LILY

BNR848

Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


CHAPTER 29

She arrived to an empty apartment and a note letting her know her parents were out. There were plenty of leftovers in the fridge if she was hungry. She walked to her room, dropped all the bags on the floor and plopped on the bed. Pulling out her cell phone, she smiled and proceeded to type. 'Ladies choice tonight. Dress comfortably.' She ended with a winking emoji.

At the other end, James quickly glanced at the message and returned the phone to his pocket. He had just said good-bye to his family who were currently on their way to Teterboro. They would be in Alaska in time for breakfast. Alone in New York City, he no longer had anyone to fall back on for a quick excuse or fast escape. For the first time in a long while he was having fun. He liked Lily Castle, and he was enjoying her company.

It had been a while since she'd seen someone more than twice, and so far she had enjoyed each date she'd had with James. She was having fun, being uncharacteristically silly and she was okay with that. She showered, blow dried her hair and went about dressing. Jeans, boots, her new black sweater and she was set. At seven she headed out the door. When the elevator doors opened, she was greeted by her parents. She kissed her mother and told them she was going out.

As the doors closed her mother called out, "Is that my leather jacket?"

She decided on a cab for the short ride, thanking the doorman as he flagged one down. She was actually nervous. They were alone, the Mulrooney's were gone, there was no family safety-net or business buffer. Tonight was all about them.

The weekday traffic was heavy, but she still arrived at The Plaza in fifteen minutes. Welcomed into the opulent lobby with its enormous Christmas tree she contemplated her next move. She approached the front desk and requested Mr. Mulrooney be advised she was waiting.

"Miss? Mr. Mulrooney has asked we send you up," the clerk informed her.

She was lead to a private elevator and sent up. He was waiting when the doors opened. His hair was wet and he wore jeans, an unbuttoned shirt, and no shoes. Apparently, she was early. He smiled, planted a peck on her lips, took her hand and led her into the expansive living room.

"Wow! I'm looking for the right words… Lavish, luxurious, opulent? There is actually a baby grand in the living room. How big is this place?" she marveled.

"You exaggerate. We normally have a regular suite, but with Aunt Nancy and Henry along… Pops asked for a larger suite and voilà," James embarrassedly replied.

Still holding his hand she stretched out and jokingly declared he had taken her casual dress a bit too literal. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her hard.

"Give me a minute. By the way, love the leather jacket."

He reappeared a few minutes later. Dressed as instructed, and very casual. He wore blue jeans, a crisp white shirt, and carried a navy blue pea-coat. His dark auburn hair was neatly combed back and he appeared freshly shaven.

She walked towards him, inhaled and kissed him.

He uttered a hum, pulled her closer and added, "Perhaps we should order in?"

"Not so fast Junior I have plans," she answered while raising her right eyebrow.

Their first stop was a short twenty-minute drive. Outside the local bar stood a five-foot-tall plastic pig in overalls. They found a table and ordered two of the house's special craft beers. The beers arrived with two hot dogs, a free staple that always accompanied drinks. The music was old rock, the pool tables were busy and the customers appeared to be regulars. It was loud without being rowdy, and after two beers, a hot dog, and a game of pool, she announced it was time to move on.

He literally jumped in front of a cab to make it stop. She input the Meatpacking District address into the system and sat back for the ride. When they pulled up to the dark, nondescript building he was leery. She laughed, assuring him it was safe. The perky waitress recognized Lily and waved her in. He was glad to see food because quite honestly he was starving. It was well past nine and he'd only had half a hot dog.

"I've already ordered. Bridgett will bring it out soon. I hope you're hungry 'cause I'm starving," she announced.

He was stunned when the server arrived with their drinks and two plates of mac and cheese. He smiled, grabbed his fork and dug in. It was gourmet and it was delicious. The piping hot, gooey mess was a blend of expensive cheeses, embedded with crispy bacon. His pace slowed, and he savored each bite. She laughed as she asked if he wanted anything else, and he simply shook his head. He finished her leftovers and declared he could die a happy man. Additionally, he'd been touched by the gesture. She had remembered.

"I tried to have them put hot dogs in it but the chef refused. He said he would not do that to imported cheese," an apologetic Lily advised.

"It was perfect. Thank you," he added.

"We're not done yet," she added with a smile.

Bridgett handed her the bill, Lily paid, signed the pad and thanked her. He put on his coat, helped her with her jacket, and draped his arm around her.

They got lucky and jumped in a cab that was dropping off another couple. She provided the address in the East Village and leaned back. He had a silly grin on his face and she could not help but replicate the look.

Their third stop was an interesting place. Lily paid the small cover charge and they walked in. The basement location masked the upscale, romantic ambiance. It was dimly lit with a jazz trio providing live music. They were pointed towards a small table and took a seat. He ordered a whiskey neat, and she, a vodka martini. They sipped their drinks and enjoyed the soft jazz that filled the air.

"Can I ask you something?" inquired James hesitantly.

"Anything."

"Did you have them make the mac and cheese for me?"

She could be flippant, answer with a quip, or simply be honest. "Yes."

He leaned over and kissed her. It was as passionate a kiss as the surrounding would allow.

"Thank you for tonight. You can plan our dates anytime," he told her.

She offered a polite smile. They lived thousands of miles apart and once this little vacation was over, they would each move on. She had no illusions, only excepting good company and a nice time.

"So Ms. Castle, we are once again headed into the dreaded silence. Ask me anything? What would you like to know about James Patrick Mulrooney, Jr. that we have yet to cover?" he challenged.

