All the Way (Romancing Manhattan 1)

“What time is it?”

“A little after nine.” I sit up and blink, trying to push the fog from my brain. “Were you up late?”

“Yeah, I started reading a book and couldn’t put it down. But it’s good you called, because I have to get up and around here, since I’m coming home later today.”

“Thank God,” he says, watching me avidly. “A week without you has been too long.”

I smile and tilt my head. “It has been a lonely week,” I agree. “But I’ll be home in less than twelve hours.”

“Do you need anything?”

Just you.

“I don’t think so. I have to meet with Tony, the caretaker, in a little bit and finish packing up. Oh, and I have to clean the playhouse.”

“What happened in the playhouse?”

“The storm last week did a number on it. I just want to straighten it up and make sure nothing is ruined before I close it up for the year.”

“Okay.” He looks up and speaks to someone I can’t see. “What time does your plane get in?”

“I land at around four. I’ll be home by about five thirty.”

“Do you mind if I come over after work?”

“I’d be disappointed if you didn’t,” I reply. “I’ll shoot over my address and let the doorman know I’m expecting you.”

“Sounds good. Safe travels, baby.”

“See you soon.”

I hang up and climb out of bed, strip the linens and put them in the washing machine, then get in the shower.

An hour later, I’m dressed and my essentials are packed and sitting by the front door. The next project is cleaning out the fridge, which I hate. But I graze as I pull out bagels and fruits, vegetables, and a questionable container full of something that I don’t remember making.

By the time that’s finished, I’m full and the kitchen is clean.

Multitasking is totally my thing today.

The doorbell rings, and I answer, happy to see Tony. He’s worked for my parents since I was a kid.

“Hello, Mr. Tony.”

He gives me a hug and takes his hat off as he steps inside.

“How are you, London?”

“I’m doing great,” I reply honestly. “I don’t know what kind of conversation you and my dad had each year when we left, so you’re going to have to help me out here.”

“I’m happy to,” he says with a shy smile. “I come once a week to mow the grass, trim trees, just landscape in general. I also make a quick stop by a couple of times a week to make sure that the house is soundly locked, and no alarms are going off. I’ll clean and cover the pool today, since no one will be using it for some time.”

“That all sounds great. I’d also appreciate it if you’d keep an eye on the playhouse. I have a suspicion that there might have been a squatter there for a bit.”

He scowls. “I don’t see how that’s possible. I check the whole property several times a week.”

“I’m sure you do, I just wanted to mention it to you, just in case. My neighbor’s daughter mentioned seeing a man living out there, and I admit it spooked me.”

“Well, I’ll pay extra attention to that, and call the police if I see anything. Oh, and I’ll keep tabs on the car, check the oil, start it up, that sort of thing so the next time you come, it’s ready for you.”

“Thank you so much. Tony, I saw in my father’s records how much he paid you monthly, and I’d like to continue that pay schedule if that’s okay with you.”

“Of course,” he says. “Although I always told your dad that he paid me too much.”

“And I was going to suggest a raise,” I reply with a laugh. “You do so much for me here, I’d be happy to pay you more.”

“No, this is fair, and I’m happy. If that changes, I’ll be sure to let you know. Give me a week or so notice the next time you’ll be here, and I’ll make sure the house is stocked and ready to go.”

“You’re wonderful, Tony. Thank you.”

Once he’s left, I look at the time, and figure I have about two hours until the car will be here to get me, so I grab a couple of large garbage bags and head out to the playhouse.

I was hoping that I’d open the door, and everything would be back in its place again, but no such luck. The toy kitchen is tipped over, all of the plastic plates and foods are all over the floor. The little dining table is on its side, and the small twin mattress is off the bed and on the floor.

This seems like a lot of damage from wind, but it was a crazy storm.

I spend an hour righting everything, throwing away things that were damaged from the water, and make sure that it doesn’t need any repairs.