Bagel Nook Princeton Novels & Stories

Alessa asked. “We are in the most New York place there is. Maybe we can explore. Show me your New York.” “Okay!” Alessa smiled. “First thing first, you need to try a bagel here. You can literally go into any of the bagel shops and you will not get a bad bagel.” Alessa began walking, and as she expected, Kyle followed behind her. She led him out of the busy street into one of the smaller, slightly quieter streets. She saw the first shop and turned in.

"I'm guessing... Europe?" I glanced at his bright, open face and gave a slight nod. "Something like that." "Since we've met, can I get you a coffee?" He rubbed his hands together excitedly. "I know a great coffee shop nearby, right on Fifth Avenue. They have the best bagels in New York." I looked at him, a little surprised by his forwardness. "My treat. A welcome to Columbia," he said, handing me a steaming cup of coffee he'd just bought. "And a cinnamon bagel."

If it had been Liam, it would have been even harder to hold back from exploding. Noah casually crossed the room and placed three paper bags on the dining table. “So, I bought bagels, salads, pancakes... Everything the café down the street serves for breakfast,” he explained as he rummaged through the bags. In an instant, my dining table was filled with more food than I could afford in a month. My brows furrowed. I stared at the table with confusion and a hint of suspicion. “Why?” Noah turned, his expression seeming to not understand my question. “Why what?”

I locked it behind me and made my way down to the first floor. The night air was refreshing on my skin. I walked a ways down the sidewalk, just enjoying the sounds of New York. I passed by a small bakery that was surprisingly still open. I decided to pop in and buy a late night snack for myself. I ordered a turkey sandwich on bagel bread. I sat at a free table in the corner while I waited for it to be ready. An old man sat facing me, a few tables away. He was reading the current newspaper when he spotted me staring at him. He nodded politely and continued on reading. I nodded back and looked away.

I picked up the tempo. Olivia had provided a delicious feast. She had begun brewing a pot of coffee, and its heady aroma drifted my way alongside the wonderful aromas of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and still-warm bagels, all of which were from my go-to deli, which was located nearby. I told her that she was a saint as I snatched up half a bagel and wolfed it down without stopping to spread any of the cream cheese or lox that was available on it. "You are an angel," I said to her.

I offered him an apologetic smile. Marcelle unperturbed, grabbed my arm; “I’m starving. We have a marvelous bakery on the grounds. They make the most delicious bagels. Can’t wait for you to try them.” She kept on babbling excitedly about all the pastries and other goods. Kane followed a few paces behind us, keeping silent.

There are a few customers around ordering while some are already diving in and from the look on their faces it seems like the food tastes as good as it smells. “Oh that smells so gooood.” Elena says, taking in a deep breath. “I know right?” We excitedly walk over to the display case, different treats catching our eye. I'm at loss as to what to choose. “We should try this one” Elena points to some rainbow colored bagels covered with cream, “or this,” some chocolate filled cinnamon buns, “or maybe this?” a huge fudgy brownie. I laugh. I find her enthusiasm adorable. “Or maybe we should get everything, what do you think?”

Nicco had pulled me out of the hotel before I could snag one of those incredible looking muffins. He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and stepped towards the street, surveying our surroundings for a restaurant. “A deli, another deli, a pizza joint and a vegan place. Anything sound appetizing?” I nodded. “I’ve heard that Priceman’s Deli is pretty amazing,” I said. Nicco nodded, taking my hand and pulling me off the sidewalk into the street, holding up his hand like a traffic cop to stop the cars from coming. I gasped, running after him. He had no fear, and I was excited to be along for the ride.

The bistro had an adjoining bakery, and the pungent air filled with tantalising aromas was what greeted them as they alighted from the vehicle. It had an external arrangement of wicket chairs and oak-planed tables, and a few office-goers could be seen downing their first cup of caffeine of the day before digging into the assortment of bagels, toasts, and many other baked goodies and simple meals in front of them. Some were on the phone even as they ate, while others just enjoyed the few moments of quiet before they would plunge into the chaos of their work. It was such a simple setting, and one could easily spot everyone sitting there with a glance.

The doors slid open and Ellis stepped out, carrying two paper bags from my favorite deli on the corner of 78th. “Morning, sunshine,” he announced, way too loud for my skull. “Or should I say afternoon? Figured you’d be nursing the mother of all hangovers, so I come bearing gifts.” He lifted the bags like trophies. “Bagels, lox, extra schmear, and those disgusting burnt bacon strips you pretend are food.” Ellis had been around since we were six, same private school, same summers in the Hamptons, same knack for getting into trouble and talking our way out.