NYC summer felt alien to Lacey; it was like a different world. Heat radiated from the pavement, a thick air hung heavy, and people bustled through it. When she walked the city, she wasn’t used to seeing the type of crowd sizes she saw. Every inch of sidewalk in view seemed maxed out with patrons and commuters. The ultimate plus side of busy streets meant large tips for Lacey and strong revenue for her now employer. Several weeks had gone by since the mysterious Nick hired her for his Greenwich bar. His demeanor remained consistent with their initial meeting. Discussion or a service demo resolved his issues, eliminating his stress. The simple transition from her previous employment shocked her. Her experience alone in her new home left her on edge, but this situation changed the trajectory of that sentiment.

The Fourth of July holiday arrived in the Big Apple, and everyone came out to celebrate.

Each shift she worked, Nick was further impressed by Lacey’s performance. After only two weeks, he felt confident she could manage a large clientele.

“You sure you’re able to handle this?” he asked.

The curly-haired man wanted her to understand the patron numbers. Locals and their out-of-town guests often filled the space this month.

“Money is a good thing,” Lacey nodded to confirm she’d be okay.

“Besides, it’s four hours, not forty,” she laughed. “I got it, I promise,” she added. All opportunities would help Lacey’s continued independence in her current city. Life after June proved difficult, but not impossible, because of this job.

Lacey found a healthier stride in her daily routine as days went by. The fresh schedule distracted her depressed mindset from a lack of community or a lover. As she befriended regulars in the evening, her nights got a lot more entertaining. Though Lacey expected tonight’s shift to be the busiest, she felt prepared. Money, conversation, and time occupied her thoughts.

Confidently, she moved through the packed establishment. When she reached her post, she began serving drinks to the people seated in front of her. Too engrossed in her work, she didn’t see Jessica come up behind her.

“You better not rush out of here. Nick said it’s only four hours, and I want you here to party. Rooftop fireworks!” she yelled over the loud boom of the music. Lacey couldn’t hide her smile at the woman’s exuberance.

“Do you ever lose excitement?” she asked with a laugh. Lacey’s talent expanded as she held a conversation and continued to serve customers.

“Absolutely!” she answered with a firm nod, slinging back the shot Lacey poured for her. “You’ll make it even better if you keep these coming without me asking,” she grinned.

“Your tab makes you one of the easy ones,” Lacey joked.

“RUDE!” Jessica teased before skipping off to the VIP table, which Nick kept for him and his group.

Her shift flew by with the active crowd of customers. Jessica checked on Lacey a few more time to make sure she didn’t escape after her shift concluded. Her friend’s sunny disposition was contagious to be engulfed in. It was a pleasant change from her usual loneliness at home.

“Laceface!” she heard Jessica call out to her as she counted her register. Lacey chuckled at the whimsical name. Once she finished calculating the money, she joined Jessica and the rest of Nick’s crew at their table.

“SHE STAYED!” Jessica celebrated by throwing an arm around the young blonde.

“Glad to see you off the clock, Lace,” Nick greeted his employee, pouring her a shot of whiskey.

“Bottom’s up!” he grinned, handing over the ember liquid.

Lacey downed the contents in a single swig. A gathering with drinking, dancing, and fun started.

Her mind left her troubles and grief and focused on the present moment. Being with Nick and his buddies reminded her she had a social scene to look forward to. The concept of making friendships sans June’s guidance appeared unimaginable. Her changed world felt right. It was a subtle yet necessary step for happiness.

“Show time!” Jessica declared, pulling Lacey toward the steps to the roof. The rest of the crew assembled behind them. Once they reached the rooftop, they all paused at the offered sight. The gathering was liberating, a blend of giddy joy and genuine bliss that warmed her heart.

A male voice pulled her focus away from the breathtaking sky. The sound belonged to Syler Ray, another person from Nick’s social circle.

“Never seen fireworks before, Cali?” he joked. A faint chortle escaped from his lips, with Lacey matching it. She suspected his intentions weren’t rude, and his flirting was awkward.

“Have YOU?” she replied. Her intoxicated state precluded wit; she answered impulsively. Her words earned a laugh from her brunette counterpart as they stood together.

A moment of silence lingered between them before the colorful explosions began. The pretty colors robbed Lacey’s attention as they lit up the airspace. But Syler’s voice distracted her. His obvious healthy persistence was admirable because she remained naïve to his attraction.

“I’ve been trying to talk to you all night. But Jessica stole all your time,” he told her.

Lacey chuckled. “Yeah, she’s got a lot to say.”

“She does!” he agreed. “So, how do you know, Nick?”

Lacey was a newbie amongst the crowd their mutual friend created. At first glance, he viewed her as attractive, witty, and easy to talk to, judging by how everyone talked to her the entire night. He welcomed the opportunity to learn more about her.

“By chance. I needed work and ended up here,” she shrugged.

Syler thought her response seemed curt, but it didn’t deter his inquiries. He persisted with both inquisitive and respectful intention.

He laughed. “Everything happens for a reason,” he replied, refuting her claims.

“I needed a job,” she scoffed. “Are you generally this curious?” she asked. Lacey wasn’t used to being pursued. His questions didn’t upset her but puzzled her by their sheer number.

“When there’s an attractive woman involved? Of course,” he smirked. Syler swallowed hard after he admitted his feelings. He hoped she wouldn’t slap him for being so presumptuous.

Nervous laughter escaped Lacey’s lips at the words. Lacey didn’t date often, outside of Brooke no one showed interest in her before this moment. She shifted her glance from the view above to Syler. He stood tall, muscular, and brunette. His jawline was defined, and his smile was as bright as the ether above them. It boosted her confidence to see someone this attractive paying attention to her.

Once her nervousness faded, she smiled. “Are you often this blunt?” she quizzed in a playful tone.

“If all else fails, I could say the booze made me brave,” he shrugged with matched teasing.

“You are brave,” she agreed with a nudge of his shoulder.

Though the spectacle exploded around them, Lacey only had eyes for the man beside her. “Stay and watch the show, and maybe I’ll tell you more about me,” she proposed.

Syler smirked and nodded. A single arm draped over the blonde’s shoulders, and the conversation slowed. Their gaze shifted toward the night sky. This evening held many things for Lacey. Her loneliness disappeared, and her sadness faded in the colors above her. Each day that went by, a brighter light shone on her situation. Grief would always be in her purview but it no longer raged at the forefront. Life as a New Yorker was blossoming right in front of her.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero