Climax: The Publicist, Book Three

by Christina George

  “Chu pretty. What’chu name?”

  Barely spoke English. Great.

  “I need a cab.” She smiled as sweetly as she could. “I have an appointment.” She leaned forward again, pushing the girls out further, reminding him that they needed a ride, too. “A very important one.”

  “I can’t letchu cut in front of the line, but chu want to have a drink sometime?”

  Stephanie Jennings had been a floor manager at one of Nick’s stores. However, she always felt she was destined for better things. She’d dropped out of college, insisting to her horrified parents that she’d find herself and then return to her studies.

  She never did. Instead, she wandered from job to job, not really finding her calling and earning just enough to keep her in high-end fashion while she begged her parents to let her live with them again. A girl can’t have Jimmy Choos and a world-class apartment, and she wasn’t about to stay in some backpackers’ hovel in some seedy part of town. She implored her father that she’d end up attacked—or worse—and he gave in. As he always did. What Stephanie really wanted was to be a chef. Actually, scratch that. She wanted to be a chef with her own TV show. She didn’t want to “pay her dues,” as her father was so keen on reminding her.

  “It’s all about paying your dues, Honey.”

  She loved her father, but she disagreed with this wisdom. Some paid dues while others were given certain gifts. Stephanie felt she had those in spades.

  After she joined Nick’s company, she encouraged him to offer cooking classes. She would teach them, of course, and he agreed. Stephanie was happiest when she was cooking something fantastic, and on Saturdays she’d teach shoppers how to cook healthy with the ingredients that came right from Nick’s stores. Shoppers loved it, sales spiked, Stephanie was on stage—she even got applause once or twice, and everyone was happy.

  From the moment Stephanie met Nick she had her eye on him, but he was with that bitch Kate, so he was off limits and so happy, it almost made Stephanie queasy. Then when Kate vanished, she stepped to make sure she was first in line when Nick surfaced from “that bitch Kate phase,” as she coined it.

  It took months for Nick to come around, despite her valiant attempts to woo him with her delicious home cooked meals (she was a really remarkable cook) and the extensive overtime she put in to make sure the stores were all in tip-top shape. She hated working overtime, but she realized she really was smitten with Nick in her own, confused, selfish, wanna-be-a-star kind of way.

  Stephanie did everything she could possibly think of. Then, one night about a month ago, Nick finally gave in and they had sex. No, wait. They made love. But Nick seemed not-too-interested in a solid relationship, and he said as much the morning after. He told her he wasn’t sure how ready he was, and Stephanie insisted that she’d “give him all the time he needed,” which essentially meant that she’d stick to him like glue and push the girls in his face until she got her way. I mean, what man could resist the girls? She basically stayed on his radar screen until he gave in. When Nick left for New York over a month ago, she’d been thrilled and had hoped he’d ask her to go. She was a manager and she could help manage the new stores, run things, teach cooking classes, help decorate, or, you know, just shop. Nick did not ask her. Instead, took his bratty, sniveling little sister with him. She couldn’t stand Vivienne, but she did everything she could to play nice with her.

  It was almost sickening. This stupid twat Vivienne comes out of nowhere, and suddenly she and Nick are tight as, well, as brother and sister. Then, in the past week, it hit her why Nick hadn’t invited her to New York; it was because of Kate.

  She hated the girl and the name.

  When she’d met Kate on the half a dozen times she’d come to the store, Stephanie always found her plain. Even mousy. Not at all who someone like Nick needed by his side, especially with a famous dead uncle who attracted celebs like flies.

  Someone waved Stephanie into a cab. Finally. She was on her way. She couldn’t wait to surprise Nick.

  CHAPTER 46

  Vivienne took the one train back to the apartment. She’d met Nick at the library in Brooklyn and was in awe, as he had been, over what Kate had accomplished there. Now her own misgivings about Kate were replaced with a mish-mash of feeling obligated to stay faithful to her brother and realizing that perhaps Kate wasn’t the evil witch she’d hoped she’d be.

  Her book was in final (final) edits. Viv was surprised how many times the book was actually edited, but Kate was a stickler for perfection. Shortly it would be off for final printing, and Vivienne was on cloud nine. Advanced review copies had gone out, and already Kate had secured a review in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Library Journal, Entertainment Weekly, and People Magazine. More review requests were flooding in, and the book wasn’t even in final yet. Even Barnes & Noble, which had really cut back on their book orders, requested four thousand copies.

  Someone wanted her book. Sometimes Vivienne felt as though she was dreaming.

  Vivienne arrived at the building to see the doorman arguing with someone. A woman, blond and thin, was insisting she be let up to someone’s apartment.

  “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but this is a secure building. We can’t just permit people we don’t know to go up.”

  The woman, clearly annoyed, dug in her purse for something. Vivienne assumed it was her phone to call whoever would help her.

  Vivienne walked up to the doorman. “Hi, Eddie.” She smiled and then caught a glimpse of the woman.

  Oh, God.

  “Stephanie,” she said, her voice flat, “what are you doing here?”

