But life has been good. For the last two weeks I’ve seen Nax every other day, whenever Liz takes Joe, and around my work schedule. Since time with his son has been split, spending whatever he can with Joe takes first priority. And I’m fine with that. I’ve been struggling to keep my heart realistic, but it’s hard. Very hard.
He was right about Josh not needing his company as much, that helping Christina’s charity get up and running would help Josh heal through service, a passion forgotten thanks to the lies depression is known to tell. So that’s freed up Nax’s time, too.
Due to his limited mobility, Nax has taken a taxi over to my place every time, even though Tribeca is so close. I hop in, exhausting my wardrobe with a different outfit each night just so I can see his eyes shine as he says, “You’re stunning.”
I’m having fun being this excited about someone. And if I get my heart broken? I think it’s better to have known how good this feels, to be with someone as great as he is.
We’ve gone to all of the types of restaurants he’d playfully guessed at — Italian, Indian, American, Thai — and added a few more — French, Chinese, and tonight, Turkish.
I slide out of the cab at Mercer and Grand in Soho, about eight blocks from my loft as Nax tips the driver, “Long ride, huh?” laughing as he angles his way from the back seat. “I can’t wait to be normal again. This is crazy.”
If it weren’t for his leg, we’d easily have walked here. This distance is nothing to a New Yorker.
“What happened?” the cabbie asks.
Nax gives him a deadpan, “Shark attack.”
I start laughing and turn to face Antique Garage, the front of the restaurant wide open just like one, but that’s where the similarity ends. Four round marble-topped patio tables with flowers in vases point to an upright piano currently unmanned.
Inside, exposed brick walls and funky decor are dramatically lit by more chandeliers than there seems to have space for, in various sizes hung at various lengths. It’s beautiful, not too fancy. The elbow-to-elbow seating gives you a sense of community, here, which I love. Conversations are easily exchanged if you want, ignored for privacy if you don’t.
Nax touches my lower back, stepping onto the sidewalk beside me. “Ready?”
“Mmmhmm,” I smile. “This is one of my favorite places.”
“Haven’t been here before.” He scans the decor, “Very cool.”
We start to head in, but stop as I get a phone call from Christina. Seeing her picture on my screen I hold it out and say, “She usually texts. One minute?”
“Sure,” he smiles, checking out the restaurant.
“Hey Chris, we’re just going in to eat. Did Bennett find something about his dad?”
“Not yet,” Christina says in a tone that implies that’s not important now, even though it’s been their main focus ever since that day. “I have something to tell you.”
“Oh no,” I whisper, locking eyes with Nax who frowns, waiting with me.
“I’m pregnant!”
My jaw drops, “Oh my God! Congratulations!” and I smack Nax in my excitement. “Bennett’s going to be a father again!”
He blinks, grin exploding as he shouts, “Holy shit!” and makes the whole restaurant look over. Taking advantage of their attention drawn his way, Nax proclaims, “My buddy and his girlfriend are in love and pregnant!”
Applause breaks out. I hold out the phone so Christina can hear. Bringing it back to my ear, I smile, “The baby has been blessed with a warm welcome!”
She laughs, “That’s amazing! Thank you. Zia, I’m so scared! But so happy! I’m going to be a mom! I have to go, Grandma Lily is calling through!”
We hang up, and Nax calls his friend, giving him a hard time by demanding before even saying hello, “Again? You sure?” laughing and holding out the phone for me to hear Bennett swearing at him, all in fun. “Listen, we’re about to have dinner, but I’ll talk to you later.” He hangs up, chuckling, “Lucky guy.”
Our eyes land on a hostess still smiling from the applause, and we walk inside, Nax telling her, “Table for two, please.” She slides the menus from where they live and motions for us to follow her to a table on the north side against a brick wall dotted with antique mirrors. Nax motions for me to sit against the wall, but I decline. “I’ve been here so many times. You’ll have the better view if you sit here.”
“The only view I need is of you.”
I give him a kiss, hold his look for a moment, and turn to sit down, reaching for the extended menu. “Thank you.”
Nax lowers himself with a little more effort, but since he’s used to negotiating spaces now, the smile on his face is relaxed.
With a heavy Turkish accent she tells us the specials and takes our cocktail order — for me the Antique Manhattan, and for Nax, a Berry Smash Whiskey. Since it’s still early and the place hasn’t yet filled up, it takes no time for them to be expertly made and placed in front of us.
“Let me try yours.” Nax holds out his glass for me to do the same.
“Mmm,” I nod. “Love this.”
“I like your Manhattan, too. Share?”
Nodding, “Great idea,” I look at our approaching server, my back straightening.
Nax waves my thoughts away — I was about to order — and pulls his same trick from City Vineyard. He’s way off, but I like all of the dishes here, so I decide to keep my little secret as the server leaves. Guess I’ll have seabass tonight.
His usual happy-go-lucky energy shifts, hands unfolding his napkin. “Zia, I have some news.”
My smile falters — that doesn’t sound good. “Okay.”
“The locations have all been set. Liz is going
