Waiting for Mr. Darcy (28 page)

“Daddy?”

He looked up. “Hello, princess.”

“Be careful with him now.” Bunny was behind them.

“Mrs. Blanchard, we really would prefer if you stay below until we get him level,” one of the men said.

“I want to make sure you don't drop him.”

“We won't, ma'am, but we really don't want to hurt you in the process.”

“Fine, I'll stay here.”

Finally they reached the top. “Here you are, Mr. B.” One man caught his breath.

“Thank you. Hello, Daddy.” She kissed and hugged him. “I'm so happy to see you.”

“I'm glad to be here.”

“Are you feeling better, Daddy? Mother said you weren't feeling good on Friday.”

“It was nothing. You know how your mother likes to fuss.”

Bunny got to the top of the steps. “Give your mother a hand, Gabby.” She held her hand out and Gabby helped her up the last step. “Thank you. I had a reason to be concerned. He had a little fever.”

“You did, Daddy?”

“It was 99.0. In my book that doesn't qualify.”

Gabby laughed. “How are you, Mother?” She kissed her.

“Very well, thanks.” She started to wheel Mr. Blanchard to the living room.

“I'll do that, Mother.” Gabby took over.

Bunny took a seat while Gabby got her father situated. “How's that, Daddy?”

“That's good, princess.”

Gabby took a seat while Rosie began serving tea.

She handed a cup to Bunny. “Thank you, Rosie.”

“You're welcome, ma'am.”

“I'll fix yours, Daddy. You take it with honey and lemon, right?”

“Yes.”

She handed the tea to him.

“Thank you.”

Gabby quickly fixed her cup.

“We were so sorry to see all this fuss in the paper about Alicia,” Bunny said. “It's complete rubbish, we know.”

“I know, Mother. Alicia's still recovering from her attack and now she's got all this to deal with.”

“It's a shame.” Mr. Blanchard shook his head.

“She's worked so hard to get where she is and to have people smear her name without knowing the facts is unfathomable to me.” Gabby sipped her tea.

“Alicia's a smart girl. She's going to come out on top,” Mr. Blanchard said confidently.

“I'm sure you're right, Daddy.”

“However, we're here to talk about another smear job. The smear job this Ivana is doing to you and the gallery.”

“I'm glad you finally said it, Mother. It was killing me waiting for you to drop the other shoe.”

“Now princess, we're not hear to judge you or attack your decisions. Are we, Bunny?”

“No, we're not.”

“You're not? Because I deserve it. You told me this could happen and I went ahead with it anyway.” Gabby hung her head.

“It's all right, princess. We're here to help.”

“You are?”

“Yes. Tell her, Bunny.”

“Someone bought Nigel's painting Friday, right?”

“Yes. It was one of the highest bids of the night.”

“Bernice Lawson was the buyer.”

“How do you know that?”

“Bernice is married to Thomas DiGregorio.”

“The
Times'
art critic?”

Thomas DiGregorio was the premier critic in every art circle. His word could make or break careers and galleries.

“One and the same,” Mr. Blanchard said.

“She was so taken with the painting, she snapped a picture with her phone and sent it to him. The camera quality wasn't that great, he said, but the painting was.”

“Oh, that's fantastic.”

“He wants to do an article about the gallery's exhibit.”

“Oh, my God.” Gabby was floored. “How did this happen?”

“It happened because you're a talented gallery owner with a real gift for finding the city's best undiscovered artists,” Bunny said proudly.

“Do you mean that, Mother?”

“Of course I do.”

Gabby felt a tear roll down her face. She wiped it away. “I'm so glad to hear you're proud of me. I was beginning to think I couldn't do anything right to you.”

“Gabrielle, we might have our differences, but I love you. You're my daughter.”

Gabby got up and hugged Bunny. “I love you, too, Mother.”

“Now this is what I like to see,” Mr. Blanchard said.

“Your Mr. Clark will be pleased, I'm sure,” Bunny said.

Thomas DiGregorio is a very big deal. I don't think, though, Nigel will be leaving his day job anytime soon.”

“He's a smart man,” Mr. Blanchard interjected.

Bunny brushed the hair out of Gabby's face. “This article will also silence that Ivana woman. Didn't you say she isn't very good?”

No, Mother, she isn't good, I'm sad to say.”

“It's sad if this is the only way she can get attention.” Bunny shook her head.

“She certainly won't have it much longer, once word of the article gets out,” Mr. Blanchard said.

“Mother and Daddy, I don't know what you did, but I'm grateful.”

