“Well, it's true isn't it?”
“That doesn't mean you should say it!”
“I'm sorry, Jenny! Did I offend your maidenly sensibilities?” Liz said mockingly.
“Oh, all right! Yes! I spend all my time doing the nasty with Andrew. There! Are you happy now?”
Liz laughed so hard she nearly fell off the couch.
“Lizzy! Stop laughing at me! Stop it!”
“I'm sorry! I couldn't help it.” Wiping the tears from her eyes, she looked at her sister slyly. “Soooo, how is it?”
Jennifer turned red and looked down, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt. “It's great. Really great.”
“Oh no, you're not getting off so easy! Spill! And I want details.”
“Well,” Jennifer began, sitting up on her knees, “he's really good with his hands. And he does this thing with his tongue.” She blushed and hid her face in a pillow.
Liz giggled and covered her mouth. “So, is he the best you've ever had?”
“Definitely! He's so attentive and gentle, and yet he can be so strong and forceful sometimes. When he kisses me, I can't think straight. I swear, Lizzy, sometimes I forget to breathe!”
“Wow. You've got it bad. This is worse than I thought.”
“I know! What am I going to do? I'm turning into a puddle of mush!”
“I think it's cute. My little Jennifer's in love!”
“Stop teasing me, Lizzy!”
“All right, I'll leave you alone. I like Andy. He's good for you, and not an idiot, which is a big step up from some of your other boyfriends.”
“Thanks a lot, Liz!” Jennifer threw a pillow at her sister. “Enough about me. Let's get you ready for your big date with William.”
“Oh!” Liz jumped up and ran to the bathroom and turned on the tub. “Jenny! Look at the time!”
Jennifer laughed at her sister and began unpacking the clothes they'd purchased, getting Liz's cocktail dress ready for the night.
**
Liz was in the backseat of a sleek black sedan when her phone rang. “Hi, Andy!”
“Hey, Lizzy. All set for the big night out?”
“Yeah, I should be at the theater in about ten minutes.”
“Great. Listen, I want to cover a few things with you before you meet Will.”
“Like what?”
“This is your first public appearance together. Since it's opening night, there will be a lot of press and a big society turn out. Harper will likely be asked to pose for pictures. Even if they don't ask you, get in the shot. We need people to see you together. Stick to him like glue. Hold hands, take his arm, that sort of thing.”
“Got it. PDA in front of the cameras. Anything else?”
“There will be a lot of society players there. They may ask you some personal questions. Try not to talk to anyone long enough for it to get that far, but if you find yourself in a conversation, be as vague as possible about yourself and your relationship with Will. Hint that you've been dating for a little while, but don't say anything outright. They'll assume more on their own than we could ever tell them directly.”
“Okay. Anyone in particular I should look out for?”
“Yes. Alicia Winters is a woman Will went out with a few of months ago. It was never serious, but she's mad it didn't go anywhere, and she's the one who made accusations about Will to immigration.”
“She sounds lovely.”
“And the other is Nicole Jamison.”
“Any relation?”
“Unfortunately, yes. She's my cousin and has her sights set on Will. Just between you and me, I don't think she even likes him that much, she just wants to be the one to nab him. Will's been a commodity for a while now.”
“I see. Don't worry, Andy, I know how to stake my claim.”
“I knew you were the right girl for the job, Lizzy. Good luck and feel free to call if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Andy. Will do.”
Harper stood in front of the theatre waiting for Elizabeth. As soon as he'd gotten out of his car the crowd of cameramen and reporters had turned their gaze to him, anxious to see who had arrived. He stayed on the sidewalk, close to the street, just far enough away to not be questioned by the velvet-rope-enclosed crowd. Still, that didn't stop a few reporters from calling his name and trying to get him to turn toward them for a shot. Thankfully, about two minutes later Elizabeth's car pulled up.
