Page 61

“Never underestimate a retired schoolteacher. They’ve developed resources we can only dream about.” She held up the glass. “This is really good. It’s got legs, too.”

Jamie grinned. “Told you it was up your alley. Fruity on the front, dry finish.”

“My jam.” She cradled her glass. “You can one hundred percent say no, but I have an extra ticket toThe Nutcrackerat Lincoln Center next week. I have no clue if it’s your thing at all, but I wouldn’t mind the company.” For the first time, she didn’t feel the need to explain that the invitation was platonic in nature. They’d seen enough of each other lately that the understanding coated everything. “I think the tickets are for next Tuesday at—”

“I’m in. I love the ballet. I’ve been a handful of times and can’t wrap my mind around how those dancers manage to make me feel what they do.”

Leighton’s heart went soft. “Yeah. That’s the perfect way to describe it.” She should have known Jamie would appreciate the art form. “I’m always so moved by the artistry, andThe Nutcrackerhas become a holiday tradition for me. I took Courtney last year, but she’s not in town this go-round. I was hoping to not go alone.”

“You’re not, but only on the condition that you let me buy dinner. I’m sure you know more uptown haunts.”

“Wait. Not a single reference to money or snobbery?”

Jamie touched her chest in offense. “Me? I would never. Not to the person who just offered me a ticket.”

“Wise.”

She flashed a dazzling smile that made Leighton’s heart sing. “Or just opportunistic.”

Leighton hired Robin that next Tuesday night and pulled up to Jamie’s building just as she exited in a beautiful turquoise sweater dress and heels. Her hair was up, showing off the column of her neck and the diamond studded hoop earrings she wore. She touched them as she slid into the car. “My entire inheritance from my grandmother.”

“They look fantastic.”

“You do, too,” Jamie said, beaming. “We’re fancy people tonight.” A pause. “You’re fancy all the time, but tonight, me too.”

“Stick with me, kid.” She offered a wink to convey the lightheartedness of her comment, and they were off. An hour later, with champagne flutes in hand, they watched as the New York City Ballet transported them to a magical world of nutcrackers, sugarplum fairies, mouse kings, all seen through the eyes of a child. Midway through the performance, Jamie snuggled up to Leighton’s arm and passed her a smile. It was a moment between them that she would treasure.

Leighton had been able to snag them reservations after the show at Bad Roman, and from the corner of the restaurant, they excitedly talked over their impressions of the show.

Jamie rested her chin in her hand. “What’s interesting to me is that you’re in tune to all the little details. The set, the costumes, the choreography, and I lose myself in the emotion, the story.”

“I love that, though, because I get to hear about the experience from your perspective and enjoy the show in this whole new sense.”

“We might just be compatible theatergoers.” Jamie glanced behind her. “I don’t mean to interrupt our flow, but there’s a woman who keeps shooting glances your way, and she’s on her way over.”

“What does she look like?”

“Tall. Dark curly hair. Black. Gorgeous. Wow.”

“Helen,” Leighton said, following Jamie’s gaze to see Helen Sloane approaching. Two dates, a few follow-up texts, and then they’d kind of drifted. Helen was nice enough, though. Leighton just hadn’t been in a place to take it any farther. She smiled as Helen got close, stood, and offered her a hug. “Helen. Good to see you.”

“I thought that was you, but I didn’t want to interrupt. It looked like a fantastic conversation.” Helen smiled at Jamie. “Helen Sloane. Leighton’s a friend.” It was kind of Helen to not announce they’d dated, given she didn’t know Jamie or their status. She got points for that.

“Jamie Tolliver. Hi. We were tossing around our impressions ofThe Nutcracker. We just came from the show.”

“Jamie just opened a coffee and wine bar in Hell’s Kitchen, and I invested in her talent and know-how.”

Helen nodded enthusiastically. “Sold. I love both.”

“My kind of customer.”

“Anyway. I was happy to see you and wanted to say hello. Glad you enjoyed the show. I remember those days all too well. Stiff ankles to show for it. Enjoy your night.”

“And who is she exactly?” Jamie asked, as they settled back into their chairs just as dessert menus were delivered.

“Helen and I met through a mutual friend. Coincidentally, she used to dance with the New York City Ballet.”

“Impressive.”