Chapter 2

By the time the girls checked in the hotel, they were suffering from exhaustion between the late flight which lasted two hours , waiting for their luggage in baggage claims and other 45 minutes in cab . The hotel was spectacular but neither girl noticed, as the bellhop lead them down the long hallway to their suite. He unlocked the door , pushed the cart into the bedroom which was to the left of the living area, then headed back out.

“Thank you “ Lily replied wearily and tipped him as she closed the door then collapsed on the nearest chair. “ Damn remind me never book a late flight again “

Claire was already lying on top of her king size bed with her arm over her face, “Lily,” she half-yelled out into the living room, “never book a late flight again,” She rolled off the bed and stumbled out through the bedroom door, “I’m not even hungry,” she informed her friend, “I just need sleep.”

Lily simply nodded “ Yes same here the bed is so calling my name right now “ she managed to pull herself up out of the comfortable chair and padded into the bedroom “ Hell I ain’t even showering . “ then stripped out of her travel clothes and slipped into a a red tank and matching pajama bottoms.then with a quick throw of the blankets she crawled in .

Claire pulled her jeans off and slipped into a pair of girly boxers, not even bothering to pull off her t-shirt as she flipped off the light and climbed into bed. “The show is tomorrow, right?” she asked groggily.

“Yea, and I still don’t have the foggiest what I’m wearing “ Lily replied with a yawn .

“Ah, well, if you still can’t decide, there’s always my credit card,” Claire giggled sleepily, “I’m always up for a shopping trip.” She thought for a moment, “Hell, I don’t know what I’m wearing either,” she sighed.

‘Guess shopping is first on our to do list then “ Lilly yawned, her eyes closing shut.  “You know we'll have to work our asses off after this trip right? “ she snorted.

“Mmmhmm,” Claire said, her face in her pillow.



A few hours later the sun shown brightly through their bedroom window, waking Lily up. She sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes.  “Good Mornin’ New York “ she said with a smile then stood up to glance out the window . They truly had a incredible view of Broadway .

She stood for a moment then walked over to her suitcase, gazed over her selection of clothing. After a few moments of indecision, she decided that for this shopping trip , jeans and a light blue sweater was good enough . Then she quietly tiptoed to the bathroom for a shower.


Claire heard the shower running and opened one eye.God, it’s loud outside, she giggled, used to the quiet streets of Charleston. She rolled out of bed slowly and made her way into the living room, where she picked up the phone and called room service, ordering coffee and bagels. Then she strolled to the windows that lined the outside wall of the suite, looking out at Times Square. Never thought I’d want to vacation in a big city, she thought to herself, picturing the bustling streets of Boston where she’d grown up.

“C you must try that shower, Shit I didn’t want to want to leave “ She smirked while trying to brush her hair blown hair into place. “Oh girl coffee I so love you “ she set the brush down on the dresser, then reached for the pot and poured a cup “ Ah yes . I think this hotel has moved up at the top of my must stay list “

“Any hotel that serves Starbucks right to your door is a fabulous hotel in my book,” Claire replied, brushing past Lily into the bedroom where she opened her suitcase. “Don’t drink it all while I try out this miracle shower,” she winked, grabbing a pair of jeans and a top and shuffling into the bathroom, closing the door with an evil grin.

“Oh I will “ she called out and took another sip of coffee. Then she pulled out her makeup  bag and applied her daytime look which consisted of a light coating of foundation , mascara and lip gloss. To finish the look she dabbed on a bit of her favorite perfume.

Claire bounced out of the bathroom, her long hair still wrapped in a towel and piled on top of her head. “So me and the shower, we’re getting married.” she announced, pouring herself a mug of coffee, “Wanna be Maid of Honor?” she asked Lily casually.

“Only if you let me be its mistress “ Lily retorted  “So which store we hitting first ? “

“Well,” Claire began, picking up a brochure lying on the coffee table, “You have your pick of, basically anywhere,” She scanned the list, “Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M,” she glanced up at Lily, “what sounds good to you?”

