Waiting for Mr. Darcy (20 page)

“He texted me today and I ignored him.”

“Do you think that was wise? He'll only keep it up.”

“Randy, I've been very clear that I have no intention of helping him. He's gotten as far as he will on my back. I'm not carrying him anymore.”

“Are you sure you can live with that?”

“Yes. I'm very sure.” She took her robe off and revealed her sexy black babydoll.

“Oh, my.” Despite his exhaustion he was aroused.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes,” he said emphatically.

She raised the pitcher to pour. He stopped her. “I thought you wanted to relax,” she said.

“I'll relax later. Come here.” He pulled her to him.

There was no need for the cosmopolitans.

* * *

Monday couldn't come quickly enough for Gabby; she needed to find respite from her thoughts. She hadn't heard one peep out of Nigel since Saturday, and it bothered her to no end.

Robin knocked on the door. “Gabby?”

She looked up from her computer. “Hey, Robin. What's up?”

“I was going to go on a coffee run. Do you want anything?”

“Sure.” She rubbed her eyes. “I'll take my usual.”

“Okay. A grande decaf latte it is. One of the interns is going to cover the phones for me.”

“Not a problem. Thanks, Robin.”

“You're welcome. I'll be right back.”

Gabby went back to her computer. There was another knock. Without looking up, Gabby reached for her purse. “You forgot to get the money for my latte.”

“Gabby.”

She looked up. It was Nigel. “Hi.” She looked at her computer's clock. “I'm surprised to see you. Isn't this the middle of your work day?”

“It is, but I couldn't get any work done, so I decided to come over here.”

“Are you here for advice on the market? I do watch CNBC.”

He laughed. “Do you have a few minutes or so?”

“I do. Have a seat.”

He sat down. “Listen, I came over to apologize for the way I behaved the other night. I shouldn't have flown off the handle like that.”

“It was completely out of left field.”

“I know. I haven't been totally honest with you about my situation with my son's mother.”

“I see.”

He took a deep breath. “I used to have a good relationship with her, but that changed when I found out she used the child support and school tuition money to pay her bills. So I went to court and now I pay his tuition directly. Ever since then she's made it impossible for me to see, speak or spend time with Nigel Jr.”

“Why didn't you tell me?”

“I was embarrassed.”

“Why would you feel like that?”

“I'm essentially a forty-something man who's going through baby mamma drama.”

“So you have baggage from a previous relationship. Who doesn't?”

“You didn't sign up for this, Gabby. If you want to rethink this whole relationship I'll understand.”

“Why would I do that? I want to be with you. I'm ready to take the ups and the downs.”

“Are you sure? Deidre can be a force unto herself.”

“As long as we're together I can handle anything.”

Just then Robin appeared in the doorway. “Oh, I can come back.”

“Come in, Robin, it's okay.” Gabby waved her in.

“Hi. Nigel. How are you?” She asked as she put Gabby's Starbucks on her desk.

“I'm fine. How are you?”

“I can't complain.”

Gabby held out her money. “Here you go.”

Robin walked away without taking it. “Your money is no good here. It was good seeing you, Nigel.”

“You, too.”

“So are we okay now?” Gabby asked.

“Yes.“ He looked at his watch. “I'd better get back to my office.” He got up and walked around the desk, leaned in and kissed her. “I'll talk to you later.”

“Okay.”

Gabby sipped her latte as she watched him leave her office.
Baby mamma drama with a teenager can't be easy.
She picked up the phone.

“Hello?”

“Alicia?”

“Yes, Gabby, it's me.”

“It must be a Freudian slip. I meant to call Lauren.”

“Well, thanks a lot.” She tried to sound offended.

“You know what I mean. Of course I always want to talk to you, too.”

“That's better. You made me sound like a miserable stepchild.”

“Sorry.”

“What's up?”

“I guess you could say I had a little spat this weekend with Nigel, but it's resolved now.”

“What was the little spat about?”

“He's got some issues with his ex and their son.”

“Ex and the city. There's nothing too unusual about that these days.”

“When we first met he told me everything was fine, even peachy. Honestly, it sounded like they were Bruce, Demi and Ashton reincarnated.”

