Chapter 115
“Jonas, thank you for your help.”
Renly closed the passenger door, and the truck, fully loaded with goods, wobbled away down the street. Turning around, Nathan stood two steps away, rubbing his hands with an awkward expression, unsure of what to do. This made Renly smile. “If you walk across the next street, the subway station is right at the corner. Or would you prefer I help you call a taxi?”
“No, no need.” Nathan quickly shook his head but then realized it might sound impolite. “I mean, I can get back on my own, you don’t need to trouble yourself.” He hesitated for a moment. “I…uh, the subway is fine, the subway is great!”
In truth, Nathan didn’t really know where to go. He had come to New York on a business trip with Fischer, but now that he’d been fired, he was suddenly at a loss. Still, Nathan knew he couldn’t trouble Renly any further. They had both been left stranded on the highway, with no signs of civilization nearby. If Renly hadn’t flagged down a truck, Nathan might still be walking, and it would be dark before they even reached the city.
“Thank you, I haven’t properly thanked you for helping me earlier.” Coming to his senses, Nathan quickly expressed his gratitude, but then he noticed Renly’s gaze moving past him, focusing on something behind him. Nathan instinctively turned around and saw a middle-aged man in a suit and tie.
The man had a slightly plump figure, with a round beer belly and a friendly smile that made him seem approachable. Even though it was the middle of August and stiflingly hot, he was fully suited up, which made Nathan sweat just by looking at him. The man pulled out a blue and white checkered handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat from his forehead. Noticing Renly’s gaze, he waved amicably.
“You always make such a surprising entrance. This time, it’s a truck. I wonder what it’ll be next time?” The chubby man said with a smile as he slowly approached.
Renly chuckled lightly. “Maybe a white horse.”
The “white horse” was, of course, a playful reference to a prince on a white horse, and the joke made Nathan laugh too, though he immediately realized it was out of place—he and Renly weren’t exactly friends.