Chapter 116

He smiled as he looked at my card. "Well, actually, I don't have just one contract lawyer at the moment. I've been with a corporation, and I get a different lawyer every time. Very impersonal." He let out a deep breath. "But I'd rather go to one person that I can trust."
I nodded. "If I can do anything for you, please let me know."
He chuckled as he shook his head. "What are the chances of meeting a contract lawyer when I need one?"
I laughed. "I was just thinking the same thing."
What seemed like minutes later, we touched down smoothly in New York and the pilot threw the engines into reverse, shoving me back against the seat until we finally came to a stop and taxied to the jetway.
Vince looked over at me as people around us started getting their things together. "Well, Ms. Collins, it was a pleasure to meet you," he said, smiling as he held up my card and slipped it into his inside jacket pocket. "I'll call you soon, and maybe we can set something up." He started to get up, and then added, "Good luck in New York. I'm sure you'll like it. And if you need help settling in, I'd be glad to show you around."
I smiled, thankful for the contact. "Thank you. I truly appreciate that."
We held back as the other passengers disembarked. As we walked down the jetway, Vince asked, "Do you have a ride? I could have my driver take you anywhere you'd like to go."
I shook my head as I smiled. "No, but thank you. A friend of mine is meeting me."
He smiled as he reached over and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "He's a very lucky man."
I looked at him, confused. "How did you know it was a guy?"
He chuckled. "Trust me. I know."
I nodded as he walked over to a chauffeur who was waiting for him. He took his bag as he walked away.
Curt walked up and pulled me in for a hug, and then looked over his shoulder at Vince walking away. "Who was that?"
I shook my head, confused. "Who?"
He looked over at Vince, who had just walked out the door.
"Oh! He's a music agent that I met on the plane," I said, a bit uncomfortable as we headed to the baggage claim area. "I gave him my card. He's looking for a contract lawyer."
Curt's eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Are you sure that's all he wants?"
I stopped dead in my tracks and looked in to his eyes. "Curt, you and I are friends. I told you that I needed some time. But I definitely don't need you being jealous over me. You have to trust me that I would never lie to you. And if I talk to a man, it doesn't mean that I'm going to go to bed with him." Then, I walked away.
"Hey. Where are you going?" he asked as he trotted to catch up to me.
I stopped and let out a deep breath. "Curt, when you met me just now, you didn't even say hello." I started walking away again when he grabbed my arm. "Let go
"I'm sorry," he said as he let go of my arm and scrubbed his hands over his face. "Let's start over. It's good to see you." Then, he slid his arm around my waist.
But I pulled away, holding up my arms. "Curt, thanks for coming to get me, but I'll talk to you tomorrow. Tonight, I want to be alone. I'm tired, and I don't need this bullshit."
He stepped back and stared at me for a moment. Then, he slid his hands into his pockets. "Alyssa, let me take you anywhere you want to go."
I shook my head. "Not tonight. I'll talk to you tomorrow." Then, I walked off without looking back.
I collected my suitcase from baggage claim, walked outside, and hailed a cab. Moments later, we pulled up in front of a high rise. I had rented a furnished condominium in Manhattan from a realtor over the weekend. From the outside, it looked as if I had chosen wisely.
The high rise was tall, over forty-stories, and was all smoked glass, reflecting the lights of the city, causing it to sparkle like diamonds.
"Good evening, miss," a doorman asked when I approached, blocking my way.
"Good evening. I just moved here," I said, setting down the suitcase. "My condo is on the thirtieth floor."
"Oh! Well, that changes things!" he said as a broad smile spread across his face. "Here. Let me get that for you!" He reached for my suitcase. "Why don't you go on up and I'll send up your bag?"
I shook my head. "That's okay. I can get it," I said as a big yawn escaped my lips. After all, I didn't know him yet. That's all I needed: for my suitcase to be stolen by a man posing as a doorman on my first night in New York. I was sure that he was okay, but until I got to know him, I planned to carry my own bags.
He shrugged. "Okay. Suit yourself! Welcome to the building, Miss "
I forced a smile. He seemed kind enough, but I was so tired that I was about ready to drop. "Ms. Collins
He nodded. "Well, if you need anything, the name's Henry."
"Thanks, Henry," I said as I yawned again. "Have a good night."
He nodded, and then went on to help another resident.
Carrying my suitcase, I headed to the elevator and hit the thirtieth floor. Within minutes, I opened the door to my new condo and it was gorgeous! I stepped into the foyer, and the living room was on the right. Plate glass windows stretched across the length of the room, which was filled with expensive furnishings, including high-end glass and metal end tables, along with a black loveseat and couch, with a discreet floral pattern across it that complimented the room.
I set down my suitcase and walked straight ahead into the kitchen. It had all stainless steel appliances-including the refrigerator-and had a white tiled backsplash with black flecks in it. Very tasteful.
I walked to the left and into one of the two bedrooms. This was the spare room, and I could easily turn it into an office. Also, it would be nice to have when my family and friends come to visit.
I walked through the kitchen and into the dining room, next to the living room. A chandelier hung from the ceiling above a huge glass table with six black leather chairs surrounding it. A pretty floral centerpiece set in the middle of the table, setting off the room.
Off the dining room and living room was the master bedroom. A king-sized bed took center stage, covered with a tasteful, floral bedspread. On either side were glass side tables and lamps, and to the right was a dresser that stretched the length of the wall. To the left was the closet, with mirrored sliding-glass doors, and the bathroom was just on the other side.
Everything was high-end and done with taste. I would love to know the name of the designer who did it because the condo was exquisite. I walked back out to the kitchen, and a floral arrangement set on the counter with a card that read:

Dear Ms. Collins:
Welcome to your new home! I hope you will find everything to your taste. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.
Your Realtor,
Penelope Jones

Her number was on the bottom of the card. I laid the card down and ran my hand across the marble bar. I walked into the foyer and locked the front door, and then carried my suitcase to the bedroom.
It felt strange to have a condo to myself without Alanna, but it felt right, even though I was already missing her. But it felt great to be here in New York, where another chapter in my life had just begun.