"I thought I'd never hear myself say this since I had sworn off women." Caleb turned to Kat. "I'm in love with your sister."
"Does she know?" asked Kat softly.
"No." Caleb hung his head. "I don't know where to start." Caleb ran his hand down his face, cupping his chin.
"Start at the beginning," said Kat. "I have all day."
"I knew my life would change the day I laid my eyes on her. The day all y'all looked at the house. I tried to deny it, but the more I got know Ally, the more I fell in love with her. I just wouldn't admit it to myself." Caleb took another drink of whiskey. "We had a few dates." Caleb looked at Kat to read her expression and saw no judgment whatsoever and continued on. "I asked her why she hadn't told you about us and Ally said she thought you would make fun of her being a bad boy magnet. She'd just got out of this relationship with that knucklehead and made a vow never to get involved again. Then, Ally asked me where our relationship stood and I couldn't answer her because my pride got in the way." His voice became deadly quiet. "And now she's gone back to New York… I don’t know if she's not coming back." He hung his head.
"What happened that night at Cool River Cafe with Greg? I saw the clip on TMZ."
"He's a total jerk," said Caleb, as he grabbed his glass of whiskey and downed it. "He wouldn't leave Ally alone and if security hadn't shown up, I would've decked him myself."
"Well, I called Ally this morning and spoke to her after I saw that clip on television, I am really hurt she hadn't confided in me. But I didn't realize how hurt she felt over my teasing." Kat gave Caleb an intense look. "Yeah, I would've teased her, but not now. I know she cares for you more than she did Greg, but she hasn't told me anything. That's where I can't help you. I would give anything in the world to say she loves you, but I can't." Kat felt so helpless.
"Do you know where she's staying in New York? Do you know anything?"
Kat narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Why? You're not going to show up in New York like Greg did here?"
"I'd love to, but I see your point." Caleb slumped in disappointment. "If only that knucklehead hadn't done that." Caleb swore. "I'm sorry, Kat. I didn't mean to take up so much of your time." He looked at her evenly. "I just wanted to let you know my true feelings. I have to think of something. I don't want to lose her."
"Caleb, I do believe you and I will do anything I can to help. I'm being selfish on my part. I don't want her moving back to New York, either. I don't know what I'd do without her help." Kat looked down before she too continued. "I asked Ally if she planned on staying in New York and she said she didn't know. She needed time to think."
Caleb hit is fist on the bar. "I know what I'm going to do, Kat. I just need your help with a few things. We're going to get Ally back to Texas."
"How?" Kat listened intently while Caleb outlined his plans.
****
"Henri, I'm so tired of these parties," yawned Ally as they set off to dinner again, this time at Raoul's. "This is why I left New York."
"Slowing down on me?" Henri patted her face. "You're doing fine. Now tomorrow night is all to yourself. You can be as lazy as you want. Pamper yourself; get a spa before the show on Monday." Henri leaned in towards Ally. "People are noticing you, Ally. You have a different air about you."
"I'm done modeling, Henri. I'm just doing this to help you out. Believe it or not, I miss Texas." Ally looked down before Henri could read her expression. She missed Caleb terribly. Since she sent him the text message, she hadn't heard from him. Ally glanced down at her phone while Henri paid the bill. Ally had a message from Kat asking her to call. Since Henri seemed in no hurry to leave, Ally took advantage of the moment.
"Ally? Where are you? You sound like you're in a tunnel." Kat's voice sounded distant.
"I'm in a restaurant with Henri, what's up? Is everything okay?"
"Well, yes and no. Mom and Dad wanted to know if your show is being televised."
"No, it's not. I mean there will be photographers there with clips on the evening news. It's a new up and coming designer. All the top brass will be there. Someplace on Fourteenth Street."
"Where are you staying?"
"At the Pierre, why?"
"It's Mom and Dad again. For some reason they're really curious about this venture of yours. They are worried you won't come back to Texas."
"How's business?" Ally tried to steer the conversation in another direction.
"It's been busy. I have five events this coming week, so if you feel like coming home sooner than you planned, I'd really appreciate it."
"Are you going to do them all by yourself?" Ally felt badly leaving Kat in this position. If it weren't for Greg and Caleb this wouldn't be happening.
"Yeah, I think so. I'm hoping Mom and Dad will come back up to your house and then Mom can help me." Kat remained silent for a minute, gathering her thoughts. "Are you okay, Ally?"
"I don't know. Have you heard from Caleb?"
