Waiting for Mr. Darcy (21 page)

“Kelly, could you give us a minute?”

“Sure.” She walked out.

“You know perfectly well why I'm here. I got a call from my lawyer that you want to renege on our agreement.”

“I gave it some thought and I decided that I put as much into that apartment as you, so why shouldn't I get my fair share?”

“I waived spousal support, Ken. This was supposed to be a non-starter.”

“It's easy enough to solve. All you have to do is buy me out.”

“I don't have that kind of money just lying around.”

“Then we can sell the apartment and split the proceeds.”

“And where am I supposed to live with that money in New York City? Besides, I love that apartment. You can't do this to me,” she fumed.

“That's for the lawyers and judges to decide unless…”

“Unless what?”

“You help me with the network.”

Lauren was enraged. “Are you blackmailing me?”

“I wouldn't call it blackmail. It's a negotiating tactic.”

“You're a real son of a bitch.”

“Maybe I am, but I want to be a desk commentator, and I deserve it.”

“I don't produce
NFL Weekly
and don't have a say in who they hire.”

“But you know the people who do.”

“And if I don't?”

“Then the lawyers will sort it out and who knows how long that will take,” he said smugly.

“You're willing to drag this divorce out.”

“It's up to you.”

“You're a real piece of work, Ken. God doesn't like ugly.”

“I'll worry about God after I'm behind the desk.”

When Lauren looked at Ken, she no longer saw a former football great but a thug in a suit willing to do anything to get his way. It seemed poetic that in his former life he had literally knocked people over for a living.

Lauren stormed out of the makeup room.
How could I have been completely taken in by the likes of Ken Jones? Alicia always said there was something about him she just didn't trust, and now I see how right she was.
When she got outside Tony opened the car door and she got in.

“Where to now, Ms. Jones?”

“Home, please.”

Lauren's head pounded as she realized her options were untenable at best. When she got home she put her key in the door and went in. She looked around at the place she'd called home.

“Hey, baby.”

She was startled, then relieved, when she saw Randy. “Hi.”

“I hope you don't mind. I convinced the building manager to let me in.”

“Of course I don't mind, but how did you convince George? He's a pretty tough customer.”

“I leap-frogged him to the top of our reservation list. Turns out he and his wife love tapas.”

“I see. What smells so good?”

“I'm whipping up a little something for us.”

Suddenly Lauren was overcome with emotion and she began to cry.

Randy went over and held her in his arms. “Oh, baby, what's wrong?” Dinner was on hold.

For the first time in a long time Lauren folded in on herself. She didn't need Randy to say anything. His arms were enough to comfort her.

A little while later Randy and Lauren were on the sofa. She was calmer.

“Do you feel better now?”

“I do.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I don't think this is something talking can help.”

“Why don't you let me decide, okay?”

She wiped her eyes. “I might be forced to sell my apartment.”

“What? Why?”

“Ken.”

“What about him? I though he agreed you'd keep the apartment.”

“He changed his mind.”

“Does this have something to do with the show you told me about?”

She nodded. “I can keep the apartment free and clear if I talk to the network about him being a commentator on the show.”

“That's blackmail, Lauren.” Randy was steamed.

“I don't want to do it, so either I have to buy him out, which I can't afford to do, or sell the place and split the proceeds, which I don't want to do.”

“Did you tell your lawyer?”

“Yes. He said it sounded like blackmail, too.”

“Then let him handle it.”

“Listen, Randy, this isn't my first time at the rodeo. I've been through two divorces and I know that I can't allege blackmail without proof. It will be a case of his word against mine. If I tell a judge he's trying to blackmail me, he can simply say he reconsidered his earlier position and wants to negotiate.”

“Oh, that's slick,” Randy said, disgusted.

“The bottom line is it will drag this divorce out and I want to put a period at the end of this sentence and close the book on Ken Jones.”

“Let me help you buy him out.”

Lauren was floored. “What?”

“I'll help you buy him out.”

“You'd do that for me?”

“Yes.” He paused. “I know we haven't been seeing each other for very long, but we're not kids anymore, and I for one know myself and my feelings.”

