I'll Take New York

by Miranda Dickinson

  ‘I can imagine it must have been hard for Ed to refuse the family profession. My brother and I didn’t have that to contend with, thank goodness. I always wanted to run a bookshop because my Grandma Dot has always been a bookseller. Stewart was always the one with an eye for a story when he was at primary school, so he’d pretty much decided that was what he wanted to do when he grew up.’

  ‘I’m glad I knew early,’ Jake admitted. ‘Seeing what Ed went through with Dad galvanised that. So, I know you have one brother. Any more James family siblings?’

  Bea giggled at Jake’s unconscious suggestion that she might have more family members hidden away. ‘Nope, just the two of us. And you have two brothers?’

  ‘Yes. Daniel’s six years older than me and there are two years between me and Ed. Dan lives in Michigan now, so I don’t see him so much, apart from Thanksgiving and Christmas.’ He smiled at her. ‘Well, look at us exchanging family stats. Where should we go next? Family pets? Academic prowess?’

  ‘I don’t know I should share such personal information with you yet. My pets are precious to me. Or they would be, if I had any.’

  Jake smiled. ‘I hear you. We should start small and work our way up. Do you think you’re ready to share another slice of cheesecake with me? That chocolate fudge nut is calling my name from the cabinet there.’

  Arriving home in the early evening, Bea realised that she had been smiling all day. Jake had been charming, funny and great company. She liked that at no point had she wondered what he was thinking of her, or worried about what the future held for them. She was able to simply enjoy his company. This was far better than the dating carousel she had always clambered back onto when relationships ended. The Pact was what made it all work: being friends with Jake was a million miles away from wading through new dates with anybody else.

  She flopped onto her sofa and kicked off her shoes. I like the new Bea James, she thought. I’m content, I’ve found a great new friend and I’m having the best time. What more could I want?

  The apartment was silent, save for the distant rumble of traffic and the slow ticking of her kitchen clock. And somewhere way in the back of Bea’s mind, a tiny note of discord began to chime.

  ‘I’m perfectly content,’ Bea said out loud, as if even her own home didn’t quite believe her. ‘This is a perfect arrangement.’

  The apartment said nothing.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

  Kowalski’s, corner of West 68th and Columbus, Upper West Side

  Jake listened to the huge argument in full flow around him but it was as if he were floating in a bubble above it all.

  ‘What do you want me to say, Rosie? I tried to get Dad on side and so did you. If he’s playing hardball it’s nobody’s problem but his.’

  ‘I know that, but he’s holding up every arrangement we’ve made so far. I need this to be sorted, Ed,’ Rosie countered. ‘I’m so far behind with everything. And then there’s this place: we’re both rushed off our feet since Marnie had the twins; we’re under-staffed and I can’t find temporary cover because there aren’t enough hours in the day to hold interviews. Something needs to budge, and soon.’ She gave a brief smile to the startled lady buying a bunch of multi-coloured gerberas as she handed over her change. ‘Thank you, Laura. I’m sorry about this.’

  ‘Hey, don’t apologise, Rosie. When I was planning my wedding I almost killed my fiancé. No, I’m serious. I had a frozen leg of lamb in my hand and I almost swung for him.’

  Ed momentarily forgot his fury, staring at the primly dressed middle-aged customer. ‘Wow, Laura.’

  Laura shrugged. ‘It happens. I thought better of it, we married and next February we celebrate twenty-five years together. You will get through it, believe me. Just make sure you take care of each other, OK?’

  Ed watched her leave and turned to Rosie. ‘I’m sorry. I love you, Rosie. Promise me you’ll never bludgeon me with frozen meat?’

  Rosie laughed. ‘You’re forgiven and I love you too. And I promise I’ll clear the freezer of possible weapons next time Jake takes you to the bar.’

  Hearing his name, Jake drifted out of his thought bubble and rejoined them. ‘Does that mean I need to take him out again?’

  Ed shot a comedy scowl at his brother. ‘Don’t do it on my account.’

  ‘Aw, man. You know I love hanging with you.’

