only 20-30 minutes to my house.”
“And mine. Let’s spend some time in my apartment.”
She sighed. She was dreading this. But fair was fair. He came to her place so she could go to his and try not to feel out of place. “All right. Yours it is.”
They held hands all the way to his building. As before, Robert, the concierge who buzzed people in, made her uncomfortable. But the man treated Finn with deference. The elevator sped to the eighth floor.
Finn took her hand again and walked down a plush hallway with muted grays and blues and original artwork by New York City artists. He unlocked the door and practically bumped into someone. Millie jolted back.
Finn quipped, “Oh, hi, Ali.”
The woman greeted him. She had long black hair and deep brown eyes that were exquisite. And Millie recognized her.
“This is Alessia, my cousin. Millie’s my—”
“Store manager. I’ve seen you at Fitzgerald’s and I think you were at Finn’s party.”
“I was.”
She turned to Finn. “I spent a couple of hours here this morning, had a class and came back to finish up work so I didn’t have to bring it home. That’s where I was headed, now.” She kissed his cheek. “I won’t keep you two. Thanks again for letting me use the place.”
He checked his watch. “Why don’t I call Jonah to drive you to Hidden Cove.”
Relief flooded Ali’s face. “Would he mind?”
“He’s on call and I haven’t even used him tonight.”
“I’d be very grateful. I could get there so much sooner by car.”
They went into the apartment and once again, its size overwhelmed Millie. She and Ali sat on twin sofas, made of buttery leather, while Finn headed into the kitchen to use his phone.
Millie smiled at Ali. “So, Finn told me you’re finishing your college degree?”
“Yeah. It’s a long road, though.”
“I can commiserate. I worked my way through college and grad school and it seemed to take forever.”
“I’m going to do this no matter what.”
“I’m sure you will.”
Finn called out. “Jonah will be out front in ten minutes. Meanwhile, I’m making another call to my lawyer.”
Millie made chit chat with Finn’s cousin until he came back. “I’ll walk down with you, Ali, to make sure you get in the car safely.”
“You’re just like my brothers.”
He laughed. “Millie, wander around. Get the lay of the land.”
“I will. Nice to see you again, Ali. If you’re in the store again, ask for me and we’ll chat some more.”
“Will do.”
* * *
First, Millie wandered to the windows. The wall was made of windows and the view of the city was stunning. A beautifully crafted oak table sat in front of it. She turned. Empty of guests, Millie took in the huge living area, with expensive furnishings, then a kitchen that was as big as her bedroom. She walked to it, noting the gleaming appliances and spartan décor. No mess at all. Off to the left side, she knew from the party, was Finn’s suite. The one opposite had been Hayley’s but now was for guests.
Millie sat on one of the stools, feeling lost here.
When Finn returned, she tried to hide it. He got them wine and sat down on another stool. “She’s a doll,” Millie said. “I’m glad I got to meet her.”
“Poor thing, though. Her husband died after only six years of marriage.”
“People have losses that we’re not aware of.”
“Tell me about yours, Millie. What losses have you had in life?”
“My parents died when I was fifteen. We’d lived in the apartment because that’s traditionally what the next generation has done. But more so, my mother loved being so close to Grandma and Grandpa. I moved in with them downstairs for a few years, but when I started college, I got the apartment back.”
“Hmm.”
“I also lost a friend in college.”
“I remember. You were pretty upset.”
“I guess that’s it for big losses.”
“No men that broke your heart?”
She held his gaze. “Not yet.”
He leaned over. Cupped her cheek. “I won’t, honey.”
She didn’t respond to that. “What about your losses?”
“My father died when I was fourteen. It was…hard being with my mother before he died. It got worse after. But the biggest loss in my life is Ronan.”
“The older brother in the family. You told me once he was a movie star. I looked him up. He disappeared from public view ten years later and never came back.”
“Yes, but he’s back, now. We just haven’t seen him. He’s…putting in appearances, I guess you could say.” He explained the situation.
“That’s horrid. Why hasn’t he