Waiting for Mr. Darcy

by Chamein Canton

  “Fine. Are you ready for the exhibit, Gabby?” Alicia asked.

  “Almost. It will be nice having a good-looking man like Nigel on my arm for the event.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him. Can you, Alicia?”

  “Despite what you might think, I’m looking forward to it, too.” Alicia looked distracted.

  “Okay, what’s up with you?” Lauren asked.

  “Nothing. I have a few things on my mind, that’s all.”

  “No, it’s more than that.” Gabby wasn’t convinced.

  “Is everything okay with you and Nate?”

  “Yes, everything is wonderful between us. We went to dinner in the city last night.”

  “Oh, that was nice,” Gabby said.

  “It was nice.”

  “But?”

  Alicia sighed. “I’m afraid Nathaniel’s going to get tired of me.”

  Lauren was taken aback. “Why on earth would you say that? It’s obvious the man is crazy about you.”

  “I know, but we haven’t…”

  “You haven’t what?” Gabby asked.

  “You know…”

  “You haven’t taken the lid off the cookie jar?”

  Alicia couldn’t help but laugh. “I hadn’t thought of using that expression, Lauren, but no, I haven’t taken the lid off.”

  “Has he said something to you about it?”

  “No, he hasn’t said a word.”

  “Well, he knows you’ve been a widow for a long time and you wouldn’t just hop into bed.”

  “I know, Lauren, but he is a man. How much longer can he hold out?”

  Lauren tried to reassure her. “He cares about you, he’ll wait as long as it takes. Somehow I don’t think that’s the whole story, is it, Alicia? There’s something else bothering you.”

  “Yes. It’s not just that I haven’t had sex since Kurt died.” She hesitated a minute. “I haven’t had sex since I was diagnosed either. I don’t know if I’ll be different.”

  “Have you asked the neurologist about it?”

  “Yes. He said a lot of patients have normal, sexually fulfilling sex lives with a healthy libido.”

  “That answers your question. You don’t have anything to worry about.” Gabby smiled.

  “But how do I know I’m one of them?”

  “I don’t want to sound like a Nike commercial, but you have to just do it. That’s the only way you’ll know for sure.”

  “Oh, God,” she groaned.

  “Hey, at least Nate’s a doctor. If anyone should understand, it’s him.”

  “Have you talked to him about it?” Lauren asked.

  “Don’t be silly. Of course I haven’t. I mean, how would I bring it up?”

  “I guess that would be awkward.”

  “You think?”

  “Listen to you, you’re getting all worked up about it for no reason. When the time is right, you’ll know it and you might not need to say a word,” Gabby said.

  Alicia thought about it for a minute. “True.”

  “And if there is any issue, you can deal with it together,” Gabby said as she hugged her.

  “You’ll know when the time is right,” Lauren assured her.

  Alicia wondered if the right time was closer than she thought.

  * * *

  A couple of hours after the meeting broke up and the girls went back to the city, Alicia was quietly reading in the living room when Harrison popped in.

  “Okay, I’m heading out for a while. Do you need anything?”

  “No, I’m good.” She turned and looked at him all spiffed up. “You look good.”

  “Thanks. I’m meeting some friends I made from the MS caregivers group.”

  “I think it’s great you keep in touch.”

  “You can’t go through something like that and just cut it off. We went through some real ups and downs together. Like you, they helped me through a lot.”

  “You know I’d do it again in a minute.”

  “I know.” He walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “You stay cool and I’ll see you later. You promise you’ll be a good girl?”

  “I promise.”

  “Good.” He kissed her forehead again. “See you later.”

  “Have a good time,” she called after him.

  Alicia continued reading for a little while. “What am I doing?” She closed her book, got up, and went over to the mirror. Maybe it’s time to take the lid off the cookie jar. She fluffed her hair and let out a deep breath. “Here I go.”