  ‘Hmm. Besides, I hear you might be too busy to come out with your big bro now a certain friend is commanding your time.’

  Rosie grinned conspiratorially and snuggled up to her fiancé. ‘This sounds much more interesting than our wedding venue problems. What’s happening, Jake?’

  Jake blamed his current state of mind for walking him right into this ambush before he could realise what Rosie and Ed were doing. ‘Nothing’s happening. Bea and I are just enjoying hanging out.’

  ‘Frequently,’ Ed added. ‘How many dates have you been on now, hmm?’

  ‘They’re not dates,’ Jake returned, annoyed that Ed couldn’t see their friendly meetings for what they were. ‘We’re just exploring New York together. As friends.’

  ‘Sure you are. So how many friendly explorations have you been on, exactly?’

  ‘To date, four. She’s taken me to Central Park and a quirky stationery store she loves on the Lower East Side. I’ve taken her to Grand Central and last Saturday we went to the old baseball ground where you, Dan and me played as kids. See? We’re just sharing places we love in the city. No big deal.’

  Ed and Rosie looked at each other, amused.

  ‘It sounds lovely,’ Rosie said, beaming. ‘And you seem to be enjoying yourself.’

  ‘I am. Thank you.’

  ‘So what’s next on the Friendship Tour?’ Ed asked. ‘Empire State? Ellis Island?’

  Jake didn’t like the mockery in his brother’s tone of voice. ‘Maybe. Who knows? It’s her turn to nominate, so I won’t know till I get there.’

  ‘And you’ll get there on …?’

  ‘Sunday.’

  ‘Ah.’

  Jake groaned the Steinmann Family Groan, much to Rosie and Ed’s amusement. ‘Please stop bugging me. I like spending time with Bea. It’s good to have a new friend who doesn’t know my entire history. And it takes my mind away from – well, you know.’

  Rosie’s smile vanished. ‘Oh no. Have you heard more from that awful solicitor?’

  ‘Not yet. But it can’t be long before he gets in touch again. Knowing what a hurry my wife is in to be shot of me.’ He saw their reaction and wished he hadn’t been quite so frank. ‘Hey, it’s not a problem. Just a necessary part of the process. It’ll do us all good to be done with it as soon as possible. So, what’s the issue with Dad?’

  Ed’s expression darkened. ‘He’s being deliberately obstructive. We were all systems go for having the wedding at their house – at his suggestion I might add – and then I dared to suggest that, as we were paying for everything else, we should have final say over the guest list.’

  Rosie squeezed Ed’s arm. ‘He did it nicely, believe it or not. But it hurt Joe’s pride I think and he’s now said unless he has complete control of the wedding, we can’t use the Steinmann house at all. It’s hopeless, Jake! I even went out there on my own last week to try to reason with him. But you know your father: when he’s decided something he’s an immovable force.’

  Jake could see that neither Rosie nor Ed were likely to find a resolution to the problem with Dr Steinmann Sr. Perhaps it was time to send in a psychological professional. ‘Why don’t you let me have a word with him?’

  Rosie and Ed blinked at him, his offer sinking in.

  ‘You’d do that?’ Rosie asked.

  ‘Sure, if it means you guys are able to enjoy planning your wedding again,’ Jake replied. ‘I haven’t seen Dad for a couple of weeks, so I’m due a visit. I’ll use the opportunity to put your case forward.’

  Rosie looked close to tears as she threw her arms around Jake. ‘It would mean so much! Thank you!’


  ‘Take your invisible lightsaber,’ Ed joked without smiling. ‘Once you two get locked in a battle of the brains I can see it becoming a duel worthy of Darth Vader and Obi-Wan.’

  The leaves were beginning to transform into their autumn colour when Jake drove out to Long Island the next day. Hiring a car, he headed out to his parents’ home, enjoying the freedom of the open road once the city was behind him.

