Saved by the Celebutante (32 page)

“I will.”

I leave Brad’s place, feeling a new sense of appreciation for our friendship. I won’t go down the road of falling for a completely unsuitable guy again, but I can still take pleasure in what a sweetie he can be. Not to mention how easy he is on the eye.

I think I’m finally starting to mature.

FORTY-ONE

Gia and I sit across from Jack’s lawyer, a large pudgy man with a comb-over. He seems friendly enough, although I suspect it’s because he remembers Gia not asking for anything in the divorce settlement and making life easier for him.

He drums his fingers on the desk. “I’ve got Jack’s will here. Gia, he wanted you to be the executor.”

Her mouth falls open. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. Plus, he left you nearly everything. Most of his savings, his houses, his cars…the only thing he didn’t leave you was a modest sum of money for his father. The siblings get nothing. But he does stipulate that you use some of the money to make sure the triplets go to a good school.”

Gia just sits there dumbly.

A small smile plays on his lips. “I take it this is unexpected?”

Gia is still too shocked to say anything.

I cough. “So, um, can you give Gia a rough estimate of the total value?”

He looks at me, eyes narrowed and then browses through a few figures on a sheet of paper in front of him.

“I’d say thirty million in savings and stocks…the house here is about three mill…the apartment in New York is worth about five…and the cars probably add up to around four too.”

“Four
million
just for cars?” I clarify disbelievingly.

“That’s right.”

My God. I knew Jack was worth a bit, but when you actually hear the figures…it’s like…I don’t know. It doesn’t sound real. I can’t imagine how Gia must feel. All that time living modestly and knowing Jack was out there shirking his responsibilities and living large. But now knowing he had second thoughts along the way…I suddenly remember that Gia said he tried to call her.

She seems to remember the same thing at that exact moment.

“Did he leave me a letter or anything?” she asks hopefully.

“Sorry, no. But he did amend his will a couple of months ago to make you the primary beneficiary. He said something about seeing you on TV using your proper name and giving up the whole Kardashian attention seeking business…apparently he had a change of heart towards you.”

She starts to cry. “I should have called him back as soon as I got home.”

“There’s no point in having regrets, Ms. King. What’s done is done. I’ll just need you to sign a few things and then we’ll begin the process of having everything changed into your name. I’ll be in touch.”

Gia nods. I can imagine it’s going to take a while for it all to sink in.

When we leave the office, she stares at me. “This all feels like a weird dream.”

“I know. But just think! You can now do whatever you like. You can even be a full time mom!”

She shoots me a tiny smile. “Hey, that’s right.”

“And you can upgrade the apartment. Or live in Jack’s.”

She shudders. “No thanks. Jack’s place is hideous. I think I’ll just stay put for the time being. I’m betting his brothers and sister are not going to be pleased about being left out of the will. They’ll probably want to contest.”

“Well, I’m sure Uri will help you out. Thanks for the referral to him, by the way. He was good to me.”

“Uri’s a nice guy,” she agrees. “Holy cow! I’m going to be a multi-millionaire! I think I need a drink.”

“You want me to come with you?”

“What kind of a question is that?”

“Sorry, I just wasn’t sure if you wanted some alone time.”

“I can have alone time later.”

“Cool.”

We head off to the nearest fancy bar and order a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.

Gia chinks her glass against mine. “To Jack and his mysterious ways.”

“To Jack,” I echo.

***

On Thursday night, Gia calls.

“Check your email,” she instructs.

I keep her on the line while I open up my messages and quickly read the one she just sent through. It’s a return business class ticket to New York for tomorrow. My flight is at 9a.m.

“What’s this all about?”

“I’m already here, packing up Jack’s apartment and I want you to come help me.”

“Oh, so now you have money, you think you can just order people around the country willy-nilly?” I tease.

“Of course I can. Especially when those people happen to be my publicist,” she retorts playfully.

“Okay. Just so we’re on the same page.”

