Bethany drove to the Lewiston airport at the obscene hour of three am to get there an hour ahead of her five am flight. There were no good options for flying to New York City from Lewiston. There were no direct flights and even leaving this early didn’t get her there until after three in the afternoon because of the time difference. But it would work out because she was meeting Mark later that evening, and the realtor was coming first thing in the morning.

She took an Uber from the airport to her tiny condo. It had one small bedroom that barely fit her bed, a gallery kitchen and a small sitting area. It was in an up-and-coming area of the city though and had a small balcony where she used to love to sit and have her morning coffee when it was nice out. She looked around the small space which felt even smaller after coming from her mother’s house, which wasn’t big but was a lot more spacious than this. Bethany remembered when she’d first moved in and was so excited about buying her first home.

But with what she’d get for it, she could buy a house three times the size or more in Quinn Valley. She didn’t have any plans to buy anything anytime soon, but it would be nice to not have to worry about making the monthly payments anymore and to have a nest egg in the bank.

She spent the rest of the afternoon straightening up and throwing things out that were just taking up space. By the time she finished, she had about an hour to get ready and meet Mark at the address he’d given her. A hot shower felt great and a half hour later, she was dressed and in an Uber on her way to Mark’s new restaurant.

The address was a trendy brownstone in mid-town Manhattan and Mark was sitting on the front step checking something on his phone when she stepped out of the car. He looked up when he heard her footsteps and pulled her in for a hug.

“Thanks for coming. You look amazing as always.” Mark always was a flatterer. But Bethany did feel good. She hadn’t had a reason to get dressed up since she’d been back in Quinn Valley and the black dress she wore was one of her favorites. It was modestly cut and flattering.

“You look great too. Your hair looks different. Did you color it?” His hair was thick and choppy and she was pretty sure it was also blonder than she’d last seen it.

He laughed. “Ssssh, don’t tell anyone. I’m going for the hot, surfer look. What do you think?”

She just shook her head. “I think you haven’t changed at all!”

“Ha! Come on inside. I want to show you what I’m planning.”

She followed him inside and gasped when he turned the lights on. The space was absolutely gorgeous. Huge bay windows looked out over a courtyard that was draped in tiny white lights. All the tables were covered in a shimmery blue gray fabric and accented with creamy white napkins. Black vases filled with white flowers sat in the middle of every table. The overall look was both elegant and warm.

“It’s beautiful. What’s the menu like?”

“That’s the best part. It’s right up your alley. I’m thinking upscale comfort food. That’s why I thought of you first.”

The space and overall concept would have been her dream situation if she wanted to stay in the city.

“It’s tempting. I can’t say it’s not. But I’m selling my condo and staying in Idaho. It’s time.”

Mark looked at her as if she had two heads. “How can you say no to this? To living here? There’s no greater city on earth.”

Bethany laughed. “I agree. But I don’t want to live in any city anymore.”

Mark sighed. “Okay, I’ll give up, for now. Let’s have a glass of wine and then grab a bite to eat. There’s a new place that opened up in Soho that I’ve been meaning to check out. You okay with red?” He began rummaging through a wine closet until he found what he was looking for.

“Red is fine.”

“Good. Because this one is going to knock your socks off.”

Bethany had a bit of a headache the next morning when the realtor knocked at the door. She was glad that she’d taken the time the day before to straighten up so the place looked neat and ready to show. Gina bounced through the door and was so perky and chipper that Bethany wanted to groan.

“Would you like some coffee?” she offered.

“Oh no, I’m fine. I already had mine at the office.”

Bethany topped off her mug and walked around the condo with Gina while she asked questions and took notes.

“This is such a great neighborhood. Will you be looking to buy something else in the city?”

“No. I don’t think so. I’ve loved living here though.” It was going to be bittersweet to leave.

“So, I think I can get this sold for you quickly, if you’re ready to get started?”

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” They discussed a starting price, and Bethany signed the necessary paperwork. She gave Gina a spare set of keys and told her she could show the condo anytime as she wouldn’t be there.

“Okay, stay tuned. I’ll be in touch!” When Gina left all the energy went out of the room and Bethany sank into a chair at her small kitchen table. She sipped her coffee and slowly felt her headache ebb away. She and Mark had stayed up late, drinking wine and eating so many wonderful things. He insisted on getting the tasting menu and knew the chef, so there was much discussion about the different dishes and cooking in general.

It was the kind of night that Bethany loved. She could talk about food until the wee hours. And they did. It was after one by the time Mark dropped her at her building. Several times throughout the night he’d asked her again if she’d reconsider but she told him no every time.

“You’re a tough nut to crack,” he said when he stopped outside her building. “If you change your mind, call me. I’m looking to nail down my chef in the next few weeks.”

“Thank you for a wonderful night, Mark. It was great to see you again. And I wish you all the best with the new restaurant.”

“Safe travels, Bethany.”