  When his mother and father first bought the house in Hampton Bays, their sons had put it down to a whim and predicted they would be back in the city within a year. But much to everyone’s surprise, Martha and Joe Steinmann took to Long Island life like well-heeled ducks to water. Joe’s health had been tested by a heart scare four months before they bought the coastal property and while his personal dietician and trainer had brought him back to a healthier lifestyle, Joe had developed a passion for beach walks. Martha was involved in the local community society and their lives became dominated by charity functions, bake sales and weekend regattas. Jake liked the change in his parents, while Ed and Dan took great delight in mocking their new life choices.

  He turned onto the coast road overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and drove past pricey bay properties until he reached a tree-lined driveway leading up to a large house. The tall cedar trees framing the property made the white-painted wood frontage glow, even on an overcast day like today. It was an impressive property in every sense, from the row of hand-blown glass lanterns on either side of the drive to the enormous swimming pool on the right-hand side and the long, whitewashed jetty leading from the boathouse on the left out into the sea. In this respect, it was every inch Dr Joe Steinmann: everything on show, demanding your attention.

  Martha Steinmann flung open the door before Jake reached the front steps. ‘Jacob, darling! How was the drive down?’

  Jake hugged his mother, inhaling the familiar scent of cinnamon and violets on her clothes. ‘Good, Mom. Where is the Dragon Master?’

  Martha’s smile revealed more than she realised. ‘In the Ocean Room. I hope you can knock sense into him, Jake. I’ve given up.’

  ‘Leave him to me.’

  His mother kissed his cheek. ‘You’re an angel. Now I’m meeting the girls in town for some much needed coffee. Will you stay for dinner?’

  ‘Sure. Say hi to the ladies for me.’

  ‘I will. Try not to murder your father.’

  Jake strolled through the wide marble lobby with its two-storey-high ceiling into a large, open-plan living room with wrap-around windows looking out to sea. His father was seated on one of the many white damask sofas in the centre of the room and took off his reading glasses as he stood to greet Jake.

  ‘Son, this is an unexpected pleasure. I could hardly believe it when your mother said you were visiting us again. That’s twice in a fortnight, after years of seeing you only on holidays.’

  They shared a brief, backslapping hug and sat down together.

  ‘Your mom made us coffee,’ Joe Steinmann said, folding his newspaper and indicating a cafetiere and plate of homemade cake on the large oak coffee table. ‘She’s gotten into baking again after all these years. Help yourself.’

  ‘I’ll do that.’ Jake filled two bone china mugs and passed one to Joe, taking a large slice of cake and sitting beside his father. ‘This is good cake.’

  ‘You know your mom: never does anything half-heartedly. I swear she’ll be supplying half the coffee shops on Long Island before long.’ Joe laughed loudly at his own joke. ‘She’s meeting the Hampton Bays Centenary Sisters this morning, would you believe? I have no idea what they do, either. Are you staying for dinner?’

  ‘If you’ll have me.’

  This pleased his father no end. ‘Excellent! I have some new yacht brochures to show you. Thinking of testing out the old sea legs again. What do you think?’

  ‘I think if it makes you happy, you should do it.’

  ‘And that’s why you’re my favourite son!’

  ‘This is good coffee, Dad,’ Jake said, glad of the smoky caffeine hit this morning.

  ‘New blend from the coffee merchants I found in Garden City. It’s Peruvian-Guatemalan. I bought out their supply when your mother and I visited last weekend. I think I’m their best customer.’ He revelled in the taste of his coffee, then put his cup and saucer down on his knee and looked at Jake. ‘But you didn’t come here to consult on coffee blends and yacht brochures, did you?’

  The veteran psychiatrist had kicked into action and Jake prepared for another mind-battle. ‘You’re right, I didn’t. I came to see you and Mom.’

  ‘But more than that: what’s on your mind, son? The divorce must be taking its toll.’

  ‘I guess so, although I haven’t heard back from Jess’ lawyer yet.’

  ‘Don’t let her walk all over you, Jake. I know you want the affair signed off as soon as you can, but defend your share. You invested far too much in that marriage to hand it all over to Jessica. She might think she can win, but you must stand your ground for what’s rightfully yours.’

