The flight to NYC was a little scary yet exhilarating. They even served champagne, quite a step up from her usual Miller High Life, although she was more of a Miller kind of gal. Rosa sat next to a middle aged man who looked like he had a stick up his ass and acted like it too. Sitting perfectly erect, he was not really rude to the stewardess he just acted like she was beneath him. Had she been dressed in her same drab house dress instead of her new duds picked out the airport, he probably would have snubbed her too. Instead he foolishly thought he had a kindred spirit in his distaste for the “hired help” of this world. Boy was he barkin up the wrong tree. Of course Rosa could not resist a little white lie. She leaned over and whispered in his ear, “that’s my daughter.” The man was mortified. He could not apologize enough and they got to talking. It turned out that he had come from a poor family, won a scholarship to Harvard Law and never looked back. He was an only child and hadn’t seen his parents in years.
Rosa thought, this man needs a makeover. Oh well, she would probably never see him after today. The flight landed he kissed her hand and said good bye.
The hotel was grand; apparently lottery winners got the best of treatment. After checking in and having her bags brought to her room she headed for the little café for a coffee and a sweet. Pearl was safely ensconced in the hotel kennel for the moment. Christmastime in NYC, this was a first for her. There was so much she wanted to do she didn’t know where to start; ice skating in central park, the horse drawn buggy ride, the statue of liberty, the 9-11 site, and oh the museums. She decided to make a list. Writing busily she didn’t notice the familiar face across the room and, glued to his phone neither did he.
She paid the check and ambled up to her room. The view out the window was spectacular, central park transformed into a snowy wonderland and oh look at the tiny skaters. Snow for Christmas, she hadn’t seen it in many years. Maybe she should freshen up and take a walk. What a bathroom! She thought of the cubical bathroom and the shower stall she left behind and laughed. God, I guess some people live like this all the time. She wondered if they really appreciated the little things like a cozy bathroom with no peeling paint on the walls.
Dressed and ready to explore she picked up Pearl at the kennel and stepped outside. Holly Mother! The lights and the snow, it was magical. They took a stroll through central park just to drink it all in. Maybe this really was the season for miracles.
On their journey through the park she spotted an elderly couple, probably in their 70’s sitting on a bench with 4 or 5 suitcases stacked next to them. She wondered vaguely where they were going and why they would be carrying all their luggage through central park. God, the park was beautiful, she felt like Alice in wonderland.
She stopped at a few shops and bought some things for her son and daughter and headed back to the hotel for a Miller and a good night’s sleep. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud and she dozed off almost instantly. Morning, Christmas morning and holy crap she was in NYC. She still could hardly believe it. Well I’m going to play tourist today. She paid her respects at the 9-11 site and then went out for breakfast. Next on the list was the Museum of Natural History but that would have to wait until after the holiday. Her feet were getting tired and she wasn’t sure she was ready for ice skating so she took a break and returned to the hotel for a hot bath and a cup of coffee before going to central park. The plan was to go skating then take the buggy ride.
Feeling refreshed she took Pearl for a short walk and was ready to skate. While tightening her scarf against the cold rush of air she collided with a man entering the hotel. Well what do you know; it was Mr. Stick Up His Ass. Harvey. “Rosa? Fancy meeting you here. Are you staying here?” he asked. “Sure am.” She replied, trying to keep the too good for us hired help out of her voice. Having been a waitress most of her life she still resented his snobbish attitude toward the stewardess.
“Can I buy you a drink?” he asked. “Well I was just going skating in central park, would you like to come along.” She was pretty sure this would get rid of him. “Boy it’s been years, but you inspire me, sure, I’d love to.” That was a surprise, and not too much surprised Rosa. He begged her to just have a cup of coffee while he changed out of his suit, and he’d be down in a flash. She used to be a pretty good skater; she would lose him out there PDQ.
It turned out a hot cup of joe was a good idea, the temperature must have dropped 10 degrees in the past hour. Harvey had arrived in his tight designer jeans and an overcoat with a long white scarf around his neck. Even in casual attire he looked like a stuffed shirt. Central Park was alive with people enjoying the holiday except for the elderly couple who still sat on the bench with their suitcases. Now she was really getting curious. It was freezing. What were they still doing there? She decided that if they were still there after they were finished skating she would go over and make conversation to find out what their story was.
It took her a few turns around the rink to get her feet to function properly, but it was all coming back to her. Thoughts of losing Harvey proved wrong, he was an excellent skater and actually seemed to be enjoying himself. While taking a short break she told him how she had won the lottery and a little about where she had been living at the time. She thought this would probably get rid of him. Not so, he was even intrigued to know more.