“I’m staying at the St. Regis, so meet me there. I’ll tell reception to let you up to my room.”

I smile over the phone. “Yes ma’am.”

I hang up, thinking how I could get used to zipping off to New York at a moment’s notice. And without anyone to tie me down, why not?

I spend the evening packing my bag. Staying with Penny and Michelle isn’t too bad, but I accidentally overheard them talking about wanting to have kids soon, so I feel like I should give them some privacy. Not to mention that if they do have a baby, they’ll need the spare room for a nursery. I’m not going to tell Penny I know until she broaches the subject, but to be honest, I’m actually a bit excited. I could be an aunt soon! That’s almost as good as being a mom! And in many ways it’s better, considering the stories Gia has told me about her children.

Anyway, I should probably start looking for somewhere else to live soon. Let’s just hope I don’t inadvertently room with some other ex-employee of Gia’s.

After checking in to the VIP lounge at the airport the next morning, I board the plane and take a seat with all the other business class travelers. I’ve never sat so close to the front before! And when a flight attendant offers me a fancy smoothie and warm nuts before take-off, I reaffirm my thought from yesterday. I could definitely get used to this.

The luxury continues as I get picked up in a limo from the airport and driven over to the St. Regis.

I announce to the receptionist at the hotel who I am and she politely informs me which suite Gia is staying in.

I love this hotel. I walked past it one time when I was in New York with Corey and I daydreamed about the types of people who stayed there. Now I’m one of them! Well, by association, but that’s still just as good.

I knock on the door. Gia opens it with a flourish. “Hello! Come in! I’ve just had room service delivered. Do you want some?”

I laugh. “Living it up, I see. Sure. I had a meal on the plane, but I can still eat more. What have you got?”

She ushers me through to an opulent living area. The walls are covered in stripy wallpaper, and a big crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. A cart sits beside the dining table containing what looks like a whole bunch of children’s meals.

“What is this?” I ask. “You didn’t bring the triplets, did you?”

“No, but the kids’ menu looked so cute, I couldn’t help myself. Here, have a mini choc-chip pancake.” She hands one to me.

I take it from her and eat it. It’s actually pretty good.

She picks up what looks like a multi-layered peanut butter and jelly sandwich and takes a huge bite. “I’ve already been over to Jack’s this morning and there’s a fair bit of work to do,” she tells me. “I was thinking we should go back over there for a couple of hours this afternoon, and then tonight do something fun. Maybe go out for cocktails and to an art gallery or something? I don’t usually get to do stuff like that because of the kids.”

“Sure. My schedule is in your hands. Do with me what you will.”

“Excellent.”

She points to the food cart. “Have some of the banana split. It is absolutely divine.”

I shake my head. “How are you not the size of a house?”

“Good genes, I suppose. And chasing after children all the time.”

“So, are you doing okay? I mean, being back at Jack’s place and everything?”

“Yeah, it’s fine. I’ve kind of detached myself emotionally from the situation. I spent a bit of time at the New York apartment back in the day, but there’s not much there that really reminds me of our time together. It’s actually not as hard as I expected it to be. Still, it will be good to have you there to help out and keep me distracted.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

She scarfs down a bit more of the sandwich and scoops part of the banana split into her mouth. After loudly swallowing, she claps her hands together.

“All right! Let’s get this baby sorted!”

***

We spend the afternoon packing Jack’s stuff into boxes. Gia allocates herself the job of sorting through his clothes to give to charity, while I write down an inventory of all his furniture and belongings.

“Are you going to keep anything?” I ask.

“I don’t think so. I know he wouldn’t mind, but I think it would be best to either donate or sell everything.”

I can’t help but think how I would feel if something happened to Corey now that we’ve split. If he marries Jasper, then I’m sure Jasper would be the one on the receiving end of all of Corey’s belongings, and I’m fine with that. I never understood why family members would try and contest someone’s will when the deceased obviously had their reasons for leaving things the way they did. If Corey doesn’t want me to have any of his stuff, I will respect his wishes.

