Page 20 of I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas

‘Have you ever tried pink noise? It’s like white noise but much warmer and softer – I way prefer it.’

‘This is new information.’

‘There’s a YouTube video that runs for hours. Shall I see if I can find it for you?’

‘Sure!’ I unlocked my phone and handed it over. He angled the device towards me as he opened a browser window and navigated to the pink noise video he had in mind.

‘Here you go. Try it.’

I put my headphones on and pushed play. The lusciousness of the sound that greeted me almost made me melt into my chair. It felt like my brain was being caressed by smooth caramel. My face must have given away my borderline arousal because, when I opened my eyes, which had involuntarily closed, Ethan’s shoulders were shaking in amusement.

I shook myself into reality and removed my headphones. ‘I’m converted, thanks.’

‘Happy to be of service.’

We took synchronised sips of coffee, neither of us choosing to disappear into our respective noise-cancelled worlds quite yet.

‘The guy who works here was just telling me that you did all these illustrations? They’re really great.’

He blushed again. ‘Oh, yeah. A bit of a side hustle.’

‘You’re not a full-time illustrator?’

‘No, my actual job is at an ad agency not far from here – I’m one of their graphic designers.’

His life sounded like something straight out of a Hallmark movie.

‘Oh, well, hopefully your illustrating skills get a workout in your day job every once in a while?’

‘Ha, much less often than I’d like. Let’s just say that some of my clients are more receptive to my artistic preferences than others.’

‘Your clients sound like my clients.’

‘You work in advertising?’

‘No, but I write speeches for people who think they already know what they want to say.’

Ethan spluttered slightly as he took a sip of his coffee, to the extent that he needed to wipe his chin with a napkin. It featured one of his illustrations, depicting a sleeping monarch.

Nap king. Ha.

‘You’re a speechwriter?’

‘Yep.’

‘This is… weird. But I’m literally writing a speech right now. Or, well, I’m trying to.’

‘Oh! What for?’

‘My brother’s wedding. I’m the best man. But, God, let’s just say that writing isn’t one of my greatest strengths at the best of times and I’ve hit a wall. And the thought of having to stand up and say it all out loud in front of a bunch of people I barely know…’ He shuddered.

‘Yeah, I get it. Public speaking is one of my biggest fears.’

‘Wait, you’re a speechwriter who’s scared of speeches?’

I grinned and shrugged. ‘Sometimes the best tactic is to hide in plain sight. Giving a wedding speech is a bit different, though, because the audience is already on your side. May I…?’ I nodded towards his laptop.

‘Sure, be my guest.’