Here With Me (19 page)

As she looked at Cole, she was taken back to the first moment she saw him during the beginning of their eighth grade year.  Kenna had been busy babbling away about something Mallory couldn’t remember, when he walked by.  He was tall and cute with bright blue eyes and sandy hair.  Their eyes met and he smiled at her.  She smiled back, completely unaware of the role this stranger would play in her life.  As she looked back into those same eyes now that they were all grown up, she smiled up at him before wrapping her arms around him.  He pulled her close and stroked her hair.

“I know you’ve been through a lot lately, Mal,” he said softly as he held her. “But would you consider giving us another shot?”

“I can’t make any promises right now, Cole,” she said softly. “There’s so much going on.  I need some time.  I need to clear my head and think.”

“That sure as hell beats a no,” he said squeezing her tightly. 

Chapter Twenty-Five

Mallory stared at herself in the full length mirror, hardly recognizing the girl in the reflection.  The emerald green dress fell to the floor and the plunging neckline revealed more than she was comfortable with.  She’d been reluctant to buy it, but the salesgirl at the dress shop had insisted it was stunning and brought out the green flecks in her eyes.  She was more dressed up than she’d ever been in her life, and she wasn’t comfortable with it. 

Pulling
the lip gloss out of her pocketbook, she brushed some on and pushed back a piece of hair that had escaped from the French twist she was donning and sighed as she looked in the mirror.  It had been nearly a week since the kiss on the boat.  Cole had been as supportive as ever, visiting her mother at the rehab center, brining Mallory lunch at work, and hanging out at her house every night.  Nothing else had happened between them, but she had to admit, she liked having him to lounge around with at night, instead of coming home to an empty house.  They hadn’t spoken of the kiss, but it was obvious their relationship had changed.  They weren’t together and they weren’t just friends anymore.  They were somewhere in between and Mallory had no idea how long they would be in this limbo. 

When Cole invited her to the annual benefit dinner his family hosted at their house, she was apprehensive at first.  She’d heard about t
he exclusive party his family threw at the beginning of August every year, but she’d never attended.  Cole had only ever invited her once before, when they were dating in high school, but she’d declined.  She accepted this time though, thinking it might be fun to get all dolled up and see how the other half lived…to see if maybe she could ever live in that world, and to see if that’s why, perhaps, she’d never felt about Cole the way he did about her.  

“Wow…you look incredible, Mal,” Cole had said when he picked her up.  She’d thanked him before getting into his car and heading over to his family home. 
Cole’s house always left her with a feeling of awe when she went over, which, truthfully, wasn’t very often.  She’d never felt comfortable there.  It was too big and too lavish.  It felt more like a museum than a home.  They’d spent most of their time at her house and as she stepped foot inside the big house on Ocean Avenue for the first time in as long as she could remember, she recalled why.

The house looked even grander than usual, all decked out for the party.  She’d excused herself to the bathroom shortly after arriving, and here she stood, waiting to take her place amongst Kennebunkport’s elite. 
Unable to prolong the inevitable any longer, she looked in the mirror once more and walked down the staircase.  Cole was waiting at the bottom, looking dashing in his sleek, black tuxedo.  His sandy hair was slicked back and she could tell he’d gotten a haircut that morning with how neat his sideburns were trimmed.  He smiled and extended his arm out to her when she reached the bottom.  She took it and smiled.

“This all very
Titantic-esque,” she said as they walked.

“Titanic-
esque?” Cole asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah.
  You kind of reminded me of Leonardo DiCaprio waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Kate Winslett.”

“Leonardo
DiCarpio?  I’ll take that comparison,” he laughed.

Mallory followed Cole outside into the sprawling backyard.  Backyard was actually an understatement.  Backyards didn’t go as far as the eye could see.  Most backyards didn’t have waterfalls and ponds.  And most backyards weren’t filled with fancy, lit up tents with a wait staff in tuxedos weaving in and out. 

The place was already crowded and Mallory looked around, but figured she probably wouldn’t see anyone she recognized.  This wasn’t her scene. 

A waiter walked by and Cole snagged two glasses of wine, taking a sip, and handing one to Mallory. 

