Waiting for Mr. Darcy (22 page)

“It depends on how people define ‘deserving.' Obviously he's not hurting for money and his art is a hobby. Aren't you the one who told me how many artists are all about their work and not much else?”

“Yes. Still, am I supposed to deny a very talented artist a chance to showcase his work because he's not a starving artist? Fifteen out of the sixteen meet the starving criteria. I think I'm okay.”

“It's the Sixteen to Watch exhibit now?”

“Yes.”

“I see.”

“What's with that tone?”

“Gabby, I've said all I'm going to say on the matter. It's your gallery, just like it's your life.”

“Thank you.”

On the one hand Gabby was pleased that her mother didn't rake Nigel over the coals. However, her words about the exhibit rang in her head.

Chapter 16

By Wednesday Alicia was exhausted after events from Westchester to Long Island. However, the biggest of the launch events was at Herald Square. Crowds had gathered early for her presentation of the new line. Store executives, as well as board members of Archer Omnimedia, were there as Alicia worked the press, took photos and met shoppers. Gabby and Lauren mingled with shoppers in Macy's giant housewares department.

Lauren picked up a food mill from the Alicia Archer Collection. “What's this?”

“It's a food mill.”

“It's a what?”

“It's a food mill. It's a predecessor to the blender.”

“How does it work?”

Gabby laughed. “You have to turn it manually.”

“Why in the world wouldn't you just use a blender?”

“A food mill lets you control the texture, as opposed to a blender, where you're at the mercy of the blade.”

Lauren looked confused.

“It's a good thing you're dating a chef.”

“Ha, ha, very funny.” She put the box down.

Gabby noticed a young redhead near Alicia. “Lauren, is that Taylor?”

Lauren glanced over. “Oh yes, that's her.”

“What is she doing here?”

“I guess she's here as the managing editor of the magazine.”

“Why? It looks like the PR team has it covered.”

Lauren noticed Taylor as she chatted up three men in business suits. “Is that…”

“What?”

“I see it now. She's here to cover the male board members, Wasser, Flaherty and Maine.”

At 55 years old, bald, and slightly pudgy, Howard Wasser was the oldest of the trio and his eyes had the tendency to roam over a woman's form when he spoke to her. Next to him was tall, nerdy and white-haired 54-year-old Timothy Flaherty, who after being married for 25 years, was determined to make up for lost “prowl” time. Then there was 52-year-old Edward Maine. A relatively short man with a slight build, he reminded Alicia of Ralph Furley of
Three's Company
in both looks and lack of skills when it came to women.

Lauren and Gabby watched as the men lapped up Taylor's attention.

“You know what's worse than seeing a midlife crisis up close?” Lauren asked.

“What?”

“Watching three midlife crises.”

Lauren and Gabby laughed.

“What did I miss?”

“Nate,” Lauren said, surprised.

“Alicia didn't tell us you were coming.”

“She didn't know.” He looked over as Alicia posed for another photo op.

“She'll be glad you came,” Lauren said.

“How long has she been at this? I half expected it to be over by now.”

Gabby looked at her watch. “Three hours and counting.”

Nathaniel grew concerned. “That's a long time to be at this. Not to mention this is her fifth appearance, isn't it?”

“Yes,” Gabby nodded.

All three watched as Alicia excused herself to get a bottle of water. Her legs gave slightly when she finished drinking.

“Oh, she's had enough,” Nathaniel said as he made his way over to her. Gabby and Lauren followed. Alicia's publicist, Viola Sherwood, did her best to keep the crowd at a distance while she composed herself.

“She needs a little air, folks. Let's give her a minute.”

“Is she all right?” a reporter asked.

“She's fine. It's been a long day.” Viola smiled.

Lauren walked over to Viola. “Hi, Viola. I see they're keeping you busy.”

Originally a business professor, Viola Sherwood embarked on a new career in public relations after she retired. A strategic marketing wizard, she was the head of PR for Archer Omnimedia and rarely had to leave her office. However, the launch of the Alicia Archer Collection was just the sort of event to get her out of the office. Although she was sixty years old, she barely looked a day over fifty.

“You've got that right, Lauren. How are you?”