  Jake didn’t want to have this conversation, but it afforded him useful thinking space to work out how to tackle the main subject he had come to discuss. ‘I’ll try to.’

  ‘Who’s representing you?’

  ‘Chuck Willets.’

  ‘Ah! Good choice. That man saved my practice when Dean Graham tried to sue. What does he suggest?’

  ‘That I wait and see what Jessica’s lawyer lays down first. I’m happy to follow his lead.’

  Joe nodded thoughtfully, stirring another lump of sugar crystals into his coffee. ‘Don’t tell your mom,’ he said quickly when he saw Jake’s disapproval. ‘She’s got me up to my eyes in tofu. Sugar in my coffee is the one treat I have left.’

  ‘You should think of your heart, Dad. You know what Dr Keller said.’

  ‘Dr Keller is a mean old man,’ Joe returned. ‘And what he doesn’t know he can’t steal from me.’

  Jake laughed. ‘Your secret’s safe with me.’

  ‘Thanks, son.’

  Seizing the moment, Jake turned on the offensive. ‘Although, if you don’t back down on Ed’s wedding arrangements, I may be forced to say something.’

  Joe Steinmann stared at his youngest son. ‘Blackmail, Jake? I didn’t give you my years of psychological knowledge to let you resort to cheap tricks like that.’

  ‘Oh, and your insistence on taking over the wedding isn’t a cheap trick?’

  ‘Certainly not!’

  Jake leaned a little closer to his father. ‘Well, it looks that way from here. What’s the real problem, Dad? You surely can’t disapprove of Ed’s choice of bride?’

  ‘Of course not. I love Rosie like a daughter already.’

  ‘Then why the High Noon standoff? You really upset her when she spoke to you last.’

  ‘She may be perfect for Edward, but she was asking too much.’

  Jake put his coffee cup down on the table. ‘Rosie was asking to be able to have a say in her own wedding. Is that unreasonable? You know what planning this wedding means to her and how imperative it is that their big day is as happy and trouble-free as possible.’

  Joe dismissed this. ‘I know, of course I know. I’ve heard the story a thousand times. Their day will be happy. They just need to appreciate that this is my house and my rules apply here.’

  ‘Dad. Be reasonable, huh? They’re not asking for money or crazy wedding arrangements. They’re not going after an embarrassing theme or inviting scandal into your home. All Ed wants is to marry the love of his life in your beautiful house, surrounded by the people that mean the most to him. Sure, it’s two days before Christmas, but all the family members they want to invite will be staying here for Christmas anyway. You don’t have to do a thing …’

  ‘And that’s the problem!’ Joe exclaimed suddenly. ‘All of this will be going on around me and what am I expected to do? Nothing! I will not be in charge of my own house! And it isn’t just the closeness to Christmas: the planners will be here for da
ys before; they will move my furniture and rearrange my home and I will be expected to exist in the middle of their chaos. What makes you think I’ll be comfortable with that?’

  Jake could hear his father’s reasons but sensed that none of them pointed to the underlying problem. ‘All of what you’ve said is valid and understandable. But all of it would be easy for you to overlook if you were happy with the wedding taking place here. There’s something you’re not telling me.’

  His father appeared momentarily stunned by Jake’s suggestion. Then, slapping his hands on his knees, he stood and marched to the window overlooking the sweeping lawn strewn with autumn leaves and blue-grey Atlantic beyond. ‘I don’t have to take this from you, Jacob. I didn’t take it from Edward or Rosie. It’s unfair to suggest I’m attention-seeking.’

  Aha! Jake congratulated himself on making his father admit the real reason for his behaviour. ‘Is that what you want here, Dad? Attention?’

  Joe pulled a face. ‘I never said it was.’

  ‘I think you’ll find you just did. Do you feel Ed and Rosie are freezing you out of their wedding plans?’

  ‘No.’ His answer was quiet and the telling question mark his voice added revealed how close to the bone Jake’s assertion was.

  ‘Dad, come on. You’re talking to a psychiatrist.’

  Joe harrumphed, his breath clouding the windowpane in front of him. ‘That suggests that I’m no better than a child.’