  Stephanie turned. Spotting Vivienne, she reached to hug her, something she never did.

  “Oh, my darling Vivy!”

  Vivienne felt like she needed a shower. Viv hated it when anyone but Nick called her Vivy.

  “My name is Vivienne,” she said into Stephanie’s ear.

  The blond woman huffed, “Can you tell this guy I’m with you—that I’m dating your brother and we’re practically engaged.”

  Vivienne thought she might throw up in her mouth.

  “Eddie, we know her. She’s a friend of Nick’s.”

  “Friend?” Stephanie chided.

  “Drop it.” Viv threw her a hate stare and nodded to the confused doorman. “Thanks, Eddie.”

  “Can someone bring my bags up?” Stephanie chirped.

  Bags, plural?

  Fuck.

  “Bring them yourself. This is a self-serve building.” Vivienne started walking towards the elevator and swore she heard Eddie snicker.

  When Vivienne got to the elevator, she sent a quick text to her brother.

  9-1-1, Steph is here to surprise you. Joy.

  The elevator glided up ten floors until they finally arrived at Nick’s apartment. Vivienne pretended to be engrossed in her phone to avoid any idle chatter with Stephanie—not that Stephanie had anything to say worth listening to.

  “I’m so excited to see Nicky again,” Stephanie beamed as the doors opened. To Vivienne’s chagrin, Stephanie did seem to care for Nick in her own, convoluted way, but she also believed that Stephanie’s first concern was herself and Nick’s wallet. Not necessarily in that order. Vivienne was all too aware of Stephanie’s shopping habit. I mean, who flies in three-inch stilettos? Really?

  Nick’s apartment was one of only two on the tenth floor. When Stephanie walked in, she was stunned at the size of the apartment and the view.

  “Wow,” she said as she set down her bags in the hallway. “This place is incredible.”

  “We like it.” Vivienne moved past Stephanie.

  “We?”

  “Yes. I live here, too. Let me show you to the guestroom.”

  A devilish smile overtook Stephanie’s face. “I won’t be staying in the guestroom, Vivy.” She added emphasis on the Y to further annoy Nick’s sister.

  “I’ll be staying with Nick, in his room.”

  Vivienne shrugged. “Whatever,” she said and
went to her room and closed the door. She wished she were back at the library or in Kate’s conference room talking about her book and all the amazing people who had requested review copies of it. Now she was here with Cruella de Vil, who was, no doubt, going to stay for as long as she could to take full advantage of her impossibly nice brother and suck him dry for every nickel she could get her hands on.

  CHAPTER 47

  Nick steeled himself as he walked back to the apartment. Stephanie in town. Well, that was unexpected. He hadn’t invited her, although she’d hinted a few times that she wished she were there, but he had just too much going on to have her around. Also, you know, it wasn’t like they were a thing. I mean, not really. Yes, they’d been dating, but it’s a far cry from dating to flying a person out to spend a few months with you while you’re working on a project. A far cry indeed. But, apparently, not for Stephanie.

  When Nick arrived home, he was no sooner in the door than Stephanie flew into his arms.

  “Nick, my darling. I’m so happy to see you.” She covered his face in kisses. Nick hugged her for a moment and then gently pushed her away.

  “I’m happy to see you, too. Happy and surprised. Steph, what brings you to New York?”

  She blinked, “Why, you, of course.” She bent in to kiss him again, but Nick had already taken a step back.

  “Nicky, is everything okay?”

  “Steph, don’t call me that. I hate it.”

  She pouted, “I’m sorry. Viv calls you that. Why can’t I?”

  “It’s a sister thing. It’s different. Look, let’s get back to your being here in New York.”

  “You’re not happy to see me?” She looked almost genuinely crestfallen.

  Nick took her hand and led her to the couch. “No, Honey, listen. It’s really great to see you again. But I wish I had known. I’m so busy with these stores. It’s insane. I’m not sure how much time I’ll have for you.”

  That perked her right up. “I don’t need your time. I just wanted to be here for you. Also,” she paused for a long moment, “I really wanted to see you again, especially after we…” She let her words drift off. Nick knew she was trying to be seductive, but he was too miffed to take the bait.

  “When we slept together.”

  “Made love.” Stephanie smiled.

  Nick nodded. When he reached out for his hand, he didn’t pull away.

  He was dating her, sort of. Nick didn’t sleep around, so he needed to call it something. It was awkward, because he’d known her for as long as she’d worked for him. Also, she was his employee, so there was that.

  Tricky at best.

  “Steph, listen. We work together and it’s difficult.”

  She smiled, “I’ll quit before I let that come between us.”

  “Also, Steph. Look, you’re great. I mean, any guy would be so lucky to have you. I mean, you’re beautiful and funny…”

  She stroked his hand. “There’s a but in there, somewhere…”

  “No, no but. I’m just, not really in the mindset.”

  Stephanie rolled her eyes. “Kate.”

  Nick recalled the morning he ran into her. Kate. Yes, there was that, but that had dead-ended a long time ago. It was what it was; he only hoped that one day the sound of her name wouldn’t bruise his heart.