“They're a freak of nature. No one is like that in real life,” Alicia scoffed.

“It is pretty freaky, isn't it?”

“I think he didn't want to risk scaring you off, but he should have been honest with you.”

“It's not like he's a Willoughby.”

“The eighteenth-century version of Mr. Love em and Leave em? I should think not. But…”

“I told you we resolved things.”

“I won't push my luck.”

“Good.” She paused. “Listen, I have to get back to work. We have a couple of new pieces coming today.”

“Okay. I'll talk to you later.”

“Sure. Wait. Before I go, how was dinner with Nate the other night?”

“It was nice. We had a good time.”

“I'm glad to hear it.” Gabby smiled.

“I bet you are. I can hear you grinning. I'll catch you later, Gabby. Bye.”

“Bye.”

Starbucks in hand, Gabby left her office.

Chapter 14

Over the next few weeks of the summer the temperatures weren't the only things hot. Alicia, Gabby and Lauren spent more time with the new men in their lives. While Randy and Nigel may have steamed up the nights with Gabby and Lauren, Nathaniel's evenings ended quite differently. As the kisses between him and Alicia got hotter, his cold showers got longer. Nathaniel thought he was in danger of getting frostbite in very inopportune places, but Alicia was worth an icicle or two.

A week before Gabby's big new artist exhibit, the Austen Aristocrats gathered for a long overdue afternoon meeting at Alicia's place. The three of them stretched out in Alicia's family room with their books.

Harrison brought in a tray of lemonade and cookies. “Here you go, ladies.” He set it down on the table.

“Thanks, Harrison.” Alicia smiled.

“You're welcome.“ He looked around. “I see you mean to catch up on old business today.”

“Oh yes, we've all been a little distracted of late,” Lauren said.

“That's putting it mildly.” Gabby poured a glass of lemonade.

“Now that's not a bad thing, girls. While I love to see you together, it's nice that you have other interests.” He winked.

“True, Jane did have to dream these stories up,” Lauren said sweetly.

“Oh, and it's nice to have the real thing.” Gabby grinned.

“You're awfully quiet, Alicia. Don't you agree?”

“Oh, sure, the real thing is better any day.” She seemed distracted.

“Well, I think I will leave you ladies to your meeting. Call me if you need anything.”

He left and closed the door.

Gabby piped up. “Okay, Alicia, I know you have something on your mind and it has to do with me.”

“Oh, for heaven's sake. You were the one who told me he wasn't honest about the issues he's having with his ex over his son.”

“Yes, but I also told you we've talked and everything has been fine.”

“Are you sure you know everything?” Lauren asked.

“I do. I know he's a good father.”

“I don't doubt he's a good father, but you're stepping into tricky territory.”

“How so?”

Alicia sighed loudly. “Let's just drop it. She's gone Pollyanna on us. We've said our peace.”

“Thank you.”

“Let's change the subject,” Lauren said.

“Fine. Are you ready for the exhibit, Gabby?” Alicia asked.

“Almost. It will be nice having a good-looking man like Nigel on my arm for the event.”

“I can't wait to meet him. Can you, Alicia?”

“Despite what you might think, I'm looking forward to it, too.” Alicia looked distracted.

“Okay, what's up with you?” Lauren asked.

“Nothing. I have a few things on my mind, that's all.”

“No, it's more than that.” Gabby wasn't convinced.

“Is everything okay with you and Nate?”

“Yes, everything is wonderful between us. We went to dinner in the city last night.”

“Oh, that was nice,” Gabby said.

“It was nice.”

“But?”

Alicia sighed. “I'm afraid Nathaniel's going to get tired of me.”

Lauren was taken aback. “Why on earth would you say that? It's obvious the man is crazy about you.”

“I know, but we haven't…”

“You haven't what?” Gabby asked.

“You know…”

“You haven't taken the lid off the cookie jar?”

Alicia couldn't help but laugh. “I hadn't thought of using that expression, Lauren, but no, I haven't taken the lid off.”

“Has he said something to you about it?”

“No, he hasn't said a word.”

“Well, he knows you've been a widow for a long time and you wouldn't just hop into bed.”