“This is so ritzy,” she leaned in and whispered in his ear.  He just laughed and nodded.

“I guess I’m used to it.”

“What exactly is it for…the cause, I mean?”

“To be honest, I’m not really sure.” They both laughed at his statement. “It’s something to do with keeping the ocean clean, this year anyway.  My mom changes her philanthropic views like I change my underwear,” he said and they both laughed again. “She’s
gotta do something to make her life seem worthwhile.” His eyes drifted up and he paused before continuing. “Speak of the devil.”

Mallory looked up and followed Cole’s gaze.  His par
ents were walking towards them, his father looking like an older version of Cole.  Mr. Hollins looked handsome in his tux and she realized he had the same striking blue eyes as his son.  Mrs. Hollins was wearing a long, gold gown with a matching wrap.  Her soft, blonde hair was tied back in an elegant bun and Mallory figured the jewels hanging off her neck were probably worth more than she made in a whole year.

“Nicholas! 
Mallory!” Mrs. Hollins greeted them cheerfully.  Mallory hadn’t heard Cole called by his full name since high school.  It sounded so grown up and sophisticated, but as she looked at him, she knew he’d always just be Cole to her.

“The place looks great, Mom,” he said, leaning in and kissing her on the cheek.

“Was there ever a doubt?” she laughed.

“Never.
  If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s you, Mom.”

“It’s not a party, Nicholas.  It’s a fundraiser!”

“Of course.  Sorry about the mix-up.” 

“And, Mallory,” Mr. Hollins said, finally joining the conversation. “I’m glad Cole finally convinced you to attend one of our little soirées.  You look beautiful, by the way.”

Mallory smiled at Mr. Hollins’ compliment and then she felt Cole link his arm with hers. 

“Well, Cole’s been so great lately.  How could I turn down an invitation like this?”

“We heard about your mother,” Mr. Hollins said with a sorrowful look on his face. “We’re so glad to hear she’s doing better.”

“Thank you.  We were very lucky.”

“Well, we need to go mingle if we want people to open up those checkbooks,” Mrs. Hollins said as she grabbed her husband’s arm. “Come on, Greg.”

“We’ll see you two later.  Dinner will be served soon, so don’t fill up on appetizers.”

“Point taken,” Cole said and Mallory smiled as Mr. and Mrs. Hollins walked away.

“I haven’t seen them in forever.  They look good,” Mallory said once Cole’s parents were out of earshot. 

“Well, all the work my mom’s had done would explain that.”

Mallory burst out laughing and hit him playfully. 

“You’re terrible.  Let’s go find our seats,” Mallory said as they walked into the large tent.  Once underneath the canopy, Mallory nearly forgot they were outside.  The tables were set so elegantly and the live jazz band filled the tent with music.  She followed Cole to a table and saw a white card with VIP written in fancy calligraphy on it “VIP?” Mallory said in a snooty, British accent. “I don’t think I’ve ever been a VIP before.”

Setting her pocketbook on the table, she sat down
. 

“Well, you’re a VIP tonight,” Cole said, sitting beside her. 

“Who exactly are the VIPs anyway?” Mallory asked, looking around.

“I’m not sure.  It always depends.  It’s my family, of course, and the others are the big spenders.”  A waiter walked by and Cole stopped him, grabbing some clam puffs and setting them on their plates. 

“So, what exactly do they do at a fundraiser like this?” she asked, taking a bite.

“Pay a ridiculous amount of money for a sub-par meal,” Cole laughed. “There’s also a silent auction.”

“I’m assuming I wouldn’t be able to bid on any of the items.”

“You’d assume right, unless you can afford the use of a private plane or yacht or whatever other obnoxious idea they came up with.”

“Well, I forgot my checkbook, so unfortunately, I won’t be able to bid.”  They both laughed and then Cole looked up at the dance floor in front of the band, where a crowd had gathered. 

“Dance with me,” Cole said, standing up and holding his hand out to her.

“Dance?” she asked skeptically. “You know I can’t dance.”

“That’s what you say, but I’ve danced with you before and you’re not that bad.”

“You danced with me at senior prom.  That was six years ago.  Your memory is clouded.”

