Waiting for Mr. Darcy (24 page)

“Are you sure?”

“Listen, you are not getting any preferential treatment. I pick the artists and Victor sets the exhibit up.”

He smiled. “Okay. Now I can get to the real reason I came here straight from the airport.”

“Which is?” she asked anxiously.

He wrapped his arms around her. “I missed you.”

“I missed you, too.”

“And more importantly, I love you, Gabrielle.”

Gabby's heart leaped. “You do?”

“Yes.”

“I love you, too.” She melted into his arms again and they fell into a passionate embrace.

A car horn honked.

Gabby reluctantly pulled away. “I think that was for you.”

“I don't want to go, but I have to.”

She kissed softly. “We'll see each other on Friday.”

“I can't wait.”

“Neither can I.”

Just as he was about to open the door, he pulled her to him. “How about one more to hold me over?”

“Sure.”

They quickly fell into another ardent embrace until the car horn became more persistent.

“Okay, I'd better go. I forgot I have people in the car with me from the firm.”

She laughed. “Tell them I'm sorry.”

“The heck with them. You know how long I had to wait at the baggage carousel? I think we're even.” He winked as he closed the door.

* * *

Still on air from the night before, Gabby walked out of her front door for the Starbucks a few blocks from her house. It was such a gorgeous morning that, after she ordered a venti latte, she decided to sit and watch the city go by at one of the outdoor tables.

“Excuse me.” An attractive and petite African American woman with a cute bob stood there.

She looked up. “Yes?”

“Is anyone sitting here?”

“No. Go right ahead.”

“Thank you.” The woman sat down.

Gabby quietly sipped her coffee.

“You're Gabrielle Blanchard, aren't you?”

“Yes. Have we met?”

“No. My name is Deidre Simpson. I'm Nigel Jr.'s mother.”

Gabby's jaw dropped. “How did you…?”

“How did I know about you? I make it my business to know everything about my son's father's life, which apparently includes you now.”

Gabby was uncomfortable. “Listen, this is between you and Nigel. I don't think it's appropriate to talk to me.”

“Why shouldn't I talk to the woman who's in bed with my son's father?”

People were beginning to look. “I understand that you're upset, but this has nothing to do with me.”

“Oh, really? You're not the one who told him to go for joint custody?”

“What?” Gabby stood up.

“Listen, I know you're some rich big shot, but I'm here to tell you that I'm prepared to fight for my son.”

“This is between you and Nigel. I don't have any say in it.” Gabby started to walk away and then she came back. “You know what, I hope you do what's right for your son, because he's the one who will get hurt if you don't work this out. That's all I have to say.” Gabby turned on her heel and walked like she was on fire. She flipped her cell phone open to speed dial.

“Hello?”

“Nigel?” She was a little out of breath.

“I was just about to call you. Are you excited?”

“I'm excited all right, but not about tonight.”

“That doesn't sound good. Did something happen at the gallery?”

“No, the gallery is fine. You'll never guess who I just ran into.”

“Who?”

“Deidre.”

“What? How in the hell did that happen?”

“Funny, I was about to ask you the same thing.”

“I should have known. I served her with the court papers for the custody issue.”

“It would have been nice to know that you decided to go for joint custody.”

“I was going to tell you, but your mother was there, and I had to leave for that appointment.”

“Okay, but you could have said something last night.”

“I suppose I got caught up in making my declaration.”

“Nigel, this isn't the kind of thing that should have slipped your mind. I was blindsided. More than that, how does she even know about me? She actually showed up at the Starbucks near my house. What are the chances of that happening by coincidence? You know how many Starbucks there are in Manhattan alone?”

“I know.” He sighed. “She must have been tracking me again.”

“What do you mean, tracking you again? She's done this before?”

“Her younger brother is a P.I. She used him to try to find dirt on me the last time we had a child support hearing.”

“I wish you had told me.”

“I'm sorry. What did she say to you?”

“It's not important.” Gabby was annoyed.

“She probably thinks you're the one who put me up to going for joint custody.”

Gabby was at her front door. “I really didn't need this today.”