She gazed at the clock “ Well we got time lets hit what we can . I’m sure we’re bound to find something at one of those stores. “ then reached for her jacket “Not sure how warm it is ? We’re not in the South now darlin’ “

Claire laughed, “Well, it’s October in New York. I’m gonna go with fairly chilly,” she replied, grabbing her jacked and bag, and slipping on her shoes after she had half-assed her makeup and pulled her almost-dry hair into a low ponytail. “I’ll try harder tonight,” she joked, giving herself the once-over in the mirror.


The girls were lucky and found exactly what they were looking for at Bloomingdale's and walked back to their hotel with their newly bought purchases.

Lily laid her dress on her bed along with her shoes and new clutch purse “ Yup we are won’t be able to take another vacation til next year “ she snorted.  “We got time to kill . What you wanna do? “

Claire stared in a trance at the shoes she had bought, sighing. “Forget the shower,” she smiled, “I’m marrying these babies.” Then she glanced at the clock, “It’s about lunchtime, wanna go find something to eat?” she suggested.

“Lily’s stomach growled ‘That sounds like a plan “ she grabbed her purse and they headed out the door and back out into Times Square . Both girls were almost giddy like as they were mixing in with the everday hussle and bussle of New York.

“Carmine’s oh that's definitely Italian and sounds heavenly ? “ Lily asked as they stopped right in front of the restaurant “

Claire glanced inside, “Yum. Let’s do it.” She led the way in, and a waiter seated them at a table towards the back corner of the restaurant. Being a bit later in the afternoon, the lunch crowd had cleared off for the most part, leaving just a few occupied tables.

“Good Afternoon ladies . What can I get you to drink ? “The waiter asked as he held the pen and paid ready to write .

“I think We’ll take a bottle of Pinot Grigio, Scarbolo “ Lilly answered with a sweet smile.

“Very good ma’am “ he nodded ,writing it down on his pad , then headed off towards the back.

“Good thing we have time after a whole bottle , we might be feeling really good for the show tonight “ Lilly snorted while glancing at the menu “I think I’m gonna order the Shrimp Parmigiana, a house salad and garlic bread.”

“Ooh, the Chicken Cacciatore is on special today,” Claire noted, licking her lips, “my favorite.”

The waiter returned with their wine , Lilly sniffed it and took a sip “OH this is good thank you. “

He smiled “ Are you ladie’s ready to order ? “

“Yes we are “ and both girls placed their order and the waiter ducked off again to turn their order in to the kitchen.

“Cheers C . To a fun and very expensive trip “ she grinned and clinked her glass with her best friend.

Claire took a sip of her wine, “Expensive but oh so worth it,” she replied, leaning back into the booth.

Neither girl noticed  two gentleman staring at them with keen interest.

Jon lifted his glass to take a sip of his wine  “ Well I think our day has gotten a bit brighter “ his eyes baring down on Claire. “Care to bet whether they’re tourists or not ? “ he grinned wirely.

Richie smiled, “Two redheads,” he replied, his eyes taking in the one with her hair cut short, “Gorgeous redheads from out of town,” was all he could finish, as he watched her sip her wine and smile. He met Jon’s eyes, “Too bad we have plans tonight,” he sighed.

Jon watched the girl with the longer red hair as she laughed , what a beautiful smile she had. “Yea too bad . “ He hadn’t shown in any interest in dating ,even though his divorce had been final for almost a year now.  He had thrown himself into his work not caring. Now though as he continued to watch the girl intently . It just might be time to climb up on that horse again .  “I wonder where they’re from ? “ he asked more to himself than anything.

“Or more importantly,” Richie added, “how long they’re staying?” he asked. The whole world knew he was single, ever since the highly public divorce a couple of years back. He had gone out a few times with women here and there, but hadn’t found anything as solid as he and Heather, or as he thought he and Heather had been. He watched the woman smile again, “Damn, I’m so used to fuckin’ tall blondes, I could definitely get interested in that lil’ beauty,” he stated. “Change is good, right?” He nudged Jon, subtly joking about his brother’s newly found friend in politics.

