Simon
Wind stings my face as I pull my coat tighter, though it’s more for show than for warmth.
The Christmas lights strung above the street twinkle in the gray sky, their reflections winking in the frosted windows of nearby shops.
For a city so packed with people, it’s surprising how lonely New York can frequently be.
I’ve learned a lot in the past six months undercover; my empathy and understanding for the homeless growing leaps and bounds as I did what I needed to do. I’ll never quite get used to the bitter cold, though.
The breeze sends a tangle of long, unkempt hair across my face. I’m sure I appear quite the sight. My beard’s been around as long as I’ve been camped out in this spot-long enough that details of my old life feel hazy.
Last year, I suspected my uncle was stealing from the company. In order to save my father’s company-my company and legacy soon-I’d gone undercover.
Catching my uncle in the act meant I’d spent several months away from my old life of luxury and living on the streets.
Admittedly, it took longer than expected to gather proof and ensure my uncle paid for his crimes.
I brush my hands over the few belongings that’ve withstood the elements. A weathered and stained backpack filled with necessities and a pair of well-worn paperbacks, one of which is missing its cover. Pieces of an identity I’ll soon shed as I walk away from this spot for good.
“Boss!” The voice pulls me out of my thoughts, and I turn to see Luis striding toward me, shiny black shoes getting caked in snow and grime as he walks closer.
He’s followed by four sharply dressed bodyguards, their uniform suits and dark sunglasses making them look like they stepped out of the spy novel I slide into my tattered backpack.
They stop and bow their heads in unison, and I cringe.
“Welcome back, Boss!” they say in chorus, their booming voices come through, turning a few heads.
I sigh and wave a hand, anxious to get them to drop the theatrics.
They’re going to mess up the one thing I have left to do before I return-the thing I’ve been procrastinating in case it doesn’t go the way I hope, despite being eager to return to a sense of normalcy.
Who wouldn’t be eager to return to a life of luxury? Supercharged cars, boardrooms, and my sprawling mansion with a gym and indoor pool. Not to mention… just being treated with respect.
Out here on the streets, most people either ignore me or treat me with disdain and cruelty. That’s if they even acknowledge me at all.
Luis steps forward, face beaming with pride, which I suppose is fair considering he personally orchestrated my disappearance and my impending return from the shadows.
“Boss,” he says again, softer this time. “The investigation is over. Your uncle is behind bars. The Jones Group is waiting for you to come back and take your place.”
I glance from him to the burger shop with the fresh-faced, ray-of-sunshine waitress who’s made my time on the streets more bearable.
She’s not flashy, not one to care about designer clothes or fussing over her appearance.
Just jeans and a T-shirt with an apron from the restaurant over the top, currently the holiday edition version embroidered with snowflakes and burgers with Santa hats.
Plus, her beloved, scuffed-toe boots.
Luis won’t get it, none of them will. Not that I did before my experience, either. It’s something you just can’t understand unless you’ve had to wonder if you’ll ever have a full belly or be warm again.
“What’s the rush?” I finally say, then lower my voice. “There’s still one more thing I need to do.”
Luis frowns, but he knows better than to argue. I’ve made up my mind.
A flash of red catches my eye, and I glance past him.
There she is. Victoria Barron, with her fuzzy white beanie atop her dishwater blond curls, festive scarf around her neck, and an effortless smile on her face.
She’s carrying a to-go bag in one hand, her breath visible in the icy air.
“Quick,” I whisper, urgency sharpening my words. “Leave before she sees you.”
Luis looks puzzled but nods sharply and motions for the others to follow. In seconds, they’re gone, blending back into the crowd and scenery like they were never there.
Victoria’s steps grow louder as she approaches, her boots echoing against the hard pavement.
There’s a bounce in her stride, the type of optimism that makes her stand out in a city full of weary faces.
“Hey, Simon,” she calls, her grin wide as she holds out the bag. “Got your favorite. A cheeseburger.”
Her compassion hits me harder than the cold ever could. I take the bag, the scent of the cheeseburger wafting up to me-comforting, familiar. Brought to me by her. I’ve come to think of her as my very own Christmas angel. The guiding star atop the tree.
“Thanks, Victoria,” I say, my voice coming out rougher than I expected. “You’ve been helping me all this time.”
She laughs and waves me off, her presence warm enough to melt ice. “It’s Christmastime. Everyone deserves a good meal.”
I watch her as she fiddles with the ring on her finger. It’s small and simple, and my chest tightens. Did she always have a band on that finger?
“There’s something I wanted to tell you,” I begin, the words catching in my throat. “I’m actually?-“
Her phone rings, cutting me off. She holds up a finger, mouthing a quick ‘sorry,’ and answers. “Mom?”
I try not to listen, but her mother’s voice is loud enough it’s impossible not to catch the words.
“Grandma probably won’t make it much past Christmas,” her mother says through the receiver.
Victoria’s face falls, and my heart sinks with hers.
“Her biggest wish is to see you in her wedding dress. We’ve already done most of the alterations. Is it safe to tell her that we’re expecting a wedding this Christmas?”
“Don’t worry, Mom,” she says brightly, though I can see the strain in her soft features. “My fiancé and I are getting our marriage license tomorrow.”
Fiancé.
The word crackles through the cold air, and my stomach twists.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.