“Ready to go?” he said to Kelly, patting her on the leg.
“I don’t want this to end.” She stared with longing at him. “My flight leaves at nine tonight.”
“I know.” Andrew massaged her neck. “You’ve got to be exhausted.”
“I am.” She rolled her neck side-to-side. “That feels good.”
“Why don’t we drop you off at your hotel first? Get a nap in, and I’ll come back over around five.”
“That sounds good.”
Andrew leaned in toward the driver. “Can you drop Kelly off first?”
“Yes, sir.”
When they pulled up in front of her hotel, Andrew slid out and held the door for her. “Sleep well.”
“I know I will. I’ll see you in a little while?”
“Definitely.”
She waved as she walked away.
“Kelly. One more thing.” He jogged over to her side. “I’ve made some big mistakes, but I want to make that up to you. I know I’ll have to earn your trust again, and it’s a long row to hoe, but I’m up for the task.”
She held her hand up like a traffic cop. “Let’s just enjoy this time and leave the past where it belongs.”
His jaw relaxed. “I like the sound of that.”
Kelly went upstairs and sprawled out across the bed. She flipped through the messages on her phone. Practically everyone she knew had texted her. “All of this really did happen.” She laid back on the bed and closed her eyes.
She rolled over onto her stomach and dialed home. “Mom?”
“Kelly! We’re so proud of you. The show called and told us everything. We taped it so you can watch it again with us.” Mom was talking faster than a gunshot.
“CB! Kelly’s on the phone. Pick up the line in the kitchen.”
“How’s my winning girl? I’m so proud of you.” Dad’s voice was as chipper as she’d ever heard it.
“Thanks, Daddy. I’m so sorry I couldn’t tell you about it. It was in the contract. I felt like the worst daughter in the world, leaving like that.”
“Don’t be silly. They explained everything. You were so brave, Kelly! I could never go to that big city alone.”
“I can’t wait to tell you all about it.”
“And about Andrew,” Mom said, with a hint of accusation.
“Am I crazy, Mom? Dad, what do you think? I didn’t even know he was in the competition, but before I left, we had some nice time together…and here, things have been so good.”
“Like old times?” Dad asked.
“Even better. Because I’m stronger than I ever was. I think it’s good I’ve been on my own and have found success. I’m not sure I’d have believed I could do everything I’ve done by myself had all that not happened.”
“You’re a remarkable young lady, Kelly,” Mom said. “I don’t think you’re crazy at all. I told you before that I thought you still missed him. I had a feeling love was coming back into your life.”
An odd sense of déjà vu filled her, and then Kelly remembered that was almost exactly what the woman at the airport had said. She reached for the card she’d left on the nightstand in case she got a chance to go. “I’ll see y’all in the morning. My flight gets in pretty late. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Come to the diner for an early breakfast,” Dad said. “I’ll make your favorite.”
“You’re on.” She hung up the phone and made short work of packing her things. With her bags packed and next to the door, she set her alarm on her phone and then laid down to rest.
Kelly woke up and scrambled for her phone. Thank goodness it was still early enough. She went downstairs, checked her bags with the bellman, and asked them to hail a cab to take her to Andrew’s hotel.
Inside, she asked the front desk clerk to ring his room for her. “Hi, Andrew.”
“Hey. What’s up? Couldn’t you sleep?”
“I did, but I need you to come downstairs right now.”
“Are you okay?”
“I’m great. I want to take you somewhere.” She couldn’t hide the excitement in her voice.
“Uh-oh. You’re worrying me. You’ve never been to New York City. Where could you possibly think I need to go?”
“Are you going to come with me or not?”
“On my way.”
It seemed like forever before the elevator doors opened and he stepped off.
He took her hand. “I think I like this take-charge side of you.”
“You’d better get used to it.” Kelly raced to a taxi waiting at the front door. She dug for something in her purse, then opened the passenger door and leaned in. “We need to go here.” She thrust the business card toward the driver, then slid in.
Andrew got into the car. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“I have a special invitation from a very nice woman for what’s supposed to be the best cheesecake in the whole city.”
“Really? In the whole city?” He shifted his glance. “You do realize New York is known for its cheesecake.”
“Yep.”
They drove across town. Kelly hoped Mrs. Leary would be there. She wanted to thank her for her words of wisdom and kindness.
The taxi pulled to the curb, and Kelly peered out the window. “This is it.” She jumped out first, bouncing with excitement as Andrew stepped out of the car in front of The Manhattan Original Diner.
He followed her inside.
Kelly waved down a waitress. “Hi, I’m hoping Henry Leary is here. His wife, Candace, told me I had to come and try his cheesecake.”
“Grab that booth over there. I’ll check and be right with you.” The waitress snagged two menus from the counter. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” She scooted into the booth.
“Oh. My. Gawsh. Who knew I’d ever really see you again!” The tiny woman slid right into the booth next to her.
Kelly slid over. “How could I pass up your offer?”
“You’re a good girl. I knew it.” She shook a finger in her direction. “You can’t pass up my Henry’s cheesecake. He’ll be here in a minute. He’s bringing