“I'm good, thanks.”

Nathaniel went over to Alicia. “Are you okay?”

“Nathaniel, I didn't know you were coming today.”

“I wanted to surprise you.” He paused. “Look at me, please.” He studied her eyes.

“Are you examining me?”

“Well, I don't have my stethoscope with me but…”

She interrupted. “People will notice.” She looked around.

“Let him look at you, Alicia. No one will know anything,” Gabby reassured her.

“Fine.”

“Your eyes are a little red and I'm sure you're feeling a little overheated with the crowd.”

“I am a little warm.”

“They tell me you've been at this for more than three hours today. I think you can call it a day, can't you?”

Alicia noticed Taylor lurking nearby. “I'll call it a wrap, but let's play it cool. The hyena and the Three Stooges are circling.”

“Who's circling?”

“Taylor Dawes, the managing editor of the magazine, and three of the board members, Howard Wasser, Timothy Flaherty and Edward Maine,” Gabby elaborated.

“What about them?”

“Alicia's convinced Taylor is angling to get her job.”

“You know I'm right here. I can speak for myself. However, I'd prefer not to talk about it right now. Okay?”

“Okay.” Gabby backed off.

“Viola.”

“Yes?” She walked over.

“I think I'm ready to call it a day.”

“Not a problem.” Viola went up to the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to thank you for coming out this afternoon. Let's give a big hand to Alicia Archer.”

The crowd clapped as Alicia waved.

Lauren walked over. “Okay, it looks like you're in the clear to head home and get some rest.”

“Amen,” Gabby agreed.

“I thought we'd go to lunch.”

“We can have lunch together anytime. Besides, we're going to be together for Gabby's big night on Friday.”

“That's true.”

“So can I drive you home?” Nathaniel asked.

“You drove down from Scarsdale?” Alicia asked, surprised.

“Sure. It wasn't a problem.”

“I have to call and cancel my car service.”

“Don't worry about it. I know your driver, I'll call him,” Lauren offered.

“Thanks.” She got up.

Taylor walked over. “Great event, Alicia.”

“Thanks.”

“Are you leaving already?”

“Yes. It's been a long day already.”

“Are you feeling okay?”

“I'm just a little tired.” Alicia was getting annoyed. “So if you'll excuse me…”

“Sure. I'll talk to you soon.” She walked away.

“Okay.”

“Oh,” Alicia groaned.

“All right, Alicia, just breathe,” Lauren said, smiling.

Nathaniel kissed her cheek. “I'm parked not too far from here. I'm going to run and get the car. Can you meet me out front near the men's store entrance?”

“Sure. We'll get her there.”

“Thanks, Gabby.” Nathaniel made a dash for the escalator.

Two security people walked Alicia, Gabby and Lauren to the elevator and through the store. They waited in front with them.

“So, Alicia, before Nathaniel gets here with the car, is there anything you want to tell us?” Lauren asked.

“Like what?”

“I don't know, maybe something about a cookie jar?”

Alicia made a face.

“Oh, my goodness, did I hear a lid pop?” Lauren asked, smiling.

“What makes you think that?”

“Perhaps the fact he drove down here in the middle of the afternoon at the height of New York City traffic.”

“Why wouldn't he do that anyway?” Alicia asked facetiously.

“Maybe he would, but you're positively glowing and I know you're not pregnant, so there can only be one other reason.”

“Come on, Alicia, spill. We told you.”

“Yes. The lid came off. Are you happy now?”

Lauren and Gabby practically squealed.

“The question is, are you happy now?” Gabby laughed.

“Yes. I'm very happy.”

Nathaniel pulled up to the curb. One of the security guards opened the door for Alicia.

“Thank you,” Lauren said as she and Gabby helped Alicia to the car. When Alicia got in, Nathaniel did her seat belt for her.

Lauren and Gabby looked at one another. “That's so cute,” Lauren said.

“Oh, cut it out,” Alicia scoffed.

“You get home safe.”

“We will,” Nathaniel answered.

“I'll call both of you later.” Alicia waved.

“Okay,” Lauren said as she and Gabby watched them pull off, “how about we grab a little lunch?”

“That sounds like a plan to me.”