“I'm sorry.”

She rubbed her head. “Listen, Nigel, I know you're sorry, but I've got a headache now. I need to lie down.”

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Right now isn't the time to talk. I'll see you later.”

Still flustered, Gabby went straight to her room and flopped onto the bed. Getting ready for her big night lost a bit of its luster, but the show had to go on.

Chapter 17

While Alicia waited for the car to arrive, she checked her reflection in the mirror. From the living room Harrison could see her checking the clock.

“It's about twenty seconds later than the last time you checked.”

“Who asked you?”

“I'm just saying.” He closed his book. “You're waiting for him, aren't you?”

Alicia and Nathaniel hadn't spoken since their fight. She'd been tempted to call to apologize, but her pride got in the way.

“If by him you mean the driver, you're right.”

The doorbell rang. Harrison got up. “I'll get it.” He walked past her to the door. It was Nathaniel. “Hey, Nate, it's good to see you. Don't you look spiffy.”

“Thanks, Harry. Is the lady of the house ready?”

“Yes. Come on in and see for yourself.”

Nathaniel stepped in. His eyes widened when he saw Alicia in a beautiful, curve-hugging black gown. “Good evening, Alicia. You look fantastic.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

Harrison looked out the window. “It looks like the car is here.” He opened the door.

Nathaniel put his arm out. “Shall we?”

She took his arm. “Yes. I'll see you later, Harrison.”

“Okay. Have a good time.”

“Thanks, Harry.”

He closed the door behind them and watched as Nathaniel helped Alicia into the car. “It's not that long of a car ride, Nate, so you'd better work quickly,” he muttered.

Unfortunately the car ride was even longer, due to the silence between them.

* * *

Gabby couldn't have ordered a better evening for the Sixteen to Watch exhibit. The evening weather was calm and elegant, just like the night's big event. The crowd was a mix of artists, collectors, art critics, the press, celebrities and even a couple of reality show refugees.

Nathaniel, Alicia, Lauren and Randy all arrived at the same time.

“Hey, Lauren,” Alicia said as she walked over to her. “You look amazing. Is that a Darius Cordell?”

“Yes, it is.” Lauren twirled around and showed off the beautiful black mermaid-style gown.

“I love it.”

“Thanks.” She took a long look at Alicia in her black T-back gown with a sweetheart neckline. “You're looking pretty fantastic too. Isaac?”

“Yes. It's his spider-vein lace dress.”

“I'm shocked that you went some place other than a gourmet grocery store.”

“He has a Web site, you know.”

“I should have guessed.” Randy walked over. “Alicia, this is Randy Rivera. Randy, this is my best friend Alicia Archer and her boyfriend, Dr. Nathaniel Becker.”

Both Alicia and Nathaniel looked uncomfortable with the introduction, but they went along with it.

“It's a pleasure to meet you both.” He shook her hand and then his.

“Good to meet you, Randy.”

“Same here. I've heard a lot of good things about you and your restaurant,” Alicia said.

“Thank you.” He looked around. “This is some event.”

The gallery at night took on a different look. It was bathed in a combination of soft white lights in the common areas, with brighter ones illuminating each artist's work. Soft jazz played in the background while the attendees mingled and discussed each work. Waiters and waitresses walked around with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Randy and Nathaniel each grabbed a glass of champagne.

“Champagne?” Nathaniel asked.

“Thank you.”

Randy handed Lauren a glass. “How about we toast the woman who put this event together?” He raised his glass.

“Yes. Here's to Gabby.” Lauren smiled as they toasted together.

Alicia took a small sip. “Speaking of our hostess, have you seen Gabby?”

Lauren looked around. “No. I'm sure she's working the room.”

“How about we check out the artists? I'm sure we'll see Gabby.” Randy took Lauren by the hand.

Alicia took another tiny sip. “Sounds like a plan.” She rubbed her head.

“Are you okay?” Nathaniel asked softly.

“I'm fine,” she insisted.

“It was just a question,” he grumbled.

The four of them walked through the gallery and saw a variety of artistic styles from postmodernism to a new take on the impressionists.

