Inseparable

“Well, I think this is what we do.” Aaron said, addressing everyone. “I’m going to dig up as much information on this Rafel character, and I might have one of my guys look at this website if that’s okay?” He glanced at Dane and me. I looked at Dane, who nodded. “Once I have all the information possibly available to me, we will decide what the best way of moving forward is.” Aaron got up to leave, turning back to us once more.

“If your sister gives you anything else, let me know.” He handed me a card. “I’ll be as quick as I can with all this, but it might take a day or so.” He added.

We all stood up to walk him out.

“Thanks Aaron.” Dane smiled. He looked almost relaxed, something I hadn’t seen in days.

“What do you want to do today?” Dane asked. We were back in my room, at a loss of what to do next. We had done all we could for Steffy right now, the rest was in Aarons hands. I silently prayed that he would come through for us.

“I want to sight see.” I grinned. Dane laughed, shaking his head.

“Okay, Lil. Whatever you want. Where do you want to go?” He asked, amused.

“Hmm. Central Park and the empire state building for a start!” I giggled. “From there, who knows?”

“Get ready then, looks like I have a lot to show you,” he leaned down and kissed me, “I’ll be your tour guide for today,” he said huskily, his lips touching mine again. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I leaned into his kiss, wondering how such a simple act could render me almost senseless and unable to function.

“Ready?” Dane grinned, hailing a taxi as I nodded. Having only seen central park west in the movies, it felt crazy that I was about to see it in real life. Watching the streets of New York fly by, or rather, crawl by, thanks to the backed up traffic, I felt a twinge of sadness.

When we were younger, Abby and I had talked about taking a year off before college and seeing the country. The stop she was most looking forward to was New York. Closing my eyes, I tried to imagine the person holding my hand right now was her, I imagined how happy she would be, and how much fun we would’ve had wreaking havoc on NYC.

“Lil, we’re here.”

Opening my eyes, I turned to Dane. He was smiling, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes. I wondered what he was thinking. Had he been having the same thoughts about Steffy?

We climbed out of the cab, the entrance to the park just ahead of us. Glancing up at the sky, all I could see was blue for miles. No clouds were in sight, whether wise, it was the perfect day. The lightest of all breezes softly rustled the treetops, sending stray leaves floating down to the ground. The park was busy, people walking dogs, people playing with kids, bike riders, walkers, it seemed as though everyone in the city was here, right now. We walked through the park, stopping to watch a busker playing a song on his guitar. He was pretty good too. Reaching into my pocket, I threw some change into his upturned hat. He winked at me, causing me to giggle.

“Are you right?” Dane chuckled next to me.

“Where now?” I asked softly, not sure the day could get any more perfect. “Well, I figured we can’t leave New York without trying some pizza,” he grinned, as my face lit up.

“With extra anchovies?” I asked hopefully. He nodded, his nose screwing up in distaste.

“And olives.” I added laughing, as he sighed, but nodded. “So where do we get this ‘amazing’ pizza?" I laughed, as Dane pulled out his cell.

“Well, it’s a good thing I have an app for that.” He grinned. “Right, so we take a left up here, then walk two block and Tony’s Pizza should be on the right.”

“Wow.” I said, laughing. “I’m impressed.” Dane made a face, which only fuelled my laughter.

“Don’t say that until you try it.” He joked. We walked hand in hand following the directions provided on his cell, landing on the doorstep of Tony’s Pizza in under ten minutes.

The place was small, but cozy, each table covered with a checkered red and white tablecloth. The aroma of pizza was making my mouth water, as the waiter sat us at a table in the corner, overlooking the street. He handed us our menus, and left us alone. Dane eyed me, as I sat with my menu closed, gazing out of the window.

“Not hungry?” He teased. I poked my tongue out at him.

“I am. I just kn

ow what I want.” I raised my eyebrows suggestively at him. He slammed his menu shut and gestured for the waiter to come over.

“Me too.” He murmured, licking his lips as he stared at me. I laughed, loving that this corny guy was all mine.

“You’re ready to order?” The waiter asked, pen poised.

“She will have a pepperoni pizza, with olives and extra anchovies.” He shuddered. “And I’ll have the New York special.”

“Anything to drink?”

“Coke, please.” Dane said, looking at me.