Waiting for Mr. Darcy (16 page)

“What are you doing? The rice can't be done already.”

“It isn't. The heat from the pot will continue to cook the rice. This way the rice will be perfect and the shrimp won't be overcooked. Now.” He went back and put his arms around her. “Where were we?”

“Right about here.” She put her arms around him.

As they kissed, Randy unbuttoned her blouse and she pulled his shirt off. She kissed his chest, shoulders and neck with great deliberateness. “Oh, Lauren,” he moaned softly. He picked her up.

“Oh, my.” She was a little astounded. She'd never been picked up, and she liked it.

He carried her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. Randy slowly removed her skirt. He stopped to admire the way her curves looked in her lingerie. “Oh, baby, you're beautiful, but you're even more beautiful without this.”

He unhooked her bra. “Oh, baby.” He softly ran his lips over her breasts and between them. The feel of his breath on her skin titillated her and she wanted more. Emboldened, she rolled over on top of him and threw her lingerie aside. She kissed him passionately while her hands explored his body. Unable to contain himself, he pulled her to him and their bodies began to move in sync until sweet release came.

Wrapped in a sheet, Lauren had a picnic
paella
dinner with Randy in his living room.

“This is so good.” Lauren savored another forkful.

“Thanks.”

“I love the crusty bottom. It's my favorite part.”

“Mine, too.”

“I meant to tell you earlier that I loved the table setting you did in the dining room. I didn't realize your talents extended to table linens, china and glassware.”

He sipped his wine. “I have a confession to make. I didn't set the table.”

“You didn't?”

“No. I asked my neighbors Adam and Preston to help me out. They have an interior design firm. In fact, they did my apartment.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Before them I had a typical bachelor's apartment with no real furniture. Once they saw my place, they did a Queer Eye for the Design-Challenged Guy and the rest is history.”

“They did a great job. I like their design aesthetic.”

“I do, too.” He drank a little more wine. “I told them I had a special lady coming for dinner, and I wanted to set the mood with a romantic table setting.”

She smiled warmly. “You did that for me?”

“Yes.”

As she leaned over to kiss him, the sheet slid down, revealing her breasts. “Oops.” She started to pull it up. Randy stopped her.

“Leave it. I think the view is spectacular.”

They kissed.

“How about we have dessert?”

“Sounds good to me,” she said breathlessly.

They went back to the bedroom where they put the cherry on the evening, several times.

* * *

Nestled away on East End Avenue near Carl Schurz Park, Gabby and Nigel enjoyed a glass of wine in his apartment.

“I like your place.” She looked around. “You know, you really don't live all that far from me.”

“Yorkville is nice. It's on the Upper East Side, but it's certainly not Park Avenue.”

“Oh, people put too much into that whole zip code thing here in the city.”

“You're right about that.”

“What made you move here?” she asked as she sipped her wine.

“I like the area. It's quiet and no one really bothers you.”

“It's a sanctuary.”

“Yes, it is. I spend my whole day with people who are stressed out over keeping their status, especially my fellow bankers. I don't need it. I leave my job at the office.”

Gabby was pleased. “That's refreshing.”

“I guess you know something about driven people.”

“Oh, yes. My father was driven when it came to work, too, but it didn't have anything to do with status.”

“No?”

“No. I think it was about proving himself to my grandfather.” She sighed. “My father was born into third-generation wealth, so his status was secure. But he never liked the idea of the idle rich. He was never one to hang out at the country club or even the University Club of New York. My dad loved the art of the deal before Donald Trump even had one hair on his head for that great cowlick of his.”

Nigel laughed.

“It's true. He wanted to be a great businessman, and the fact that he added to the family fortune was just the icing on the cake.”

“Your dad sounds like a great guy.”

“He is. I adore him. He always made me feel like his special little girl, and he still does.” She looked down. “He had a stroke a few years back and now he doesn't get around like he used to.”

“I'm sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks. But rehab has really helped him. Even though his voice is soft, he can talk. He just can't travel all that much and I know that kills him because he loved traveling, and he really loved the roaming the city.”

“So your parents are still here in the city.”

“Oh yes, there's no way Bunny is giving up the Park Avenue address.”

“Bunny?”

“Bunny's my mother and she was, I mean, is the complete opposite of my father. She's all about status.”

“Does she come from money?”

“Yes. She was raised in the finest homes and had the best education to land a husband. I will say, though, that she and my father are a rarity in their circles. They were an actual love match and they still are.”

“They're a couple of lovebirds, huh?”

“Yes. She loves my dad more than anything. It's one of the few things we agree on.” She sipped her wine.

“Do I detect mother-daughter issues raising their ugly head?”

“A few, but I don't want to turn this lovely evening into a therapy session.”

“You won't. Nothing can ruin this evening. I'm having a great time.” He kissed her.

