by Kathryn Shay
She turned to find a handsome man in his fifties. “I’d appreciate viewing the copies directly and not through glass.”
“All right. I’m Millie Morrison, and I handle the rare books section. I’ll have to watch, so you don’t touch anything.”
He held out his hand. “Jacob Wayne. And I think I can bear the company of a beautiful woman for a bit.”
She smiled, he smiled, and they spent fifteen minutes together talking about old books. He bought two for a few thousand over what she’d paid for them, so it was worth her time. She went back to the office to enter the sales and other information she’d gleaned and found Finn at the computer.
He leaned back in the chair, lazy and content. “Mr. Wayne is right, you know. You’re a beautiful woman.”
She glanced around. “Hush. We still need to act professionally even though everyone knows.” She nodded to the computer. “What are you doing?”
“I zoomed Hayley. We just finished.” His eyes were… troubled. They turned to almost jade when he was upset.
“Everything okay?”
“No. Bridget ambushed me this morning.”
“Already? It’s only ten o’clock.”
Getting up, he closed the door. “Can you sit for a few minutes?” She took a chair and he explained to her about the incident and Hayley’s birthday. “Objectively, I can’t believe a parent would treat her children like she does.”
“Finn, you’ve told me enough over the years and I’ve seen enough to know you and your mother are pretty much estranged.”
He leaned forward, closer to her. “I’ll tell you the background soon, but I have an immediate issue with her.”
“All right, but for the record, what she did today? It’s not how a mother should treat her son. I never would do that to my children.”
He sighed. “You know, every time Hayley and I decide we’re done with her, one of us relents. Usually me. Hayley’s going to email her and tell her she’ll consent to the party if it’s in New York.”
“So, the ball’s in Bridget’s court.”
“Yes, it is.”
“What made you want to walk to work?”
“Take a wild guess.”
Warmth spread through her. “Me?”
“Yes, sweetheart, you.”
Her eyes dilated. “You’d better leave the office.”
“Yeah, I think I’d better. All our decision making about our behavior at work is going to go right out the window in about two minutes.” He opened the door. “God, you look good.”
“You, too.”
* * *
At six, the tenants of the building met at a restaurant a few blocks away that one of them owned. Finn had secured a private room big enough for twenty-five people. They sat at small tables and Martin Silver, who in normal times ran the tenants’ meetings, stood up front. “Glad to see you all here. I know we’re concerned, a mild word for what I feel, about the sale of our building. I’ll turn it over to Finn Casella to update you on where we are.”
Finn stood. “We formed a subcommittee at the first meeting we had with the neighborhood. Some of you were able to make that one on short notice. Afterward, we met the owner, Jonathan Parks. Markham Managers gave them a proposal to buy the building for fifteen million dollars. But the offer has contingencies and since the deadline to close the deal is close, the sale isn’t final. They’re still taking bids.”
Murmurs through the crowd.
“We have a couple of choices. Try to meet the bid through investors, or work on the legal front to block turning our area into condos, which includes our site. With that in mind, Dylan O’Neil invited a speaker from the Greenwich Village Historic Preservation Society, GVSHP for short, to the meeting. She’ll arrive in an hour. Meanwhile, we can talk about all this informally.”
One tenant who rented two apartments stood. “The rent on our apartments is high, but the condos will probably be too much for all of us to buy. Besides, we’ll have to live somewhere for the year the condos are being built.”
The others talked, too.
“I don’t want condos here at all. It’ll change the neighborhood.”
“I think we should protest.”
“I’m considering finding another place and moving.”
“Before we do anything rash,” Silver interrupted. “Let’s talk to the preservation person to see what we can do.”
Just then, she and Dylan walked in.
Finn crossed to them. “Hi, I’m Finn Casella.”
“Hello, Finn.” He led her to a table to set down her things, then she faced to the group. “Hello, everybody. I’m Marian Dorton. I’ve researched what’s happening here and it’s a lot like the situation over in the East Village.”
Finn knew they’d lost the battle to stop a developer who eventually put up condos. They did limit the number of floors it could be, but the thing sticks out in the neighborhood. The character of the area is already different, and now, high end stores are trying to move in.
“How would we start the process?” Silver asked.
“First, let me explain who we are and what we do. She reached in her bag and pulled out a sheath of papers.
“I’ll read aloud our mission: The Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation was founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and SoHo. We are a leader in protecting the sense of place that defines the Village’s unique community.
“Since this condo project will change the Village community, if you want to protest what’s happening to you, which I’m fully behind, you can take these steps.” She handed out a flyer. Finn read her plan.
—Contact the Community Board #2, which is the one set up for your area. Community Board #2 has an important advisory role in land use and zoning, landmarks, quality of life and liquor licensing matters, City budget, municipal service delivery and many other issues relating to our local communities' welfare.
