Chapter 191 Top of the World
Getting a table at the fanciest restaurant in New York City hadn’t been a problem when Case had mentioned it was for Andrea Sparks. He only wished his name had that sort of clout. Maybe in Charlotte, but not in The Big Apple.
She looked gorgeous as usual, sitting across from him in a shimmering silver gown. It seemed like every eye in the restaurant was glued to her. He’d been watching her interview from the green room and thought it was hilarious when she’d joked about being engaged to Sarah, whom she’d spoken to ahead of time. Sarah said go for it; she thought it was funny, too. Andrea was the whole package—beautiful, talented, witty. He was so lucky to be the one sitting with her eating the most expensive meal he’d probably ever eat.
“I feel like you’re staring at me,” Andrea said, just before the waiter brought their dessert. “Are you staring at me?” She had an amused expression on her face, like she was about to giggle at him.
“Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “I can’t help it. You’re gorgeous. Everyone’s staring at you.”
She looked around. “No, they’re not. There’s plenty of beautiful women in here. And plenty of famous people. Look, there’s Barbara Stanton and Mic Donaldson,” she said, gesturing at the famous couple.
Case didn’t even bother to turn his head. “So? No one in this dining room is as beautiful as you.” He shrugged. “I guess I’m just feeling thankful. Thankful that we’re together. That you’re my girl. That I didn’t die last weekend.”
She shook her head at him. “I’m thankful for that, too.” She squeezed his hand but they had to let go as the waiter brought two slices of New York style cheesecake with fresh cherries.
After they finished the meal and Case paid the enormous bill that made him blink a little, he took her hand and led her outside, wishing he’d arranged for a carriage ride. Instead, they got in the limo they’d rented for the night and headed to the Empire State Building.
It was a breathtaking sight, the tall, iconic building with bright lights that seemed to capture the entire New York City nightscape. He’d never seen the building in person before, and now he was going to the top with his beautiful fiancée.
They rode the elevator up to the top floor, and when they got out, there were photographers waiting there. That alarmed Case at first until he realized they were there to take everyone’s picture as they stepped off the elevator, not just famous people.
After a few silly pictures, they headed out to take in the view. It was amazing how far Case could see, even in the dark. So many buildings were illuminated by lights in so many different colors. He could see bridges and waterways and dozens of landmarks.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Andrea asked, squeezing his hand as the wind stirred her hair.
“It is. I can see now why you like this city so much. There’s just so much to take in, something new everywhere you look.”
“I love it, but I love you more,” Andrea assured him.
Case turned, planning to kiss her, to pull her close and never let her go. But a commotion over her shoulder caught his attention. There were high fences all around where they were standing meant to deter people from jumping because, historically speaking, so many people had jumped from the roof of this building. But a man was doing his best to climb over them. Staff was moving in to try and stop him, but he was determined. A woman was screaming, children running, and the man shouted, “Leave me be! I want to die!”
He climbed higher and was just about over the barrier. The staff members were on radios talking to someone, but none of them seemed to know what to do. It was as if they’d been trained but had never encountered something like this, so they didn’t know how to stop him. Case wondered if the man could clear the barrier and also jump out wide enough to miss the second row of protection below them, which was some sort of a net meant to catch anyone who did manage to make it over the first barrier.
Case knew he had to do something and do it quickly, or else that man would make a huge mistake and it would all be over. But what could he do to save him?
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