“We told you we didn't do anything. It was all you.” Bunny smiled. “Now please tell me Rosie has made some of Alicia's scones.”

“Yes, she has, Mother. Rosie?”

Rosie brought a tray over.

“Richard, these scones are amazing. You must try them.” She put one on a plate and passed it to him.

“Thank you, my love.”

Gabby watched her parents with complete joy. Deep down she hoped to have the same kind of relationship. With the whole exhibit scandal behind them, she realized she and Nigel had a chance at it.

* * *

Even with his gym clothes on, Dr. Stuart still managed to give Alicia that scolding look of his. He wasn't much older than Alicia, but he already had a full head of white hair and the bluest eyes she'd ever seen, even behind his spectacles.

”You know what I'm going to say, don't you?”

“I need to get a tape recorder. That way I will save us both some time.”

“I'm not kidding with you, Alicia. I got the reports from Dr. Hubert in my office yesterday. You had a close call.”

“I know.”

“You keep saying that, but you never change. Running around from Westchester to Long Island to the heart of New York City in three days is hard on people without a chronic condition.”

“Okay, I won't do it again.”

“Where have I heard that before?”

“I mean it this time.”

“I've heard that one, too.”

“Is there nothing I can say to satisfy you?”

“I'll believe you've slowed down when I see it for myself.”

“Okay.”

“Any other symptoms I should know about?”

“Just the usual suspects, numbness, tingling, creepy crawlies and walking around like a drunk.”

“That's not funny, Alicia.”

“Who's laughing?” She sighed. “How did you manage to get through the press barricade?”

“I parked at Nate's place and walked over through the backyard.”

“Good plan.”

“I thought so, too.” He took her pulse.

There was a knock. “Can I come in?” Nathaniel asked.

“Do you mind?”

“No.”

“Come on in, Nate.”

He walked up beside Dr. Stuart. “What's the verdict?”

“She's doing pretty well, in spite of what happened.”

“I told you I was okay.”

“To be safe, I wanted to hear it from a neurologist.”

“You heard him. You heard him, too, didn't you, Harrison?”

“How did you know I was there?”

“I have a sixth sense.”

“Thanks, Barry. I appreciate your coming by in all this madness.”

“Not a problem, Nate. Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have to get home.”

“Thank you, Dr. Stuart.”

“Try to be good.”

“I will.”

“I'll walk you out,” Harrison said.

Nathaniel closed the door behind them. He had a serious look on his face.

“What's the matter?” Alicia asked.

“I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.”

He sat down. “I know you're going to have the press conference and I think that you should.”

“But?”

“Don't you think you're doing too much? I mean you're the CEO of Archer Omnimedia, editor-in-chief of
Everyday Elegance
, the host of a daily syndicated lifestyle show and you're a part of running the foundation. I think you can afford to step back from something.”

Alicia looked completely taken aback. “What? Are you saying you think I should let them push me out of my own company?”

“No.”

“Then you need to explain your statement a little more clearly, because that's what it sounds like.”

“All I'm saying is you don't have to wear so many hats. You have to take time out.”

“What would you do if someone told you that you needed to drop one of your jobs?”

“That's not fair, Alicia. You know it's not the same thing.”

“Isn't it? You love working with Doctors Without Borders on your missions to Africa. How would you decide between that and the work you do at the clinic?”

“You know about the clinic?”

“You're not the only one who does their homework. I know you provide free care to all five boroughs several times a month.”

“It's not the same thing, Alicia. I don't…”

“What? You don't have MS. Isn't that what you were going to say?”

“Stop putting words in my mouth.”

“Stop trying to tell me that I have to give up something I love and have worked hard for all my life,” she shot back.

“I'm not saying this to hurt you, Alicia.” Frustrated, he threw his hands up. “You didn't see what you looked like when I took you to the hospital. You were so pale and weak, it scared the hell out of me. All I could think was, ‘Please, God, let her be all right.' ” He took a breath. “You know, Alicia, as a doctor I've always been able to keep my emotions in check. Now for the first time in my life I'm in love and all bets are off. I can't be detached. I'm totally selfish, because I want you here with me healthy and I never want to see you like that again.”

Alicia was rendered speechless.

Nathaniel was overcome. “Listen, I've got to go. I need some air. I'll see you a little later.”

“Nathaniel!”

“I'll see you later.” He rushed out of the room.

Alicia sat back on the bed. She'd never realized her episode had affected far more than just her. It had affected the people she loved.

Harrison knocked on the door. “Alicia?”

“Harrison! I didn't know.” She began to sob. “I just didn't know.”

