Black Butterfly (33 page)

“Let’s just drop it for now,” Trish said, putting her arm around Sydney’s waist. “We’re here to have some fun. No more talk about Portia or anything that doesn’t translate to fun.” Nolen slipped his suit jacket back on and then grabbed their coats, helping Sydney into hers and following the girls to the garage where they climbed into Todd’s Mercedes. Todd told them that he was headed straight for Main Street where the most exclusive and historic restaurants were located. He expertly maneuvered the icy roads as Sydney and Trish talked excitedly about her role in the play.

“It’s about a butterfly princess who’s born with black wings, so she’s banished to the forest,” Sydney explained. “They changed the script so that the lead characters sing. I had to audition, but I got the part.”

“So you’ll sing and dance? That’s awesome, Sydney, but so demanding.” Sydney leaned against Nolen’s shoulder as he ran a hand between her thighs. “I guess it is, but a lot of my scenes will be singing, so—”

“But dancing is what you wanted to do,” Trish said.

“Yeah, true. I don’t know. I’ll just have to see how it all develops.”

“You’ll do fine,” Nolen said, kissing her forehead.

She was pleased. He hadn’t been around the studio since she’d asked him not to come, but part of her wished that he could see her new passion and share in it. “Thanks, sweetie.” At 1170 House Drive, Todd pulled up to the curb to park. The streets and sidewalk were all abuzz.

Sydney stepped out of the car, perplexed. “What’s going on?”

Trish pointed at a large white banner that stretched from one light post to another across the street.

THE ANNUAL SNOWBALL CHARITY GALA it read.

“Looks like it’s some big festival,” Trish said.

“It’s a charity event. More like a ball. It's to protect the waterfowl from extinction. Black tie, and plenty of celebrities,” Todd said, grabbing her hand and pulling her from the sidewalk toward the steps of the restaurant.

Nolen wrapped his arm around Sydney’s shoulder, guiding her along to the two-hundred year-old restaurant, which he said had been a private residence in the 1700s. The four-story colonial house had rooms above the restaurant reserved for celebrity guests and the wealthiest patrons.

As they crossed the glossy hardwood floor, Sydney marveled at the setting. Walls and tables were decorated in soft gold tones and trimmed in royal blue. The hostess, a petite white woman in her fifties, approached, wearing a navy blue suit with a collared gold shirt underneath. Apparently recognizing Nolen and Todd, she smiled warmly. “Well, hello, gentlemen. Here for some lunch today?”

“Yes. This was the only place in town that came to mind,” Todd said, smiling.

“And who are these two beauties?”

Todd beamed as he introduced Trish and Sydney. The woman extended her hand to greet the girls, telling them that her name was Alice and she would make sure that all their needs were met.

Following Alice through the restaurant, Sydney noticed clusters of beautiful women glance up at Nolen as he walked at her side, holding her hand. Although he ignored them, Sydney felt a sting of jealousy at the blatant stares. Just how familiar was he with this town?

The private dining area was beautiful. Off-white drapes tied with blue and gold ropes hung on twelve-foot posts. The tablecloth was set with navy-blue china trimmed in gold. Nolen pulled out Sydney’s chair, and she sat down across from Todd as Nolen sat next to her, across from Trish. Their table overlooked the rest of the restaurant where Sydney could see the gawkers staring up at them.

“Would you like a wine list?” Alice asked, reappearing with the wine list.

“Bring us your best Merlot,” Nolen said, sitting back in his chair and putting his arm around Sydney.

Alice nodded as she passed out menus.

Lifting her eyes to a group of women who were staring and pointing, Sydney bumped Nolen’s leg with her knee. “Do you know them?”

Nolen frowned at her and looked over. “No.”

Trish looked at Sydney. “Know who?”

A redhead with surgically enhanced breasts got up from her table and headed straight for them. Sydney looked at Nolen, then back at the redhead. As Trish and Todd followed Sydney’s gaze, the blood drained from Trish’s face.

“Patricia? Is that you?” the woman asked, heading toward the table while smiling.

Trish stared at her blankly while Todd narrowed his eyes. Sydney and Nolen looked at Trish, waiting for her to respond.

“It’s me, Muffy. You are Patricia Hesser, aren’t you?”

