After All - Romancing Manhattan

“Where do you like to travel?” Gabby asks.

“I haven’t done much traveling,” Nora admits. “I went from being a struggling college student to moving to New York. And then I started working for your dad, and I just haven’t had a lot of time to get away.”

Because my wife died, and I leaned on Nora for literally everything, including finding me the penthouse and helping me with Gabby.

I’ve demanded a lot from her over the years.

I owe her a lot.

“Maybe when Gabby and Maggie go to Hawaii, you and I can sneak away somewhere,” I suggest.

“That would be lovely.”

The limo stops at the curb in front of the theater, and the driver opens the door for us, taking both Gabby’s and Nora’s hands to help them out of the car.

“Thank you,” I say. “We’ll need a ride after the show to dinner, and then home later.”

“I have the itinerary, Mr. Shaw. You just enjoy your evening.”

I nod and escort my girls into the building. London always reserves seats for us in our own section of the theater, where we can see and hear everything clearly.

We have the best seats in the house.

“You’re here,” Sienna says with delight and hugs Nora close, surprising me. I know they’re friendly, but I didn’t realize they’d become close so quickly. “And that dress is a knockout.”

“Thanks,” Nora replies, hugging her back. “But Gabby’s stealing the whole show with her amazing ensemble.”

Gabby giggles and does a little curtsy. “Thank you, thank you.”

“She’s humble as well,” I say dryly, accepting a kiss on the cheek from Maggie. “You’ve met Nora, Maggie.”

“Of course I have,” Maggie says, taking Nora’s hand in hers and giving her a hug. “It’s so good to see you, dear. And, if I might say, it’s about time.”

Maggie pulls away and winks at both Nora and me. I couldn’t have asked for a better reception for either of us. I’ve never brought a woman to a family function before because there was never a woman to bring, but I admit, I was nervous about it.

Darcy was Maggie’s daughter. I didn’t know how a new woman in my life would be received.

I can see now that I didn’t need to worry.

“Welcome, everyone,” London says with a grin. She usually comes out to say hello before the first show. It’s become tradition. “I’m so happy you’re all here.”

“There’s nowhere else we’d be, honey,” Maggie says. “You just go out there and knock ’em on their ass.”

“Mom,” Quinn says with a laugh.

“What? Our girl is the best there is.”

“Break a leg, London,” Gabby says gleefully. “You’re gonna rock it.”

“I love you all.” London’s fighting tears as Finn leans in to whisper in her ear. She nods and smiles up at him, then waves at us all and returns backstage.

“I didn’t think I’d be this nervous for her,” Nora says, wringing her hands. “Are you guys ever nervous for her?”

“Every time,” Sienna says, blowing out a long breath. “But we don’t need to be. She’s amazing.”

The lights flicker, signaling that it’s showtime.

“Here we go,” I say and take Nora’s hand in mine.

“I’m so hungry,” Gabby says once the show is over and we’re standing to stretch our legs and wait for London to finish up backstage.

“We’re going out for a late dinner,” Quinn tells her. “You do look extra pretty tonight, you know.”

“Thanks,” Gabby says. “Can I have steak?”

“You can have anything you want,” London says as she joins us. “We’re celebrating!”

“You were absolutely marvelous!”

Everyone takes turns hugging London and congratulating her on a job well done. She just spent two hours singing, dancing, and acting, and I don’t know how she can possibly look like she’s energized enough to do it all over again, but she does.

As we’re walking out of the theater and onto the sidewalk to the limo, Nora stiffens next to me.

“What is it?”

She looks up at me with worried brown eyes. “Nothing.”

We climb into the limo, alone this time because Gabby wanted to ride with London and ask a million questions.

“Talk to me, darling.”

“Mary from the office was there,” she says, shaking her head. “I didn’t know that any employees would be there.”

“We always give out a few pairs of tickets, in a random draw. It’ll be okay.”

“She saw us,” Nora insists. “And she’s already a huge pain in the ass at work. If I’d known she would be there, I wouldn’t have come.”

“Hey.” I take her hand in mine and kiss her palm, then place it over my heart. “It’s going to be fine. I brought you as my guest, and that’s my business. If she says anything to you, you send her to me.”

“You’re right.” Nora nods and leans her head on my shoulder. “It’ll be fine.”

But she’s still stiff next to me. This bothered her.

I raise the privacy glass and then scoop Nora onto my lap and cup her cheek, staring up into her sweet face.