Exhaustion setting in, Rosa decided it was time for the horse and buggy ride. Harvey told her to have a seat and rest, he would go inquire if there was a wait. In the mean time she spotted the older couple and sauntered over to see what was up with them. Their names were Mildred and Hank. It was like pulling teeth to get information out of them. They seemed a little embarrassed. About a month ago they had lost their home, an apartment they had lived in for over 20 years was now going condo. Without enough savings to purchase they were forced to move. Hank had been a mechanic and Mildred a maid, neither job afforded pensions. Their only income was social security and they had not been able to save enough for deposits. They had spent a few weeks in a hotel but had run out of money. Her first instinct was to have them spend the night in her room, but they would be too proud to accept such a hand out. She would have to give this some thought. She wished them luck and told them she would come back later to check on them.
She could see Harvey in the distance looking for her and headed back. The buggy was theirs in ten minutes so they made their way over to the pickup point. Stepping into the carriage she pictured herself in a long gown with glass slippers, although she doubted this was her prince charming. Off in the distance the voice of a magnificent tenor gave her goose bumps. It was a lovely ride and the company surprisingly pleasant. She learned that Harvey had been raised not far from here, so he knew the city pretty well. Too busy with work, he’d never married. He was actually here on business that was concluded quicker than expected so he was left with some free time.
She took this opportunity to ask him about his parents. They hadn’t gotten along real well, he’d been a smart ass kid and when he was at Harvard, well he was kind of embarrassed by them. Eventually he just stopped calling and they stopped visiting.
“Do you know where they are? She asked.
“No it’s been so long now, they could be anywhere.”
“Ever think of looking for them.”
“No, they’re probably happy to be rid of me.”
“You never know.” She replied and then it began to snow, thus changing the subject back to their surroundings. There was no place in the world better on Christmas than New York City he told her. They really do it up right. This was his first time experiencing it as an adult.
Yes, she said, “it’s enchanting; it’s like stepping into a story book.”
“Rosa, I think you’re one of those rare people that will be childlike forever”
“I’ll take that as a compliment” she said.
“But of course.”
All too soon the ride was over. She had to think of an excuse to get rid of Harvey so she could talk to the old couple who were still inhabiting the bench across the way. “I’m afraid I’ll have to bid you farewell, I must walk my dog and do a little shopping. I’d ask you to come but a woman prefers to shop alone.” He kissed her hand, assured her that it was alright, he’d had a wonderful time but needed a warm up and a coffee perhaps she would join him later for a nightcap.
Perhaps.
As soon as he entered the café she darted back to the park. Mildred and Hank seemed a little confused that she’d come back so soon.
“I had an idea that could be beneficial to us both. I’m going to be very busy for the next few days and I have my dog in the hotel kennel. I hate keeping her there. If you could stay with me in the hotel and walk my Pearl for me three or four times a day it would mean a lot to me.”
They were of course hesitant, but Rosa could be very persuasive. She even made up a story of a previous kennel neglecting her poor Pearl. Besides, she wined, I have a suite all to myself and don’t know a soul in town. I would welcome the company.” Hank looked sadly at his wife’s chapped lips and shivering body and agreed.
Settled in her room, she ordered coffee and cakes from room service for them and she went down to the lounge for a Miller. Old habits die hard.
Harvey was there. They talked for a while about the good old days when wars were just and cars were classy. She admitted that she had thought he was kind of a prick when they met on the plane. He apologized and said the holidays sometimes got him down, he didn’t mean to take it out on her daughter. Smiling like the cat who swallowed the canary, she admitted that she had just said that it was her daughter to make him feel bad. They both had a good laugh. Weary after a while she bid him goodnight and retired.
The next few days were hectic. Pearl took well to her new friends and Rosa was busy with the Lottery madness; the check, the photo ops. She paid for a rehab facility for her daughter and informed her son that if he made sure she went, there was a years tuition waiting for him. Finally she returned to her room $600,000 richer, minus taxes, to find a bouquet of roses at her door. The card read, “I have so enjoyed your company and missed seeing you these last few days. I would be honored if you would join me for dinner. Will be waiting in the lobby at 8:00 hope to see you. Harvey.”
She didn’t want to admit it but she was tickled. Shit it’s already 7:00, I gotta get dressed. She asked Mildred if she wouldn’t mind putting the flowers in water for her and she hurried to dress.
