Betrayal (Infidelity Book 1) - Aleatha Romig Page 0,71
was from my mom?”
“Don’t get me wrong, Aunt Gwen is more domestic than Adelaide, but that just means she knows where the kitchen is located without directions.”
His laughter rumbled through the air. He really was handsome in a very non-rugged sort of way.
We’d spent most of the afternoon walking and talking. Central Park was beautiful. If I could make this work, I wanted to be Patrick’s running partner. I wanted to get to know my way around the paths and roads. I’d been there before, but each time I was struck by the tranquility of nature that was surrounded by one of the biggest cities in the world. I don’t think people who haven’t actually walked the paths, or had only seen it in movies or TV, had any idea of the true splendor.
We found my apartment building. By going through the park or along the north edge, it was about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk from here. If only life were simple and I knew for certain I would be moving to that little one-bedroom in another week.
“So what did you think about your building?” Patrick asked as he refilled our glasses.
As I reached for mine, my eyes lit up. It wasn’t the wine, but the location of my building. “Oh my gosh. I couldn’t believe it when we turned that corner.”
Patrick laughed. “Only you would sublet an apartment online that’s right by Tom’s Restaurant.”
“I recognized it right away. I’ve seen it a thousand times in reruns. It’s the one from Seinfeld.”
“Well, that settles it. Saturday mornings, you and I go for a run, and then we eat breakfast with Jerry and the gang.”
I shrugged and sipped the tart pinot grigio. It was a little better quality than what I’d had the night before. “If you’re buying, I’m eating. At least then I’ll have one meal a week.”
He rolled his eyes. “Dramatic much?”
“Sometimes.” I thought about the apartment. “When I did my search, I was looking for places close to the campus. I knew the park was close. I had no idea.”
Just then the front door opened and we both turned that direction.
“Cy,” Pat whispered.
“Really?” I asked with a smirk. “I thought maybe strangers come in your place without knocking.”
The footsteps neared and a handsome, distinguished man walked in, wearing a suit. I’m not sure if he was what I expected, but that wasn’t a bad thing. He had gray around his temples and peppered through his black hair. He was taller than Patrick, and his face held the lines of someone who spent his time thinking.
“Hello,” he greeted. Walking up to Patrick he leaned over his shoulder and kissed his cheek. “This smells fantastic.” He turned to me. “You must be Alexandria.”
I smiled. “I am.”
“She goes by Alex now,” Patrick corrected.
“Alex, nice to meet you.” He reached for my hand. His grip was firm and hands soft.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Cyrus. Thank you for allowing me to stay here for a few nights.”
“It’s Cy, and any cousin of Pat’s is a cousin of mine.”
“Oh,” I asked, ashamed I hadn’t thought of it before. “Are you married?”
The two exchanged a grin that made my tummy flip, and then Cy poured himself a glass of wine and loosened his tie. “No, we aren’t married, but if Patrick says you need a place to stay, I believe him.
“Excuse me for a minute while I get into something a little less stuffy. I can’t wait to get to know you, Alex.” He turned toward Patrick. “And I can’t wait to eat whatever that is you have cooking. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
I looked away as they shared another look. It was as if I were the third wheel with two honeymooners. And while it made me happy for Patrick, it also made me a little sad for myself. After Cy walked away, Patrick looked at me with a so-what-do-you-think? look.
I lifted my glass. He did the same, as I professed, “To you. I approve.”
“Whoa, I’m so glad. I’ll be able to sleep tonight.”
I’d forgotten how easy banter was between Patrick and me. We had always gotten along. That may be why the rumors of him at academy bothered me. The guy the girls described wasn’t the cousin I knew.
A few minutes later, I asked, “How did you find Cy?”
It was apparently Cy’s cue to return looking younger and even more handsome in jeans and a light blue button-down. The color made my breathing hitch. “Oh, I get this