Now, she had to reshape Ivy and make her more presentable after she was officially a Henderson. Image was very important in this next election, and she had worked too hard on her family to allow them to just wither into another has-been political pillar in the Memphis community. Her mother had been married into politics along with her mother’s mother and God willing, Ivy would contribute yet another daughter to the cause.
Ivy and Grey stepped out of his BMW and walked into the hotel side-by-side smiling at the relatively familiar faces that had longed discussed their relationship and their recent problems. To Ivy this night was more important than her wedding night, because she would meet Nicola’s entire family. Plus, she would have to face Rachel again and this time pretend to be happy to see her. Quietly, she entered the elevator on Grey’s arm, trembling inside but giving a gilded bright smile to soothe her family and friends.
Grey hadn’t spoken much the entire ride. From time to time, he had started a conversation with Ivy but had failed to maintain long interaction. He too needed time to meditate. If his planned worked, he would be rid of Nicola for good after this wedding and on with preparing for the House of Representatives. If his planned failed, he could cost his family everything.
All eyes were on the Ivy and Grey, who cosmetically were a perfect pair. However, the anticipated arrival was that of the Agosto family. Grey had asked them to arrive early in order to be able to introduce them to everyone before the dinner began, but in actuality he wanted he and Ivy to make the last grand entrance. His plan had not unraveled with perfect execution. Nicola and his family were running late.
Looking around anxiously, Grey saw the small room packed with the entire Henderson family, the entire Winters family and not one sign of his experiment. As he escorted Ivy to his seat, he stepped over the side and spoke with his father.
“Any sign of them,” Grey said looking at his watch.
“Walking through the door right now,” Mayor Henderson said looking away from his wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Agosto walked in first arm in arm in classic black suits, hesitantly awaiting the families that had suffocated their son for nine months. Santo entered alone in a simple black tailor-made Gucci suit and at last Nicola entered with Rachel on his arm, both gracing the small audience’s presence in simple but elegant black attire.
“Are they in mourning?” Mrs. Henderson asked smugly.
“This is an absolute farce,” Sadie said under her breath.
“What is it that they do, exactly?” Mayor Henderson asked Madison.
“They own a conglomerate of very successful businesses from what Ivy tells me…a freight line, a law office, commercial real-estate and some other stuff,” Madison said rubbing it in to his uptight counterparts.
“I didn’t realize that Nicola’s family was wealthy,” Mrs. Henderson said with his eyes wide. Were they democrats?
“I’m sure that was Nicola’s idea not to mention it. He’s quite modest,” Sadie said as Mrs. Agosto approached. She was already growing tired of the Henderson’s family relentless pursuit of riches and power. “You must be Liz, I’m Sadie.”
“Oh, I’ve heard wonderful things about you,” Liz said instantly liking Sadie’s cool demeanor. They embraced each other for a moment, while Madison and Adamo shook hands and then turned to Mrs. Henderson.
“Allow me to introduce you to Grey’s mother and father, Mayor and Mrs. Henderson,” Sade said stepping away.
“Please allow me,” Grey said walking over calmly. “Mrs. Agosto, I’m Grey Henderson.”
“Oh,” Mrs. Agosto said smiling. “Well it is very nice to finally put a face with a name.” Adamo said carefully guarding his words for Nicola’s sake. To him all of this was the most chaotic display he had ever seen, but his son had explained to him that this was closure and after seeing his grandsons for the first time, he too would do whatever it took to keep them close to him.
Ivy had not taken her eyes off Nicola the entire, while he stood with Rachel whispering in her ear and laughing behind his family. All she could see was him only a few days before crying over her, pleading with her. What if Santo had not come in that night? Would she be here tonight? Would he? She felt Trina nudge her several times before she turned her attention to her father, who walked over from the large crowd and touched her shoulder.
“Are you alright, little sis?” Madison asked concerned.
“No, Madison,” Ivy said smiling softly. “But I will be as soon as all of this is over.”
“You don’t have to go through this,” he said looking Grey. “There are better men out there.”
“I know,” she said looking back at Nicola. “But I want him.” She wasn’t even sure which one she meant.
“Then support him,” Madison eyes narrowed unsure of her true desires. “Go over and properly welcome your other guests. Allow them to see how much of diamond you truly are,” he said rubbing through her hair.
Understanding her father’s request, Ivy smiled and stood up obediently. He was right. She had to shine for her own sake. Throwing her hair off of her shoulder and remembering her old charms, she walked gracefully over to Nicola’s family and hugged his father first, breaking Nicola’s attention. Then she hugged his mother, warming his heart. Then she kissed Santo, drawing out his fire further. Nicola stood stiff as a board watching her, wanting her.
After Ivy had gained all the momentum that she needed, she swayed in one beautiful motion over to the happy couple feeling Nicola watch her every move. He looked at her ample breast sway in her fitted soft pink chiffon Chanel dress that stopped modestly at her calves and her matching pink strappy sandals that displayed her manicured feet. Her bare caramel toned arms were decorated with only the princess cut diamond solitaire engagement ring that Grey had given her. Her hair was pulled carefully to the back in feather curls bringing great attention to her beautiful bone structure, her soft, delicate chin, her glittering brown eyes, her full rose glossed lips, and her long swan like neck. Her eyes spoke for her as she looked up in the same hooded look that Nicola had given her the first time nearly a year ago causing his heart to stop, and then she gave a wide suggestive smile.