"I know he spoke with Dad the other day. Dad didn't like it that you hadn't told Caleb you were leaving for New York. Dad said he seemed kind of hurt." Okay, Kat laid it on thick.
"I don't see why," said Ally stubbornly.
"Ally, I think you should give Caleb another chance. I promise you I won't make fun of you."
"I know, Kat. But I don't think he likes me that much."
Ally, if you only knew.
"How do you feel about him?"
"Since I hurt so much, I think it's the real deal," blurted Ally, causing Henri to stare at her.
"Then, give it another shot," said Kat.
"I have to go," said Ally quickly as Henri showed his impatience to move on.
"Ally, it doesn't look good when you're on the phone when you're with me," stated Henri.
"It's just my sister; she's worried about me." Ally checked her phone again for any messages and there were none. Disappointed, she put it away. They left the restaurant and Henri hailed a taxi.
"Now, where are we going?"
"It's just a little party at some friends of mine." He turned to the driver,
“There, let us out here." A valet opened up the cab's door and as Ally stepped out, flashlights went off and Henri quickly escorted her to the door.
"One of these parties?" said Ally through gritted teeth, trying to maintain her smile. "You know I
hate
these kinds of parties."
"Let me introduce you to Enrique from Madrid. He is a person you should know." Henri pushed Ally towards a striking, tall, broad-shouldered, dark haired man who looked as bored as Ally. "Enrique, I'd like for you to meet Ally, one of our top models for the show."
"Good evening, Miss Duncan. I know of your work and must I say you're more beautiful in person, no?" His accent implied charm and sophistication, but Ally didn't buy it as he kissed her hand and did not let go. Ally gently tugged free and smiled politely.
"Ally, Enrique is with the investment company who owns Jared's, the company you are modeling for," explained Henri.
"Very impressive," commented Ally. She knew his type and had his number, the other reason to avoid New York.
"I've not seen you lately, have you stopped working?" Enrique drew Ally aside. Henri conveniently left them alone.
"Not really," said Ally, hoping to make this short. "I'm no longer in the New York area. I'm only doing this for Henri." Ally grabbed a flute of champagne being offered by a waiter.
"Really," asked Enrique, now intrigued. "Why did you leave?"
"I have other goals in my life. Listen, I need to find Henri. It's been a pleasure meeting you." Ally turned to leave, but Enrique stopped her.
"This is fascinating," said Enrique. "Please tell me why you would give up a career of modeling? Most women would die for a chance to model."
"I'm not
most
women. I want to do something else with my life." Ally still tried to get out of this discussion, but Enrique refused to let her go that easily.
"Ally, I'd like to get to know you better. Why don't we go someplace else where we can have some privacy?" Enrique reached for her hand, but Ally quickly pulled away.
"Listen, this isn't a good idea, Enrique. I know you mean well, but I'm not interested."
"Then you must be seeing someone?"
"That's really none of your business. Please, I have to leave." Ally tried to walk away.
"I refuse to take no for an answer. I want to talk to you," insisted Enrique.
Ally stalled and mulled over her situation. She hated to do this to Henri, but Enrique had annoyed her. "I am on a tight schedule," began Ally when someone jostled her from behind and her drink spilled onto the front of Enrique's shirt. "Oh, I am so sorry," stated Ally. She clumsily tried to help Enrique, but he pushed her away.
"Silly girl, why did you do that?" demanded Enrique as he tried to wipe off the liquid with his handkerchief.
"What? Did you think I did this on purpose?" asked Ally. "For your information, someone ran into me. You have a lot of nerve!''
"Are you okay, ma'am?" An older woman came to Ally's aid. "I didn't mean to bump into you." She looked at Enrique in disgust. "But when a woman says no, a gentleman should heed her warning." Enraged, Enrique stomped off cursing while the woman smiled at Ally. "I didn't mean to interfere, but I just couldn't help myself."
"I'm glad you did," said Ally gratefully. "I wanted to that myself, but now I won't hear the end of this from my friend, Henri. Apparently, Enrique is Mr. Moneybags."
"Don't worry about him." The lady patted Ally's arm and moved on.
Ally, alone again, searched for Henri. She spotted him speaking to an angry Enrique, so Ally decided to leave and go back to the hotel. She had a pounding headache and wanted nothing more to take a nice long bubble bath without any interruptions. Ally quickly left a message for Henri of her whereabouts. Hailing a taxi, Ally slid into the darkness of the night caught between two worlds. She didn't want to stay in New York, but how could she go back to Texas without Caleb?