New Amsterdam: Tess (17 page)

“Hello,” the hostess greets.

“Hi. I’m meeting someone for lunch.”

“Your name?”

Clearing her throat and wetting her lips, she replies, “Julia Pierce.”

“Yes, right this way, please.” The hostess leads Julia to a small table inside the empty, air-conditioned restaurant. Standing behind a seated gentleman wearing a pastel dress shirt with the scent of plum blossom aftershave, she taps his shoulder and says, “Sir, your date is here.”

Standing from the table and smiling cockily, he pulls out a chair for Julia and waits for her to sit. “Julia, you’re absolutely stunning.”

Scooting into the table and placing a napkin in her lap, she replies, “That’s really sweet, Paul.”

“Should we order drinks first?” he asks.

Shivering under the air vents and the industrial ceiling fan, Julia hints, “The patio is really nice – maybe we can move outside?”

“Unfortunately, I’m allergic to bees,” Paul snaps.

With gratitude and appreciation, I’d like to acknowledge the following:

Vincent Pullo

Erika Q. Stokes

Molly Van Roekel

Marla Esposito

Nick Fantini

Christina Mock

Jamie Beshears

Les Femmes

The Indie community

Mom & Dad

Luke & Sydney

New York City

Wilder Mind
album by Mumford & Sons

Sonic Highways
television series documented by Dave Grohl

Humans of New York
created and photographed by Brandon Stanton

Residing in New York with her husband and two children, Ashley Pullo is an author, an entertainment blogger, and an advocate for television therapy.

Hey y'all!

NYC is an amazing place to find inspiration – the random and the ordinary that make up reality. My writing showcases inspired ideas, as well as my love for dichotomy, authenticity, pop-culture, and humor.

Dreams need chasers.

Facebook
www.facebook.com/AshleyPullo

Twitter
@ashpullo

Instagram
@apauthor

MY AMAZING WEBSITE
http://www.ashleypullo.com

Find me at any local Starbucks around 3 p.m.

The Album

The Ballad

The Love Letters