Today was the big day- Mistou and Anali were flying in to JFK. Their flight landed at 2 o’clock. I was making my seventh loop around the airport when I received Mistou’s text.
We’re outside, waiting for you
Be there soon, just circling around now
And there she was, standing on the curb with her suitcase and her friend. In the daylight. In New York. Beautiful.
I pulled over and quickly got out. Walked over to her, gave her a tight hug. She smelled so good. Gave Anali a neutral side hug, told them to hop in the truck, threw their luggage in the back and then we were off.
I gave Mistou a quick glance as I pulled away from the curb. She reached out and briefly squeezed my knee. I felt her touch jolt through my body. We were off.
The ride to the Mercer was surprisingly enjoyable- traffic was minimal and conversation was easy. Anali prattled on about this guy she was trying to link up with in Queens (“he was my first little boyfriend ever back in, like, second grade”) and Mistou and I chatted about the dinner I was dragging her to (“I checked Bobo out online and the food sounds incredible- that’s really the reason I said yes”). Both girls oohed and ahhhed as soon as the Manhattan skyline came into view.
When we got to the Mercer, I walked the girls to the front desk.
Check-in was very efficient.
“We’ve upgraded your reservation to a Loft Studio, Mr. Taveras,” the clerk said. “Would you care to leave a credit card for incidentals?” I thanked him and handed him the black card.
I pulled Mistou aside and told her I was going to head out.
“You don’t want to come up and see the room?” she asked. “Or get a drink with us?”
“I’m gonna let you two settle in and relax,” I replied. “If you want, I can come by tomorrow at eleven for breakfast. I really want you girls to enjoy yourselves tonight. Have dinner in the restaurant. Charge it to the room and then take a walk around the neighborhood. It’s beautiful over here.”
Mistou looked a little surprised, but recovered quickly.
“Okey doke, I’ll text you once we’re settled in. And I’ll see you tomorrow at eleven.”
She reached out to hug me. I bent down and gave her a soft kiss, directly on her lips, and then I left.