He rushed over and held her. “It's okay, Alicia. You're okay.”

* * *

After her parents left, Gabby gave Rosie the rest of Sunday and Monday off. She put on a sexy little summer dress and invited Nigel over. She left the door open so he could come straight up when he arrived. As he walked up the steps, he heard soft jazz playing in the background.

“Gabby?” he called.

“Hello, there.” She stood in the hall with two tropical drinks in hand.

“Hi. What's going on here?”

“We're having a special little celebration with an island theme.”

“Really? What's the occasion?”

She walked up and handed him a drink. “I thought you'd never ask. Let's sit down.”

“Okay.”

He followed her onto the terrace.

“Have a seat.”

He sat. “The suspense is killing me.”

“My parents came over for tea this afternoon.”

“Both your parents?”

“Yes.”

“So how was it between you and your mother? I'm sure she saw the articles.”

“She did. In fact, both of them did.”

“Were they really upset?”

“No. As amazing as it sounds, the one time I expected my mother to chop me up into pieces, she actually told me she was proud of me.”

“That's terrific.”

“Believe me, I thought I was done for. But as it turns out they had some good news for me.”

“What? Don't keep me waiting.”

“It turns out the person who bought your painting is married to Thomas DiGregorio and he loved it.”

“
The
Thomas DiGregorio?” He was stunned.

“Yes. Not only was he impressed with your painting, he's going to do a piece in the
Times
about the gallery and the exhibit.”

“That's fantastic, Gabby. You know what that means, don't you?”

“Oh, yes. An article from him effectively cancels out all the others.”

“So the gallery and your reputation are intact.”

He raised his glass. “Here's to the Blanchard Gallery and its amazing owner, Gabby.”

“Thank you.”

They clinked their glasses and then took a sip.

Nigel put his glass down and got up. “May I have this dance?”

“Yes, you may.”

They swayed to the music. Nigel twirled her around, then pulled her to him in an ardent embrace that lasted long after the music stopped. Gabby took him by the hand and led him from the terrace to her bedroom, where they continued to make beautiful music of their own all night long.

Chapter 20

All cried out, Alicia looked at the empty pillowcase next to her. She picked the phone up.

“Hello?” Lauren was at her computer.

“Hi, Lauren.”

“Hey, Alicia. What's wrong? You don't sound like yourself.” She stopped working.

“I don't?”

“It sounds like you've been crying.”

“I have been.”

“Oh, God, girl, did something else happen?” She got up from her desk.

“It did. Only it doesn't involve the media, if you can believe it.”

“I'm shocked.”

“I got into a fight with Nathaniel.”

“Another one?”

“Yes, if you can believe it. We made up after the first fight. But I'm not sure if that counts, since we never talked about it.”

“So this second fight was kind of a combo.”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“Do you know what he's angry about?”

“Yes, and part of it has something to do with the press conference I'm holding tomorrow morning.”

“Wait. You're having the press conference tomorrow morning?”

“Yes. I set it up for then so I'd be in front of the press conference the board has planned for the afternoon.”

“That's a good move, PR-wise. Nate didn't have a problem with that, I'm sure.”

“He didn't per se. He has a problem with me fighting to keep my many jobs. He thinks I can afford to let one go.”

“I see.”

“You think so, too, don't you?”

“Alicia, you know I'm just as driven as you are, but you have a lot of balls in the air to juggle.”

Alicia's eyes began to well up. “He told me how scared he was Friday night.” She paused to catch her breath. “Lauren, I never thought about it from his perspective. I guess I thought that since he's a doctor, he could separate himself.”

“Of course he can't, Alicia. He's in love with you. You're not a patient. You're the woman he loves and when he sees you suffering, he can't step back.”

“I know that now.”

“Oh, Lord, girl, what did you do?”

“I threw his jobs in his face. I told him to choose between them.”

Lauren groaned. “No offense, Alicia, but there's a big difference between delivering life-saving vaccines to children and coming up with new crepe recipes for the brunch section of the magazine.”

“You don't think I know that? I don't think I've ever seen him so upset.”

“Where is he?”

“He left a few hours ago. I'm really afraid he's not coming back.”

“He's coming back, Alicia. He loves you.”

“What should I do, Lauren?”

“I can't answer that. But I will say this. You have a man there who loves you and is willing to do anything for you. If you love him, and I know you do, you have to decide what you're willing to do for him.”

“When did you get so smart?”

“I hope after three divorces I've learned something.” She lay back on the sofa.

“Speaking of divorce, what's going on with yours?”

