Page 20 of The Suitcase Swap

The man’s eyebrows squished together, his voice uncertain. ‘Really?’

Sophie brightened. ‘Of course.’

He examined her suspiciously. ‘You’re not going to steal my dog, are you?’

She stared down at Stanley, who was currently licking the wall. ‘I promise you I will not.’

He sighed, his shoulders drooping. ‘Normally, I wouldn’t hand Stanley off to a stranger, but I’m desperate.’ He gave her the leash, fishing a poop bag out of his pocket. ‘There’s a little park on the next block.’

She took the leash and bag. ‘I’ll be right back. Go and rest.’

He nodded, jerking his thumb towards the door next to hers. ‘I’m right here. Just knock.’

Stanley Poochie didn’t seem to be in a hurry, so Sophie didn’t rush him, using the time to compose a future post in her head.

Dear Readers, you should know that Brooklyn has stolen a place in my heart. I might need some of you to remind me why I love London so dearly. There’s an astonishing variety to Brooklyn. The air is spiced with different languages, some of the voices flowing in and out of English with a dexterous grace that I envy. Every time I turn onto a different block, I feel like I’m in a new country. My travel-loving heart could gorge itself here.

She smiled at Stanley, taking a quick picture of him with her phone as he panted up at her.I’m making handsome new friends, my Swannies. I could be very happy here, I think.

She tugged gently on Stanley’s leash, leading him back to his home. His owner – she hadn’t managed to get his name – might be worried if she was gone too long, and she didn’t want to add to his misery. Nothing was worse than being sick and having to take care of yourself.

As they grew close to the corner store, Sophie scooped Stanley up, making an impulsive decision to go in. Why not grab a few things for her sick neighbour? If her neighbour – she was really going to have to ask his name – relied on Gabi when he needed help, that likely meant he didn’t have anyone else close by. Sophie had survived the last year with the help and support of friends and neighbours and knew full well how sometimes the smallest of efforts could have a long-lasting impact for those in need of a little extra care.

Shopping done, she let Stanley lead her back to his apartment. He plopped down in front of it, panting happily at Sophie while she knocked.

The neighbour opened the door, somehow looking even more wretched than before. ‘I was beginning to worry about you.’

‘I was gone a bit longer than planned. Sorry if we worried you.’ Sophie handed him the leash. ‘Stanley was a perfect gentleman. I would be happy to walk him later for you if you’re still feeling poorly. Knock on my door, or I can give you my number to text me.’

He took the leash. ‘That’s very kind of you.’

‘It’s miserable being sick, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name before.’

‘Manny,’ he said. ‘Gabi told me your name, but it went right out of my head.’

‘Sophie. I’m here for a few months, visiting my son and his fiancée. They’re down in 3C.’ She handed him the bag of groceries. ‘I picked up a little care package for you. Juice, tissues, that sort of thing. I hope that’s okay.’

Manny gazed into the bag, pulling out a plastic takeaway container. ‘You got me soup?’

‘From the nice woman at the Thai pop-up in the corner store. It’s a bit hot out for soup, but I mentioned my neighbour was sick and she made me this. It’s chicken noodle.I was surprised how quickly she threw it together, but she already had some broth in the fridge. She told me it was “street food” style. I’m not sure how that’s different to regular Thai chicken noodle soup, but it smelled delicious.’

Manny clutched the soup to his chest. ‘I’m now convinced that I’ve hallucinated you, that this isn’t really happening, and I’m going to wake up on my couch and cry because there won’t be any soup. Thank you. I don’t know how to repay you.’

Sophie dropped down and petted Stanley goodbye. ‘Oh, I don’t mind – and now I know the park is there.’ She levered herself off the floor. It wasn’tquiteas easy to get up as it used to be. ‘I like to explore my neighbourhood. It’s kind of my job.’ When Manny looked at her questioningly, she continued a little self-consciously, ‘I write a little travel blog back home in London. I keep it local, trying to find the hidden gems, encouraging people to take full advantage of what’s around them.’

Manny nodded. ‘Well, this neighbourhood is full of those. When I feel better, I can tell you about a few – if you’d like?’

‘I’d love that,’ Sophie said. ‘If you don’t mind. In fact, I snapped a few photos of Stanley while we were out and about. Is that okay? I won’t use them if you don’t want, or I can delete them altogether.’

‘Are you kidding me? Stanley is made for the limelight. I can give you his handles. Stanley is all over social media. Besides’ – he held up the soup container – ‘you’ve saved my life. It’s the least I can do. In fact – hold on.’ He disappeared into his apartment for a moment, coming back seconds later without the groceries or Stanley’s leash, a neon blue slip of paper in his fingers. ‘I have a friend that gives dance lessons. Do you know how to salsa?’

Sophie shook her head.

‘My friend puts on these socials twice a month. Live DJ, salsa dancing. It’s only about twenty-five bucks. Thenext one’s tomorrow night. If you go an hour before, he does a quick tutorial for beginners who want to try it out. It usually costs a little more, but he owes me a favour. It’s a lot of fun.’

Sophie stared at the paper with mingled excitement and trepidation. ‘I haven’t been dancing in ages.’

Manny leaned against the wall. ‘No time like the present.’

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