“Rachel, how good to see you,” Ivy said offering her long dainty left hand so that Rachel could better analyze her engagement ring and perfectly manicured hands.
“Great to see you, too. You look…marvelous,” Rachel said feeling underdressed and over accessorized.
“Thank you,” Ivy said turning her attention to Nicola. “And Nicola, it’s so nice of you to bring everyone.” Her eyes burned through him. “We’re really glad that you came.”
Nicola cleared his throat as he finally realized what she was doing. “Thanks,” he said softly. “Like Rachel said, you look great.” He averted his eyes to hers after a moment.
“Thank you. Well, allow me to show you to your seats before we get started.” She looked over at Grey who watched carefully and smiled. “We’ve got you right here by Emerald and Trina.”
“Nicola, how are you doing?” Emerald said standing up from the table.
“Fine,” Nicola said shaking his hand. “This is my friend, Rachel Danning.”
As the dinner began, Ivy relaxed back down in her seat and smile at Trina who watched confused along with Emerald who watched pissed that she was pleased with her little circus show.
If I could just get through tonight, Ivy thought to herself as she picked up her fork and stabbed her Caesar salad. Tonight may have had hope if Nicola wasn’t here to remind her of the past. She would have enjoyed everyone being here together before she and Grey were married to celebrate. Would have. In a way, she could blame all of this on Grey. What did he have up his sleeve anyway? He and his father had been whispering about something the entire night. And then there was Nicola. She couldn’t say enough about him. Sure his family was nice, but he knew that he had no place here. She hated him now more than ever. He had deliberately ruined this for her!
***
“Two more days
and you can stop smiling,” Trina said rubbing Ivy’s back as they stood outside the ballroom on the Mezzanine level hugging each other after the dinner.
“Thank you for being here, Trina. You’ve been great,” Ivy said trying to hold back her tears.
“That’s what friends are for, but I still don’t know what tonight was for?” She looked over at Grey who was talking to Mr. Agosto.
“Politics.” Ivy said assured that the one-word explanation was enough.
“Well, you might as well get used to being a politician’s wife,” she said shaking her head.
“I know.” Ivy sighed speechless.
“When does he make his formal announcement?”
“The day after the wedding,” Ivy said looking at Grey’s brothers circling around like sharks and talking under their breath.
“If you need to talk, we can. You know that I’m here for you.” Trina let go of Ivy. “I had better go and get Emerald. If I leave him to his own vices too long, there’ll be trouble.”
“He’s still not talking to me.” Ivy touched massaged her temples. “I imagine that he has every reason not to.”
“Well, I’ll make sure that his mind is right for the wedding. He can’t go around acting like a little baby.”
“Just let him come around on his own.” Ivy watched as Nicola and Rachel came out of the doors before she turned around. “Ooh! I don’t even want to look at him. There nerve he had to come here tonight.” Her mouth pouted.
“He’s just playing the game that you and your fiancé recruited him for.”
“Don’t take up for him. Plus, I had nothing to do with this charade.” Ivy snapped.
“Well, if you didn’t have anything to do with it, what makes you think that he did?”
“I’ll have to tell you all about that tomorrow night.” Ivy bit her lip.
“Uh, well let me go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Okay, girl,” Ivy said kissing Trina on the cheek before she entered the elevator and disappeared behind the golden doors.
Nicola wanted to go over and talk to her. He wanted to explain his reasoning, but there was not one opportunity. He could see anger in her eyes, and it was nearly impossible to hide the defeat in his. However, he was angry with her, too. He had a reason for doing this. What reason did she have?
“Ivy looks great,” Santo said with a cocktail still in his hand from dinner.
“I think that she already knows that,” Nicola said looking over at Rachel who stood with his family. “Do you think that I should go over and talk to Ivy?”
“Yeah, I would.” Santo sipped in between his advice. “While you’re talking to her, why don’t you tell her that you’re holding back a terrible secret and that’s the only reason that you won’t propose yourself?”
“I can’t tell her about that.” Nicola scoffed.
“Why not. This is the perfect time. It’s high drama in this place tonight. Top it off. Tell her about Grey and his plot to blackmail you and about banging Trina while you were blacked out before you met her. It’ll be great. He couldn’t top it if he tried.” His words were slightly slurred.
“How about I just go over there and wish her the best.” Nicola said realizing that his brother was drunk.
“You need to grow some balls my brother,” Santo said gulping down the last of the contents in his glass. “That woman is as in love with you as you are with her, but you’ve got to put it all on the line. Stop trying to be…protective. Just let it all hang out.”
“Santo, go have some coffee,” Nicola said excusing himself from his brother.
“Where are you going?” Santo asked in a raised voice.
“To talk with Ivy. I’ll be right back.”