“What are you saying?”

“I love you, Lauren.” He let out a deep breath. “There, I said and I mean it.”

Lauren's heart skipped a beat. “Oh, Randy.”

“You don't have to say it back to me. I just thought you should know.”

Lauren climbed into his lap and put her arms around him. She looked into his eyes and saw everything she'd been looking for in a man. “Oh, God, Randy, I love you, too.”

He pulled her to him in a passionate embrace fueled by the urgency of newly professed love. All the day's worries disappeared as their clothes came off. Nude, they stood face to face. “You're gorgeous,” he whispered and he began to plant butterfly kisses up and down her body. Lauren's knees buckled as her body craved for more. Randy lifted her, took her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. Lauren's hands explored his body, her light touch making him quiver. A moment later they were wrapped together as their bodies moved in harmony.

Later Lauren lay in Randy's arms after he drifted off.
As angry as I am with Ken I have him to thank for meeting a real man like Randy. And best of all, he loves me.
She smiled. She now knew that she could face anything Ken threw her way. Randy had her back and whether she kept her apartment or not, she'd always be home with the man she loved.

* * *

Alicia sat in the backyard under the stars and listened to the warm summer breeze whispering through the trees.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

“Don't be silly, Harrison. Have a seat.”

“Thanks.” He stretched out on the chaise lounge next to her.

“How was your visit today?”

“It was good to catch up with everyone. Even though it was a little weird since I didn't have Martha to talk about, there were other widows and widowers there so that made it easier.”

“That was good.”

“Some of them have even moved into new relationships. Heck, there are even a few engagements in the bunch.”

“Wow.”

“That's the thing about spouses who were also caregivers. Even when their beloved is gone they still have a lot of love and caring to give. But sometimes it takes them a while to realize they're allowed to move on and give that love to someone else without feeling guilty.”

A tear rolled down her cheek. “You always know what to say, don't you?”

He wiped the tear with his finger. “Dear girl, it's written all over your face. You're in love.”

“I didn't know this was going to happen.”

“That's what makes love so wonderful. It's unpredictable.”

“I'm happy and sad at the same time, if that makes any sense.”

“It makes sense to me. Falling in love with Nate and showing him how much you love him doesn't mean you didn't love Kurt. It just means you made a little more room in your heart for both of them.” He kissed her forehead.

“Thank you, Harrison. I love how we can have ‘the talk' without…”

“You having to say a word,” he finished.

“Right.” She looked down at her Blackberry.

“What's with the PDA on such a relaxing evening?”

“My kitchenware line launch with Macy's is this week. I've got five store events and Viola just emailed me the schedule.”

“Are you sure you can handle so many things this week? You do have Gabby's new artist exhibit on Friday.”

“I have a couple of days to rest in between the last store event and the exhibit. I should be fine.”

“I hope you're right.”

“Haven't I been a good girl this summer?”

“Relatively.”

“Still, that's an improvement, and after this I'm not doing anything else but getting ready for the new season.”

“If you say so.” He sounded unsure.

“Quit worrying. I'll be okay.”

* * *

With the new artist exhibit less than a week away Gabby pulled out all the stops out at the gallery. It promised to be a well-attended and well-covered event, which was what Gabby strove for as she worked around the clock except for the Austen Aristocrats meeting earlier that day.

She was on her third cup of decaf when the phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Mom?”

“Hi, Lizzie, how are you, honey?”

“I'm good.”

“Where are you now?”

“Paris.”

“Oh, that's wonderful. Are you having a good time?”

“I'm having a great time.” She sounded enthused.

“Good.” She paused. “It sounds quiet. Where are your friends?”

“They're still partying the night away, but I'm pooped. Besides, this will give me a chance to get some sleep before the snorers return.”

Gabby laughed.

“I also wanted to call you because I knew you'd be up worrying over the new artist exhibit on Friday. How are you holding up?”

“It's the usual level of insanity.”

“Is Victor throwing fits?”

“He's more reliable than Old Faithful.”

Lizzie laughed. “But he's the best at what he does.”