  “No, it’s not her.” Nick meant it as the truth, but he wasn’t actually sure that it was. He decided to just go with it. “I have a lot going on right now, and, you know, I’m busy. So you’ll forgive me if I’m not ready to just leap into something new.”

  Stephanie raised a hand to stroke his face. “I’m not asking for a leap. I would just like to go on this journey and see where it takes us. No leaping.”

  “You’re sure? Because you know, flying cross country just to see me feels like a leap.”

  It did, in fact feel like a leap, right off of a cliff into a ravine—similar to the one he’d just clawed his way out of.

  “I’m ready for whatever you are. You set the pace. But one thing you’ll learn about me is that I’m spontaneous.” She paused for a moment. “Also, if you’d rather, I can stay in the guest room.” Stephanie was sure he would refuse that. I mean, what man would refuse sleeping with a woman—especially someone who looked like her?

  Nick nodded. “Actually the guest room would be good. At least for now,” he added quickly.

  Her jaw dropped slightly as a stunned look that she didn’t even try to hide slid across her face.

  “You know,” he said after watching her for a moment, “I also have my sister to consider.”

  Stephanie huffed, “Seriously, Nick? It’s not like she’s twelve. She knows we’ve had sex.”

  Nick narrowed his eyes. “That’s not my point. My point is she lives here, too. Having you in my room feels a bit like shacking up, and I don’t think that’s right—at least not until she gets to know you. Viv is a big part of my life. She’s an adult, yes, but it’s important to me that she’s not uncomfortable. Also, sharing a room feels like rushing it. We have a guest room. It’s lovely. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it until we can figure things out.” Nick reached over and kissed her. At first she didn’t kiss him back. Nick knew she was mad. Well, whatever. Kisses aren’t contracts, and sure, they slept together, but they had a long way to go before they were in serious relationship territory.

  “Now,” he smiled, “since we’re in New York, I should take you out to an appropriate New York dinner and night on the town. So go get dolled up, and we’ll head out.”

  “Oh, Nick. I’m so happy to be here!” The thought of going out on the town all dressed up was the tonic she needed. Stephanie threw her arms around his neck. Then she got up so Nick could show her to the guest room.

  She sighed as he set her bags in the room.

  After he left, Vivienne poked her head in. “Guest room. Told ya.” She smiled devilishly and walked off.

  “Fuck you, you little twerp,” Stephanie said when she was out of earshot.

  CHAPTER 48

  “God, I’ve missed you so much, Katie.” Mac was curled around her. Her skin was slightly damp, and her body felt like warm liquid. Being with Mac always felt that way, this all-consuming passion that ignited every cell in her body.

  “I’ve missed you, too,” she breathed.

  “Baby, I know this is hard and I’m so sorry. I hate that this is happening.”

  “How are Danny and David?” she asked, turning her head to look at him.

  “All things considered, they’re doing okay. They’re obviously old enough to be able to process this, but it’s still gotta be terrifying for them.” A small smile curved Mac’s face. “I love spending time with them, and we’ve never been closer.”

  Kate kissed his cheek. “So something good is coming out of all of this.”

  Mac’s face softened, and Kate could tell he was far away. “Yeah, and in a way I feel like I’m finally making up for deserting Carolyn all those years ago.”

  “Mac, you didn’t desert her. You both abandoned the marriage.”

  Mac shuffled onto his elbow and looked down at Kate, taking in her body. “I could have done more. I wasn’t equipped back then to know what to say. I still thought sex cured everything.”

  Kate fell silent. Mac’s comment annoyed her. Sex cured everything. That was a helluva way to look at it.

  That’s when Mac had started having affairs, when he stopped going home on the weekends, and when his family had become a distant reminder of a life he could have had.

  Kate felt fear pinch her heart. The comment twisted inside her. Her mind drifted to a point in the future when they had problems, because they would—every marriage does. Would sex be Mac’s outlet then, too? Kate pushed the thought from her mind. Things were different now. Mac had learned his lesson.

  If he does it with you, he’ll do it to you.

  The words almost mocked her.

  “Kate, is everything okay? You seem awfully quiet.” Mac rested back on the pillows and Kate put her
head on his chest.

  She sighed and said, “The comment you made, about sex curing everything, was just…I don’t know. It bothered me.”

  He stroked her hair. “I’m sorry, Kate. You’re right. It’s not pretty, but it was true back then.”

  “And now?”

  He kissed her head. “The only sex that cures everything is sex with you.” Mac tilted her head up and looked at her. “Listen, I know that I come with a lot of baggage, and this whole thing with Carolyn is ridiculously hard on you. I can’t even imagine.”

  “Well, what you’re doing now, I mean, not a lot of men would do that for their ex-wives.”

  “I couldn’t imagine just letting her deal with this on her own or asking her eighty-something-year old-mother to deal with it,” Kate paused. “How is she doing by the way—her mother?”

  “She’s as good as can be expected. I’m taking her with me when I fly back to LA on Monday.”

  Monday.

  Well, at least they had the weekend. It would be good; it would do them good to be together, to be connected.