  Alicia walked out of the house and over to Nathaniel’s place. As she got closer, she noticed a brunette at the door with Nathaniel. The brunette wore a trench coat and heels. That was all Alicia had to see. Just as she turned on her heel, Nathaniel saw her.

  “Alicia!” He closed the door and walked past the brunette.

  “I’m sorry to have disturbed you,” she huffed.

  “It’s not what you think!” He ran after her and grabbed her arm. “Wait.”

  “She’s wearing a trench coat and heels in 90-degree weather. I don’t have to be a psychic to know she’s not wearing anything else.”

  “I didn’t know she was coming and I didn’t let her in.”

  “Oh, is that right? You turned down a package like that? She was practically gift wrapped.”

  “That’s right!”

  “Why? Why would you turn her down?”

  “I’m in love with you, Alicia. I don’t know if you noticed, but I am over the moon, crazy in love with you,” he blurted out.

  Alicia stood there, stunned to hear the words.

  “Come on, let’s get out of this heat. This isn’t good for you.” He walked her back to her place. Alicia still hadn’t said a word by the time they were inside.

  Suddenly she said, “You’re in love with me?”

  “Yes.”

  “I thought that since we haven’t been together…”

  “That I’d jump at the chance to have sex with just anyone.”

  “I’m ashamed to admit it, but that’s what I thought. I’ve lived next door to you for a while, Nathaniel, and I’ve seen women throw themselves at you.”

  “That’s in the past for me, Alicia. You’re the only woman I want.”

  “Even though we haven’t been together in that way?”

  “Yes. I don’t care how long it takes and how many cold showers are in my future. You’re worth the wait.”

  With those words Alicia came closer and they kissed. She began to unbutton his shirt, but he stopped her.

  “We don’t have to do anything, you know.”

  “I know.” She continued to unbutton.

  “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure.” She took him by the hand and led him upstairs to her bedroom. Nathaniel took his shirt off and slowly they undressed each other. As he stood before her nude, Nathaniel looked like a Greek God, chiseled, smooth and as hard as granite. Alicia sat down and while he kissed her, he removed her bra. His eyes widened when he saw her beautiful breasts. Alicia’s body tensed as he lightly caressed and kissed them. He kissed her neck. “We’ll go as slow as you want,” he whispered. Alicia lay back on the bed, and he continued to kiss her body all over. When he reached her navel, he gently pulled her lacy panties off. Without thinking Alicia put her arms over her body, but Nathaniel kissed them and put them to the side.

  As his hard body hovered over her, her senses overwhelmed her. They kissed and soon their bodies intertwined and their heart beats in syncopation. Alicia held on to him as she experienced pleasure like she hadn’t in years.

  A little while later Nathaniel awoke and found Alicia’s back was to him.

  “Hey sweetheart.” He kissed her shoulder, then paused when he heard her quietly weeping. “Hey, what’s wrong, honey?”

  She rolled toward him, eyes filled with tears.

  “Oh, honey, are you okay?” He wiped her tears.

  “You’re going to think I’m crazy.”

  “No, I won�
��t.”

  “I feel like I betrayed Kurt.”

  “It’s not crazy at all.”

  “Of course it is, we just made love.”

  “No, it isn’t. You still love him and I understand that.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. It’s one of the things that made it so easy to fall in love with you. I don’t ever expect you to stop loving Kurt just because he’s not here anymore. He’s in your heart.”

  Alicia sniffled. “You’re really wonderful. I love you.”

  The words lifted Nathaniel ten feet off the ground. “You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say those words.”

  “I mean them.”

  “I know you do, and that’s what makes it all the more special to me.”

  He kissed her and then he proved just how special it was to him several times that afternoon.

  * * *

  Lauren stopped at one of her favorite organic bath shops on her way home. As she perused the aromatherapy oils, her cell phone rang.

  “Lauren Jules-Jones.”

  “Hi, Lauren.”

  “Hey, Joe, how’s my favorite attorney?”