“Look, you have her confused with someone else,” Todd muttered rudely, but Trish stopped him.

She looked up at the woman and smiled. “How are you, Muffy?”

“Oh my God, it is you!” Muffy gushed, extending her hand. “I’m great. I had no idea you’d be here for the gala. It’s been years since I’ve seen you!”

As Trish shook Muffy’s hand with a strained smile, Nolen stared at her, a look of dawning comprehension on his face.

Sydney looked from one to another, completely mystified.

“Well, are you coming tonight?” Muffy asked.

“Tonight?”

“The black tie affair at Ronald Sutherland’s place. Everybody is flying into town for it.”

“Sure, we’ll be there,” Trish said.

The other three stared at her, the men’s faces registering shocked disapproval.

Muffy smiled again. “Well, it was good to see you,” she said, nodding goodbye to the table before walking away.

The table fell silent. Trish looked over at Todd. “It could be fun,” she said. “And we could stay for just a few minutes.”

“You don’t want to go to that gala, trust me,” Todd said.

“Yes, I do. Sydney, say you do too.” Trish gave her a pleading look.

“Trish, I —" Sydney stammered. She was still stunned from hearing her friend’s name spoken by a stranger, and she had no idea what it all meant.

“Nolen, don’t you want to go? You can show off Sydney.” She smiled at him. “You guys are supposed to be taking us shopping, right?”

Nolen shrugged. “It’s up to you ladies. I don’t mind going.”

“Trish, can I speak to you for a moment?” Sydney asked, scooting her chair back.

Trish nodded, rising to follow her across the restaurant to the restroom.

Sydney pushed open the dark, heavy wooden door and walked into the jasmine-scented lounge. Trish sat down on the light blue floral-print chaise lounge while Sydney checked the stalls.

“Ok, what’s up with you?” Sydney asked when she returned.

“I’m sorry that you had to learn who I am that way,” Trish answered sadly.

“Don’t apologize. I respect your privacy. I always have. What I don’t understand is why you would want to go to this event tonight?”

Trish had tears in her eyes. “I’m in love, Sydney.”

“Oh, sweetie, that’s good,” Sydney said, sitting down beside her. “But that isn’t what’s wrong, is it?” Trish shook her head. “I have these problems, these thoughts and stuff. They've kept me afraid a lot. You know this. You and Portia always knew there was something wrong with me. You never asked me who I was, why I didn’t have ID, why I couldn’t hold a job. Nothing. You knew I was a freak."

“No. You've been hurt but there is nothing wrong with you.”

“I can’t talk about it,” she mumbled.

“I don’t understand, Trish,” Sydney said, running her fingers through her friend’s silky hair. “You can always talk to me. You know that.”

Trish stood. “I need to be whole for him and for myself. I don’t like the way he thinks I’m going to come apart at any minute.”

“Why would he think that?”

“It doesn’t matter, but I need your help. Just tell Nolen you want to go. Let’s go shopping and party together, and I can show Todd that I don’t need therapy. That I’m a whole woman for him.”

“Whoa, wait,” Sydney said, standing up. “Therapy for what? You’re not making sense! I didn’t want to make a big deal about you keeping your real identity from us because I got the feeling that the reasons you did it are really painful. But we're friends, and I love you. Whatever it is, you can share it with me, Trish. You helped me when missing my parents became too much. You help me and Portia constantly. Why won’t you let us do the same for you? For God’s sake, tell me what’s going on with you.” As two young women entered the restroom, Trish hugged Sydney and whispered, “Don’t ask me any more questions. Just help me help myself. I’m fine, really.”

Sydney held her. “Trish, you’re scaring me.”

“Please, Sydney, can you trust me? I never ask you for anything. Just trust me, ok?” Sydney released a deep sigh. “When the weekend is over, you and I are going to have a talk, a real talk.

Deal?”

Trish nodded. “Deal!”

They smiled at each other and returned to their table.

Nolen looked up at their approach. “Everything ok?”

Sydney smiled. “Sure is, and I want to go to the gala.”

“What?”

“I want to go to the gala. I’ll need a dress, of course,” she added, winking at Trish.

Nolen looked pleased. “Do I get to pick it out?”

“You sure do,” Sydney said, kissing him.

Trish gave her a grateful smile.

