"What was that all about?" Kevin asked when Joe entered the New York City section.
Feigning innocence, Joe shrugged.
"You know how New Yorkers are... always wanting to see something exciting."
"...or a display of affection." Kevin finished.
The statement made Joe smile.
"I'm right, aren't I?" Kevin continued. "I knew it! So where is she now?"
"She said she'd be right back." Joe said. "She was pretty upset just a few minutes ago."
"Upset?" Kevin asked incredulously. "From what I could see she looked pretty happy. Heck, a kiss from a woman that fine would make me happy, too."
Joe laughed.
"You're right. Unfortunately, she got here before I could warn her about the newest member of the Upper West Side."
"Huh?"
"Over there." Joe said, pointing across the street to the Baby Gap.
"Oh yeah. Such a shame, isn't it?" Kevin asked. "How did she take it?"
"Not well." Joe said. "Oh, who am I kidding, Kevin? She was heartbroken! She tries so hard to be brave but inside she's torn apart. Her little bookstore is gone, and..."
He looked at his watch. "What's taking her so long?"
"That's a woman for you." Kevin said.
"I'm gonna see what's keeping her." Joe said. He rose from the cushioned chair he'd been sitting in, and looked around the store. Suddenly he knew where she was.
He walked up the circular staircase and into the vast children's department. Stuffed animals and colorful books filled the shelves, and the laughter of young voices could be heard throughout.
And there in the corner, was Kathleen.
He stood in an inconspicuous spot, hidden behind a life-size stuffed Giant Panda, watching as she lovingly read a story to a small boy.
"And then Babar the elephant held the balloon tightly as it carried him high into the sky." She was saying. When she pointed to a page in the book, the little red haired boy laughed.
Suddenly, Joe's heart was filled with joy.
When she finished the book, the little boy looked at her attentively. "Again!" he cried.
Kathleen smiled. "We'd better go find your mommy. I bet she's really worried about you."
As if on queue, a tall dark haired woman with the same facial features as the little boy appeared.
"There you are, Jake!" She reached over and took him in her arms.
Jake pointed to the Babar book. "Mine!"
"He really seemed to like it. It's a wonderful story." Kathleen said holding the book out to Jake's mother.
The woman took the book from Kathleen and smiled thoughtfully "I read this when I was a little girl. I bought it right over there at Shop Around The Corner."
At the mention of her store, sadness filled Kathleen's eyes.
"Well, I hate to tell him no when he asks for books. He just loves to read." Jake's mother continued.
As they started down the stairs, Jake turned and waved to Kathleen.
"Bye!" he called to her.
"Bye Jake!" Kathleen waved back smiling at the little boy.
When they were no longer in sight, the loving smile on her face disappeared.