“That he is, my dear, and that's why we put up with it.”

Lizzie yawned. “Sorry about that, Mom. I'd better hit the sack.”

“All right, sweetie. Thanks for calling.”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too.”

Lauren looked at the clock.
Wow, I didn't realize how late it was. I'd better get some rest too.
She shut her laptop down. Just as she was about to head upstairs she checked her voice mail. There were no new messages.
I guess Nigel was busy today. I'll give him a call tomorrow before Mother comes for tea.
She shut off the lights and headed up the stairs.

Chapter 15

Alicia awoke to the smell of coffee and flowers the next morning. As she opened her eyes, it looked like the FTD elves has been busy.

“Good morning.” Nathaniel held a breakfast tray.

“Good morning. What's all this?” She sat up.

“It's breakfast in bed.”

“I can see that. Where did all the flowers come from?”

“It pays to make a few house calls on a florist.”

She looked around. “I'd say you're right. It looks like he cleaned out the shop.” She sat up. “So what do you have there?”

He put on the tray on the night table. “I have orange juice, strawberries, whole-wheat toast and coffee.”

“Very nice, but I must look a fright.”

“No, you're perfect.” He kissed her neck.

She giggled. “Thank you. That tickles.”

He continued to kiss her neck.

“Oh, that feels nice.” She paused. “But you know Harrison's home.”

“Harrison left after he helped me get the flowers into your room while you were asleep.”

She looked at the clock. “You had to get up pretty early then. It's only seven-thirty a.m.”

“I know. Now it's just you, me and the flowers.” He winked as he leaned in to kiss her. Alicia was hypnotized by spark in his blue eyes, and when they kissed, the energy between them was electric. Alicia ran her fingers through his dark, wavy hair as she pulled him closer. Breakfast long forgotten, Nathaniel undressed and climbed into bed with her. A minute later Alicia's nightgown was on the floor.

A little while later Alicia and Nathaniel enjoyed the morning peace in each other's arms.

“Do you want to have breakfast?” he asked.

“No, I'm fine.” She sighed. “I wish it could be like this all week.”

“It could if you want it to.”

“That's a very nice thought, Nathaniel, but I'm on duty this week.”

“What do you mean, you're on duty? Is your hiatus over?

“No. My housewares line launches at Macy's this week.”

“Wow, that's a big deal.”

“It's been in the works forever and now it's here. I have five in-store events starting tomorrow and ending on Wednesday.”

“Are they in New York?”

“Yes. I've got two on Long Island, two in Westchester and the last one in Herald Square.”

“It sounds like a lot for you to do in a short time. Are you sure you can handle it?”

“Now you sound like Harrison.”

“He's right to ask. You do have a lot on your plate this week.”

“I'll be fine. I'll let you in on a little secret.” She motioned him to come closer. “My boyfriend's a doctor. He'll take good care of me.” She smiled.

“This isn't Monopoly, Alicia. Having a doctor boyfriend doesn't mean you have a get-out-of-jail-free card.”

“Doesn't it?” she teased.

“Your health isn't a game, Alicia. It's time you start taking it seriously.”

* * *

Lauren sat on the balcony of her apartment and took in the view of Manhattan in all its Upper East Side glory. She'd come a long way from the one bedroom she'd shared with her Grandma Lee in Bayside.
I earned my way here just like Grandma said I could. She knew I had the ambition to make it here. She also warned me that men would see my determination and the good ones would help with the drive, but the bad ones would be content to go for the ride. And what did I do? I picked three hitchhikers in a row.
She sighed.

“Here you go, baby.” Randy handed her a cup of coffee.

“Thanks.” She took a whiff and then sipped.

Randy looked at the view. “You really have some view from up here.”

“I know. It's one of the reasons I was so keen on this place. It felt like a little piece of Shangri-La up above the world.” She sighed.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I was just thinking about my life in Bayside with my Grandma Lee. She was the one who raised me.”

“If you don't mind my asking, what happened to your parents?”

