she’s really going to do it.
“Without a doubt. It’s been four years, and you’ve missed two classes.”
“Four,” she corrects.