Ivy stood alone waiting for Nicola to come over and talk to her. She was sure that he would. But what would he say? She turned and saw him walking over in his normal confident, half-cocky stride. He had such sex appeal. She took a deep breath to prepare herself. She couldn’t seem anxious, and yet she was.
“Ivy,” he said getting her attention. “Can I talk to you?”
“Sure,” she said rolling her eyes.
“I get the feeling that something isn’t going your way, you’re visibly pouting again.”
“I’m not pouting,” Ivy said sticking her lip back in. She looked over at Rachel. “Did you enjoy yourself?” She flipped her hair and turned where no one could read her lips or her facial expressions. “Why are you doing this?”
“Doing what? Grey told me that this was what you wanted.” He searched her face. “Is this what you want, for us both to put our families on front street so that your fiancé looks better for the polls.”
Ivy wanted to say no, but she thought back to her father’s advice. It wouldn’t help things to tell Nicola that they had both been bamboozled by the infamous Grey Henderson. “Yes, this is what we want.” Her eyes narrowed.
“Well, at least you know what you want now. Because the truth of the matter is that I know what I want too. I want to stop running after you, chasing something I can’t have and having it constantly dangled in my face. In fact, I refuse. I promise after this wedding you’ll only see me or talk to me when it’s about my sons. No more late night drop offs or close calls. I’ll stay away from you and out of you. I promise.” He crossed his heart.
Ivy was lost for words. She wasn’t sure if she wanted that, but she understood. Her eyes darted as she began to feel herself soften around the edges. “Who am I kidding, Nicola? I feel just horrible about the other night,” Ivy said in a low whisper. “Nothing came out right.” She hesitated. “It’s like there is some big wedge between us that makes it impossible for us to communicate. Do you know what I mean?”
“Yeah, I know what you mean,” Nicola said understandingly. The wedge is the fact that I slept with your best friend and paid for an abortion by her. He put his hands on her shoulders and sighed. “I just came over to wish you well, and to let you know that if I hadn’t done some things in my life, I would be fighting for you.”
“Things like what?” Ivy asked curiously. What did he continue to hide from her?
“Let’s hope to never have that conversation,” Nicola said looking over at his family who waited across the mezzanine. “I better go.”
***
Rachel sat quietly thinking as Nicola drove her back to her home across town after dinner. She didn’t have much to say after she saw the way that Nicola had looked at Ivy the entire night. Then there was that private conversation that looked to be extremely heated. He had tried to keep his attention diverted to her, saying sweet things about the way that she looked, flirting with her during dinner and even holding her hand. However, she knew that it was all just a front. He had never looked at her the way that he looked at Ivy, even when he just had simple things to say. Knowing that it could not continue on, she decided that she would support him through tonight. But then she planned to leave him alone to deal with his feelings for Ivy.
“You’re awfully quiet,” Nicola said turning down the radio. “Are you alright?”
“Oh, I’m fine,” Rachel said giving Nicola a weak smile. She ran her hands down the black leather and looked around his truck. It would be nice to have a man so successful as Nicola for a boyfriend. Maybe he would come back after he had straightened his life out. She stared at him as he drove. He was so strong and so beautiful. His eyes had a natural kindness about them, and he was always so thoughtful. She began to feel the urge to lean over and kiss him. Turning to say something, he caught her gazing at him.
“Okay, what is it?” he asked smiling at her.
“I don’t think that you’re quite over Ivy,” Rachel said looking back out the window. “I’m the next street.”
“I know where you are,” Nicola said awkwardly. “Why do you think that I’m not over Ivy?” He turned at her street and slowed his driving.
“For one, we haven’t made love yet.” Rachel looked down at her fingers. “It’s been long enough…nearly a month
and a half. At first I thought that you were doing it for my sake, but tonight I realized that it was for your own. Secondly, I saw the way that you looked at her tonight. Something is still going on between you two.”
“Rachel, I haven’t made love to you, because I didn’t want to rush things.” He tried to explain. “I’m very attracted to you. You’re a beautiful woman…” Nicola avoided the discussion of his feelings for Ivy all together.
“I know that I’m beautiful, Nicola,” Rachel said cutting him off. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Nicola said pulling into her driveway. He turned his truck off and turned to her giving her his full attention.
“When was the last time that you were intimate…with Ivy?”
Nicola looked away and sighed. Why not, “When was the last time that you were intimate with anyone?” That would have been a hell of a lot better. What was it with women? She would have never been asking these questions if he had just slept with her the first night and never called her again. “What difference does it make?” he asked staring her dead in her eyes. Inwardly, he knew exactly what difference it made, but he tried to buy himself time.
“When?” Rachel stared back at him.
“Recently,” Nicola said refusing to tell her that it was not even a week ago that he was in the middle of making love to Ivy when Santo busted in on them both.
“Since we’ve been seeing each other?” She clinched her keys.
Nicola debated whether or not to lie to her. “No.” He didn’t change his expression at all. He would tell her what she wanted to hear.
Ivy's Twisted Vine Redux Page 46