* * *

Many of the restaurants were crowded, so Lauren and Gabby opted to dine al fresco close to their stomping grounds on the Upper East Side. After they stopped for a salad from Agata and Valentina, a gourmet food store, they grabbed a bench at Carl Schurz Park and lunched while they watched the boats go by.

Gabby took a deep breath. “It's such a beautiful day. I'm glad we decided to eat here instead of a restaurant. I could use a break from the hustle and bustle, especially this week.”

“I understand, but your exhibit is one of the social highlights of the season and a chance for me to put on couture.” Lauren grinned.

“Ah, I take it you've got something special up your sleeve.”

“You'll see.” She winked. “How are things progressing now that you're in the final stretch?”

“Overall, it's going well. Victor is his usual super-high-strung self.”

“He's such a perfectionist but he gets the job done every year.”

“Is Nigel excited?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “He's like an expectant father.” Gabby looked off at the bridge in the distance.

“What's the matter, Gabby?”

“I was just thinking about something my mother said to me the other day.”

“What did she say?”

“Well, it was after she met Nigel.”

“Hold the phone. Back up. Bunny met Nigel?”

“He came over to bring me a bouquet of flowers while Mother and I were having tea.”

“How did that go over?”

“It wasn't so bad after I told her he wasn't a delivery guy.”

Lauren laughed. “I'm sorry, but that totally sounds like Bunny.”

“I know.”

“So what happened? Did she give him the third degree?”

“No. She had a nice conversation with him.”

“Really?” Lauren was shocked.

“Yes. She surprised me, too. It was a nice visit until he had to meet a client for an appointment.”

“Have you spoken to him since he met Bunny?”

“No. He's out of town for a conference until tomorrow, I think.”

“Tell me, did Bunny let loose after he left?”

“Yes and no.”

“What do you mean?”

“She didn't have anything to say about him being African American, but she did make a comment about his being in the exhibit. She thinks it's a conflict of interest.”

“Hmm.”

“Do you agree with her?”

“Gabby, far be it from me to tell you how to choose artists for your gallery.”

“You think I put him in because of our personal relationship?”

“No, I know you choose artists based on talent.”

“But…”

“Bunny may have a point. Whether you picked him before or after you started dating won't matter to some people.”

“By people, you mean other artists and the gallery's patrons.”

“Maybe.” She shook her head. “You know what, don't listen to me. I'm the last person who should offer you any advice on this stuff.”

“Why would you say that? Is something going on?”

“You know that saying, no good deed goes unpunished?”

“Yes.”

“It's truer than you know.”

“What happened?”

“You remember when I told you that Ken's agent Patrick paid me a visit?”

“Yes. You told me it wasn't worth talking about.”

“I didn't think it was at the time.”

“Now you're making me nervous.”

“Ken wanted me to help him get on as a desk commentator for
NFL Weekly.
I told him and Patrick no, I couldn't help him.”

“Why would he think you would help him? You're getting divorced. Besides, didn't you call in a favor to get him an audition to be a field reporter?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “Ken has decided that I can do more for him.”

“What?”

“He said that either I help him get the job, or I have to buy him out of the apartment, or sell it and split the proceeds.”

“Wait a minute, he can't do that. You have a signed agreement.”

“He's already done it. His lawyer called my lawyer and said he'd had a change of heart.”

“Oh, my God, he's a real louse.”

“I know.”

“What are you going to do?”

“I'm not sure yet. What I can tell you is the giant slalom will be a main event in hell before I help Ken Jones get behind the desk at
NFL Weekly
.”

“If it's a matter of money, you know I can help you.”

Lauren smiled. “I know and I really appreciate it, Gabby, but I'm going to tell you the same thing I said to Randy. I will figure this out.”

“Randy offered to help?”

“Yes. He's been a real sweetheart through this whole thing.” She chuckled. “It's so funny that Ken is the reason I met him in the first place.”

“That's irony for you.”

“That's love for you.”

“Love? Did you say love?”

“Yes. Randy said he loves me.”

“And what did you say?”

“I told him I love him, too.”

“Oh, I'm so happy for you.” Gabby hugged her.

“Thanks. Speaking of love…”