—Collect petitions protesting the changes developers want to make in neighborhoods around you.
—Get the advice of a reputable lawyer about what you can do in the meantime.
—If nothing else, ratchet up public pressure on the Community Board location in Washington Square that might give board members pause. Nobody likes protest signs and t-shirts near their place of business or at home.
Finn said, “So if we submit a request to the Community Board to just get on the calendar, how long does that usually take?”
“It depends when the next meeting is.”
“If we collect the signatures against any restructuring of the area, how long after they’re submitted do we have to wait for a decision?”
“Two to four weeks.”
They all looked at each other.
Finn’s heart sped up. “In two to four weeks, our building could be sold.”
“Groups have been successful in stopping that process with a court order until they can talk to the board and get an answer back. That’s number three on my list. Get a lawyer.”
The meeting ended a bit after nine and Finn stayed behind with Dylan. “I think we should use my lawyer,” Finn told him. “I’m the one most vested in this right now.”
“Fine by me. But just remember Kinley’s got a slew of them on retainer for his conglomerate if you can’t meet yours asap.”
“I’ll call mine on the way home.”
When he and Millie left, she asked, “Where to?”
“Let’s walk by the store and make sure Judy and Erin closed up right.”
“I know you don’t do this on purpose, but when you check on people at work like that, me included, we lose confidence in our abilities, and we get angry at you for micromanaging.”
“Seriously? All these years, and no one told me this?”
“You can be very intimidating, Finn.”
“Hell.”
“Do you have faith in me? In Judy and Erin and Max?”
“Yes, I do.”
<
br /> “Maybe you should act like you do.”
“I’ll try.” He glanced over his shoulder. The O’Neils were behind them in deep discussion. “I wish I could hold your hand.”
“Not yet. Where are we going now?”
“You’ve got your sneakers on.”
“Yep. To walk home. It’s only 20-30 minutes to my house.”
“And mine. Let’s spend some time in my apartment.”
She sighed. She was dreading this. But fair was fair. He came to her place so she could go to his and try not to feel out of place. “All right. Yours it is.”
They held hands all the way to his building. As before, Robert, the concierge who buzzed people in, made her uncomfortable. But the man treated Finn with deference. The elevator sped to the eighth floor.
Finn took her hand again and walked down a plush hallway with muted grays and blues and original artwork by New York City artists. He unlocked the door and practically bumped into someone. Millie jolted back.
Finn quipped, “Oh, hi, Ali.”
The woman greeted him. She had long black hair and deep brown eyes that were exquisite. And Millie recognized her.
“This is Alessia, my cousin. Millie’s my—”
“Store manager. I’ve seen you at Fitzgerald’s and I think you were at Finn’s party.”
“I was.”
She turned to Finn. “I spent a couple of hours here this morning, had a class and came back to finish up work so I didn’t have to bring it home. That’s where I was headed, now.” She kissed his cheek. “I won’t keep you two. Thanks again for letting me use the place.”
He checked his watch. “Why don’t I call Jonah to drive you to Hidden Cove.”
Relief flooded Ali’s face. “Would he mind?”
“He’s on call and I haven’t even used him tonight.”
“I’d be very grateful. I could get there so much sooner by car.”
They went into the apartment and once again, its size overwhelmed Millie. She and Ali sat on twin sofas, made of buttery leather, while Finn headed into the kitchen to use his phone.
Millie smiled at Ali. “So, Finn told me you’re finishing your college degree?”
“Yeah. It’s a long road, though.”
“I can commiserate. I worked my way through college and grad school and it seemed to take forever.”
“I’m going to do this no matter what.”
“I’m sure you will.”
Finn called out. “Jonah will be out front in ten minutes. Meanwhile, I’m making another call to my lawyer.”
Millie made chit chat with Finn’s cousin until he came back. “I’ll walk down with you, Ali, to make sure you get in the car safely.”
“You’re just like my brothers.”
He laughed. “Millie, wander around. Get the lay of the land.”
“I will. Nice to see you again, Ali. If you’re in the store again, ask for me and we’ll chat some more.”
“Will do.”
* * *
First, Millie wandered to the windows. The wall was made of windows and the view of the city was stunning. A beautifully crafted oak table sat in front of it. She turned. Empty of guests, Millie took in the huge living area, with expensive furnishings, then a kitchen that was as big as her bedroom. She walked to it, noting the gleaming appliances and spartan décor. No mess at all. Off to the left side, she knew from the party, was Finn’s suite. The one opposite had been Hayley’s but now was for guests.
Millie sat on one of the stools, feeling lost here.
When Finn returned, she tried to hide it. He got them wine and sat down on another stool. “She’s a doll,” Millie said. “I’m glad I got to meet her.”
“Poor thing, though. Her husband died after only six years of marriage.”
“People have losses that we’re not aware of.”
“Tell me about yours, Millie. What losses have you had in life?”