It stopped directly in front of the red-carpeted entrance. Harper stepped forward himself to take Liz's hand. The first thing he saw was a pair of dark purple heels reaching out, followed by two shapely legs. Before he knew it, Liz was standing in front of him in a short cobalt blue cocktail dress and smiling straight at him. He couldn't help but smile back. Behind them, cameras were flashing like crazy as a cacophony of voices called out Harper's name, asking him who his date was and if she was his girlfriend.
He placed her hand on his arm and led her inside, nodding to the press as he went, but saying nothing. They made it through the crowd at the entrance and into the lobby. Harper leaned down and whispered in her ear, “You look wonderful tonight.”
“Thank you, and thanks for the dress.”
“Anytime.”
“Harper!”
Harper turned around and looked at a man in his early sixties with a mustache and gray hair.
“Hello, Stevens. Allow me to introduce my date, Elizabeth Barrett. Elizabeth, this is Reginald Stevens.”
“Hello,” she said simply with a small smile.
“Well hello, dear!” He smiled brightly at her but was called away before they could speak more.
Liz looked around the room and said quietly, “May I make a suggestion?”
“Of course.”
“You might want to introduce me as your girlfriend.” He looked dubious. “It'll move things along a little faster. I mean, you're supposed to be proposing within a week. It's kind of a big jump from date to fiancée.”
“I see your point. All right. You know, it's strange—I've never introduced a woman as my girlfriend before.”
“Never?”
“No, never. Well, maybe once in school. And there was one girl in college, but it was never very serious.”
“How is that possible?”
“What do you mean?”
“Have you seen you?” She said with a sweeping glance up his tall, lean body and stopping on his head of thick, dark brown hair.
He chuckled self-consciously. “I didn't say I haven't had dates, just not women I introduced as my girlfriend.”
“Oooh, I see. You're a player,” she said, drawing out the words.
“Not at all. I just haven't been in any serious relationships in a while.”
“Well, this is definitely a topic we're going to need to talk more about, but I think it's time to find our seats.”
They watched the first half of the play without interruption. When it came time for intermission, Elizabeth headed straight for the ladies room. It was one of those old-fashioned lounges with red velvet couches and gilt-edged mirrors. It was filled to the brim with women in evening and cocktail gowns. It looks like Barneys threw up in here, she thought.
After finding a place in the mirror and touching up her lipstick, Elizabeth was approached by a tall blond in stiletto heels and a sparkly black mini dress.
“So, you're William Harper's date,” the Amazon said plainly.
“Girlfriend actually.” Liz continued checking her hair unfazed.
The Amazon's eyes opened widely. “Girlfriend? Does he know you call yourself that?”
“Of course. It was his idea. If you'll excuse me.” Elizabeth smiled a little too sweetly and left the room.
As she approached her seat, she saw William in conversation with a woman slightly taller than herself, with long, straight black hair and cat-like eyes. As she got closer, she could tell the woman's eyes were an unnatural violet color and her lashes looked like spiders sitting on her eyelids. Looking at William, she thought he looked tense. H
is shoulders were rigid and his face was expressionless, but behind his eyes was a slightly angry look, almost hostile.
“Hi, sweetie! Sorry I took so long—I got to chatting with the others.” She took his arm and pulled him down slightly, kissing him on the cheek. Elizabeth smiled at the other woman expectantly. Spider lashes just glared at her while trying to maintain a flirtatious pout toward William. It was rather comical and Elizabeth would have laughed if it hadn't been completely inappropriate.
Will recovered his shock and put his arm around Liz. “Let me introduce you, honey. This is Alicia Winters. Alicia, this is my girlfriend, Elizabeth Barrett.”
Alicia nodded warily, eying Liz up and down while trying to look like she wasn't doing just that.
“It's so nice to meet you. How do you know my William?” Liz asked in a friendly voice as she leaned into his side and ran one hand over the front of his jacket.
Spider lashes looked flustered. “Our families go way back,” she said slowly. “And how do you know William?”
