Page 91 of The Suitcase Swap

Sophie found herself holding her breath as they took the lift up to the observation decks of the Empire State Building.There was just something magical about the place. Tom met them when they got out, handing her another letter with a smile. ‘Pretty cool, isn’t it?’

Sophie wasn’t sure if he was referring to the building itself or the day in its entirety, but the answer was the same either way. ‘Yes, it is.’ She took the next note from him.

Dear Sophie,

I was right, wasn’t I? The Empire State Building is magic. It’s grand in an old-fashioned way and it’s often referred to as an ‘architectural marvel’. It’s the kind of building that makes you believe in higher beings, because what mere mortal could conceive of it? It’s a creation that makes me fall back in love with my profession every single time I see it. As I write this I realize that you, Sophie, are a bit like the Empire State Building. Classic, unique and with the ability to make me believe in things greater than myself.

Mike

PS All that being said, I also recommend the exhibits. I think you’ll especially enjoy King Kong’s hands.

Chapter Thirty

Sophie was getting tired by the time they got into the lift to leave the Empire State Building. It had been a long, wonderful, exhausting day.

As they stood in the lobby, Tom handed her the final note. ‘If you decide to follow this one, you’re on your own.’

Sophie didn’t hesitate to take it from him, but she didn’t open it, either. She looked at all of them. She knew what she wanted to do, but that didn’t stop her from wanting to hear what they had to say. She trusted herself more than she had when she’d arrived in this city, but what was the point of any of it if she didn’t ask for help from the people she loved best? ‘What do you think?’

It was Amaya who spoke first, her expression thoughtful. ‘I’m in the unique position here of knowing Michael Tremblay better than anyone and you barely at all.’ She frowned. ‘Except, I feel like I know you. My dad doesn’t talk about anyone, Sophie. Not really. He’s created this safe little bubble for himself, focusing on me and my brother to the exclusion of everyone else.’ She huffed out a frustrated breath. ‘It’s maddening. And adorable. But you? He talks about you. I don’t think he even realizes how much. I’ll be honest and say that he’s not perfect. I mean, who is?’ She smirked. ‘EvenI’mnot perfect, and I’m pretty great.’ Her smirk became a full grin. ‘My dad has been very clear that I’m not to try and sway, bully or convince you into any sort of decision.’ She rolled her eyes at this. ‘Which, okay, accurate, so I’ll just saythis: I have never, in my entire life, seen him do anything like this. He lights up for you, the way he used to light up for my mum.’

She hugged Sophie then, squeezing her tight. ‘It’s been great to meet you, Sophie Swann, and if you decide to take a chance, I’d like to be the first one to welcome you into our family.’ She stepped back, her grin wicked. ‘I’m well aware that’s getting a bit ahead of things, but this way when I get home I can tell Rahul I got here first.’

Edie hugged her next. ‘I was going to remind you to trust yourself, but honestly, I think I want you to date him just so I can be an honorary aunty to Amaya. I adore her.’

Sophie laughed. ‘Thank you for coming all this way. I love you.’

‘I know,’ Edie said, ‘but what else would you expect? I would cross the world for you, my friend, several times over.’ And with that she stepped away, looping her arm through Amaya’s and escorting her outside to wait.

Marisa hugged her and kissed her cheek. ‘Whatever you choose, I support you.’

‘Thank you,’ Sophie said. ‘That means the world.’

Marisa didn’t go outside, but made room for Tom, who hugged her tightest of all. ‘What are you going to do?’

She looked up at her son and voiced the last lingering sliver of fear that had been hiding in her all this time. ‘What if it’s a mistake? What if he’s like your father and I just didn’t realize?’

Tom snorted a laugh, shaking his head. ‘Mum, do you really think any one of us would have helped if we thought that was the case? Edie would literally murder for you and Marisa would hide the body.’ He held her shoulders and squeezed. ‘And I love you. So much. I know you feel guilty about Dad, but I also know you did your best. You never once made me feel like I wasn’t loved. Like my fiancée said, wesupport you whatever choice you make.’ He gave her another little squeeze and dropped his voice. ‘And for what it’s worth, cock-ups aside, this man has fallen all over himself for you.’

Sophie sniffed, hugging him again. ‘I love you too, you know.’

‘I know,’ he said. ‘You got on a plane for me.’

‘I think,’ Sophie said, ‘that it’s time I did something for myself.’ And with that, she took the final envelope and wished her loved ones on their way.

Inside the envelope was an address with the note, ‘Message me when you get here’. When she typed it into her phone, she saw it was only about a fifteen-minute walk from where she was. Though she was tired, she decided she needed that time to settle herself.

The address led her to a giant glass building and following Mike’s instructions, she texted him as soon as she arrived. In response she was messaged a virtual ticket for the Summit Experience, whatever that might be. Her heart in her throat, she found an attendant and was directed to Air: Transcendence One.

Sophie stepped out into a world of air and reflection. Every side of the room was clear glass, revealing New York in all its glory. Above and below her were mirrors, reflecting the sky, the buildings and herself. She moved carefully, her shoes covered by the little disposable booties they’d given her on arrival.

In the centre of all of this, looking handsome and anxious, stood Mike. She stopped in front of him, not saying a word.

He stared back, wrecked in a way she had never seen before, his pupils so wide she could only see the thinnest line of colour around them. Mike cleared his throat. ‘There are over 30,375 feet of mirrors in this space, which is about nine and a quarter kilometres. I’m still not surewhy Americans don’t use the metric system. The imperial system is nonsense.’

Her mouth twitched. ‘Did you bring me all the way here to talk to me about the metric system?’

Mike seemed to collapse in on himself. ‘No, Sophie, god, no. I—’ He closed his eyes, letting out a breath. ‘That wasn’t what I wanted to talk about at all. ‘The day they told me I could go back to London, I should have gone straight from work to your flat, got down on my fucking knees and told you that I loved you. Told you that I didn’t care how long you needed to stay here – I didn’t want to wait and see. I wanted you to know that no matter where you go, whatever adventures you have, you’ll either take me with you or come back to me when they’re over.’

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