“NYPD: Fighting crime, protecting the public.” A recruiting number displayed prominently. Jake considered it for a moment.
Then he took out his phone and snapped a photo.
Chapter 77
With Mary and Jake and Tommy and Harper off for their family visits, Dot and Danny decided to walk the High Line in the crisp winter air. They grabbed one more piping hot coffee from Edith’s, one of The Crew’s favorite small cafés.
“I love that place,” Dot said, as they headed out for their walk, steam swirling up and out of their to-go cups. “It was started by this woman after she got a divorce. Her ex said she’d never make it. And look at it now—it’s super famous.”
“Wow, you really know a lot about the local coffee shops,” Danny said.
“I do! They have so much character,” she said as they climbed the stairs to the High Line. “Especially the independent ones—they have personality... like the city itself.”
They strolled along the elevated walkway with a few other New Yorkers breathing fresh oxygen into their lungs after ringing in the New Year the night before. Dot pointed out landmarks along the way, like Chelsea Market and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
“This is an amazing use of space,” Danny said, checking out the design and admiring the construction.
“Isn’t it? For a long time, it was overgrown and unusable. Then they made it into a kind of urban trail and now it’s world famous. It’s great for locals who want a quick way to get from one place to the next—unless it’s overrun with tourists.” Dot made a face.
“Hey, I’m a tourist,” he said, elbowing her in the ribs.
“True,” she said. “Though you’re not annoying in any way. And the next time you’re here, you’ll feel more like a local. Promise me you’ll come back here?”
“I will.” He sealed that commitment with a kiss, until he realized they were blocking the path.
“Sorry!” Danny called out, waving to the couple who’d had to walk around them. He got a friendly wave in return.
Soon, they reached the end of the line and there was no more stalling. It was time to go. They dropped down to street level and Danny hailed a taxi.
It was going to be so hard to say goodbye.
AS THEIR DRIVERturned left off Central Park West onto Sixty-Seventh, Dot craned her neck to look toward the Buckley.
As always, there he was. Albert Hawkins, her friend and loyal doorman. She couldn’t wait for him to meet Danny.
Dot and Danny got out of the taxi and stepped under the Buckley’s awning. She hugged Albert fiercely.
“There she is,” Albert said. “My little ray of sunshine. I missed you so much, kid.”
“I thought of you every day,” she said. “I missed you, the park, the coffee shops. The subway. Even the guy with a food cart on Fifty-Eighth who’d shout out a compliment if he liked my outfit.” Dot’s words tumbled out. She had so much to tell him. “I knew I loved New York, but I didn’t realize how much until I was away for a year.”
“Well, nothing changed much around here. Oh! Except remember Mr. Schaztman in 5D? He’s engaged! Met a gal who was widowed after being married for over fifty years—she was working as an usher at a lecture at the 92nd Y. Three months later, he put a ring on it. They’re getting married downtown on Valentine’s Day. I’m going to be one of the witnesses!”
“That’s amazing! I guess it’s possible to find love anywhere,” Dot said, gesturing for Danny to come closer. “Speaking of meeting someone—Albert, this is Danny. He and I met in Cedar Falls.”
Danny stuck out his hand. “Mr. Hawkins, Danny Dawson. I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Albert gave him a hearty handshake.
“So, she didn’t forget about me then?” Albert asked as he winked at Dot. “She’s a special young lady. But I can see you already know that.” He gripped Danny’s shoulder and held him there looking him up and down, as if the young man was on inspection.
“I do,” Danny confirmed, hoping he was making a good impression on Dot’s friend.
“Hey, I’m just going to check my mail—be right back,” Dot said, popping into the lobby.
When she was out of earshot, Albert leaned into Danny. “Son—be ready for what’s coming. I’ve known her since she was a girl. She can be very stoic, but under that tough New York exterior, she’s a sensitive soul. Parting is going to be hard for her.”
“Yes, sir. I’m prepared for that.” He gave a sharp nod of his head to confirm he understood.