Chapter 705: New York New York
Wednesday, March 15th, Evening
Midweek, New York City, not the busiest night of the week, but this New York City. The young couple walked one or two blocks down the avenue from the bar they met to a local taxi stand. They figured it was faster as the UBERs were too far out time-wise.
He looked her over appreciatively; she took the time to look beautiful. She was petite and short, but her brunette hair was down her back; she wore sensible heels and an elegant dress, but what tied it all together was her black leather trench coat. In comparison, he wore a simple business suit.
Fallon Stafford smiled and looked at her date, Grant Coyle. Both were city natives, although Fallon spent years on and off at Gracebourne, her family's Nassau County property. As one of the wealthiest New York City residents, Fallon lived a relatively quiet existence and was rarely, if ever, gossiped about, even though she was considered one of the most eligible bachelorettes in NYC.
"You didn't have to go all out," Grant said.
Fallon cocked her head. "This old thing?" she asked.
"Fallon," Grant said.
Fallon laughed, "I wanted to dress up for you; I think you're tired of me always wearing business suits," she said.
"It's part of your charm," Grant said.
"And here I thought it was my bubbly personality," Fallon said.
"That too," Grant said with a laugh.
"Sorry I didn't come back with you," Fallon said.
"So? It was important for your family," Grant said.
Fallon nodded, "It was," she said.
"So, how was the movie?" Grant asked.
"Truthful," Fallon said.
"So, explain the Brian Scott connection again," Grant said.
Fallon sighed, "Brian is Izzy's husband's cousin," she said.
Grant nodded, "So, a distant relation," he said.
"Yes," Fallon said.
"There's more, isn't there?" Grant asked.
"There's always more," Fallon said.
"How so?" Grant asked.
Fallon looked down the long avenue. "I've been a sister to Izzy and Chase long before our parents got together," she said.
"Okay?" Grant asked.
"Until my junior year, I went to Convent of the Sacred Heart with Chase, Izzy; we were this tight little group, which included Izzy's sister-in-law, Candi," Fallon said.
"There's still more, isn't there?" Grant asked.
"Isn't there always," Fallon said, "There were a few other girls; their parents were connected. I still see one of them regularly," Fallon said.
"Okay, so?" Grant asked.
"Well, CeCe has a complex relationship with the family, but her shop has the best coffee," Fallon said.
"Okay?" Grant said, "That's the Sunday Coffee meet up?"
Fallon nodded, "Yeah, that year we mostly left New York for Tree Hill. First the Adams sisters, then me, and finally Candi," she said.
"That still doesn't explain Brian Scott's importance to your family," Grant said.
"Tree Hill is a small town," Fallon said.
"I've noticed," Grant said.
"So, don't be surprised everyone knows each other," Fallon said.
"I'm not," Grant said, "But you're avoiding."
Fallon sighed, "Trin's son," she said.
"Her son? I don't get it," Grant said.
"Trin's son is Brian's oldest child," Fallon said.
"Oh, you might've mentioned that," Grant said.
"No worries, the past is the past, and Wyatt's a good kid," Fallon said.
"So, where do you get coffee on Sunday?" Grant asked.
"VLC in the village," Fallon said matter-of-factly.
"VLC? CeCe? You're school friends with Christy Carmichael?" Grant asked.
Fallon nodded, "Yes," she said.
"They have the best coffee," Grant said.
"Told you," Fallon said.
"So, who don't you know?" Grant asked.
"I'd like to get to know Grant Coyle better," Fallon said.
"What?" Grant asked.
"Enough about the past; let's live in the present and the future," Fallon said.
"What?" Grant asked.
Fallon stopped and wrapped her arms around Grant's neck. She pushed up on her tippy-toes to kiss Grant's lips. Once her lips released him, she stayed on her tippy-toes to look into his eyes.
"Where are you taking me to dinner? Also, I gift-wrapped myself for you, so whose place are we going after, so you can unwrap me?" Fallon asked.
"Umm!" Grant said.
Fallon nipped his bottom lip. "Cat got your tongue? I'd much rather have it," she said.
"Umm, let's get a cab," Grant said.
"Good boy," Fallon said, and pecked Grant on the lips, then got off her tippy-toes.
"Yeah," Grant said.
They got into a taxi, and Grant gave the driver their destination. Grant sat back just as Fallon's smartphone buzzed. Fallon rolled her eyes.
"I have to check it at least," Fallon said.
"Go ahead," Grant said.
Fallon reached into her bag and pulled out her smartphone. It was a text message.
Shaun Finch: SDRP Monday 0800
Fallon sighed, nodded, and typed her response.
Fallon: Okay, see you there.
Fallon put her smartphone away and leaned against Grant as the taxi drove into the New York City night.