“Gabby certainly chose an eclectic group of artists,” Randy noted.

“For her, it's giving people a chance to see both ends of the spectrum and everything in between,” Lauren said proudly.

Nathaniel stopped. “Look at this one.”

The four of them were in front of Nigel's painting.

“I recognize the city. It's Cotonou.” Nathaniel studied the work.

“I think Gabby said the artist's mother is from Cotonou,” Alicia said.

“I like it,” Randy said.

“Thank you.” Nigel said as he walked over with Gabby, who looked stunning in an asymmetrical blue pastel gown.

“You're welcome.”

“Great exhibit, Gabby. You've done it again.” Alicia kissed her cheek. “By the way, I love your dress.”

“Thank you. It's a Lisette.”

“Oh, I'm impressed. She's not easy to come by, either,” Lauren observed.

“It's one of the benefits of being a Blanchard. Her mother moves in the same circles as mine.”

“I see. Bunny made a call,” Lauren said with a nod.

“Right.”

Alicia looked over at Nigel and cleared her throat.

Gabby finally got the hint. “Oh, excuse me, where are my manners?” She turned to Nigel. “Nigel, this is Alicia Archer and Lauren Jones. Ladies, this is Nigel Clark.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you both.” He shook their hands.

“It's wonderful to meet you, Gabby. Congratulations on such a wonderful exhibit,” Randy said when the introductions were completed.

“Thank you. I like to think the sixteen most talented artists in the city are under my roof tonight.”

“Judging from what we've seen so far, I think it's a pretty safe bet that's the case,” Randy agreed.

“Nigel, you really captured the essence of the city in your painting,” Nathaniel observed.

“Thank you. Have you been to Cotonou, Dr. Becker?”

“Yes, it's an amazing city. Please call me Nate.”

“Thank you, Nate.”

“Well, ladies, why don't we let the guys get acquainted,” Lauren suggested.

“In other words you want a chance to talk about us,” Randy joked.

“Don't worry, we won't say anything bad.” She waved. “Come on, ladies.”

Alicia felt a little off balance when she took her first step, but she covered it quickly as they walked over to the chic reception area.

Alicia was glad to sit. “Victor did it again. The place looks fantastic.”

“Thank you, my dear,” Victor said as he sauntered over.

“You deserve it.”

“Thank you. I did sweat the details.”

“And now you're lapping up the praise,” Gabby added.

“And a few phone numbers.” He winked.

They laughed.

A waiter passed by and looked at Victor. “If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if I can add another number to my collection.” He quickly followed him.

“You can't knock his hustle,” Lauren said as she finished her champagne.

“True.” Alicia put the champagne flute down.

“You're not going to finish it?”

“No, you can have it if you like. I hate to see it go to waste. It is good.”

Lauren picked the glass up. “Thanks.” She finished Alicia's champagne and put the empty glass down.

“Good grief, girl,” Alicia said.

“What can I tell you? I was thirsty.”

“Before we go any further, Alicia, what's the deal with you and Nate?” Lauren asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Don't play cute with me. I can see something is off tonight.”

“I thought so, too, especially when you introduced him as Dr. Becker,” Gabby added.

“That's his name.”

“But he's more than a doctor to you, isn't he?”

“If you must know, we had a fight. This is the first time we've seen or spoken to each other in a couple of days.”

“What did you fight about?” Lauren asked, shocked.

“He tried to tell me what to do. You know how much I hate that.”

“He probably told you to slow down. You hate that even more.”

“What can I say, Gabby? I'm an independent woman.”

“You're a hardheaded woman,” Lauren stated.

“Hey, you two are supposed to be my friends and support me.”

“That also means we should tell you when you're being a jackass.”

“If the tail fits…” Lauren added.

“Thanks a lot. Can we change the subject? It's supposed to be a fun night, not
Dr. Phil
.”

“Fine, but I promise you we will revisit this,” Lauren said.

“I think the evening is going well. I'm pleased with the turnout.”

Lauren looked confused. “You're not going to ask us what we think of Nigel?”