That’s assuming he dies first. If I died, I’m not sure who I’d leave my stuff to. I suppose Penny and Corey. Not that I have much to leave at this stage.

I decide my thoughts are taking a slightly morbid turn, so I refocus on the task at hand.

By early evening, we have made a small dent in proceedings. We head back to the hotel to shower and change before heading out into New York’s night scene. Manhattan after dark is amazing. We catch the subway to the lower east side and I let Gia lead the way, seeing as she’s the one paying me to be here. She also seems to know the city a lot better than I do.

We walk a couple of blocks past some cool looking bars.

“How about we try there?” I suggest, pointing to an industrial style place heaving with people.

“I think we can do better,” she says, not even stopping.

“You seem to be on a mission.”

“I’m not, I just think we should take a look at what else there is first.”

We pass at least six bars that I feel would be more than acceptable choices for a drink before we reach the end of a an almost deserted block.

“Hey,” Gia says. “I’ve heard about this place. Let’s check it out.”

My eyes follow hers to a pale brick building with floor to ceiling glass at the front. It’s some sort of combination gallery and bar. There is a modest crowd inside, but it doesn’t look particularly exciting.

“Where did you hear about this?” I ask.

“Oh, I can’t remember now. Maybe reading an in-flight magazine or something?” she says vaguely.

I trail after her into the warm interior. Admittedly, the place has a friendly and cozy vibe.

“How about I buy us a couple of margaritas?” Gia says.

“Oh, okay. Do you want some money?”

“Nah, you can buy the next round.”

I look around at the pictures on the wall. They are large photographic prints, all artfully framed. Whoever took them is very talented. On the wall beside the bar, there is a black and white triptych featuring a woman in a cab. Her face perfectly captures the feeling of anticipation before meeting someone for a date. Of course, that’s just my take on it, but it definitely evokes that emotion in me.

I follow the prints around the wall. Each one contains thought-provoking images of various people and locations, all in black and white.

Except one. Right on the back wall, the feature image forces all the air from my lungs.

Its colors are vivid. Brighter than they would have been in reality.

And I should know.

Because I was there.

FORTY-TWO

Gia appears beside me and holds out the margarita. I don’t take it. “Gia, what did you do?”

She looks up at the photo. “Hey, that’s a great shot of you.”

“Gia…” My tone is threatening.

“I think it’s better if I let someone else explain.”

She tilts her head in the direction of a booth in the corner. I gasp.

It’s Matt. In the flesh. He’s not looking at me, so I assume he doesn’t know I’m here. Yet.

“I’m leaving,” I hiss at Gia.

“No! Please don’t go. Just hear him out.”

“Why? He freaking ditched me in the desert. I don’t owe him anything.”

“Come on. Just give him two minutes and I promise if you’re still pissed, you can call me over and we’ll get out of here.”

My heart is pounding. I feel disoriented and scared. I don’t want to do this.

“You’re going to pay for this,” I say through gritted teeth.

“I will happily face your wrath as long as you first give him a chance to explain himself.”

“Fine.”

I stomp over to the booth and slam myself down. “You have exactly thirty seconds to explain why I shouldn’t smack you across the head,” I start.

Matt’s face goes from a tentative smile to a disappointed frown.

“You have every right to be mad.”

Damn it. He looks so good. His hair is all hipster-slick and he has on a stripy t-shirt with a tailored blazer.

“You left me alone after we had sex.”

“I know.”

“And then I was stuck out there on my own in the rain.”

“Yes…but…”

“I don’t think there’s anything you can say that could possibly change my mind about what an asshole you are.”

“What if I showed you something?”

I wrinkle my nose. Is he just trying to confuse me with semantics?

“What are you talking…”

He points to a photo on the wall behind him. It’s of a gorgeous little boy with huge eyes on a playground swing.

I raise a questioning eyebrow.