“Me, too,” she sighed.

“You know, both my parents were like your dad when I was growing up, but they came from poor backgrounds and they had a lot to prove in order to be successful.”

“I can imagine, but look how wonderfully you turned out.”

“My folks were determined that I'd be more than a little better off than them. My father worked at one of the big defense companies on the Island. He started at the bottom and worked around the clock. He became a part of management within five years and never missed more than a week of work in twenty-five years. My mother was a surgical nurse and she worked more shifts at the hospital than most doctors. I used to ask her why she didn't become a doctor. She was certainly smarter than most of the physicians she worked with.”

“What did she say?”

“She told me that back then the only career options for black women were teacher, social worker and nurse. She chose nursing and didn't look back.”

“Sometimes you forget about the bad old days.”

“My parents never let me forget. They wanted me to strive for the platinum ring, and now that I'm a parent I feel the same way for my son.”

“Is he interested in numbers or art?”

“So far, video games seem to be his number one interest, but I've seen his sketching pad when he stays with me. He's talented.”

“They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”

Nigel noticed how the light framed her face and made her blonde hair sparkle. He leaned in to kiss her. Gabby allowed herself to melt into his arms. He was so strong, yet his delicate artist's touch made her feel priceless. He unzipped her dress so it draped around her shoulders. He slowly planted light kisses along her shoulders and up her neck. He reached down and pulled her dress down around her arms. Gabby felt herself letting go before she suddenly she became self-conscious.

“What's wrong, baby? Am I moving too fast?”

“No.” Gabby heard her mother's words ring through her head.

“What's the matter?”

“I said I wasn't going to bring up mother-daughter issues, but today my mother reminded me I was old and fat.”

“Oh, honey.”

“I thought I shook it off, but here it is raising its ugly head.” She hung her head.

He lifted her face towards him. “You are the sexiest woman I've met in a long time.”

She blushed like a schoolgirl.

“As an artist I pride myself on recognizing beauty and you, my dear, are a work of art. Stand up for me.”

When she stood her dress fell to the floor.

“Look at you. You have the curves and lines artists dream about.” He outlined her body with his finger. He stopped at her waist. Kissing her, he skillfully removed her panties, then got up and quickly removed his own clothing. The passion built so fast they found themselves against the wall of his living room. Gabby felt as if the sheer force of their lovemaking might push them through the wall that held them. Gabby wanted to grab hold of something when Nigel grabbed her hands and lifted them over her head so the passion seemed to flow through to her fingertips.

Chapter 11

Before Alicia knew it, Friday arrived. Anticipation of her date with Nathaniel was high for everyone except her. Alicia was scared. The woman who took on the big magazine boys and Wall Street was scared of a first date.

To keep her mind off the evening ahead, Alicia spent the afternoon in her office, where she checked her email and sorted through papers and files. Any other time Harrison would have gotten after her about working too much, but he knew she had a lot of nervous energy to work off and it was best to stay out of her way.

Harrison knocked on the door as she rifled through papers. “Yes?” She didn't look up.

“Ron Wilder is here to see you.”

“Ron is here?” She looked puzzled.

“Yes. He says he has some papers that Barbara needs you to sign.”

“Oh, okay. Send him in.”

“Okay.” Harrison disappeared.

Barbara didn't say anything about papers in her email. Maybe something came up,
Alicia thought.

Ron entered the room with a folder. “Hi, Alicia. I'm sorry to disturb you this afternoon.”

“That's not a problem.” Alicia smiled.

He walked over to her desk and stood close to her as he put the folder in front of her. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.” She opened the folder and read the documents. “This doesn't look too pressing, but I guess that's our Barbara, always on top of things.” Alicia signed the document. When she turned to hand it to Ron he leaned over and kissed her so hard she nearly fell over in the chair.

“Ron!” She stood up.

“I'm sorry, Alicia. I've wanted to do that for so long.”

“Oh, my God,” she said, still stunned.

“You're a beautiful woman, Alicia. I didn't want to press you because you're a widow and all, but I really like you.”

“I don't know what to say.”

“Just say you'll give me a chance.”

Alicia looked away. “Ron, you're a nice guy and I like you but…”

“You don't like me in that way, right?”

“I'm sorry. I had no idea you felt this way.”

Dejected, he looked down at his shoes. “I understand.” He picked up the folder. “I'll let myself out.”

“Please, Ron. I'm really sorry.”

“So am I.” He rushed out.

Alicia flopped in her chair. “I can't believe it.”

Harrison walked back in. “Ron just rushed past me like a bat out of hell. What happened?”

“You wouldn't believe me if I told you.”

“He made a pass at you.”

“How did you know?”

Harrison snickered. “You know, Alicia, for such a smart woman you really don't see what's in front of you.”

“What does that mean?”