“We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. So I might not get there in time for the press conference.”

“That's okay. Get here when you can. Oh, and will you call Gabby and let her know.”

“Will do.” She paused. “Do you feel better now?”

“Yes. Thanks for listening. I'm worn out and I have a big day tomorrow. I'm going to get some sleep.”

Lauren looked at the clock. “I might decide to do the same thing. Randy has a very late night tonight.”

“Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Good luck with Ken.”

“Thanks. Good night.”

“Good night.”

Before she turned the light out, Alicia sat and thought about what she should do.
Here I have a man that wants me to be near him always and I threw it in his face. What's wrong with me? I don't want Taylor anywhere near the editor-in-chief job in any way.
An idea hit her.
Brilliant. I know exactly what to do. I just hope it's not too late for Nathaniel.

Alicia turned the light out.

* * *

Lauren picked up her phone.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Joe, it's Lauren.”

He looked at the clock. “What time is it? Is everything all right?”

“Everything's fine, Joe. I need you to call Ken's attorney and tell him the meeting has been moved up to seven-thirty.”

“What?” He sat up straight. “You mean in the morning? They're not going to go for that.”

“Tell them it's an offer they can't refuse. I guarantee Ken will get his butt out of bed. In fact, I bet they'll be there early.”

“What's going to get me out of bed?”

“I'll pay you double your hourly rate.”

“I'll bring the coffee.”

“Good man. I'll see you tomorrow.”

* * *

Lauren walked into Joe's office with a bakery box filled with pastries. As she predicted, although it wasn't seven-thirty yet, Ken and his attorney were already there. She put the box on the table as Joe handed her a tall Starbucks cup.

“Thank you, Joe.”

“You're welcome.”

She sat down. “Would anyone care for a pastry? I have bear claws, Ken.”

“No, thank you.”

His attorney, Raymond Collins, didn't look pleased. “We didn't come here early for breakfast. It's my understanding that we're ready to deal.”

“Yes. Ken, I've considered your offer very carefully and I've decided that I'm not going to give in to blackmail.”

Ken tried to appear offended. “Blackmail? Who said anything about blackmail?”

“You did, Ken. When you told me that I'd better help you get on
NFL Weekly
as a desk commentator or I should be prepared to lose my apartment.”

Raymond looked at him. “My client denies doing any such illegal thing.”

“I figured as much. That's why I brought a reminder for him.” Lauren pulled out a tape recorder and hit the play button:

“Lauren, I know you think you're going to make me go away if you just ignore me. But I'm serious. If you want to keep that apartment, you will help me get what I want from
NFL Weekly
and I don't want to hear any bull about you not having any juice. I know you've got pull. So you get me what I want or you can kiss the apartment goodbye.”

Ken sank in the chair.

“Clearly, that could have been a doctored tape,” his attorney said.

“You know, I thought you'd say that.” She took out her cell phone. “I have cell phone messages with date and time stamps. I can play those for you, too. I believe I've saved about thirty or so messages just like that one. Want to hear them?”

“No. That won't be necessary.” Raymond whispered in Ken's ear. “If you'll give us a minute.”

“Sure. Lauren and I will step outside the office.”

Lauren got up.

“After you, Ms. Jones,” Joe said.

“No, Joe, not Ms. Jones. It's Ms. Jules for now.”

“Duly noted, my dear. Duly noted.”

They stepped into the reception area.

“You're a sly one,” Joe said in admiration.

“I told you I had something planned.”

“Smart girl.”

Raymond opened the door. “We're ready.”

Lauren and Joe walked back in.

“After consulting with my client, he's decided not to contest the original agreement. Ms. Jones can keep the apartment and he'll make no claim.”

“Great.” Lauren got up. “You'll have him sign to that right now, won't you?”

“Yes,” Raymond said.

“Okay, Joe will take care of that right now.” She looked at her watch. “I've got to go. Just messenger the papers to me, Joe.”

“Will do.”

“I've got an appointment to keep.” As she walked out, she stopped and turned to Ken. “You know, Ken, I always wondered why you loved being a defensive tackle and now I know. It feels good to sack someone.” She patted him on the back.

Lauren got into the waiting elevator. “Yes!” She did a fist pump.

The minute she got off the elevator, she called Randy.

“Hello?” he said sleepily.

“Oh, honey, I woke you up. Go back to sleep.”

He sat up. “No, I'm awake now.”

“I know you had a long night at the restaurant.”

“That's okay. What's up?”

“It's over.”

“What?”

“I'm just coming from my lawyer's office. Ken agreed to drop all claims to the apartment.”