“I don't mind. My father died in a car accident before I was born and Caroline, my mother, couldn't handle life as a single parent, so she gave my grandmother custody.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Don't be, I got the best part of the deal. Grandma Lee gave me all the love, attention and support I needed. We may not have had much materially, but we were wealthy in ways that counted.”

“You know, that says a lot. I know people who grew up with both parents who never felt like you. You're lucky.”

“I know.” She sipped her coffee. “I remember how proud she was when I graduated from Dartmouth. I thought they were going to have to tie her to the ground. She was very sick by then, but nothing was going to keep her from being there.” Lauren choked up. “She died two months later.”

“I'm sorry.” Randy rubbed her hand.

“I never realized how much I depended on her love and support. She was the only family I had. I did have Alicia and Gabby, but when they got married and started their own families, I felt like the odd man out.”

“I'm sure they didn't exclude you.”

“Oh no, they made me feel like a part of their families. But I wanted my own family. That's when the trouble started.”

“What do you mean?”

“My unfortunate marriage choices in my search to have my own family, or at least someone who I thought would always be there to love me.”

“Everyone makes mistakes in love, sweetheart.”

“Yes, but in baseball terms I struck out three times.”

“That's okay, Lauren. Even baseball players get up to bat more than three times in a game. You are by no means out of it, if I say so myself.” He kissed her hand.

She smiled warmly. “I'm not?”

“Not at all.” He stood up and pulled her to him. “I love you and you're stuck with me.”

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. “Are you sure? Even with this Ken thing hanging over me?”

“Yes. I can help you with the money for this place.”

“I love you, but I want to do this myself.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He kissed her. “Now let's stand here while you survey your kingdom like the queen you are.”

Lauren laughed. “All hail the queen!” In that moment she realized she didn't need the apartment or the view, but she would fight for it. She wasn't sure how at the moment, but she'd find a way to sack Ken at his own game.

* * *

It was early Sunday afternoon and Gabby had Bunny over for high tea early again. With so much work to do for the upcoming week, every moment counted and Gabby had to get back to business sooner rather than later. This afternoon's high tea was more traditional with the proper “grass” and cucumber sandwiches followed by scones and crumpets.

As usual, poor Rosie had her maid's uniform on. She looked incredibly uncomfortable as she stood by on the ready to clear dishes as soon as Bunny put one down.

“You know, I ran into Terrence and he told me he was coming to the exhibit Friday.”

Gabby tried not to roll her eyes. “A lot of people come to the exhibit, Mother.”

She shook her head. “I don't understand why you won't give him a chance.”

“You're kidding, right, Mother? Were you not there when he talked about paint for nearly an hour solid?”

Before Bunny could stop herself, she let out a guffaw. “I suppose watching paint dry would have been more interesting.” She quickly covered her mouth.

Gabby fell out laughing. “You're right about that, Mother.” For the first time Gabby saw a side of her mother she hadn't seen in years.

The doorbell rang and Rosie went to answer it.

“Were you expecting anyone else today?”

“No.”

A few moments later Rosie returned, followed by Nigel, who had a huge bouquet of flowers in his hands. Gabby's heart leaped the moment she saw him.

“Oh, how lovely, someone sent you flowers today.” Bunny smiled.

“Hi.” Nigel smiled.

“Hi.”

“Do you have something for the young man? Rosie, would you please get Ms. Blanchard's purse?”

Rosie looked confused.

Gabby got up and took the flowers from Nigel. “Mother, he's not a delivery man. This is Nigel Clark. He's one of the artists exhibiting this Friday.”

“I see,” she said.

“Nigel, this is my mother, Mrs. Bunny Blanchard.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Blanchard.” He put his hand out.

“Likewise,” she said politely.

Gabby figured it was as good a time as ever to bite the bullet. “Mother, Nigel is also the man I've been dating.”

Bunny looked as if she were about to choke on her crumpet. “I see.”

Gabby turned to Nigel. “Thank you for the flowers.”

“You're welcome. You've been working so hard I thought you deserved something beautiful.”

“That was so thoughtful of you.”

“Gabby, aren't you going to invite him to sit down?”

Gabby was taken a bit off balance by her mother's question. “Oh yes, please sit down and join us.”

