I hear the morning newspaper swat my door. Of course I’ve been waiting at the bottom of the stairs since I know today’s the day the article about Beckett’s place is going to run. I open the door and lean outside to pull the paper from the snow. I can’t help but smile as I unfold it and see a mention on the corner of the front page.

In Staten Island, it’s Game of Scones: Page 4

I quickly turn the pages as I head up the stairs and am greeted by two photos at the top of the page, one of Beckett and his sister holding a tray of scones and the other of the apartment. And then I sit at the kitchen counter with my coffee and start reading.

***

THIS ISN’T YOUR TYPICAL restaurant review. Even though the unique offerings at Staten Island’s newest eatery are off-the-charts great, the story behind the people who run the place shows the spirit of giving in this Christmas season.

Beckett Dash and his sister Charlotte are London natives who so missed their two favorite things from the UK, scones and tea, that they decided to share them with New York. Scones, in case you didn’t know, and I certainly didn’t, are these little cakes topped with jam and clotted cream. Tea, with which we’re all familiar, is not exactly a Big Apple staple, but it turns out we Yanks simply don’t know how to make it. That’s all the place known as Game of Scones serves. Several varieties of scones and many flavors of tea. The jam is homemade from scratch and the cream is not shot from an aerosol can. The result is an explosion of taste like you’ve never experienced.

But what you might find more interesting is the story behind the shop, and how it almost didn’t open at all. And how it has resulted in perhaps the most unusual situation of apartment sharing the city has ever seen.

Mister Dash, who worked ten years for the British government, poured his assets into the property, intent on creating a unique business for the area while converting the second floor of this old abandoned building into an apartment for himself. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he was recently involved in the final legal ruling on Flight 401, the plane that was shot down years ago. He was in court since his wife was a passenger, and her death was finally declared official after a long legal battle involving life insurance companies.

But the other story in which he was involved was the recent construction scam which landed several city officials in jail. Dash was one of the victims who lost his life savings and ended up with a demolished apartment with the exception of the bathroom... and no money to finish the project. After going through the emotional wringer of the court hearing and losing all his money, the future seemed bleak. Sleeping on the floor seemed like the only option.

Except he had a guardian angel across the street.

A.J. Scaramucci, who runs the family deli with her siblings, was also a victim of the scam, leaving her with a demolished bathroom. Which got her to thinking.

She had a guest room but no bathroom.

He had a bathroom but no place to sleep.

Do the math.

The result is a bizarre living arrangement in which Beckett Dash sleeps in Scaramucci’s guest room while she takes showers in his apartment.

In the season of giving, it’s a great example of competing businesses helping one another.

“We’re not competitors,” said Scaramucci, whose deli is well renowned on Staten Island  for its sandwiches and Italian pastries. “We sell cannolis and they sell scones. Not even in the same ballpark. The hours we’re open are completely different. And I can’t make a cup of tea remotely as good as they can.” As for the living arrangements, “He’s a great guy and needed a break after all he’s been through. I can’t even comprehend what it’s been like for him to lose his wife and his life savings. I’m happy to help out in a small way.”

Beckett says Scaramucci’s generosity goes beyond the sharing of a guest room. “She brought a whole bunch of friends over to clean the apartment after the construction people went to jail, she sends her customers over to try our scones, and two of her relatives are working here for free since we don’t have the funds to hire anyone right now. The kindness shown by her family and friends is incredible. We would not be in business without them.”

As for the “commute” they share between the shower and the bedrooms, that will continue until Dash has enough money to get the apartment finished. About the only useful thing the designer left was the blueprints. “It might take a while. I hope I don’t wear out my welcome at A.J.’s apartment.” Scaramucci laughed that off. “He can stay as long as he needs to. He’s a wonderful person, good company and even my cat likes him. Besides, it’s nice having a guy around to open jars.”

***

IT’S A GREAT ARTICLE, but all of a sudden it hits me. I wonder if I’ve crossed the line and made things worse by telling the reporter about his wife.

Oh well, here goes.