Todd leaned forward and asked in an undertone if she was sure, and she kissed him, letting him know that it was her idea.

Because they were familiar with the menu, the men elected to order for the ladies. Several women came by the table to speak to Todd or Nolen, causing Sydney and Trish to take over the greetings and let the groupies know that the men weren’t up for chatting.

Nolen leaned over, whispering to Sydney that she should have listened to him and stayed in New York.

Sydney laughed, having to agree.

Chapter 16

Cinderella Has Her Fella

“The SEC has launched a full investigation into Scott Harris and Hollister Textiles. The board voted down the option to take the company public.” Annemarie said.

“Has Harris been brought in?”

“Our contact says the wheels of justice will turn slow on this one, maybe two months. They’re widening the scope—”

“Meaning?”

“They’re combing through our deals with Delstar Textile and the timing of our dropping off as portfolio mangers. They’re trying to connect you. That investigator has asked that you be called in along with Stevens, Mark, and Millicent to be questioned. I’m not sure of the feds agenda”

“Are they sniffing around in any of my accounts?”

“Yes, sir, but I can’t be sure how long they’ve been looking.”

“Fine.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll await your return.”

Nolen hung up, and Todd asked, “Who’s sniffing around?”

Nolen ignored him. The Hollister problem would be handled no differently than the others. There were risks in what he did. He remained a target of the SEC the day he carved his name in Wall Street. He’d never achieve enough to wash away the stench of his past. So the risks came with the job. He refused to give it another thought.

The girls returned to the table and Nolen directed his attention to Sydney. She seemed at ease with him.

He noticed the stares many women cast her way. She was the only woman of color in the room. The socialite’s he and Todd had known intimately tongues wagged. He met the stare of a couple and the ladies immediately averted their eyes away. When he eased his hand under the table and over Sydney’s thigh, she reassured him with a wink. To be so young her confidence and composure spoke volumes to her inner strength. That’s why he took care of Ben Mendoza. He lied to her, to spare her the details. No one, man or otherwise, would hurt her again. The urge to protect her from even the slightest discomfort, kept him searching for reasons to touch and reassure her.

“Are you having a good time?” he whispered.

“Yes I am.” She leaned over and kissed the corner of his mouth.

He mouthed the words I love you, and he thought he saw a hint of a blush on her cheeks. She batted her lush lashes at him and picked up her fork feeding him from her plate. Nolen chewed, with half a smile to his face.

He’d finally found the woman he wanted.

After lunch, they headed out for a drive back to Main Street. Both sides of the street were lined with boutiques. Todd directed them to the best fashion boutique on the strip. For a small community they seemed to have an appreciation for fashion.

The girls appeared, both wearing black gowns. Sydney’s long gown had one shoulder strap and a low-cut back. Trish’s dress had two thin straps and dipped low in front, revealing cleavage. The tightly ribbed bodice showed off her tiny waist.

“What do you think?” Sydney asked posing for Nolen.

“That dress is you.”

Trish turned around for Todd. “What do you think?”

“Definitely a good pick, but let me see the others.”

She nodded, giggling, and went back to try more. Sydney sighed, clearly not sharing Trish’s enthusiasm for their shopping adventure. They came out in blues, reds, and greens, each with matching designer shoes.

Nolen chose a blush-pink Sue Wong V-neck dress accented with ivory sequins with a drop waist and handkerchief hem that moved fluidly as Sydney walked. The bust seam was tightly gathered around her perfect breasts. He also bought the matching Dior sandals and a chocolate sable.

Todd’s taste appeared to be far more extravagant, choosing a raw silk emerald-colored one-shouldered Versace dress with a long waistline and exposed back. Matching heels with three-inch heels and a full-length black and white chinchilla coat completed the ensemble. The girls picked out beaded clutch bags to go with their outfits, and the sales clerks gushed over them and their purchases.

Carrying the large garment bags draped over their arms, the men followed the women into various stores up and down Main Street. Nolen smiled often when Sydney got excited with Trish and began selecting designer jeans and tops that she liked, according to her own taste. He expected much more of a fight from her.

But they’d passed that point. His ice skating lesson still burned his ego. He knew she enjoyed the shopping because she had fallen for him the man, not the mogul. He however, at his core, remained a realist. How long would love last this time around?