Emily smiled warmly and was about to keep walking when she heard shouting behind her. She turned and saw a terrible scene: some of the other panhandlers were trying to grab the man’s money, yelling that people gave him too much. Then three thickset men in leather jackets joined in and started kicking him on the ground.
The man curled up on the pavement, trying to shield his head. Without thinking, Emily rushed straight toward them. Swinging her heavy bag, she shouted at the top of her lungs:
— Stop it right now! What is wrong with you? You’re going to kill him! I’m calling the police!
The thugs stopped and glared at her.
— You really want to get involved, lady? You’re pregnant, so maybe keep walking before you get hurt too. This cripple works for us now. He brings in good money.
Emily was outraged.
— You think you own him? The man’s already had enough bad luck. What gives you the right to do this?
The three men laughed.
— What, you got a soft spot for him? Fine, take him home with you. But if you want him, pay us first. You got ten grand on you?
One of them spat near her shoes, and then they swaggered off. Emily rushed to the injured man, handed him a clean tissue, and helped him sit up.
— Come with me to the diner. I’ll get you some lunch. Did they hurt you badly?
The man looked at her with such raw, almost boyish gratitude that it sent a shiver down her spine. But then he shook his head.
— I’m grateful. I really am. But I can’t leave this spot.
Emily felt a quick sting of hurt.
Well, okay then. I’m trying to help, and he’s shutting me down.
She turned to go, and near the exit Frank—the one they called Lazy Eye—stopped her.
— You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that. Most people wouldn’t step into something like that for the new guy. Don’t take it personally, though. He’s a strange one. Barely talks. Never says a word about where he came from. We don’t even know his real name.
For the rest of the day and into the next morning, Emily couldn’t stop thinking about him. His deep gaze, shy smile, and striking blue eyes stayed with her. Every time she pictured him, she felt a strange little jolt run through her.
Oh, great. That’s exactly what I need. A crush on a homeless man. Pull yourself together and focus on your baby.
But as she got closer to the tunnel each morning, her heart began to race with anticipation.
What is wrong with me? Why am I acting like this?
Then one day he surprised her. Without a word, he held out a beautiful white rose.
— I was waiting for you, — he said quietly. — I was worried you might not come today. This is for you.