“Ron Wilder has had a crush on you for years now. In fact, whenever I would lose track of you at one of your big office parties, all I had to do was find Ron and you would be in the vicinity.”

“How could I be so blind?”

“Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm sure he'll get over it.”

“I hope so. He really is one the best editors I have.”

“Well, my dear, you need to put that on the shelf for now. You've got a date in a few hours.”

“How am I going to have a good time with this on my mind?”

“Something tells me Nathaniel will take your mind off your troubles.”

“Oh, boy.” Alicia buried her face in her hands.

Harrison rubbed her back. “It's just a date, Alicia, not a firing squad.”

For the remainder of the afternoon Alicia didn't know whether to be relieved or freaked out. Luckily for her, Lauren and Gabby drove up from the city to help her. The three of them examined Alicia's closet.

“Do you have anything without sleeves, Alicia?” Lauren searched through the rack.

“Yes. You're in my early spring section. Go two racks over. That's where summer is.” Alicia sat down in her robe.

Lauren thumbed through the racks. “This isn't much better, woman.” She looked disappointed.

“Oh, who asked you?” Alicia was perturbed.

“Okay, ladies, let's not get anything started. I think Alicia's nervous enough.”

“You're right, Gabby. I'm sorry, Alicia.”

“So am I. I didn't mean to snap at you.” She looked at her closet. “My wardrobe hasn't had to be date-ready since Joan Collins rocked shoulder pads on
Dynasty.”

“Oh, boy,” Gabby sighed.

“Well, it's too late to go shopping. He'll be here in an hour.” Alicia looked at the clock.

“Hold on a second. I'll be right back.” Lauren left.

“Where's she going?”

Gabby shrugged her shoulders. “It beats me.”

“So Gabby, you're looking well. How's everything going with Nigel?”

A big grin came over her face.

“You don't have to say a word. Your face says it all.”

“It's that obvious?”

“Yes, it is. You look really happy.”

“I am happy. At my age I didn't think it was possible to meet a dashing man who'd sweep me off my feet.”

“From the look on your face I'd say he's swept you off your feet quite a few times already.” She winked.

“Ms. Archer, I'm surprised at you.”

“Come on, it's true, isn't it?”

“Yes.”

“You lucky girl.”

“Your turn is coming, you know.”

Alicia's body filled with dread. “Don't say that. I can only handle one thing at a time, and right now dinner is as much as I'd like to think about.”

“I understand. But are you saying that you haven't kissed Nathaniel?”

Alicia got up and went to the racks. “Maybe there's something in here.”

“Oh, my God, you did kiss him,” Gabby said excitedly.

“So what if we did kiss? It was only once or twice.”

“How was it?”

“It was nice.” Alicia downplayed it.

“If you're answering like that, he must have blown your espadrilles off.”

“Almost,” she sheepishly admitted.

Gabby laughed and clapped.

Lauren came in with a garment bag. “What's going on here?” She hung the bag up.

“Alicia and Nathaniel kissed the other night.”

“Get out of here! Oh, you little tart, you,” she teased.

“You're another one who's beaming with the glow of new romance and great sex around here, Lauren.”

“I cannot tell a lie.” She smiled.

“The Austen Aristocrats are getting their grooves on,” Gabby joked.

“Speak for yourselves. I'm just going on a date, and from the looks of things there won't be any grooving for me, unless of course Nathaniel's into the whole schoolmarm/domestic doyenne look. Maybe I can do a cooking segment instead.”

“That's where you're wrong, Alicia.” Lauren unzipped the bag and pulled out a little black dress. “What do you think?”

“I love it,” Gabby said enthusiastically.

Alicia got up to take a closer look. “It's very nice. Is this from your private collection?”

“No. I ordered it from IGIGI for you.”

“You did? When?”

“I called Yuliya, the designer and creator of IGIGI, and I told her I needed a sexy little black dress in a size 16 as soon as possible. She was able to make it happen.”

“You must have some serious special shopper points.” Gabby shook her head.

“I got it, didn't I?”

“Do you like it, Alicia?” Gabby asked.

“It's perfect and gorgeous. You know how much I love anything easy to wear.”

“Good. Now let's get you ready, my dear.”

Alicia's cell phone rang.

“Don't you dare answer it,” Lauren warned.

Alicia ignored her and picked it up. “It could be important.” She pressed the talk button. “Alicia Archer.”

“Alicia?” Barbara stood at the layout desk.

“Hey, Barbara. What's going on?”

“I guess you haven't heard.”

“Heard what?”

“Ron Wilder took a sudden leave of absence. The whole office is talking about it. You saw him this afternoon. Did he say anything to you?”

Alicia's shoulders shrank. “No.”

“I thought I'd let you know.”

“Are you okay, Barbara?”

“Why wouldn't I be, Alicia? You're the only one who thought he liked me.”