“Oh, what did you think of him?” she asked halfheartedly.

“Now I know something is wrong. What happened?” Alicia asked.

“I thought things were going well between you.”

“I did, too.” She took a deep breath. “I really don't want to talk about it tonight. Okay?”

“Okay. We'll talk when you're ready,” Alicia said reassuringly.

A flash of light caught their attention as a few photographers snapped their photo.

“Why in the world are they taking my picture?” Lauren asked.

“You are at the art event of the season,” Alicia said with a smile.

“But I'm not a celebrity.”

“Oh, you're full of it. Don't you know that you're Gelman to my
Regis and Kelly
?”

Gabby laughed. “Not to mention the fact that you were married to a New York Giants player.” Gabby regretted mentioning anything remotely connected to Ken the minute it left her lips. “I'm sorry, Lauren.”

“That's okay.”

“What's going on? Has something happened you haven't told me about?”

Lauren and Gabby looked at each other. “You might as well tell her, Lauren.”

“Ken's threatening to make me either buy him out or sell the apartment unless I help him become a desk commentator at
NFL Weekly
.”

“What? He's a real son of a bitch. It's blackmail, plain and simple.”

“I know, and I have no intention of helping him or losing my apartment.”

“Have you figured something out?” Gabby asked.

“I think so.”

“You know if you need anything, money or whatever, I'm here for you.”

“Thanks, Alicia.” She rubbed Alicia's knee. “I know I can count on both of you.”

“Gabby, is Bunny here?”

“No, my mother called at the last minute. Daddy wasn't feeling too well this evening and she didn't want to leave him with a nurse.”

“I know you would have liked her to come, but I can understand why she didn't,” Alicia said.

“I'd rather she stayed home with him than come here. She can read all about it in the Art Review section of the
Times.”

“Don't you love how casually she dropped that into the conversation?” Lauren giggled.

“Oh, my goodness, you've got a buzz already,” Alicia laughed.

“Why do you say that?”

“You're giggling. You never giggle.”

“Good champagne, love and a sexy man are enough to make any woman giddy.”

“Oh, my goodness, did I hear the L-word?” Alicia said sweetly.

“Yes, you did. Randy told me he loves me, and I love him.”

“No wonder the champagne went straight to your head. You're in love.”

“I am. Isn't that something?”

Alicia looked at her watch. “You know, Gabby, you should get back to working the rooms before they send a search party for you.”

“You're right.” She stood up.

When Alicia stood up and staggered forward, Gabby and Lauren grabbed her.

“Are you all right, Alicia?” Lauren asked, concerned.

Alicia couldn't get her bearings. Her head was spinning. “No, I think I have to go.”

A photographer snapped a photo, and the flash made the dizziness worse.

Victor walked over. “Is everything all right here?”

“No, Victor. We need to get Alicia out to the car. Can you get her boyfriend Nathaniel? And see if you can get someone to run interference with this photographer. His flashbulb is making matters worse.”

“Don't worry, Gabby, I'm on it.”

Victor managed to get a couple of waiters to distract the photographer, while Gabby and Lauren helped Alicia through the reception area and out to the limousine. The driver got the door as they helped her in.

Nathaniel ran to the car, followed by Randy and Nigel. “What's happening?”

“I don't know, Nate. I think there's something very wrong with Alicia. You probably have to get her to a doctor or a hospital.”

“Don't worry, I will.” He got in the car.

“Call us as soon as you know something and we'll be right there,” Lauren said.

“I'll let you know.”

The driver closed the door and quickly got in.

Randy put his arm around Lauren as the car drove away. “I'm sure she'll be fine.”

“I know. She's strong.” Lauren put her head on his shoulder.

“She got so pale,” Gabby said.

Nigel took her hand. “You heard Lauren, Alicia's a strong woman.”

Unbeknownst to her, another photographer snapped a photo.

* * *

In the car Alicia tried to steady her head, but it didn't help. Her head continued to spin whether she closed her eyes or not.

“It's okay, sweetie.” Nathaniel held her close to him. “We're going to get you some help. You just hold on. Okay?”