It's a promise

Chapter 2

Rylee's POV

It was four months later when I visited New York for the third time without calling Nat. I didn't even know why I was so afraid to call. I knew she wanted to see me and a big part of me wanted to see her too but I couldn't overcome myself to pick up the phone and dial her number.

I just left the FBI building in Lower Manhattan to walk back to my hotel which was just five minutes away. The last meeting of my trip was over a little bit earlier than I expected so it was just late in the afternoon and not nearly midnight like the last few days. It was a preparation for a foreign mission in a few days and I would leave the country the next week. My supervisor McIntosh wanted me for this mission and I was glad to be a part of it. I had great respect for him because he had an impressive carreer.

I grabbed a coffee at the Starbucks right across the street from the FBI building and walked through Columbus Park. I took a stop at the fountain in the middle and stood there watching it. It was very early in October and the weather was still warm so I enjoyed the sun a little bit. I closed my eyes and let the sun shine on my face.

I grew up not far away from this park and always made a stop at the fountain after I finished school. Sometimes I grabbed something from Starbucks and sat here alone or with my friends. I was often waiting here for my Dad to finish work. I even had my first date ever in this Park. I was 14 but I couldn't even remember the guy's name. It was ten years ago that I was here the last time. I avoided it even on my last two visits because I told myself I would be too busy. I was busy but I could have found the time if I wanted to.

I realized that I was making a lot of excuses to not do something which could trigger some emotions. This park was a safe place for me until my father was shot and I moved to Missouri. Why was I so afraid to go there? It was just a park and a fountain. Nothing more. I didn't feel bad standing here. I felt good and relaxed. I picked up my phone before I could change my mind and found another excuse not to call.

'Hello?'

'Hi Nat.' I made a pause and there was nothing but silence. I was stupid by thinking she would recognize me just by my voice. 'It's me. Rylee.'

'I know. I was just a little surprised. I didn't think you would really call'

Now it was my turn to stay silent because we both knew that when I told her I would call that I wouldn't do it. It was the time to change some things.

'Are you in New York? I would have time  for a coffee... If that's the reason you're calling.'

I looked at my empty cup. 'I am in New York. But I already had a coffee. I'd prefer something stronger and maybe something to eat'

I heard her laugh. 'I am in Brooklyn right now. Where are you?'

'Just over the bridge in Lower Manhattan. China Town.'

I heard her repeating my answer and then a male voice but I couldn't understand what he was saying.

'I could be there at six. Steve can give me a ride.'

That was in an hour. I told her where I was staying for the night. So we could meet in front of the hotel and choose one of the bars around it. I walked to my hotel which was next to the park and got a quick shower. I stood in front of my closet with just a towel but I had no clue what to wear. I definitely would wear some black jeans and I could decide between a white shirt and another white shirt. Why did I just pack white shirts for this trip? I wasn't prepared for a night out. But it would be just Nat and I. Or would Steve come with us? I didn't think about that, when she said he would give her a ride. My heart started to beat faster. I saw this man once and that was months ago. I didn't know why I reacted to him that way. Because he was Captain America and he had these gorgeous blue eyes.