Page 4 of Babydaddy To Go

Why is this happening? Why why why? Especially since this is supposed to be the start of my great adventure.

My eyes look around, and there’s a small kiosk selling candies and drinks nearby, so I grab a soda and a map. Unfortunately, I’m terrible at reading maps and the squiggly, bright-colored lines seem to move and then blur as I stare helplessly. Oh no.

But I remember from my research that there are tons of exits in Grand Central. Maybe one of them will be close to my new apartment? It’s probably easier to navigate inside the terminal than to try to do it on packed city streets. Taking a deep breath, I walk over to an exit like I know what I’m doing and climb a flight of stairs, hoping to come out somewhere that will lead me to my new home. Instead, I find myself in the center of the main concourse, bustling with people walking swiftly, their eyes fixed to the ground. Ugh. What do I do now?

The exit in front of me says East 42ndStreet. I need to be on West 55thStreet. Uck. New York is supposed to be straightforward to navigate, but I haven’t even been here an hour and I’m already lost.

I stare down at my map again. The numbers are so tiny, but I manage to locate Grand Central. I search for the street where my apartment is supposed to be, but I can’t find it. Where are the “west” streets on this stupid map? I think I bought a faulty one.

“Excuse me, Miss? Are you okay?”

I jump, startled by the sudden voice. In front of me is a man with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and they’re looking very concerned.

“What?” I mumble, not remembering what he said.

He chuckles.

“I was asking if you’re okay. You appear to be lost.”

I hold up my map, exasperated.

“My phone died and I can’t figure out this stupid map! I need to be on West 55th, and this is East 42nd. That means I’m like a hundred blocks away, right?” comes my vexed tone.

The handsome man doesn’t laugh at my naiveté.

“You’re actually less than a mile from your destination,” he says with a wry grin.

Befuddled, I look down at my map and then up at him.

“How is that even possible?”

He shrugs.

“That’s New York for you. Fifth Avenue is basically the epicenter of the city. The streets switch from east to west there. We’re not far.”

“I’ve heard of Fifth,” I say slowly. “It’s where people go to shop, right?”

He laughs.

“Yeah, except that you have to have a million dollars to afford the shopping on Fifth, and I unfortunately, don’t have that kind of money.”

I can’t help but blush. He’s so hot, and I’m a bedraggled mouse standing in the bustling halls of Grand Central. He could have walked by like the million other people here, but instead, he chose to help me.

“I don’t think many people have that kind of money,” I say shyly. “I actually just moved here today, as you can tell,” are my words. The two oversized suitcases I’ve been lugging around are practically bursting at the seams. He raises his eyebrows. Being lost in New York City sucks; being lost with suitcases is even worse.

“Welcome to New York,” the guy says drolly. “I’ve lived here my whole life. I can help you find your apartment, if you’d like.”

After the trouble I’ve had trying to find it myself, I know I have to take him up on it. After all, what am I going to do? Letting a perfect stranger help me might be dangerous, but it’s morning and there are tons of witnesses around. I’ll be fine.

“That would be so great,” are my grateful words. “I don’t think I’ll find it on my own.”

“Excellent! I’m Nate, by the way.”

“Alyssa,” I tell him shyly. “Thank you so much for helping me out.”

His smile is warm and genuine. “It’s my pleasure. Can I take one of your bags?”

Again, there’s no way I can say no. The suitcases are heavy. Any help is much appreciated.