Chapter 387: New York City
Monday, February 6th, Evening
The café was lovely where he chose to meet. As she walked into it, she noted it reflected his style. It was perfect for them to get re-acquainted after her week in Tree Hill. Fallon Stafford strode past the tables, dressed as her alter ego, Fallon Adams.
Fallon found her date, they didn't have the define the relationship talk yet, and Fallon hesitated to define it. Grant Coyle sat at the table with one of those fancy tiny coffee mugs. She smiled at him and leaned over to kiss his cheek. Finally, Fallon took a seat across from Grant.
"How was your week?" Fallon asked.
Grant sighed, "Rough," he said, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
"That bad?" Fallon asked.
"It started out good, but after that, whatever you call it happened in Europe, it's been pure chaos," Grant said.
"You're an art dealer; how is it chaos for you?" Fallon asked, confused.
"Traveling from the US to Waldberge is in doubt, never mind shipping stuff, but that's just the tip of the iceberg," Grant said.
"There's more?" Fallon asked.
Grant nodded, "They canceled Alex's show," he said.
"Oh dear, how's she taking it?" Fallon asked, "She was looking forward to that show."
Grant shook his head, "She's taking it badly," he said.
"That's understandable, having the show canceled and all," Fallon said.
Grant shook his head, "That's the odd thing, she's had shows canceled before, but she never reacted like this," he said.
Fallon shrugged, "People are a mystery to me," she said.
Grant shrugged, "Yeah, so what's your take on this?" he asked.
"Well, my brother-in-law is over there with the national guard," Fallon said.
"My god, Fallon, was he involved in what happened?" Grant asked.
"I know it was his unit," Fallon said.
"How's your sister doing?" Grant asked.
"She's doing well; she's a taught one," Fallon said.
"Other than that, anything exciting happen on the trip you couldn't share?" Grant asked.
"I could always share," Fallon said.
"I meant over the phone," Grant said, with a bit of color to his cheeks.
"Nothing, really; I got to see a bunch of old friends and family," Fallon said.
"Anything exciting happen?" Grant asked.
"Not much, except a little drama with my friend Candi and my sister's co-workers," Fallon said.
"What happened?" Grant asked.
"Nothing important, just leftover high school drama," Fallon said.
"I see," Grant said.
"Yeah, it's rough," Fallon said and yawned.
"You're tried," Grant said, "You didn't have to run right to see me."
Fallon shook her head, "I'm good, just a lot to catch up on at my work," she said.
"You should be home in bed," Grant said.
Fallon yawned again, "I'll sleep when I'm dead," she said.
"No, you won't," Grant said.
"What are you going to do about it?" Fallon asked playfully.
"First, get you some coffee," Grant said and signaled for the waitress.
"What are you going to do after coffee?" Fallon asked.
"I could take you home or call you an UBER," Grant said.
"Take me home? That's rather forward of you, Mister Coyle," Fallon said.
Grant paused, thought for a moment, and shook his head, then laughed. His cheeks taking a red hew, again, "I meant your house," he said.
"That's also presumptuous thinking I want you to go home with me," Fallon said playfully.
"No, I don't mean that either," Grant said, frustrated.
Fallon leaned forward and took Grant's hand. "I appreciate the effort," she said.
Grant nodded, "I'm not trying to pressure you on anything," he said.
"Grant, you can't talk me into anything I don't want to do," Fallon said and yawned.
Grant nodded as the waitress came over. She looked at Grant. "What can I get you, sir?" the waitress asked.
"I'd like another Colombian, light, and whatever the lady wants," Grant said.
"You're assuming I'm a lady," Fallon said.
The waitress chuckled. "What would you like?" the waitress asked.
"An espresso, please," Fallon said.
"Very well," the waitress said and left.
Grant looked at Fallon. "You like to stir the pot," he said.
"Not always," Fallon said, "I don't like to cook."
"Okay," Grant said.
Fallon yawned again just as the waitress returned with their drinks. Fallon smiled and took a sip of her espresso. Grant slowly sipped his coffee and watched Fallon.
Fallon sipped on her espresso but kept doing the head bob. Grant wanted to make sure she was alright. Slowly, she finished her coffee, put her mug down, and stared off into nothing. He knew he was going to have to do something, but what.
"What were some of the highlights of your visit?" Grant asked.
"I got to see my other five nieces and two nephews; they're getting so big, in the case of PJ and Key, literally," Fallon said.
"PJ and Key?" Grant asked.
"Oh, yeah, sorry, my sister has five kids; they are daughter number two and three, PJ is actually named Paige, and Key's Keelan," Fallon said.
"I can see why they call Keelan, Key," Grant said.
"Yeah, she couldn't say her full name at first," Fallon said as her head bobbed.
Grant signaled for the check. After he paid for it, they left the café. Fallon seemed a bit wobbly on her feet. As they got to the street, Grant had his smartphone out and ordered a car.
As they waited, Grant looked at Fallon. "Why are you so exhausted? It's not like you?" Grant asked.
Fallon yawned, "Just so overwhelmed at the moment," she said.
Grant looked at Fallon and studied her tired eyes. "Why don't you let me help?" Grant asked.
"It's my burden to bear," Fallon said.
"Why? Is this some Tar Heel State independence streak?" Grant asked.
"No, it's a Fallon thing," Fallon said.
"Why?" Grant asked.
"It's a long story, which will ruin your view of me," Fallon said, exhaustion heavy in her voice.
"Why would you say that?" Grant asked.
"Because it would," Fallon said, almost in a mumble, and yawned.
Their car arrived, and Grant helped Fallon into it; within moments of getting into the car, Fallon fell asleep. Grant sighed and gave the driver directions and hoped he made the right choice.