“That’s Noah. My son.”

I stare at Matt, and then back at the picture and back at Matt again.

I swallow. “Your son? Why are you telling me this?”

“He’s why I left the festival. The police came to the camper on that last night to tell me my mom had phoned in because he’d gone missing. They needed me to go to the station and file a report. I was out of my mind with worry, so I just went with them, not thinking about anything else. We made it to Gerlach, and I phoned Mom to try and find out what had happened. It turns out that Donna, Noah’s mom, had taken him away on vacation without permission. We have shared custody, and she needs to notify me whenever she wants to go anywhere with him for longer than a couple of days. My mom had gone to check on him for me, seeing as I was going to miss my week with him, and found the house all locked up two days in a row. When she tried calling Donna, the phone was off – so that’s when Mom called the police, who called me.”

I find myself sitting there open-mouthed, hanging on Matt’s every word. “What happened?”

“Donna called Mom the next morning – I think she was hoping to pretend everything was fine – but Mom called her out. Donna admitted she’d taken Noah with her to Oregon to see a guy she met online. I wasn’t even going to try and deal with that until the festival was over because I wanted to get back to you and Oli, but then the rain started and the cops couldn’t drive me. I was flooded out, but I eventually ended up getting a message to Oli, telling him what happened. I also asked him to talk to you, but you’d already left.”

My shoulders sag. Damn. “I was so mad…”

“I know. And I totally understand why you would be. But I had no way of finding you. I didn’t know your surname, and you never got around to writing down your email address, even though we talked about it.”

“So how did you find me in the end?”

“Gia contacted me. Apparently you told
her
enough for her to be able to track me down. I have to confess, I didn’t actually know I was going to be seeing you until today. Gia contacted me using a fake name, pretending to be a buyer. She wanted me to fly out to meet her.”

I laugh. “So what did she say she wanted to buy?”

He nods in the direction of my photo. “That one.”

“I should have known.”

“So…” He suddenly seems unsure of himself.

“I guess you want to know if I’ll forgive you.”

He holds up his thumb and forefinger squeezed together. “Maybe just a little.”

“I think it can be arranged.”

He beams. “God, it’s so good to see you. When Gia told me who she was, I couldn’t believe my luck. She offered to cover my airfare but I said I was more than happy to pay for it if it meant I could see you again.”

“Gia is such a cheeky little minx.”

“I know, but from the sounds of it, you’ve helped her out a lot too.”

Butterflies churn in my stomach.

“Do you want to go for a walk?” Matt asks.

“Uh, I should probably check in with Gia…”

Gia is at my side in a flash. “Don’t worry about me, guys. I’m going to stay here for a bit and then I’ll just get a cab back to the hotel.”

“How did you hear me from all the way over there?” I ask accusingly.

“I just sensed you might be concerned about my wellbeing, seeing as you’re both such caring people.”

“You know this could have backfired badly.”

“Yeah, but I thought it was worth the risk. Aren’t you glad I meddled?”

“Maybe just this one time.”

“All right, well off you two lovebirds go. I’ll catch you later, Chrissie. You’ve got your room key?”

“Yep.”

“Although, maybe you won’t even need it,” she muses.

I punch her lightly in the arm. “You’re making things awkward now.”

She laughs. “Sorry!”

Matt leans over and gives Gia a quick hug.

“Thank you so much for doing this,” he says softly.

“No worries. Have fun, you guys!”

We leave Gia in the gallery and head out into the cool evening.

Matt wraps his arm around my shoulder and I snuggle in close. He smells so good and it reminds me of our time at the festival. I can’t help but think of that phrase “this too shall pass” because it seems that lately, situations start out bad, get good, get bad and then get good again.

I snicker.

“What?” Matt asks.

“Nothing. I just used to hate all that new-age stuff, but lately I’ve been feeling quite philosophical.”

“That’s good, I guess?”

“It’s good.”

“I want to know everything about you, Chrissie. Starting with your last name.”