“I know, Lauren, but he is a man. How much longer can he hold out?”

Lauren tried to reassure her. “He cares about you, he'll wait as long as it takes. Somehow I don't think that's the whole story, is it, Alicia? There's something else bothering you.”

“Yes. It's not just that I haven't had sex since Kurt died.” She hesitated a minute. “I haven't had sex since I was diagnosed either. I don't know if I'll be different.”

“Have you asked the neurologist about it?”

“Yes. He said a lot of patients have normal, sexually fulfilling sex lives with a healthy libido.”

“That answers your question. You don't have anything to worry about.” Gabby smiled.

“But how do I know I'm one of them?”

“I don't want to sound like a Nike commercial, but you have to just do it. That's the only way you'll know for sure.”

“Oh, God,” she groaned.

“Hey, at least Nate's a doctor. If anyone should understand, it's him.”

“Have you talked to him about it?” Lauren asked.

“Don't be silly. Of course I haven't. I mean, how would I bring it up?”

“I guess that would be awkward.”

“You think?”

“Listen to you, you're getting all worked up about it for no reason. When the time is right, you'll know it and you might not need to say a word,” Gabby said.

Alicia thought about it for a minute. “True.”

“And if there is any issue, you can deal with it together,” Gabby said as she hugged her.

“You'll know when the time is right,” Lauren assured her.

Alicia wondered if the right time was closer than she thought.

* * *

A couple of hours after the meeting broke up and the girls went back to the city, Alicia was quietly reading in the living room when Harrison popped in.

“Okay, I'm heading out for a while. Do you need anything?”

“No, I'm good.” She turned and looked at him all spiffed up. “You look good.”

“Thanks. I'm meeting some friends I made from the MS caregivers group.”

“I think it's great you keep in touch.”

“You can't go through something like that and just cut it off. We went through some real ups and downs together. Like you, they helped me through a lot.”

“You know I'd do it again in a minute.”

“I know.” He walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “You stay cool and I'll see you later. You promise you'll be a good girl?”

“I promise.”

“Good.” He kissed her forehead again. “See you later.”

“Have a good time,” she called after him.

Alicia continued reading for a little while. “What am I doing?” She closed her book, got up, and went over to the mirror.
Maybe it's time to take the lid off the cookie jar.
She fluffed her hair and let out a deep breath. “Here I go.”

Alicia walked out of the house and over to Nathaniel's place. As she got closer, she noticed a brunette at the door with Nathaniel. The brunette wore a trench coat and heels. That was all Alicia had to see. Just as she turned on her heel, Nathaniel saw her.

“Alicia!” He closed the door and walked past the brunette.

“I'm sorry to have disturbed you,” she huffed.

“It's not what you think!” He ran after her and grabbed her arm. “Wait.”

“She's wearing a trench coat and heels in 90-degree weather. I don't have to be a psychic to know she's not wearing anything else.”

“I didn't know she was coming and I didn't let her in.”

“Oh, is that right? You turned down a package like that? She was practically gift wrapped.”

“That's right!”

“Why? Why would you turn her down?”

“I'm in love with you, Alicia. I don't know if you noticed, but I am over the moon, crazy in love with you,” he blurted out.

Alicia stood there, stunned to hear the words.

“Come on, let's get out of this heat. This isn't good for you.” He walked her back to her place. Alicia still hadn't said a word by the time they were inside.

Suddenly she said, “You're in love with me?”

“Yes.”

“I thought that since we haven't been together…”

“That I'd jump at the chance to have sex with just anyone.”

“I'm ashamed to admit it, but that's what I thought. I've lived next door to you for a while, Nathaniel, and I've seen women throw themselves at you.”

“That's in the past for me, Alicia. You're the only woman I want.”

“Even though we haven't been together in that way?”

“Yes. I don't care how long it takes and how many cold showers are in my future. You're worth the wait.”

With those words Alicia came closer and they kissed. She began to unbutton his shirt, but he stopped her.

“We don't have to do anything, you know.”

“I know.” She continued to unbutton.

“Are you sure?”

