Chapter 20-Dinner on Roosevelt Island
Set 4 days from Chapter 19
"I think that is the first time I ever been on that thing" Vicky said as they got off the Roosevelt Island tram, Vicky was holding a bouquet of flowers
"We are going to have a nice quiet evening" Neal said holding a brown picnic basket.
"I know that why are you being reassuring" Vicky said laughing.
"It's been a crazy few days" Neal said.
"Nothing we can't handle the case was solved, dad's place is in one piece, Mozzie has a girlfriend" Vicky said stopping.
"Yes that is a crazy week" she said as they walked to the building.
"You look nice" Neal said.
"You don't look so bad yourself" Vicky said fixing his tie,.
"Here we are" Neal said as Ellen opened the door, Vicky smiled seeing their interaction.
"You must be Victoria, you're so beautiful in person" Ellen said giving Vicky a hug.
"It's nice to meet you" Vicky said nervously.
"I got these for you {it was a bouquet of pink and yellow roses}" she said.
"Lovely " Ellen said motioning the couple to take a seat.
"We pre made a few things, Vic marinated the salmon, I fixed the mash potatoes" Neal said.
"We shared that kitchen really well this time, we both like to be masters of that domain," Vicky said smiling.
"Great and I have the booze," Ellen said as the group walked into the kitchen.
"Room for the both of you" she said.
"This is an awesome kitchen," Vicky said starting to set up.
"The salmon has to be in the oven for 45 minutes that gives you enough time Ellen to tell me how this one {pointing to Neal} was like as a kid" she said.
"Mozzie asked the same question," Ellen said.
"I was a good kid," Neal said.
"I heard the story of the art teacher, I'm sure you have dozens more, what was he like the teenage years" Vicky asked.
"Shy but sweet, I did stop him from an after school gig at the local pool hall" Ellen said.
"That was a great gig, I played for some of the gamblers they gave me a cut" Neal said.
Vicky shook her head, "Of course always getting a cut of something," she said.
"But I was a sweet boy" Neal said fixing the mash potatoes.
"Still are" Vicky said as Ellen smiled at their interaction.
3 hours later
"Ellen you won!" Vicky said.
"This is a work out, no wonder they call it I declare war" Ellen said catching her breath.
"Flip cup next" Neal joked, Vicky hit his shoulder.
"Let me use the bathroom" She said walking away, as Ellen laughed.
"She's everything I wanted you to have" Ellen said, as Neal grimaced.
"There was a lot I didn't know I wanted till the last few months" Neal said.
"Before I forget, I manager to sweet talk one of the Marshall's into getting this for me" Ellen said handing Neal a file.
"It's about your father" she said, as Neal nodded, she stops seeing Vicky.
"I'm sorry to interrupt" Vicky said starting to clean up.
"No need dear" Ellen said.
"It's ok you guys can talk" Vicky said feeling guilty for walking in.
"Thank you" Neal said.
"Have you talk to her about this" Ellen said.
"Bits and pieces" Neal said.
"You both live in close quarters don't let this tear you apart like it did your parents" Ellen said.
"Stop eavesdropping" Vicky whispered to herself.
"Are you cleaning the kitchen?" Neal yelled.
"Shut up" Vicky said laughing she walks back to the living room as Neal puts his arms around her.
"Thank you for your hospitality" Neal said, as Vicky nodded.
"I am so happy to finally meet you" Vicky said.
"Hopefully I will see you soon" Ellen said giving the young woman a hug, she gives Neal a hug.
"Remember what I said" Ellen said.
"What is the tram schedule" Vicky said seeing Neal tug the file tightly.
"Let's cab it" Neal said hailing a taxi.
"You can rest those feet you're still jet lagged" he said giving her a kiss.
"I am" Vicky said nodding as a cab approached them.
Neal's apartment
"It's only 10 it feels longer" Vicky said taking off her heels.
"Night is young" Neal said walking to the bedroom.
"You're older than me" Vicky said.
"Young at heart, young at heart" Neal said starting to change as Vicky looked at the file on the counter {he enters to see Vicky looking at that}
"I see why you are quiet" he said as Vicky looked at him strangely he points at the file.
"If you don't want to say anything" Vicky lied, Neal shooked his head.
"That night we met again at that opening, you can never look me in the eye when you lie" Neal said.
"Ellen gave me this file, and it's on my dad" he said, taking a deep breath as Vicky nodded.
"I asked for it," he said.
"Why, months ago you said you didn't want to have anything to do with him he was the reason why you ran" Vicky said.
"I'm ready to face that, I have been spending a lot of time with Ellen, I need to know about him, especially now that I am a free man, I want to know where I come from" Neal said seriously, Vicky nodded.
"I can't say I can relate but I am happy to know about my dad, what he did, what he liked, why he did certain things, I can't imagine not knowing any of that. That takes a lot of courage to face that Neal, I really" Vicky started to say.
"What?" Neal said.
"Love you," she thought.
"I admire you for that" Vicky finished; Neal smiled.
"I love her more and more," He thought.