  “I’m not bad, but this isn’t a social call.”

  Lauren stopped in her tracks. “I’m in a boutique. Should I leave?”

  “I think that’s a good idea.”

  Lauren walked outside. “Okay, I’m outside.”

  “I got a call from Ken’s lawyer today and it looks like he wants his equity out of the apartment.”

  “What? That wasn’t a part of the deal we agreed to.”

  “I know, and you waived spousal support, too, so I don’t know what’s going on.”

  “I think I do.” She seethed.

  “Do you want to let me in on it?”

  “I know you’re my attorney, but the less you know the better, at least for now.”

  “I don’t like the sound of that.”

  “I’m not going to kill him, if that’s what you’re worried about. I’d like to kill him, but he’s not worth it.”

  “That’s comforting to hear, but I still want to know what this is about.”

  “It’s a power play. He wants me to do something for him and I refused to help him.”

  “Is it something illegal?”

  “No. This is about his ego more than anything else,” Lauren said as she got into a waiting car.

  “This is about his ego?” Joe was confused.

  “He wants me to help him get on a sports show.”

  “He’s already an on-field correspondent for NFL Weekly.”

  “He wants to be a desk commentator and analyst. Hold on a second, Joe.”

  “Okay.”

  “Tony, I need to go to the studio.”

  “No problem, Ms. Jones,” he answered.

  Lauren went back to her call. “Thanks for holding.”

  Joe continued. “So what you’re telling me is he wanted you to help him with that.”

  “Yes.”

  “I know he and his lawyer might think this is a negotiation tactic, but this smacks of blackmail.”

  “That’s why I’m heading for the studio now. I know he’s covering for the weekend sports guy, and I want to talk to him about this face to face.”

  “Wait a minute, Lauren, I don’t think that’s a good idea. You should let me handle this.”

  “I will let you handle it, but first I want to try it my way.”

  “Fine, I know I can’t stop you. Please let me know what happens.”

  “I will. I’ll talk to you later.” She closed her phone.

  Less than fifteen minutes later she was in the studio and headed for the hair and makeup area, where she knew he’d be getting made up for the broadcast. He was in the chair when she walked in.

  “Hello, Lauren, how are you?” the makeup artist asked.

  “I’m good, Kelly. How are you?”

  “Not bad.” She continued working.

  “What brings you by, Lauren?” Ken asked.

  “Kelly, could you give us a minute?”

  “Sure.” She walked out.

  “You know perfectly well why I’m here. I got a call from my lawyer that you want to renege on our agreement.”

  “I gave it some thought and I decided that I put as much into that apartment as you, so why shouldn’t I get my fair share?”

  “I waived spousal support, Ken. This was supposed to be a non-starter.”

  “It’s easy enough to solve. All you have to do is buy me out.”

  “I don’t have that kind of money just lying around.”

  “Then we can sell the apartment and split the proceeds.”

  “And where am I supposed to live with that money in New York City? Besides, I love that apartment. You can’t do this to me,” she fumed.

  “That’s for the lawyers and judges to decide unless…”

  “Unless what?”

  “You help me with the network.”

  Lauren was enraged. “Are you blackmailing me?”

  “I wouldn’t call it blackmail. It’s a negotiating tactic.”

  “You’re a real son of a bitch.”

  “Maybe I am, but I want to be a desk commentator, and I deserve it.”

  “I don’t produce NFL Weekly and don’t have a say in who they hire.”

  “But you know the people who do.”

  “And if I don’t?”

  “Then the lawyers will sort it out and who knows how long that will take,” he said smugly.

  “You’re willing to drag this divorce out.”

  “It’s up to you.”

  “You’re a real piece of work, Ken. God doesn’t like ugly.”

  “I’ll worry about God after I’m behind the desk.”

  When Lauren looked at Ken, she no longer saw a former football great but a thug in a suit willing to do anything to get his way. It seemed poetic that in his former life he had literally knocked people over for a living.