She looked at him cynically, while rolling her eyes. "Alright, but remember, you asked. Here's a popular ice breaker we used in college. So, Mr. Mulrooney, Murder or Marriage?"

He choked on his drink, while Lily burst out laughing. Once she caught her breath she explained. Admitting it was a game played by her college sorority sisters. The objective was to truthfully answer who you'd want to murder or marry.

"Fair enough, but you have to answer too. Deal?" he dared, as he stuck out his hand.

She leered at him, shook his hand and answered, "Deal!"

He acknowledged he'd never murdered anyone, although there was an unfortunate incident with a turkey sandwich that could have led to charges. She laughed. He'd never been married and had never come close. Though she hadn't asked, he elaborated. He'd had a few serious relationships, but only one which he considered committed. They'd met at an office party for the law firm he'd worked at right after law school. She hated almost everything about his life, except he suspected, his last name. She was not happy when he'd resigned from the high power agency. She thought opening his own firm was a waste and utterly foolish. She hated his traveling, and could not understand why he wouldn't work for his grandfather in a cushy office, or better yet not work at all. She always brought up his net-worth and in her opinion, his lack of ambition. It had all come to a head when he'd bought last minute tickets to Aspen. She'd resented flying coach and had mentioned it repeatedly throughout the three-hour flight. It had been the last straw. When they arrived in Aspen he'd provided her the return ticket, informed her the lodge was paid for, grabbed his bag and left. He'd taken the next flight to Fairbanks. Five days later, when he returned to L.A., his key was on the counter and what little she had at his apartment was gone. She'd left him a note, but he was too polite to repeat what it said. That had been four years ago.

"Okay, now it's your turn?"

Lily professed to never murdering anyone, although her brothers had on more than one occasion tested her resolve. She warned him she knew how to dispose of a body, after all the family business was murder! She'd never been married but had come sort of close. She could see his body language change and his relaxed, playful demeanor grow attentive and stiff. He'd told his story, so she told him about Mark.

They'd met in college and dated off and on through undergrad. After graduation he accepted a position with a brokerage firm in New York, she moved on to Harvard. When she returned to the city they reconnected. He hinted at marriage throughout that first year, but she always laughed it off. When she was offered a job in D.C., he was not happy. They did the long distance thing, and eight months later he proposed. She told him she needed time; immediately realizing it wasn't right, she'd said no. He had stormed off uttering a few choice words on the way out. Three months later he had married someone else. Six months after that she was back in New York. He listened intently, not knowing whether to offer words of comfort or relief.

"I certainly dodged a bullet!" she declared.

He offered a smile as he linked his fingers with hers. He needed another drink. When the waitress approached Lily placed her hand over his glass and asked for the check. He reached for his wallet and she stopped him.

"Ladies choice, remember? Come on, last stop."

When they made it street level she turned, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She feared he'd think the conversation had dampen the mood, it had not. She had never mourned the end of her relationship with Mark, there was no need to. She had perhaps been embarrassed and slightly hurt, but not devastated.

The drive to the next stop provided him an opportunity to hold her and kiss her soft and long. He nipped at her neck, proclaiming in low whispers she was killing him. She bit his lip in a torturous tease and laughed. As he pulled up to the curb the cabbie cleared his throat, making her blush.

The bar looked like a neighborhood watering hole. The green awning, and the wide staircase with its wrought iron railing leading down clamored of days gone by. There were a few patrons at the bar and several people scattered among the tables. The nostalgic décor had a comfortable look, with an air of old lore. Lily took him by the hand and led him towards a large booth in the back. As they made their way past the bartender, an older man appeared from beneath the bar and hurried towards them. Before he could react, the man was hugging Lily and spinning her around.

"Why my little Lily, it's so good to see you. We haven't seen you since you moved to D.C. Are you keeping those dimwits in line?"

Carlos Gutierrez had worked at the Old Haunt since Lily could remember. Two years ago when Joe, the Haunt's longtime manager retired, Carlos had taken over. Lily introduced James, and after some pleasantries continued to the rear booth. Carlos excused himself and retreated to the office. As they took a seat, James noticed what looked like a picture of a very young Richard Castle on the wall.

"Is that your father?" he asked as he leaned in to get a better look.

"Yeap. When my dad was getting started he would sit here and write. Years later the owner was killed and my mom was the lead homicide detective on the case. One thing led to another and my father bought the place. He's owned it over thirty years. It's a favorite neighborhood stop, locals and cops like the fact it's not a trendy tourist hangout," she explained.

The bar was just that, a bar. The lighting was low and the music mellow. There was an old piano in a corner, several large flat screen TV's against the back walls and a dartboard. Lily excused herself and placed their order with the bartender. A few minutes later he appeared with two beers and a bowl of popcorn.

A slow Coltrane jazz saxophone melody hummed in the background. James took a sip of his beer, smiled, rose and extended his hand. Lily looked around at the almost empty bar, giving him an inquisitive stare. This was not a dancing type of establishment. She smiled, stood nose to nose with him and sighed.

"Do you know that prior to 2017 dancing in an establishment such as this was illegal, unless they had a cabaret permit? I can assure you, this place did not hold such a permit."

James laughed, dipped her and added, "I'd go to jail for you."

She smiled, kissing him while they finished their dance. James pulled out his wallet, dropped a fifty on the table and took her hand. They walked to the corner, managing to flag down a passing cab. The driver waited for the destination, James turned to Lily.

"Ladies choice," he said, with a hint of uncertainty.

"The Plaza."