“I'm sure.” She took him by the hand and led him upstairs to her bedroom. Nathaniel took his shirt off and slowly they undressed each other. As he stood before her nude, Nathaniel looked like a Greek God, chiseled, smooth and as hard as granite. Alicia sat down and while he kissed her, he removed her bra. His eyes widened when he saw her beautiful breasts. Alicia's body tensed as he lightly caressed and kissed them. He kissed her neck. “We'll go as slow as you want,” he whispered. Alicia lay back on the bed, and he continued to kiss her body all over. When he reached her navel, he gently pulled her lacy panties off. Without thinking Alicia put her arms over her body, but Nathaniel kissed them and put them to the side.

As his hard body hovered over her, her senses overwhelmed her. They kissed and soon their bodies intertwined and their heart beats in syncopation. Alicia held on to him as she experienced pleasure like she hadn't in years.

A little while later Nathaniel awoke and found Alicia's back was to him.

“Hey sweetheart.” He kissed her shoulder, then paused when he heard her quietly weeping. “Hey, what's wrong, honey?”

She rolled toward him, eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, honey, are you okay?” He wiped her tears.

“You're going to think I'm crazy.”

“No, I won't.”

“I feel like I betrayed Kurt.”

“It's not crazy at all.”

“Of course it is, we just made love.”

“No, it isn't. You still love him and I understand that.”

“You do?”

“Yes. It's one of the things that made it so easy to fall in love with you. I don't ever expect you to stop loving Kurt just because he's not here anymore. He's in your heart.”

Alicia sniffled. “You're really wonderful. I love you.”

The words lifted Nathaniel ten feet off the ground. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say those words.”

“I mean them.”

“I know you do, and that's what makes it all the more special to me.”

He kissed her and then he proved just how special it was to him several times that afternoon.

* * *

Lauren stopped at one of her favorite organic bath shops on her way home. As she perused the aromatherapy oils, her cell phone rang.

“Lauren Jules-Jones.”

“Hi, Lauren.”

“Hey, Joe, how's my favorite attorney?”

“I'm not bad, but this isn't a social call.”

Lauren stopped in her tracks. “I'm in a boutique. Should I leave?”

“I think that's a good idea.”

Lauren walked outside. “Okay, I'm outside.”

“I got a call from Ken's lawyer today and it looks like he wants his equity out of the apartment.”

“What? That wasn't a part of the deal we agreed to.”

“I know, and you waived spousal support, too, so I don't know what's going on.”

“I think I do.” She seethed.

“Do you want to let me in on it?”

“I know you're my attorney, but the less you know the better, at least for now.”

“I don't like the sound of that.”

“I'm not going to kill him, if that's what you're worried about. I'd like to kill him, but he's not worth it.”

“That's comforting to hear, but I still want to know what this is about.”

“It's a power play. He wants me to do something for him and I refused to help him.”

“Is it something illegal?”

“No. This is about his ego more than anything else,” Lauren said as she got into a waiting car.

“This is about his ego?” Joe was confused.

“He wants me to help him get on a sports show.”

“He's already an on-field correspondent for
NFL Weekly
.”

“He wants to be a desk commentator and analyst. Hold on a second, Joe.”

“Okay.”

“Tony, I need to go to the studio.”

“No problem, Ms. Jones,” he answered.

Lauren went back to her call. “Thanks for holding.”

Joe continued. “So what you're telling me is he wanted you to help him with that.”

“Yes.”

“I know he and his lawyer might think this is a negotiation tactic, but this smacks of blackmail.”

“That's why I'm heading for the studio now. I know he's covering for the weekend sports guy, and I want to talk to him about this face to face.”

“Wait a minute, Lauren, I don't think that's a good idea. You should let me handle this.”

“I will let you handle it, but first I want to try it my way.”

“Fine, I know I can't stop you. Please let me know what happens.”

“I will. I'll talk to you later.” She closed her phone.

Less than fifteen minutes later she was in the studio and headed for the hair and makeup area, where she knew he'd be getting made up for the broadcast. He was in the chair when she walked in.

“Hello, Lauren, how are you?” the makeup artist asked.

“I'm good, Kelly. How are you?”

“Not bad.” She continued working.

“What brings you by, Lauren?” Ken asked.