Dinner was not what she expected. He did of course have a limo pick them up however, she expected a fancy restaurant. When the car turned toward Greenwich Village she was intrigued. The driver pulled up in front of a jazz club and held the door for them. Dinner was the best fried crab she’d ever tasted and the music. She could hardly keep herself from sighing at the perfection of the saxophone’s heartbreaking voice. After dinner and a drink Harvey spoke to the musician and they played Wonderful World an old Louis Armstrong favorite. He extended his hand and asked her to dance. God it had been forever. She hoped she wouldn’t step on his feet. After a moment or two she was almost floating. Harvey was an excellent dancer and to her surprise she felt warmed by his touch. They sat reveling in the music and talked for hours. He told her of his years in college and the small firm he now owned in Connecticut and she spoke of her children, and her husband in heaven. It was a delightful evening that she found herself wishing it would never end.
When the limo stopped in front of the hotel Harvey held the door and took her hand to help her out. Kissing her hand, he said, “ I’m free all day tomorrow, you choose where we go, if you’ll have me.” “ Meet you at 9 for breakfast in the café and we’ll make a plan,” she replied. “Goodnight Harvey, I had a wonderful time,” she said planting a lingering kiss on his cheek.
Smiling in the elevator she thought, what are you doing Rosa, your acting like a fucking teenager. But even she couldn’t dampen her mood, and she smiled again. So what, she told herself, you’re not dead yet. She slept on cloud nine.
At breakfast she told him she was thinking she might buy a little restaurant here in the city. With her vast experience as a waitress it would be nice to be the boss for a change. She was also toying with the idea of a soup kitchen. Perhaps she would close early Sunday and feed the poor that day. Also she would like to have a small table set aside for those that couldn’t pay and have a donation jar so folks could contribute. He liked the idea and reminded her they had passed a vacant store in the Village. “That’s what we can do today, if you don’t mind and maybe wind up at the Museum of Natural History.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Off they went. On the way there she told him of the older couple she had met in the park and hired to walk her dog. “I know you probably think I’m nuts.” She said. “Well, ordinarily I would, but what harm could a couple in their 70’ s do? I’m guessing you don’t keep your winnings in a sock drawer.” She laughed.
It was a splendid and prolific day. The store was large and a perfect location. This was going to be so much fun, she thought. They phoned the realtor and had an appointment for the following morning. After a long tour of the museum they returned to the hotel for dinner.
That evening she sat down to have a talk with Mildred and Hank. They felt that they were taking advantage of her. I have some good news she said. I’ve decided to open a small restaurant here in town and I would like to hire both of you part time if you would like. It would help me out, because I know no one trustworthy in town, and you could save to get a place. What do you think.
We would be honored to help such a gracious lady as yourself, and yes we could finally get back on our feet. It’s a deal. She ordered champagne for a toast; success for us all.
The following weeks were a whirlwind. She and Harvey looked the place over and he went over the paperwork for her. She told him she had hired the older couple to help. He approved. Money exchanged and the place was hers. He made some calls and found her a reputable carpenter, but he had to fly home for a while. He would return ASAP. Work began, Hank helped with painting and Mildred with cleaning. Rosa went shopping for decorations, appliances, tables, chairs and dishes. She moved out of the hotel and got a small place near the restaurant. It even had a small yard for Pearl and a quest room for Millie and Hank. They insisted that she take room and board out of their salaries.
Before you knew it she had a restaurant. Italian cuisine Mondays, Tuesday German, Wednesday French, Thursday Jewish, Friday Irish, Saturday Spanish. The décor changed daily as well. Breakfast strictly down home American and Sunday as well. She would close Sunday at 1 PM and feed the poor till 6.
Harvey came back the day before they opened. They were to all have dinner at the Jazz club to celebrate he would meet them there. Millie and Hank joked about her anxiousness. “You’ve got it bad for this guy, Millie laughed. Rosa had to laugh too.
Harvey walked in the door and stopped dead in his tracks. Tears welled up in his eyes. Oh my God what’s wrong she thought, the look on his face. He was frozen still. Millie and Hank stood up. OK now she was really confused.
Slowly they closed the distance between them, Millie sobbing, tears streaming down Harvey’s face, even Hank was blubbering. Rosa thought, holy shit it couldn’t be.
“Mom, Dad I’m so sorry. I’ve been such a shit. You needed me and I wasn’t there.”
“You’re here now my son,” Millie cried.
“And I’ll never leave you again. Any of you.” He smiled at Rosa. “ I sold my practice and took a small office here in town.”
“Rosa, I knew you were an angel,” Harvey pulled her out of her chair and hugged her.
He got down on one knee and opened a tiny box.
By Toni
