Page 20 of If We Meet Again

The generic icebreakers gave way to more in-depth intelligent conversation. They argued over which classic book they favoured,The Great Gatsbywas Ashley’s choice whilstPride and Prejudicewas Megan’s. After much debate, eventually, they agreed to disagree. The topic of art arose, Ashley’s passion for The Met was obvious in her ramblings; one of the world’s greatest art collections was something to be admired. Megan listened intently, propping her head up in her hands as Ashley discussed her favourite paintings.

The conversation naturally switched to basketball, the subject in which they shared the most common ground. Typically, Ashley supported the team she had been surrounded by her whole life, the New York Knicks—a family tradition. Despite Megan’s father supporting the Knicks, she grew up watching the Lakers, with the move to Stanford cementing her love for the Californian coast and arguably the greatest basketball teamof all time.

There was no subject off-limits, the way in which they developed a knowledgeable foundation in a mere two hours was effortless, similar to that of two people who had known each other for many years. There was still so much to learn, a depth in which Ashley hoped she would have the chanceto explore.

Ashley watched the animated girl before her so passionately describe her goals in life, the girl who had been a complete mystery less than a week ago. Megan could have been describing a piece of fruit, and Ashley would still be admiring her so intently. The fluid way in which she moved as she gestured was captivating, the athlete within so obvious to even the untrained eye. The blend of English and American in her accent had been hard to understand the first time they spoke, but now Ashley found itfascinating.

5

Ashley

“Well?” Ashley watched as Megan licked the remainder of sugar from her lips, eagerly awaitingthe verdict.

“I think…” Megan used the napkin to wipe her hands, “…that might be the most incredible pastry I’ve ever tasted.”

“Seriously?”

“No joke, that was amazing.”

“I told you, didn’t I? You were unsure about the combination, but do you understand it now?”

“I get it. I can’t believe I have never hadone before.”

“It was only created a couple of years ago. It just absolutely blew up all over New York.” Ashley signalled towards the queue of people outside the bakery, “You’ve seen the people waiting, it’s like thisevery day.”

“Well, firstly, I am extremely grateful you pre-ordered, and secondly, I am glad you pre-ordered four because I have absolutely no shame in admitting I’ll be eating therest later.”

The combination of croissant and fried dough covered in sugar, filled with cream and topped with glaze, was a sensation for the mouth. The pride radiated from Ashley—lunch and dessert had both been certified winners.

“Both? Do I not get one?”

“We can eat them together if you like?”

Ashley smirked, “I like the sound of that.”

“Thank you again for two amazing choices. You lived up to the hypeafter all.”

“You doubted me,didn’t you?”

“Not at all.” Megan winked.

“Hmmm…all I will say is, after that 5-star performance you have a lot tolive up to.”

“I accept the challenge. Are you ready to go?”

“Lead the way.”

***

They took a cab and within half an hour, they had arrived on the west side of Central Park.

“This is ourfirst stop.”

“Central Park? You know I live in New York and I pass through here almostevery day?”

Megan nudged Ashley with her elbow. “Stop jumping to conclusions.”She scowled.

They walked a familiar route, past Umpire Rock, on to Cherry Hill Fountain and then over Bow Bridge, before stopping to the right of the Lake. Central Park on a summer’s day was the perfect shady escape. With over 840 acres of green space, there was no place quite like it. Ashley frequented the most iconic park in the world three or four times a week, but it never failed to amaze her.