“No, it’s not.  Now get your butt up and dance with me.” He gently tugged at her until she relented with a smile and followed him to the dance floor. 

The band was playing a smoky rendition of “My Funny Valentine” as Cole slid his arm around her waist.  She draped her hand over his shoulder as they began to sway to the sound of the saxophone.  Following Cole’s lead, she didn’t feel as awkward as she thought she would. 

“See.  You’re doing just fine,” he said with a supportive smile.

“Because I have a good leader.”

He p
ulled her tighter and they were quiet for a few moments while they moved to the music. 

“Have you thought about our conversation on the boat anymore?” he asked softly as they danced.

“Cole,” she sighed, continuing to sway.

“I’ve been thinking about it a lot and I just wanted to know if you have too.”

She drew her eyes up to his and he was staring down at her nervously. 

“
I’ve been thinking about it a lot as well .”

“Anything you’d like to share with me?”

“Just…I…I need more time, Cole.  I really have been thinking about a lot of things when it comes to us.  That’s one reason I agreed to come tonight.”

“What does tonight have to do with us?”

“I’ve been wondering lately if I’ve never let myself feel for you the way you feel for me because I didn’t know if I could ever fit into your world.  I thought tonight might show me if I could.  I think, maybe…I don’t think I’ve ever felt good enough for you.” She lowered her eyes from his and she felt him stop.  The music continued to flow, but they were still.  She felt his hand beneath her chin and he tilted it up until their eyes met again.

“Of course you’re good enough for me.  You’re too good for me.  I’m the one who’s not worthy.” His voice was low and serious as he stroked the side of her face with his fingertips before leaning in and softly brushing his lips against her cheek.  He started swaying again once he’d pulled back and she rested her head on his shoulder as he pulled her closer.

The song faded and a chime rang throughout the tent a few moments later.  The dance floor dispersed and everyone started walking towards the tables.

“That’s the dinner bell,” Cole whispered as he held her hand and led her to their seats. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hollins were already sitting and Mallory recognized Cole’s older sister, Josie and her husband.  She hadn’t seen Josie in years.  She and her husband were both in advertising and lived in New York City.  From what Mallory could gather, Josie didn’t make it back to Kennebunkport very often, but she never missed her mother’s annual gala.  Josie smiled when she recognized Mallory.

“Mallory!
  You look amazing.  I’m glad Cole was finally able to drag you out to one of these things,” Josie laughed, leaning in so her mother wouldn’t hear. 

“It’s good to see you, Josie.  How are you?”

“I’m great.  Cole told me about your mom.  I’m glad she’s going to be alright.”

“Yeah, it was scary for a while.  Cole’s been great though.”

Josie smiled in a way that told Mallory she wasn’t surprised.  It was no mystery to Josie that Cole still had eyes for Mallory and would do anything for her. 

Mallory’s eyes were suddenly drawn over Josie’s shoulder as she saw
a frail looking George Bush, Senior. and Barbara walking towards their table.  Her back stiffened and she began looking around, wondering if Ryan was with them.

“The
Bushes are the other VIPs?” she exclaimed in a whisper into Cole’s ear.

“I guess they are,” he said, obviously as surprised as she was at the sight of them.

“I can’t sit at a table with them!  What will I say?”

“Just be yourself and
they’ll love you as much as I do,” Cole said, resting his hand on her knee to calm her. 

“Easier said than done,” she said, taking a quick sip of water as the
Bushes drew closer.  When they sat down, Mr. and Mrs. Hollins began speaking to the former president and First Lady as if it was nothing.  Mallory tried not to gawk too much.  They looked just like they did on TV, only older.  She’d lived in Kennebunkport her whole life and she’d never even caught a glimpse of them before, and now, here she sat, only a few feet away from them. 

“President Bush, Mrs. Bush, this is our son, Nicholas and our daughter, Josephina and her husband, Keaton,” Mrs. Hollins began, gesturing towards her children. “Josie’s in advertising in New York and Cole is attending Harvard Law.”

“Harvard, eh?  We’re Yale fans ourselves,” the President said with a smile and the table laughed.

“And who’s with you tonight, Cole?” Mrs. Bush piped in.  Her voice was soft and she seemed like a sweet, old lady.