The vista from the top of the Empire State Building was glittering, breathtaking. The tour of the Chrysler Building was fascinating—all that Deco glamour. The makeup shopping at Chanel, courtesy of West, was a treat.

They took a break to have lunch at an upscale restaurant. The roast chicken with zucchini and fennel came just when Winnie’s phone rang. She checked the number.

“Oh, West, I’m so, so sorry, but it’s my sister. I haven’t called her yet—I mean, I’ve texted her since I’ve been here, but I haven’t—”

“Winnie, honey,” he said easily, smiling, “there’s no problem. Please, take your call.”

She excused herself, promising to just be a minute. Once she was safely in a corner of the restaurant, wedged between mirrored panels, she spoke into the phone.

“Hey, sis! I can’t talk long. We’re out, and our lunch just came.”

“Okay, Sweet Tea, slow down. How is it there? How is he?” Lila asked. “You’ve only sent me a few texts. I’ve been wondering—”

“I’m so sorry, Lila,” Winnie said. “I’ll be better about keeping in touch, I swear. It’s just been such a whirlwind. I don’t even know where to start—”

“Well,” Lila said, gently but a little slyly, “start with him. Do you like him?”

There was a pause.

“Yes,” Winnie answered quietly. “I do like him.”

“That’s good. That’s the most important thing.” The bustle of the hospital could be heard behind Lila’s voice. “And . . . does he like you?”

Winnie hesitated, clutching the phone. “I don’t know. I think . . . I think he’s attracted to me, at least.”

“That just means he has eyes,” Lila said, laughing. “Are you having fun? Is he treating you okay? You’re safe?”

“Yes! Very well. And a lot of fun. It’s a strange experience, I’ll admit it, but . . . but so far, it’s good. I miss you, though. I miss all of you. So much.”

“Oh, Sweet Tea. We miss you too! But we’re happy for you, and this is good for you. It’s about time a man saw you for what you are, a great girl who’s stupid hot. Right?” She laughed, and Winnie smiled, despite herself. “I’ll let you go, honey. I can tell you’re in the middle of something. Call me soon, okay? Please. Tonight.”

“I will. I promise. I love you.”

“I love you too. Bye.”

Winnie stuffed her phone into her pocket and hurried back to their table.

“I’m sorry,” she said, sitting down. “That was Lila. I really had to let her know that—”

“It’s fine, Winnie. Don’t worry.” West poured her some water.

“No, really, it’s rude to leave the table. We’re just super close. She’s six years older, so she kind of looks out for me, you know? We’ve always been like this.” She crossed two of her fingers. “Especially after our dad left.”

“Men who leave their children are weak,” he said, and she was shocked to hear that he really believed it. Shocked and impressed.

“It was definitely hard. But it’s all ancient history now.” She flashed him a genuine smile as proof. It really was ancient history. “She would worry a lot if I didn’t answer her call. That’s all.”

“You’re very loved,” he said. It was a statement, slightly wistful. “That’s a wonderful thing.”

“It is. It’s especially good if the rest of your life is a mess.” She popped one of the appetizer olives into her mouth, smiling.

“Why do you say that?”

“Well, I mean, I was just fired.” She winced, wishing she hadn’t been quite so honest. “From . . . from the restaurant.”

“Were you?” She saw the beginnings of a smile on his face. “Can I ask what happened?”

“Oh, I–I . . .” She realized that she hadn’t actually told him she’d been fired at the Plaza. She felt a hot blush spread over her face, down her neck, and across her décolletage. He probably hadn’t been fired in his life. “It’s just . . . I spilled a lot of water on somebody.”

He laughed. “Is that it? Doesn’t that happen all the time? Or was it intentional?”

“No! One of the people at that table just happened to be related to our county’s health inspector. He made a scene. My boss never stood up for me, and he feared an inspection, so . . . well, doesn’t matter. Point is, Winnie Wednesday is a waitress no longer.”

“Hmm.” He was gazing at her in that intense golden way he had. She crossed her legs. There was a sudden distracting heat between them. “Well. I’m glad you were fired. It meant you could come to me.”

She smiled, flattered. Her stomach felt like it was full of hot liqueur. “That’s true, isn’t it? Thank you.”

He winked. She melted like ice cream on a stove.