“Great! How did you get him to do that?”

“I beat him at his own game. I had an ace up my sleeve.”

“Aren't you going to tell me what you had on him?”

“Later. Suffice it to say it was a quality sack. I told you I'd handle it, but I appreciate all you wanted to do for me.”

“Honey, I'm so happy. As long at it's over, it's cool with me.”

“Now the divorce will continue unabated.”

“We're going to have to celebrate. Why don't you come over? I'm not working today.”

“Hmm, that sounds tempting, but I have to head up to Alicia's for her press conference.”

“That's today?”

“Yes. That's not to say I can't come afterwards.”

“Please do, my love. Let's not waste a minute.”

“We won't.” She walked out to a waiting car. “I'll call you after the conference.”

“Okay, honey. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” She closed her cell phone. “We're heading to Alicia's place, Tony.”

“You got it.”

* * *

It was pure chaos at Alicia's usually serene home. Viola brought a hairstylist and makeup artist to help her get ready for the press conference. She also brought a planner to the event, chairs, and a small table of pastries, bagels, rolls, coffee, juice and water for the reporters and camera people.

Just as Alicia was about to pick up her phone, there was a knock on the door. When she looked up, it was Ron Wilder.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure, Ron. How have you been?”

“Okay.” He looked around. “I see you're quite busy.”

“Big press conference.”

“I heard about it. I came up to see if there was anything I could do to help.”

She smiled. “That was awfully nice of you, Ron.”

“I also wanted to apologize for what happened and my actions afterwards.”

“No apology needed. If anything, I'm sorry for not being more sensitive.”

“It wasn't your fault.”

“Does that mean you're back from your leave of absence?”

“Yes.”

“That's good to hear. We need you. Why don't you head to the kitchen and get some coffee. We'll talk more later on.”

“Okay.” He stepped out. Alicia made her call while the hairstylist worked on her in the guest bathroom.

Viola walked in. “How's it going in here?”

“We're okay.” Alicia gave her the thumbs up. “Wait, hold on a minute. Viola, is everything set up in the back?”

“Yes. We're all set. The reporters are already back there drinking coffee and setting up their shots.”

“Great.” She went back to her phone conversation.

Meanwhile Harrison watched the madness from the kitchen window. “This is crazy.”

“You can say that again. I thought I'd never make it up the street,” Gabby sighed.

“Good to see you, Gabby. It's nice to have a friendly face here.”

“How about two friendly faces?” Lauren walked in.

“Hey, I thought you were meeting with the lawyers today.”

“Been there and done that.”

“Well?” Gabby said anxiously.

“I'm keeping my apartment and Ken has agreed to make no further claims. The divorce is back on track and I should be officially rid of him by the beginning of fall.”

“I'm so happy for you.” Gabby stopped. “That does sound strange, since we're talking about a divorce.”

“But it's a divorce from a creep.”

“Yeah, we should celebrate.”

“How about a celebratory glass of orange juice, ladies?” Harrison asked.

“Sounds good, Harrison. Line them up.”

Viola walked in. “Hey, girls, I'm glad you made it.”

“So are we. It's a madhouse on the street with all the trucks and vans,” Gabby said.

“You can be sure the neighbors will complain.” Harrison sipped his orange juice.

Barbara Folsom walked in.

“Hello, Barbara, how are you?” Viola asked.

“I'm good, Viola. I don't really know why I'm here, but Alicia asked me to come.”

“Okay. We're certainly glad you're here. Do you know everyone?”

“Yes.”

Lauren walked over. “Hi, Barbara. I believe we met at the holiday party. You know Gabby too, right?”

“Yes. It's nice to see you both.”

“You, too.”

“Hello, Harrison.” She smiled.

“Good to see you, Barbara.”

Viola looked at her watch. “It's getting close to showtime. I'd better see how Alicia's coming along. If you'll excuse me…” She quickly left.

“It's getting close to nine. I guess we should take our places outside,” Harrison said.

“I thought Kurt Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. Carlson would be here by now,” Gabby said, concerned.

“They might be stuck in traffic trying to get here. I'm sure they'll be along soon,” Harrison explained.

“Has anyone seen Nathaniel?” Gabby asked.

“I'm sure he'll be along soon, too.”

“Why isn't he here?” Gabby was perplexed.

“I'll tell you about it when we get outside,” Lauren said.

* * *

Alicia checked herself in the mirror.

“Hey, it's just about time.”

“Thanks, Viola.” She got up. “How do I look?”

“You look great. Are you ready to do this?”