“Are you sure? I don't want to intrude.”

“It's no trouble at all. Rosie, will you please pour Mr. Clark some tea.”

Nigel waited until Gabby was seated and then he sat. Rosie served him the tea.

“Thank you, Rosie.”

“You're welcome, sir.”

“So Mr. Clark…”

“Please call me Nigel.”

“All right then, Nigel. Tell me a little about yourself. How long have you been an artist?”

“According to my parents, I picked up a paintbrush when I was about three.”

“So you got started early.”

“I'd say so.”

Gabby nervously sat in between them and waited for her mother to lower the boom.

“Is this your first show?”

“As a matter of fact it is. Although art is my passion, I do it more as a hobby.”

“Mother, Nigel's an investment banker,” Gabby interjected.

Bunny looked surprised. “Really? Where?”

“Mother!”

“It's just a question, dear.”

“I'm a partner at Longford and Lowe.”

“My husband went to school with Peter Longford.”

“Is that right? Mr. Longford is a great guy. He mentored me when I joined the firm.” He smiled.

“That sounds like Peter.” Bunny nodded.

So far so good,
Gabby thought.

“Are you a native New Yorker?”

“Yes, I'm from Long Island.”

“One of Gabby's best friends, Alicia, is from Long Island, too.”

“She's from Amityville,” Gabby interrupted.

“Is that close to where you lived?”

“It's not too far.” Nigel looked at the clock. “I really hate to cut this short, but I'm meeting a client for a late lunch.”

“On a Sunday?” Bunny asked.

“Yes. He's an orthodontist and his only day off is today.”

“That's a mark of dedication.” Bunny smiled.

“Thank you.” He got up. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Ms. Blanchard.” He shook her hand.

“Same here, Nigel.”

“I guess I'll see you at the exhibit on Friday evening.”

“Indeed.”

Gabby got up. “I'll walk you to the door.”

Once they got to the door, Gabby planted a big kiss on Nigel.

“Wow. What was that for?”

“For being you and for being a good sport while my mother drilled you.”

“I wouldn't say she was drilling me. She was curious, that's all.”

“Okay, you may have a point there. Anyway, thank you for the flowers. They are gorgeous.”

“You're welcome.” He kissed her. “You know, I came over here to tell you about something.”

“What?”

“I kind of got derailed by your mother.”

“Mother does tend to do that.”

He looked at his watch. “I'm really running late. I'll talk to you about it later.”

“Is it important?”

“It'll keep until later. Now I'd better get going.”

“Okay, baby.” She waved as she watched him walk off.
Okay, time to face the firing squad.
I wonder if it's proper to use my napkin as a blindfold?

When she got back upstairs Bunny was on her second scone. “These are really delicious, Gabby. What bakery did you go to?”

“I didn't go to any bakery. Rosie made them. It's one of Alicia's newest recipes.” She sat back down.

“Is it in one of her cookbooks?”

“Not yet. I can make a copy for you to give to Cook if you'd like.”

“Oh, good. Thank you.” She sipped her tea.

“Okay, Mother.”

“Okay what, dear?”

“I know you have something to say about Nigel.”

“He's seems like a nice young man. He's certainly handsome.”

Gabby was flabbergasted. “That's it? That's all you have to say?”

“Your father and I had a talk and he basically told me to lighten up. So that's what I'm doing. It's your life.”

I have to smuggle two Coney Island hot dogs for Daddy now,
she thought, smiling.

“I do have one observation.”

“I knew it was too good to be true.”

“Hear me out, young lady. Do you think it's wise to have his painting in this exhibit? You are seeing him.”

“I thought about that, Mother. We started dating after he made it into the show, not before.”

“That may well be, but it sounds like you're splitting hairs. I may not be in the art world, but I've been around long enough to know that people won't look at it that way. Especially artists who didn't make the cut.”

“Honestly, Mother, his talent speaks for itself.”

“I'm sure it does. Nevertheless, tongues will wag when they see you together.”

“Let them wag.” Gabby was agitated. “What does it matter as long as it's a great show with really deserving artists?”