“My parents died when I was fifteen. We’d lived in the apartment because that’s traditionally what the next generation has done. But more so, my mother loved being so close to Grandma and Grandpa. I moved in with them downstairs for a few years, but when I started college, I got the apartment back.”
“Hmm.”
“I also lost a friend in college.”
“I remember. You were pretty upset.”
“I guess that’s it for big losses.”
“No men that broke your heart?”
She held his gaze. “Not yet.”
He leaned over. Cupped her cheek. “I won’t, honey.”
She didn’t respond to that. “What about your losses?”
“My father died when I was fourteen. It was…hard being with my mother before he died. It got worse after. But the biggest loss in my life is Ronan.”
“The older brother in the family. You told me once he was a movie star. I looked him up. He disappeared from public view ten years later and never came back.”
“Yes, but he’s back, now. We just haven’t seen him. He’s…putting in appearances, I guess you could say.” He explained the situation.
“That’s horrid. Why hasn’t he contacted you?”
“He told Seth he wasn’t ready. Something bad happened with either Mother or Dad all those years ago.” Sighing, he slid off the stool. “Let’s order some dinner and get off this maudlin topic. Thai food?”
She set her glass on the table. “I never had it. You order for me. I’m sure I’ll like whatever you do.”
He pulled her off the stool, aligned her body with his. “I like you.”
The expression in his eyes was so sincere. So, she answered, “I like you, too.”
He lifted her off the floor and kissed her. Another erotic one that went on and on.
* * *
Finn was grumpy when the alarm buzzed the next morning. And he was uncomfortable. Hell, it had only been a few days of celibacy, and he was suffering. It came from being with Millie so much.
You’ll be harder next time, Finn.
When she said the words, he’d thought them fun and flirty. But this morning, he didn’t find them fun. Shit.
He moved quickly through the half hour he allowed himself, then walked again to the store to clear his head. When he got there, he was in a somewhat better mood. He had to be on because today was their big Columbus Day sale. And two authors, who’d written books about Christopher Columbus, had agreed to come in to give informal talks and sign books.
He was walking to work when his phone buzzed. “Hello, Jake.”
“Finn. Your voice mail sounded urgent.”
“Yes. Can we meet today?”
“I’m in court all day. Can you get here now? I have an hour.”
“Yeah, I’ll get a ride.”
He called an Uber and fifteen minutes later he was in Jake Hogan’s office, sitting across from his lawyer
Jake asked, “What can I do for you?”
“We got word that a big developer wants to buy my building.”
“What’s so bad about that?”
“He plans to evict everybody, including Fitzgerald’s, and build condos.”
“Hmm. Off the cuff, why don’t you offer to buy the bottom space at the cost he’d charge for condos. He might like to have retail there.”
“It never entered my mind.” He could afford to do that. But then he thought about Dylan, and The Broken Egg, and the other people already rallied around him. “But I don’t want to go that route. I have a responsibility to the neighborhood.”
“I understand. Then what you’re seeking is legal action to stop the sale so you can get the Community Board on your side, get the petitions, etc.”
“Right.”
“When?”
“The bidding ends in two weeks.”
“I can get an injunction, but I’ll need at least the petitions signed and proof of an appointment with the Community Board.”
“I’ll work on that.”
Enervated by the meeting with Jake, he
headed to the store to get Millie to handle the Columbus Day goings-on so he could pursue this.
Thank God for Millie Morrison. In many ways.
* * *
Molly had lived her life independent of anybody, but Fitz presented a threat to all that. First, he was too protective. She hadn’t seen it the first days they were together, but all last week, he took over everything.
She said out loud, “Call Erin. She helps you figure things out.”
Molly hadn’t seen her friend much since she met Fitz but now, she was anxious to talk about him.
Erin was her bright sunny self when they met to walk. “Hey, I wondered when I’d see you again.”
“I’m sorry. I kind of ditched you when I started going out with Fitz.”
“Don’t worry. I did the same when I first started dating Joey.”
Molly had forgotten that Erin had been AWOL when she met her current boyfriend.
“Tell me all the details, she went on. What he looks like, how he is…in bed?”
“In bed? You’re kidding. I haven’t known him that long. But I do like him but it’s scary trusting his feelings.”
“Yeah, I know. I guess you just have to decide if you want Fitz Connors.”
* * *
Chapter 6
* * *
Having planned to meet in the parking lot of La Jordanie, Hayley and Paul, and Finn and Millie walked into the restaurant in Manhattan that his mother had chosen, at exactly seven p.m.
Bridget sat with her back to them, sipping a drink. “Ready, Finn?” Hayley asked.
“I’m never ready for her.”
Millie squeezed his hand. He thought she’d balk at his request to come with him tonight, but instead she said she’d do anything to help him deal with his mother. And Millie was tough. She could take a night with the Wicked Witch of the West.