“I guess Leslie will fill in for him. Did he say how long he'd be gone?”

“No. No one knows.” She paused. “Listen, I need to get back to work. I'll let you know if I hear anything. Talk to you soon.”

“Okay.” She closed her phone.

“What's wrong, Alicia?” Gabby asked.

“That was Barbara Folsom. She just told me Ron took a leave of absence.”

“Really?” Lauren was shocked. “When's the last time you spoke to him?”

“He was here this afternoon with some papers for me to sign.”

“Oh really?” Lauren was suspicious.

“Can you just help me get dressed, please?”

“Oh no, something happened here. You might as well spill it, sister. Otherwise you're going on your date naked.” She paused. “Although I don't think Nate would mind that at all.”

Alicia vacillated.

“Well?” Lauren had her hand on her hips.

“He kissed me. There, I said it. Can I just get dressed now?”

“What did you do?” Gabby said inquisitively.

“I certainly didn't kiss him back, if that's what you mean. I told him he was a nice guy.”

“Ouch. No wonder he took a leave of absence.”

“I wasn't mean about it, Lauren.”

“You could have been as sweet as pie, but rejection is rejection.”

“I feel bad enough, Lauren.”

“He's a big boy. He'll get over it,” Gabby said reassuringly.

“Gabby's right, and now we need time to get you ready.”

Gabby and Lauren helped Alicia with her hair, makeup and accessories. They even managed to find a black pair of pumps with the perfect balance of comfort and sexiness. Forty-five minutes later Alicia was date ready.

They stood in front of the mirror.

“You look good, Alicia.”

“Thanks, Gabby.”

“Let me do this.” Lauren went for the bra straps.

“Hey,” Alicia protested. “The girls are as far up as my bra will take them. Who do you think you are? My mother? My mother's the only one who tries to get my boobs as close to sitting on my shoulders as possible.”

They laughed.

“I pay top dollar to keep the girls where they're supposed to be.” Alicia turned to see the side view.

“You look good,” Lauren agreed.

The doorbell rang.

“He's here,” Gabby said excitedly.

Alicia took a deep breath. “Here we go.” She walked towards the door, Lauren and Gabby on her heels.

“Do you have your camera?” Lauren asked.

“I have the camera in my cell.”

Alicia turned around. “It's a first date, not the prom.” She took a deep breath and walked down the hall to the top of the stairs.

“Here she is.” Harrison looked up.

Though usually dressed in khakis and polo shirts, Nathaniel wore a crisp pair of black slacks, a blue Oxford shirt with a tie and a sports jacket. He stared as Alicia descended the staircase, unable to take his eyes off her. Lauren and Gabby were behind her like two proud mothers.

Nathaniel extended his hand to help her down the last step.

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“You look fantastic.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

He put his arm out. “Shall we?”

She took his arm. “Yes.”

“I'll have her home at a decent hour,” he grinned.

“Have a good time, you two.” Harrison grabbed the door.

“Call us tomorrow, Alicia,” Lauren called after her.

“Okay.”

They walked out and into the summer evening air. Nathaniel opened the door of his Jaguar XJ. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

Alicia looked at him. “My chariot awaits?”

“I know that was corny, but how else am I supposed to act in front of a beautiful woman?”

“Nice recovery.” She was impressed.

“I try.” He closed the door and got in. A minute later they were on their way to dinner.

“Can I ask where we're going?”

“It's a surprise. I think you'll like it.”

“Okay, I'll take your word for it.” She crossed her legs.

Nathaniel found it hard not to look. Her legs looked so smooth and soft, it distracted him, and the car veered a little.

“Hey!”

“Whoa!” He quickly corrected it. “Sorry about that.”

“It's okay.” Alicia was secretly tickled.
I guess my legs look better than I thought.
She smiled slightly.

He took a deep whiff. “What perfume are you wearing?”

“Oh, is it too much?”

“No, not at all. It smells great.”

“Thank you. It's Ange ou Demon by Givenchy. My father gave it to me for Christmas.”

“It's very nice.” Nathaniel felt that he'd soon need to cross his legs for an entirely different reason than Alicia so he sped up.

“Hungry?”

“Starving. We can't get there soon enough.”

Less than a half hour later they arrived at the Ritz Carlton Westchester. Nathaniel pulled up and the valet helped Alicia out of the car.

Nathaniel walked over and took her arm. “Thanks, man. I'll take it from here.”

“I'm impressed, Nathaniel. I've wanted to try 42 for a while now.”

“You've never been here?”

“No.”

“Well then, my dear, you are in for a treat.”

They got in the elevator and two minutes later they were at 42. The restaurant offered spectacular views of Long Island Sound all the way to Manhattan. The minute the maître d‘ saw Alicia, the staff went on high alert. As Alicia walked in and saw the majestic view she forgot all about her trouble with Ron.