“Through a mutual friend.” Before she could say more the lights flashed indicating it was time to get back to their seats.
“We should go,” Harper said, taking her elbow and beginning to turn her away. “It was nice to see you again.” He nodded to Alicia and started to move.
“It was nice meeting you, Elizabeth,” Alicia said uncomfortably.
“You too, Alina.”
“It's Alicia.”
“Sorry, my mistake. Enjoy the rest of the show.” And just like that Liz walked away on Harper's arm, leaving a fuming Miss Winters behind them.
“Very well played, Miss Barrett,” he whispered in her ear once they were seated.
“Why thank you, Mr. Harper.”
The remainder of the show passed uneventfully and before they knew it, they were standing outside, waiting for their car to pull around. The cameras were flashing all around them and questions were being asked of the various critics and society elite standing nearby.
“Do you trust me?”
“What?” he asked.
“Do you trust me?” Liz repeated.
“Yes,” he said slowly, dragging out the word. “Why?”
“Come on.”
Liz took his hand and dragged him away from the crowd to the edge of the roped barrier. They were close enough to the road for a quick escape, but also close enough to the press to be seen, photographed, and questioned.
“What are you doing?” Harper asked.
“Andy told me to get photographed and be seen. We need to start making you look bewitched,” she said close to his ear. He leaned toward her to hear better as she wrapped the hand he still held behind her to rest on her lower back.
“And how do you propose we do that?”
“Stay close like this. Now, put your hand on my neck.”
“What?”
“Just do it,” she said with a sultry smile toward the cameramen.
He raised his right hand and placed it on the side of her neck.
“Now whisper in my ear,” she commanded.
“What should I say?” he whispered.
Liz laughed lightly and looked down, then looked up at him through her lashes. “Say whatever you want.”
For a moment Harper wanted to kiss her. Not because the cameras were watching and he needed to put on a show, but because she looked so damn enticing looking at him like that, her skin so soft and creamy, her lips plump and inviting. Without realizing it, he had gotten about a centimeter away from her lips. She raised her chin slightly and without thinking, he closed the distance between them.
Cameras began flashing all around them and reporters were calling out, “Mr. Harper! Mr. Harper! Who is she? Is she your girlfriend?”
After a moment, Harper pulled away and stroked Liz's cheek. She smiled sweetly and placed her hand on his chest.
“I think our car is here.” Harper nodded to a car behind her and they slowly pulled apart. He opened the car door and followed her in, shutting it quickly behind him.
4
Aftermath
Late April, Friday
7 Days to Marriage
Liz woke to the sound of rustling in the apartment. She groggily rolled over in her bed, determined to block out whatever noises had made their way to her room. She vaguely registered the sound of the refrigerator door closing and heard the gurgling of Skanky Arlene's forgotten coffee maker.
“If you're here to rob me, there's nothing worth more than fifty dollars! But there is a futon in the first bedroom that you're welcome to take.”
“Lizzy! It's me!”
“Jen? I want my key back!”
“Have you seen the paper?”
“Ugh. What time is it?” Liz looked at the clock next to her bed. “Jenny! It's six in the morning! I'm going back to bed.”
Jenny flopped onto Elizabeth's bed and waved a cinnamon roll near her sister's face. “It’s six fifty-five. Did Skanky Arlene really leave a futon?”
“Yup.” Liz swiped the cinnamon roll from her sister and took a big bite. “And it comes with a lovely Aztec-inspired cover. Feel free to take it with you. What are you doing here so early?”
“I come bearing news. You, little sister, are in the paper.” Jenny took the cinnamon roll back and sauntered out of the room.
Liz stood up and stumbled into the hall that passed for a kitchen. She noisily grabbed a plate and dropped a cinnamon roll onto it, then followed Jenny into the tiny living room and sat on the opposite end of the couch, curling up under the throw blanket. “Why are you here again?”
Jenny kicked off her running shoes and waved a paper in front of her sister. “This is why.” She dropped it onto the coffee table.
