Page 175 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 2

It helped that I’d been making some progress over the past few months by clearing out some of the clutter and crap, packing my most treasured possessions besides the ones I need to sell.

The movers blew through the door and made quick work of packing my two paintings that I’d purchased over the years from favorite up-and-coming artists I’d met to the drawings that date back to the renaissance. They were extra careful with my Tiffany vase that my mother gave me when I turned ten.

Holding it in my arms, I decide it’s probably best if I transport it.

“Hello?”

“In here,” I call when I hear Tealey walk through the door.

She finds me in the second bedroom, angling around the corner. “The place is almost empty.”

I close the flaps on a box. “Jackson took charge.”

“Impressive.”

Taping the box closed, I ask, “What brings you by?”

She holds up two boxes. “I brought coffee and donuts, but I might be too late.”

I cross the room and take the donuts. “Thanks. You brought them just in time. I’m starving.” I start to laugh as we walk into the kitchen. “The roles have reversed.”

Her eyes light up. “That’s right. You brought coffee when I moved out of my last place.” She starts laughing. “Instead of helping.”

I hop up on the counter. “Consolation prize?”

“Nice try.”

Still giggling, I lift the lid to the box and am greeted with the prettiest confections. Just as I choose a lemon frosted cake donut, she asks, “Where’s Jackson?”

“He’s supervising over at his place.” I greedily take a bite.

Taking one of the paper cups of coffee, she takes a sip, and then asks, “Where are you putting all the furniture?”

“The couch, coffee table, chairs, and dining room table were sold to a neighbor on the twelfth floor.”

“Already?”

I lick the frosting from the corner of my mouth. “She stages homes going on the market, so she’s always looking for great pieces. I met her in the elevator a few years ago and then showed her my place.” I pick some of the cake off and pop it into my mouth. “She’s always loved my style, so she was happy to take the pieces to use for her business. At a discount, of course.”

“That’s a score.”

“Mm-hmm.” It’s so good, so I shove the rest of the donut into my mouth. Dusting my hands together to rid them of the sugar, I contemplate having another.

With her leaning against the peninsula, she asks, “So you’re moving in with Jackson. You know Rad and I would love to have you.”

“You’re sweet, but for one, I know Rad wouldn’t like me invading your lovebird space. Two, he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

“Really? What was the offer?”

“I get more time with him.” I smile, and my cheeks heat as I remember how Jackson stepped up for the challenge last night. The challenge being me. “I also think it’s a good fit. We’re getting along better than ever and?—”

“And you’re dating?”Her note of hope isn’t missed.

“I think defining what we are or what we’re doing might be jumping ahead a few steps.” I hop off the counter. “This maycome as a surprise, but for the first time in my life, I’m okay with letting things be and letting this unfold however it’s supposed to, naturally.”

“That’s a big step, my friend. I’m happy for you.”

“You know what, Teals? For the first time, me too.” Picking up one of the cups of coffee, I turn it around in my hand, smiling to myself. “He dropped everything for me. With less than twelve hours’ notice, he had a team organized and was ready to help me. No questions asked. No harsh judgments. Just rolled up the sleeves and made this happen.”

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