idea in Ireland, but it was sticking to my skin now. I had heard someone say that New York was unseasonably warm for the time of year, although it was probably my nervousness making me sweat. ‘Nice to meet you,’ I said to the man before me. ‘And please, call me Roz.’
‘Welcome to New York, Roz. I’m your driver, Carl.’ He led the way to the car park. ‘Have you been to New York before?’
‘I’ve never been outside Ireland,’ I said, realising how lame that sounded.
‘Boy, you are in for a treat.’ Carl opened the back door of a sleek black limo and I slid inside.
I was grateful for the air-conditioned car. It was my first time in a limo, apart from a tacky pink one I went in once during a hen party. But it was nothing like this. This was luxury. I sat in the back and slid on my seat belt, taking care around my stomach.
‘Help yourself to drinks,’ Carl said, before putting the car into gear.
I cracked the lid off some chilled mineral water and gratefully knocked it back. Before long, New York’s breathtaking skyline appeared ahead. Seeing the outline of the city’s iconic buildings made me inhale a sudden breath.
‘Wow,’ I said, feeling like I was entering a movie set. My journey was fast, with lots of swerving and sudden beeping of horns. My driver took no prisoners and was far more daring than the taxi cabs I took in Dublin. After a few minutes the conversation between us dried up. I sat back and enjoyed the view.
‘Here we go,’ he said, pulling into the entrance of the Grand Hyatt.
‘Sorry,’ I replied, remembering an article I’d read about etiquette in the US. ‘I haven’t been able to get any dollars out yet. I don’t have a tip.’ I had hoped to get to a cash machine in the airport, but I hadn’t had the chance.
‘Don’t you worry about that, it’s all taken care of. You have a good day.’
I took the suitcase from him and watched him turn back towards the car. ‘But what do I do now?’
‘I’m sorry?’ He turned to face me, a little bemused.
‘Well, um . . . the people I’m supposed to meet . . . when will they be in touch?’
‘I’m just paid to bring you here safe and sound.’ He paused, flipped off his cap and smoothed back his hair. ‘Why don’t you check in – you can freshen up while you wait to hear from them.’
It was obvious. Something I should have thought of myself. ‘Thanks, will do.’
I hated the feeling of aloneness, and I stood there, watching him leave. But I could not act like a child forever. I had to stand on my own two feet. I was an adult now. Hell, I was almost a mother. I thanked the porters as I was shown inside the hotel. A sense of self-assurance settled over me as I took the escalator to reception. Fake it till you make it, I told myself, striding towards the front desk.
It was only just gone noon, but early check-in had been paid for. It seemed like Julie and Glenn had thought of everything. I pocketed my key card and entered the lift.
‘You’re not in Dublin any more, Roz,’ I muttered to myself, grateful for some time alone to catch my breath. But the speed at which the lift raised itself to the thirtieth floor took me by surprise. I grinned. This was certainly not Jurys hotel.
I was there in a matter of seconds, and in my hotel room. My smile grew as I entered the suite with the city view. Despite my tiredness, I was tingling with excitement. I turned my attention to a gigantic fruit basket with a welcome note inside.
Dear Rosalind
Welcome to New York! I expect you are tired from your journey, so please take this time to settle in. We will send someone to meet you this afternoon at two-thirty. We look forward to meeting you.
Best wishes
Julie x
Two and a half hours would buy me enough time to snooze and shower. Perfect. But what did they mean when they said they would send someone? Why was everything so cloak and dagger? I plucked a grape from the fruit basket and popped it in my mouth. Walking over to the window, I watched the iconic yellow New York taxi cabs drive up and down the streets. I could see the Pershing Square bridge from my window, and watched, fascinated,