“Yes, change is real good Dean “ he chuckled  “ She - I mean they are quite beauties and natural too it looks like . I like that . Wonder how we can find out more ‘bout them ? “

Jon’s phone trilled , he reached for it “ Speak to me . yea yea Lem , we’re just out for a bite to eat . No we won’t be late . Fuck man  you're more nervous for this opening than playing for 100,000 people. “ He retorted. “Okay Okay see you then . “ he closed his phone “ Damn he's  gonna get an ulcer if he doesn’t the fuck calm down “

Richie snorted, “And how many times have I said that exact same thing to you?” he asked playfully. He set down his fork and set his napkin on his plate, “Guess we’d better head out before he calls again,” he suggested, motioning for the waiter with the check.

The waiter returned with the bill , Jon handed him his card and a few moments later returned with it and the receipt.

Jon scooted back from the table, tossed a few bills on the table and started to walk slowly past the table of the two redheads, who were deep in conversation .

“Hello ladies “ He replied with such a dazzlingly smile that caused the girls to stop mid stream and stare at the handsome man that continued on out the door.

Richie followed closely behind and nodded at them, trying not to laugh at their shocked faces. “Have a great day,” he said, also smiling, and headed out of the restaurant. “Jesus Kidd,” he said once they were out, “Didja have to give ‘em that smile? They didn’t even notice me, you blinded ‘em” He joked.

“Fuck you asshole. What am I supposed to do frown  at them besides if you glanced back the one with the shorter hair was  checking your ass out “ Jon shot back good naturedly .

Richie looked back again, then down at his own ass. “Really?” he asked incredulously, “Usually they’re distracted by yours,” he quipped.

Jon shook his head and laughed as he climbed into the Black Explorer waiting out front for them. “Yea well gotta have something for them to look at considering once they been with you I haven’t a fuckin’ chance “

Richie roared with laughter, “Sshh, that’s a secret,” he finally said, gasping for air. “My secret weapon,” he added, wagging his eyebrows.

“Secret weapon , my ass . Everyone knows about that shit . You broadcasted years ago ‘member ? “ he snorted as his laughter reached a fevered pitch. It felt damned good to laugh , been ages since either one had reason to .

“Ah, but you didn’t notice the look of non-recognition on their faces,” Richie replied, “Believe it or not, the Irish beauty you had your eye on had no clue in hell who you were, Frank.” He said as he burst into a laughing fit again.

“First of all how’d you know she’s Irish and second I did notice thats the fuckin’ strange part who doesn’t know who we are ? Not that I’m complaining . I find it odd  “ Jon was dumbfounded , How could they not know who they were ? It did happen but not often when it did, it left at least Jon scratching his head.

Richie smacked the back of Jon’s head, “Tell me you didn’t put it all together, genius. Bright red curly hair, olive green eyes, freckles on her nose. I’m an observant man, and I know you are, Mr. Know All, See All. She’s the exact type you’ve ‘secretly’ had your eye on for years. And secondly, maybe they’re like Dot was,” he said quietly, hesitating before he mentioned her, “she wasn’t into the mainstream crap. It’s possible to not know who we are..” he finished.

Letting out a deep sigh and sadly replied “ Yea, maybe. Just didn’t think I would find two in one lifetime you know? “ he grew quiet “I know sure as hell if I’m jumping back on the horse again I ain’t going for the model types “ He lips turned up in a smile “ But one thing I will change maybe not so independent. I miss feeling needed sometimes. “

Richie patted Jon’s shoulder, “I feel ya bro, trust me. And if you’re meant to find another, you’ll find another. Who knows, maybe even an Irish-lookin’ princess like the one we saw today,” he nudged his friend.

“Yea maybe . So Mr observant did you notice the short auburn hair with chocolate brown eyes and long eyelashes . She seemed to quite taken with you . I dont think she even noticed my smile or even hello “ he teased trying to lighten the mood.

Richie laughed, Fuck yeah I did,” he replied, smiling. “And let me just tell ya, I could get used to comin’ home to that every night.”

“Maybe if karma smiles down on us we will see them again . “Jon replied hopefully as he turned his attention to the buildings and cars passing by as they headed towards his penthouse in Soho.