I head down to the guest room and tap on the door. “Beckett, you up?”

“Come in.”

I enter the room and find him still under the covers. “Your story is in the paper.” I hand it to him and he leans up as he takes it.

“Wow, a mention on the front page. Did you read it?”

“Yeah. Great article. Hope you like it.”

He flips to page four and furrows his brow. “Why is there a photo of the apartment?”

“I told the reporter about it, and how you’d gotten robbed. It’s important to your story.”

“Oh.” He starts reading. I keep a close eye on him, looking for a reaction when he gets to the part about his wife. I bite my lower lip, waiting for him to get upset with me. But he doesn’t. He slowly nods as he finishes the article and looks up at me. “Very nice. Should really help business. Thank you so much for asking Madison to call her friend.”

“Hey, you can’t buy publicity like that.”

“No, I suppose not.” He looks at me for a moment, right into my soul, but doesn’t say anything. “Again, I’m at a loss for words in regard to your kindness.”

“And again, I know you’d do it for me.” I look at the clock. “Well, I gotta get downstairs. Get ready for a busy day.”

***

I’M CLEANING UP IN the back room at five o’clock while Connie is locking up. She comes back wearing a smile. “Hey, you looked across the street lately?”

“No. Why?”

“C’mere.” She cocks her head toward the front door.

I follow her and look across the street. The line is out the front door of Beckett’s place and around the block as far as I can see. “Whoa. Guess a lot of people read the article.”

“Ya think?”

“You know what else I think? No way they can handle a crowd like that. We’d better get over there and help out. Let me go feed Gypsy and I’ll be right behind you.”

***

I STAGGER UP THE STAIRS shortly after midnight with Beckett right behind me.

The line of customers never stopped.

Finally, he ran out of supplies and had to close the door or we would have been there all night.

But the people we turned away will be back.

As will those who sampled the scones and tea.

I toss the keys on the counter and Beckett closes the door. “Well, Beckett, I guess the word is out about your scones.”

He plops down into a chair. “I never expected anything like that. Thank God you and your sister came over to help.”

“Hey, we saw you were in trouble. And you needed to take full advantage of an opportunity like this.”

“Can’t thank you enough. It feels like all I do lately is thank you for your kindness.”

“All I did was have my friend make a phone call.”

“And work for another seven hours after a full workday of your own. That phone call basically launched my business to a level I never expected. I certainly hope those customers will be back.”

“I’m sure of it. You want some wine?”

“I could use something stronger, but that’s fine.”

I grab a bottle from the fridge and pour two glasses, then hand him one and clink his glass. “Cheers.”

He stands up, takes a sip. “So, it’s nice having me around to open jars.”

I laugh a bit. “I thought it was a good line.”

“So, anything you need opening?”

“Not right now.”

“Good. I’m exhausted. I doubt I could open a ketchup bottle.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty fried. But you’re probably going to be swamped again tomorrow. Nice problem to have.”

“Yes, if it keeps up we’ll be able to hire some extra help. And eventually get my apartment finished.”

“I’m not chasing you outta here, Beckett. I love having you stay here. I suspect I’ll have mixed feelings when you get things finished. I’ll be glad you have your own place but sad to see you go.”

“This has become a very comfortable situation.” He finishes his wine and places his glass on the counter, then  takes my glass and does the same. He moves forward and gives me a strong hug. “You’re an amazing woman, A.J.”

I hold on tight and bury my head in his chest.

I don’t want to let go.

Is this it? Is he finally ready to move on?

He finally leans back and brushes the hair back from my face as he locks eyes with me. “Truly amazing.”

“Eh, I’m nothing special.”

“I strongly disagree. You’re the best kind of special.” He kisses me on the forehead. “I’ll... uh... see you tomorrow.”

“You know where I live. G’night, Beckett, get some rest.” He heads down the hall and I finish my wine, then walk to my bedroom, finding Gypsy sitting on the bed, waiting for me. “Yeah, I know, you didn’t get much attention today.” She nuzzles my face as I stroke her fur. “But I think we’re making progress, sunshine.”