Free Manhattan Dreaming by Anita Heiss Page B

go.’
    Back at home Dad put my bag in the Charade and with little sentimentality said, ‘Do what you need to do, love. It’s just I worry about you. That’s my job as a father. And I can tell Nick if you want me to. Your mother said I shouldn’t have made you feel bad about your brother. And you know, your mother is nearly always right.’ He rolled his eyes.
    â€˜I know.’ We hugged and I pulled out of the drive and headed towards Canberra with tears streaming down my face. I couldn’t imagine what it might be like to have to say goodbye and leave. Just leaving Goulburn for Canberra was emotional enough.

‘Welcome to the Manhattan Movie Marathon,’ Denise said as I walked in the door and collapsed on the lounge. Libby was there drinking coffee and reading the weekend paper.
    â€˜What are you on about?’
    â€˜Libby told me about the amazing offer to go to New York and we thought that some fabulous films might help you make up your mind. I asked at the video shop for all the movies they had set in New York.’ She handed me a couple of DVDs and a couple to Libby. ‘But I didn’t think you’d want to see The Godfather and Godzilla .’
    â€˜You were right.’ I thought of Dad.
    â€˜Now we just need to sit back and relax. I’ve cooked veggie lasagne for lunch, and Libs brought some of your favourite goodies from Divine and Delicious, so we’re all set for the rest of the day.’
    We started with the classic An Affair to Remember , first screened in 1957.
    â€˜This is one of my mum’s favourites,’ I told the girls. ‘I think she likes the handsome playboy Nicky Ferrant and fancies herself as Terry McKay. They meet on a cruise from Europe to New York and have an affair, even though they’re both engaged to other people. They decide to meet up the top of the Empire State Building six months later. It’s such a romantic story.’ I stopped myself as soon as I realised I was getting carried away.
    â€˜Oh, I agree, of course – stories about people cheating are always romantic, as we know,’ Libby said sarcastically.
    We watched the movie in virtual silence, munching on popcorn that Denise microwaved. When Nicky and Terry planned their reunion it gave me an idea – I would go to New York and Adam would meet me at the top of the Empire State building – it would be far more romantic than shagging in Rambo’s eyeballs – if I could keep the claustrophobia in check. Even he would have to appreciate that.
    As the credits rolled I lay back on the lounge and envisioned Adam waiting for me when I got out of the lift at the Empire State Building. He’d be looking hot in a suit – it was my fantasy so I could have him any way I liked – and a cashmere scarf because I knew he couldn’t make it until after the footy season was over, so it would be cold in New York. I’d walk towards him wearing a little black dress, black boots and a red coat – I’d always wanted a red coat – and we’d kiss without speaking and then just nuzzle into each other as we watched the sun set. There would be no-one else there to disturb us. It would be the perfect moment, and perhaps he would even propose.
    Libby broke my private reverie. ‘Hey, wake up. Ready for another movie?’ she asked as she poked me.
    â€˜Yes, I was just resting my eyes. I’m good to go,’ I said, with new interest in the movies and New York.
    â€˜I know you love Breakfast at Tiffany’s , Lauren,’ Denise said, putting the DVD into the player.
    â€˜It’s more that I love Audrey Hepburn’s style. I may have mastered accessorising my department store numbers to look high class, but I still dream about wearing Chanel and Dior clothes and Cartier jewels.’
    â€˜And now you can dream about someone like Paul Varjak moving into your building and becoming fascinated by you –