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As I made dinner for Mark and me, I heard a car horn outside as I walked over to the door to open it. Mark was still upstairs. He wouldn’t be down till dinner was done, and I went to get him. It was Steve and Becca at the door.
This Becca looked nothing like the Becca I had known. This Becca was a woman, fully grown and blossoming. Becca Hamilton had been a young woman I had known since childhood, but we had never gotten close, instead, we had bickered our way through childhood because Becca always gave as good as she got. I felt a mix of curiosity and trepidation as he greeted them at the door.
We hadn't seen each other in years. “Looks like you grew a bit,” I said to her.
"Hey, Hunter! I haven't seen you in ages!" Becca exclaimed, giving me a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Becca," I said, smiling. “I was making lunch, let me go check.”
“Uncle Steve,” I heard Mark’s voice behind me, then he came running to give Steve a hug.
“Hey little man, I’ve heard so much about you,” Becca said, sticking her hands out to him for a shake.
Surprisingly, Mark walked over to her, looked up at her for a moment, and gave her a hug.
“Oh,” Becca said, returning the hug, her eyes closed, then she blinked them open and stared up at me. Mark opened his eyes and took her hand, leading her to the kitchen, chattering the whole way. I watched them go, my eyes on Becca’s body.
“Okay, I’m guessing introductions are done, can we eat? I’m hungry and get your eyes off her Hunter,” Steve said, making his way to the kitchen where he settled into the stool around the kitchen island.
I watched as Mark clung to Becca, a huge smile on his face. It was clear that he adored her, and I couldn't help feeling grateful for her presence. Mark must be missing his mother more than I had thought.
"Hey buddy," Becca said, touching Mark's hair. "How are you? She asked.
"I'm fine, thank you," he replied.
"What's your name?” She asked.
“My name is Mark,” he said.
“You are such a smart little boy!” she exclaimed.
As they sat down at the table, Steve explained the visit. "Becca wanted to come and pay her respects to you, Hunter. She heard about your wife's passing and wanted to make sure you were doing okay."
I nodded, still uneasy. "Thank you, Becca. I appreciate your kindness."
Becca gave him a sympathetic smile. "Of course. And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here to help."
I was taken aback by her offer but couldn't deny the sincerity in her voice. Maybe I had misjudged Becca all these years.
"How was life in New York?” Becca asked.
“Well, life in New York is fast-paced and exciting. There's always something to do or see, whether it's catching a Broadway show, trying out new restaurants, or visiting one of the many museums.”
“The city is full of energy, and it's a great place to be if you're looking for opportunities and inspiration. Of course, it can also be crowded and noisy, and the cost of living is high, but for me, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks,” I replied.
"Wow, it sounds like there's never a dull moment in New York! I've always wanted to visit and experience the hustle and bustle of the city for myself. Do you have any favorite spots that you recommend checking out?" Becca asked.
“Absolutely, there are so many great places to explore in New York! If you're a fan of outdoor spaces, I highly recommend Central Park. It's an oasis in the middle of the city and offers plenty of walking paths, picnic spots, and beautiful scenery. For food, there are countless amazing restaurants, but one of my favorites is a little Italian place in the West Village called L'Artusi. The pasta dishes there are incredible! And if you're looking for something off the beaten path, I suggest checking out the Cloisters, a museum in Upper Manhattan that houses a beautiful collection of medieval art and architecture. It's a bit out of the way, but definitely worth the trip,” I replied.
"Wow, those all sound like great recommendations! I'll add them to my list. I'm also interested in checking out some of the cultural attractions in the city, like museums and galleries. Do you have any favorites?"
I replied, "Sure thing! The Metropolitan Museum of Art is an absolute must-visit for anyone interested in art and history. It has an incredible collection of art and artifacts from all over the world and throughout history. I also love the Museum of Modern Art, which has a fantastic collection of modern and contemporary art. And if you're looking for something a little more offbeat, the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens is a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the art and history of film and television,” I said, babbling more from her presence than any real need to answer her questions. I was reacting the exact same way to Becca I had all those years ago. I needed to stop. Prove I had outgrown this thing between us.
“There's really something for everyone in New York, no matter what your interests are,” Steve said, shaking his head.
Becca nodded, impressed. "Speaking of exploring, do you have any tips for getting around the city? I've heard that the subway system can be a bit overwhelming for first-timers."
I smiled. “Yes, the subway system can be a bit confusing at first, but it's an efficient way to get around once you get the hang of it. I recommend getting a MetroCard, which you can use to pay for subway and bus fares. And don't be afraid to ask for help if you get lost or confused - New Yorkers are friendly and willing to help. You can also download a subway map app on your phone to help you navigate. And if you're not comfortable with public transportation, there are always taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft available. Just be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.
