Page 33 of I’m Dreaming of a New York Christmas

‘And… little fires everywhere?’

‘Not been back in years, so the whole place could be ablaze by now for all I know.’

‘Haha. Still got friends and family there?’

‘Not really, my parents moved to upstate New York a few years ago since me and my brother both work here in the city. I didn’t really stay in touch with anyone after high school.’

You and me both, pal.

‘Must be nice to have your family close by?’ I asked.

‘Well closer – New York’s a pretty big state and they’re still a good five hours away by car.’

I did some silent calculations in my mind. ‘Shit, yeah, I guess that would be the equivalent of my family living in Paris.’

‘You’re based in London?’

‘No. Well, not anymore, anyway. I moved to Bath a few months ago.’

‘Bath, as in the Roman Baths?’

‘The very same.’

‘Woah, that must be amazing to live among so much ancient history. I can’t even imagine.’

I suppose he was right, not that I’d had the headspace to appreciate the magic of the place since living there. That’s what I should be doing right now. Although, at this present moment in time, sitting here wasn’t exactly a hardship.

‘It’s a beautiful city, that’s for sure.’

I stole a glance at my watch – it was already coming up to nine fifteen and we hadn’t even mentioned his speech yet.

‘So then, this speech,’ he said, having accurately read my social cue.

‘Yeah, I guess we should crack on.’

I clicked open my pen and smoothed out the creases on the unbranded notepad. ‘So, tell me about your brother.’

‘God, where to start?’

‘His name?’

‘I suppose that would help. Rick. Richard.’

‘Rickrichard. Unusual.’

‘You’re funny.’

I smiled but didn’t look up. ‘Survival tactic. Is he older? Younger?’

‘Older, but only by eighteen months.’

‘Any other siblings?’

‘Nope, just us.’

I nodded as I jotted down the info in shorthand, glancing up. ‘I’m the youngest of two as well.’

‘Brother? Sister?’