The Unidentified Redhead

I sank back in the seat and watched as the neighborhood of Queens quickly gave way. We crossed the bridge and as I saw the lights of the city, I began to smile uncontrollably.

It was after nine and the sky was fully dark. Everything was lit up, and the way the city looked as we crossed the river was magical. Absolutely magical.

We drove through the concrete canyons, across town, and then made our way through midtown. Hundreds of people were out, crossing the streets, sitting at cafes, pouring in and out of doorways.

There was a pulse to this city, and after leaving the laid back charm that was Southern California, my brain was hungry for the fuss and the muss of Manhattan. It was hot and steamy and even though it was nighttime, it was still thick and humid. I pulled my hair up off my neck immediately and shrugged out of my cardigan.

We raced along, the driver slamming the brakes on every block or so, honking back at other cabs and at the pedestrians crowding the streets. Even though many left in late summer, there were still tons of people and my eyes drank in the masses.

Every time I was here, my heart beat a little faster. And this time was no different.

As we pulled in front of the W, the bellman came out to help with my bags and I was soon whisked inside. While I was checking in, I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned.

It was Michael.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" I exclaimed, hugging him.

"Holly told me when you were getting in, so I thought I'd stop by and buy you your first drink in New York. You're not too tired, are you? Shit, I should've given you time to settle in." He grimaced as he pulled back. He was dressed casually like me, loose khakis, gray t-shirt, Converse. His hair was quite curly in the humidity and framed his dark brown eyes.

"No, no I would love that! I'm tired, but really it's not even seven to me. Let me drop off my bags and then we can grab a drink. Do you mind if we have it here?" I said, gesturing to the gorgeous lobby bar.

"That sounds like a plan. Lemme help you," he said, grabbing my bags and leading me towards the elevator.

My room was on seventeen, high enough to have a great view. And since it was the W, my room was tricked out. We were setting everything down when my phone rang. I flopped across the bed to grab it and when I saw it was Jack, I smiled hugely.

"Hey, Joh

"Hey, yourself. How was your flight?"

"It was good. Long…but good," I sighed.

"Sounds like me…long and good." He chuckled.

"Ha ha, very fu

"I know. I miss you, too. I'm sorry I missed your call earlier. Is it too early for phone sex?" He laughed.

Michael stuck his head out from the closet where he had been putting my bags away. "Hey, Grace, do you want this one in the bathroom?" he asked.

"Yeah, that's fine, thanks," I called out. "So, phone sex, can it wait until later tonight? I want to be able to give you my full attention," I continued.

"Who was that?" he asked, his voice curious.

"Oh, Michael was here at the hotel when I got here and we were just about to go grab a drink after I get settled in," I answered.

"Are you in your room?" he inquired, his voice still curious, but with a slight edge to it.

"Yep, he helped me get my bags up here and then we're heading back down to the bar," I answered, rolling my eyes.

"Uh huh," he muttered.

How cute, he was a little jealous.

"Oh, Sweet Nuts, I really wish I could see your face right now, along with other parts." I laughed, and he loosened up.

"Well, I'll tell you what. You go have your drink and then call me later. I'm heading out soon, too. I'm actually doing an open mike tonight."

"You are! Wow, I really wish I was there for that," I said, chewing on my lip. I knew he did those from time to time, it just had never happened while we were together. I would kill to see him sing on a stage, just him and his guitar. I thought of all the mornings he had played me my own action soundtrack while I got ready, and I smiled.

"I wish you were too, love. I'll speak to you soon then, yes?" he said softly.

"Yes, I love you, George," I cooed.

"I love you, too, Gracie."

And with that, we hung up. I sat on the bed for a moment and then Michael came back in. He sat down next to me. "I thought his name was Jack…"

"What?" I asked, coming out of my haze.

"You called him George…I thought his name was Jack," he said again, looking puzzled. I gazed back at my old friend, a look of puzzlement on his kind face.

"It is Jack. The George is a long story. Let's go get that drink." I smiled.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed myself off the bed and headed out of the room with Michael close on my heels. As the door swung shut behind us, I saw the lights of New York twinkling beyond the window.

I was here and it was time for me to shine.

The End

Acknowledgements

To Elizabeth for taking a chance on me.

To the online writing community where I have made so many wonderful friends and gained so much valuable insight.

To my family and friends who have been so supportive and patient with me while I try on this new hat.

To everyone who has embraced their i

And to Peter, who has always been my George.

About the Author

Alice Clayton attended University of Missouri, with an emphasis on Theater Arts.

She now makes her home in South St. Louis City, where she shares her life with her long time boyfriend, Peter, and their children of the four legged variety.

This is Alice’s first novel.

Her website is: www.aliceclayton.com