All the Way (Romancing Manhattan 1)

“Point taken.” He clears his throat. “I have to say, I’ve never seen my brother quite like this. I mean, he’s looking at more real estate, for God’s sake.”

“Wait. What?”

“All I’m saying is, he’s way into this with you. I don’t think there’s much that he wouldn’t do for you, and it makes me feel better to see that you feel the same way.”

I want to ask him more about the real estate comment, but I leave it be for now. Could Finn be looking into a different place in the city? Maybe he wants something bigger? Although that would just be ridiculous, because as far as Manhattan homes go, he’s got the cream of the crop.

We finish our walk, and Quinn gives me a one-armed, totally appropriate hug.

“Thanks for the talk,” he says.

“I threatened to take your balls off,” I say. “I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone thank me for that before.”

He shrugs. “You love him. That’s all I needed to know.”

“You probably could have asked me that over the phone as well.”

“This was definitely more fun.” He winks and walks away and I begin walking down the street, in the opposite direction of my condo. The city is beautiful in the summer, and it’s not too hot out today, so the walk feels nice.

Not to mention, my leg hasn’t bothered me in a couple of weeks now, which makes me feel like turning cartwheels.

Not that I will.

I’m restless, and I have another appointment to get to before I see Finn later.

I call Sasha, but it goes to voice mail. She’s probably in rehearsal, but I can’t help but be disappointed that I can’t tell her about today’s meeting.

I glance across the street, and would swear that I see Kyle. A big truck drives by, blocking my view, and when it’s gone, Kyle’s not there.

“Don’t be stupid,” I mutter to myself. “He’s in North Carolina. Someone just looked a lot like him.”

I shrug and continue down the street to my favorite deli for a sandwich, and for my meeting, which is still a good fifteen minutes away.

I sit outside and enjoy it, watching dance videos on YouTube. Dance videos that I happen to be in, studying my form.

Damn, I was good.

My phone rings, making me grin.

“Hey girlfriend.”

“You sound chipper today,” Sasha says, breathing hard. “The call must not have been urgent.”

“Not at all, I was just wondering if you were busy, which you clearly are.”

“Rehearsal,” she says. “What are you doing?”

“I met with Finn’s brother, Quinn, who wanted to grill me about my intentions with his brother.”

“That sounds like fun,” she says dryly.

“Actually, I threatened his manhood, and assured him that I’m not with Finn for his money.”

“Let’s be honest, the money doesn’t hurt,” Sasha says.

“Shut up, I am not with him for his money.”

“Okay, what else is up?”

“I’m meeting with Fiona Masterson in just a few minutes.” The idea sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach. “I’m going to ask her about the project you told me about.”

“That’s so amazing, London. Seriously. And we need to get together soon so you can fill me in.”

“Well, tomorrow is Finn’s birthday, so I’ll be with him all day, but after that, I’m flexible.”

“Okay, I’ll text you and we’ll set something up. Good luck with Fiona.”

“Thanks.”

I end the call and toss my phone in my handbag, then glance up to see a woman with fiery red hair striding purposefully toward me, a smile on her face.

Fiona and I have walked in the same circles for years. We’re not strangers.

“London,” she says, leaning in for a hug. “It’s good to see you. I was excited when I got your call.”

“It’s good to see you too. Thanks for sending the script over to me. I had a chance to read it on the plane from L.A. the other day.”

She sits and fidgets in her seat. “What did you think?”

“I love it,” I reply honestly. “It’s beautiful. Heartbreaking. Funny. It hit me in all of the feels, and that’s not easy.”

“Thank you so much.”

“And I’d like to fund it.”

She stops cold, staring at me. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

Her mouth opens and closes in surprise.

“I thought you’d asked to see it because you were interested in the lead part.”

I shake my head. “I think it’s a story that needs to be told. It’s important, and I think people will identify with it.” I bite my lip. “I can identify with it.”

She tips her head to the side, wanting me to explain more, but I don’t. I like Fiona, but she’s not my confidante.

“Are you telling me that you want to back the whole show? On your own.”

I nod.

“And do you also want to star in it?”

I sit back, considering it. It’s a beautiful role. “Honestly, no. I don’t have time right now to commit to it, and I think it hits a little too close to home for me. But I know that it’ll get cast wonderfully. This show is going to be a success, Fiona.”