“Oh. It’s Lambert. Although, I suppose I’ll be going back to my maiden name soon. Which is Meyer.”

He stops and faces me. “Wait! What? You’re married?”

“Oh, shit. Yeah, I never got around to telling you. My divorce will be final in a few months. Sorry, it was kind of traumatic so I didn’t want to bother you with my stuff when you obviously had your own going on when we met.”

He shakes his head. “You
should
have bothered me with that kind of stuff!”

“Are you mad at me?”

“No! I just feel stupid that I was so wrapped up in my own problems, it didn’t even occur to me you might have been going through something too.”

“It’s okay. It’s pretty much sorted now.”

“But still…” He pulls me in to his chest and kisses the top of my head. “I want to do this properly. And that means I need to know everything about you. And if you have any questions about me, then you need to ask them too.”

“All right.” We start walking again. “So what’s your relationship like with Donna? And how often do you see Noah? How does that whole thing work?”

“Well, obviously things are not great between Donna and me. It’s going to take some time for us to work out how to communicate effectively without resorting to petty arguments, but I’m going to try for Noah’s sake.”

“How did you two meet?”

He pauses before answering. “At Earth & Fire.”

“Ah. Did you happen to be twenty-seven at the time?”

He nods, a tiny smile playing on his lips. “You have a good memory.”

“So I’m assuming the Love Zone brought back some pretty strange memories?”

“You could say that.”

“How often do you look after Noah?”

“We do a week on, a week off. That will probably change once he starts school because Donna doesn’t live in the same district as me. So I have no idea if I’ll be able to convince her he should stay with me during the week or if I’ll be stuck as a weekend and vacation dad.”

He looks so miserable. My heart breaks for him.

“I want to be there to give you as much emotional support as you need.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “That means a lot.”

We walk on a bit further, not saying anything.

“Hey!” I say, something suddenly occurring to me. “Was it really you who stole my clothes at the bath house?”

He chuckles. “No! But it turns out it was Oli. He felt sorry for me and thought you would be good for me. I gave him hell when I found out, though.”

I shake my head. “Your crazy brother.”

And then I remember something else. “Did Oli give you my note?”

“What note?”

“The one I left in the camper.”

“Nope. He mustn’t have seen it. Or he forgot to pass it on. What did it say?”

“Nothing important. Just how mad I was.”

He laughs. “So you don’t need me to read it anymore?”

“Uh, probably not.”

We stop at a set of traffic lights.

“Do you want to tell me about your marriage?” Matt asks.

“Maybe. How long have you got?”

“As long as it takes.”

We walk aimlessly in a vaguely north western direction as I tell Matt about Corey and the events leading up to Earth & Fire. He seems to squeeze me even tighter as we walk, making our progress slow.

“Do you think you’re up for dating a single dad?” he asks. “Life won’t always be easy.”

“I think I’ll be able to handle it,” I say, pretending to sound hard done by. Secretly, I am actually quite excited. I can’t wait to meet Noah. I know dealing with Donna might not be easy, but if it means I get to spend time with the gorgeous man next to me and his equally cute son, then I’m willing to make the sacrifice.

I catch Matt looking at me out of the corner of his eye.

“What?” I ask self-consciously.

“You are so beautiful. And smart and funny…I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you ever since I left Earth & Fire.”

I smile, and my heart beats a little faster.

“So what’s stopping you now?” I tease.

He turns to me.

“Nothing.”

We stop near the entry to a small triangular park, right in front of a narrow stone column. He presses me against the cool surface and leans in. Our lips come together as if they were specially designed for each other.

I sigh happily. I can feel Matt’s heart hammering through his chest and I love knowing I’m not the only one feeling this way.

I pull away for a second.

“So, were you thinking of doing this when we found ourselves in the Love Zone that time?”

“Of course I was! Now will you stop talking so I can kiss you again?’

I grin and pull his face back to mine.

He doesn’t have to tell me twice.