Chapter 37

▪️Ace▪️

They walked several blocks down Rivington to Orchard, and Ace was glad to see the restaurant he’d had in mind wasn’t crowded. The off-hour—three in the afternoon—was most likely the reason.

Emily gazed at the sign. “Russ and Daughters Café?”

“Where did you think I was taking you, a bar?” They entered and sat at a small table near the window. “We’re Jews. We don’t drink our problems away; we self-medicate with food. In this case, bagels and lox.”

Emily's faint smile didn’t fool Ace. He hadn’t forgotten the painful admission she’d made—Emily honestly didn’t see the woman she was, separate and apart from Olivia's big sister and protector.

The waiter gave them menus. “Can I get you a drink?”

“I’ll take an egg cream.”

Emily's brow furrowed. “I’ve never had one, but isn’t that also really sweet? You’re going to have a sugar overdose.”

Speaking to the waiter, Ace pointed at Emily. “Bring her one, too. And we’ll start with a