Chapter 157

After leaving Iceland, they rerouted to New York. William took Elsie to visit the old Harding building, introduced her to his Wall Street buddies, and said, “This is my wife.” He threw a party just for her. They danced, and when he lost a game, the crowd started chanting until he kissed her in front of everyone. Elsie had just met those people, but she still had a blast. She was kinda drunk but strangely clear-headed. Back at William’s apartment, she crouched by his bed, doing who-knows-what. William loosened his tie, walked over, and bent down behind her. “What are you doing? Growing mushrooms over here?” “My photo?” Elsie tilted her head up. “You said you kept a picture of me on your nightstand.” Her eyes were a bit glassy from the alcohol, but they sparkled with hope. William leaned in, tapped her forehead lightly, and her eyelashes fluttered like soft feathers brushing his jaw. He teased, “Doesn’t look like it's on the left. Try checking the right side instead?” Elsie turned, and s