Liz slowly picked up the paper and looked at the picture with sleepy eyes. After staring for a moment, it finally came into focus. There, in a picture that took up a quarter of the page, was a man kissing a woman in a short, dark cocktail dress. Their bodies were pressed together and his hand was on her neck, pulling her closer. Below was a caption that read: Business mogul William Harper kisses unknown woman at opening night of In the Garden. She looked at the accompanying article and saw the headline: Whoa, Harper!
“Jenny, it's too early to see straight. Read this to me?” Liz passed the paper to her sister.
“Just when you think you know a guy, he goes and turns into a curb-side kisser. If you don't believe me, just look at the picture. Unfortunately, Lady Luck's identity is currently unknown. Since the kiss heard round the world only happened last night, we haven't heard anything from Harper's rep. So far, all we know is that she has legs that will have women everywhere digging their thigh-masters out from under their beds. Sources inside the theatre say the two remained close throughout the performance and Harper is rumored to have referred to her as his girlfriend. Yes, you read that right. I said GIRLFRIEND! Our man of mystery is proving even more mysterious with this latest stunt. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for more news about Harper and his new lady love.”
Liz sipped her tea silently.
“Wow. This columnist really needs to get a life,” Jenny said.
“And a thigh master. Who wrote it?”
“Let's see—Priscilla Jennings. I've never read her before but this says she’s the regular columnist for this section.”
“She certainly has a way with words. I'd like to say I won't become a regular, but I have a feeling Andy will want me to keep up with what they are saying about me and William.”
“Probably.”
“I'm glad I had the idea at the theatre, though. Poor William is so used to avoiding the cameras, I think it's really unnatural for him to seek attention.”
“So you kissed him?”
“No. I just moved us into a better spot for being seen and got close to him and told him to whisper in my ear. He kissed me. I was really surprised—he didn't strike me as the type to kiss in public, at least not in front of a camera.”
“Interesting. Is he a good kisser?”
“Not bad. I'd give him a solid seven out of ten.”
“Really? He looks like he'd be at least an eight.”
“Maybe next time his score will improve. We're just getting to know each other now.”
“Well you're about to know him a lot better. Andy says we're all going out tonight to some posh new French restaurant. He wants to make sure we're all established as friends in the press. Apparently, this is a place you go to be seen. Reservation's for eight o'clock.”
“Ugh. I'm too tired to think about that right now. What are you going to wear?”
“Probably that purple dress I bought with you yesterday. You?”
“I don't know. You pick. We'll be together in the pictures—we have to represent the Barrett women,” Liz said sarcastically.
“Don't be a spoilsport, Lizzy. Does William know how grouchy you are in the morning?”
“I'm not grouchy in the morning!”
“Oh, really? Do you call this pleasant?”
“I call this a normal reaction to being rudely awakened at six a.m. after going to bed at two in the morning!”
“Whatever. I've got to get back and get dressed for work. Wear the pink dress—it'll flow with the French atmosphere.”
Liz threw a pillow at her sister as Jenny slipped her running shoes back on. “Yeah, yeah. Bye, Jen.”
“Bye, Lizzy.” Jenny kissed her sister on the forehead where she lay curled up in the corner of the sofa and skipped out the door.
**
“Hey, Liz. Sorry to bother you.”
“It's no problem, Andy. What's up?” Liz balanced the phone on her shoulder while she stuffed a notebook into her backpack.
“I just wanted to let you know that Harper will pick you up at seven-thirty tonight, then swing by Jenny's to pick the two of us up.”
“Do you always confirm his plans or do you just like talking to me?” She zipped her bag and slung it over her shoulder.
“I know it seems weird, but Will's a very busy man and I offered to call for him. His assistant doesn't know about the two of you yet. He usually keeps her out of his personal life. He's private like that.”
“I see. Can you give me his number?” She hung up with Andrew and dialed Harper.
Green Card Page 4