  Lauren stormed out of the makeup room. How could I have been completely taken in by the likes of Ken Jones? Alicia always said there was something about him she just didn’t trust, and now I see how right she was. When she got outside Tony opened the car door and she got in.

  “Where to now, Ms. Jones?”

  “Home, please.”

  Lauren’s head pounded as she realized her options were untenable at best. When she got home she put her key in the door and went in. She looked around at the place she’d called home.

  “Hey, baby.”

  She was startled, then relieved, when she saw Randy. “Hi.”

  “I hope you don’t mind. I convinced the building manager to let me in.”

  “Of course I don’t mind, but how did you convince George? He’s a pretty tough customer.”

  “I leap-frogged him to the top of our reservation list. Turns out he and his wife love tapas.”

  “I see. What smells so good?”

  “I’m whipping up a little something for us.”

  Suddenly Lauren was overcome with emotion and she began to cry.

  Randy went over and held her in his arms. “Oh, baby, what’s wrong?” Dinner was on hold.

  For the first time in a long time Lauren folded in on herself. She didn’t need Randy to say anything. His arms were enough to comfort her.

  A little while later Randy and Lauren were on the sofa. She was calmer.

  “Do you feel better now?”

  “I do.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I don’t think this is something talking can help.”

  “Why don’t you let me decide, okay?”

  She wiped her eyes. “I might be forced to sell my apartment.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Ken.”

  “What about him? I though he agreed you’d keep the apartment.”

  “He changed his mind.”

  “Does this have something to do with the show you told me about?”

  She nodded. “I can kee
p the apartment free and clear if I talk to the network about him being a commentator on the show.”

  “That’s blackmail, Lauren.” Randy was steamed.

  “I don’t want to do it, so either I have to buy him out, which I can’t afford to do, or sell the place and split the proceeds, which I don’t want to do.”

  “Did you tell your lawyer?”

  “Yes. He said it sounded like blackmail, too.”

  “Then let him handle it.”

  “Listen, Randy, this isn’t my first time at the rodeo. I’ve been through two divorces and I know that I can’t allege blackmail without proof. It will be a case of his word against mine. If I tell a judge he’s trying to blackmail me, he can simply say he reconsidered his earlier position and wants to negotiate.”

  “Oh, that’s slick,” Randy said, disgusted.

  “The bottom line is it will drag this divorce out and I want to put a period at the end of this sentence and close the book on Ken Jones.”

  “Let me help you buy him out.”

  Lauren was floored. “What?”

  “I’ll help you buy him out.”

  “You’d do that for me?”

  “Yes.” He paused. “I know we haven’t been seeing each other for very long, but we’re not kids anymore, and I for one know myself and my feelings.”

  “What are you saying?”

  “I love you, Lauren.” He let out a deep breath. “There, I said and I mean it.”

  Lauren’s heart skipped a beat. “Oh, Randy.”

  “You don’t have to say it back to me. I just thought you should know.”

  Lauren climbed into his lap and put her arms around him. She looked into his eyes and saw everything she’d been looking for in a man. “Oh, God, Randy, I love you, too.”

  He pulled her to him in a passionate embrace fueled by the urgency of newly professed love. All the day’s worries disappeared as their clothes came off. Nude, they stood face to face. “You’re gorgeous,” he whispered and he began to plant butterfly kisses up and down her body. Lauren’s knees buckled as her body craved for more. Randy lifted her, took her to the bedroom and laid her on the bed. Lauren’s hands explored his body, her light touch making him quiver. A moment later they were wrapped together as their bodies moved in harmony.

  Later Lauren lay in Randy’s arms after he drifted off. As angry as I am with Ken I have him to thank for meeting a real man like Randy. And best of all, he loves me. She smiled. She now knew that she could face anything Ken threw her way. Randy had her back and whether she kept her apartment or not, she’d always be home with the man she loved.