Anne heard muffled voices in the background and Rayna came back on the phone. “You really should take a taxi. It’s dark outside.”
“Maybe. But I’ll probably just walk. I need the exercise. I didn’t manage to finish my run tonight. Anyway, it’s a beautiful clear night, and I have
a warm coat and hat and gloves. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
Rayna started to protest again, but Anne disconnected the call. She turned to Mr. Hamilton. “I guess I need to go. My friend Rayna has suddenly gotten very motherly.” She bundled up and gave Mr. Hamilton a big hug before dashing out the door.
Making her way down the deserted street, she had some misgivings about her decision. She would have hailed a cab, but there were no cars to be seen. She began to get a little nervous when a man across the street seemed to slow down as she came his direction. He was probably just looking at the street sign, but it appeared he was studying her, instead. She scolded herself for being paranoid and picked up her pace a bit, slipping her hand into her purse to find the comfort of a can of mace she’d had for ten years. Who knew if it even worked after this much time? The streetlights made shadows under the awnings, and she began to imagine someone hiding in every darkened doorway. Perhaps it would have been wise to get a taxi after all.
She saw a figure coming toward her on the same side of the street. He was making rapid time, although he didn’t appear to have on running attire. She stepped into a sheltered doorway to remain undetected as he passed by. But when he got closer, she recognized his face.
“Steven?”
“Anne!” He almost fell down as he skidded to a stop. He darted to her hiding place and pulled her into his arms. She sank into their safety and comfort, holding on as if she were drowning.
“You can’t be this stupid. You’re a grown woman—a mother! What would you tell your daughters about being alone on a deserted street in New York at night?”
“H-how did you know?”
“Because Rayna… she happened to be talking to you when I was walking out the lobby door.”
“You didn’t have to come,” she said stubbornly. “I only had another block or so. I would’ve been fine.”
“Really? And that’s why you were hiding in that doorway when I came by?”
“I have my mace.” She pulled the can out of her purse.
“You should keep that, but you should never put yourself in a place where you need to use it.” He kept his arm around her and started guiding her back toward the apartment building.
She began to shiver.
“Are you cold?” He pulled her closer.
“No,” she confessed. “I think it’s that adrenaline thing, like what happened after Jeff made that pass at me. I suppose it’s possible I might have gotten a little afraid when this huge thug came running toward me at a marathon pace.”
He chuckled. “I’m a huge thug now?”
“When you’re alone on a deserted street at night, everyone is a huge thug.” She sighed. “You’re right. I should’ve taken a taxi.”
“You could’ve called me. I would’ve gone with you.”
“I didn’t want to inconvenience anyone.”
“How do you know Mr. Hamilton, anyway? Wait, Gram introduced you. Of course.”
“I love his shop. His carvings are amazing.”
“I should visit the old guy. I haven’t seen him in a long time.”
They arrived at the apartment building. “Thanks for walking me safely home. You really are sweet, just like I said. I’ll see you later. Where was it you were going?”
“Oh—you mean where was I going before?”
“Yes, when you were going through the lobby?”
“I was just headed to the drug store down the block to… to get some… some aspirin. But come to think of it, I have some in the apartment.” He walked into the lobby with her.
Rayna grabbed her arms and squeezed, scolding. “Anne, you mustn’t go anywhere again without talking to me first.”