“Thanks, Harry. Is the lady of the house ready?”
“Yes. Come on in and see for yourself.”
Nathaniel stepped in. His eyes widened when he saw Alicia in a beautiful, curve-hugging black gown. “Good evening, Alicia. You look fantastic.”
“Thank you. So do you.”
Harrison looked out the window. “It looks like the car is here.” He opened the door.
Nathaniel put his arm out. “Shall we?”
She took his arm. “Yes. I’ll see you later, Harrison.”
“Okay. Have a good time.”
“Thanks, Harry.”
He closed the door behind them and watched as Nathaniel helped Alicia into the car. “It’s not that long of a car ride, Nate, so you’d better work quickly,” he muttered.
Unfortunately the car ride was even longer, due to the silence between them.
* * *
Gabby couldn’t have ordered a better evening for the Sixteen to Watch exhibit. The evening weather was calm and elegant, just like the night’s big event. The crowd was a mix of artists, collectors, art critics, the press, celebrities and even a couple of reality show refugees.
Nathaniel, Alicia, Lauren and Randy all arrived at the same time.
“Hey, Lauren,” Alicia said as she walked over to her. “You look amazing. Is that a Darius Cordell?”
“Yes, it is.” Lauren twirled around and showed off the beautiful black mermaid-style gown.
“I love it.”
“Thanks.” She took a long look at Alicia in her black T-back gown with a sweetheart neckline. “You’re looking pretty fantastic too. Isaac?”
“Yes. It’s his spider-vein lace dress.”
“I’m shocked that you went some place other than a gourmet grocery store.”
“He has a Web site, you know.”
“I should have guessed.” Randy walked over. “Alicia, this is Randy Rivera. Randy, this is my best friend Alicia Archer and her boyfriend, Dr. Nathaniel Becker.”
Both Alicia and Nathaniel looked uncomfortable with the introduction, but they went along with it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He shook her hand and then his.
“Good to meet you, Randy.”
“Same here. I’ve heard a lot of good things about you and your restaurant,” Alicia said.
“Thank you.” He looked around. “This is some event.”
The gallery at night took on a different look. It was bathed in a combination of soft white lights in the common areas, with brighter ones illuminating each artist’s work. Soft jazz played in the background while the attendees mingled and discussed each work. Waiters and waitresses walked around with trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres.
Randy and Nathaniel each grabbed a glass of champagne.
“Champagne?” Nathaniel asked.
“Thank you.”
Randy handed Lauren a glass. “How about we toast the woman who put this event together?” He raised his glass.
“Yes. Here’s to Gabby.” Lauren smiled as they toasted together.
Alicia took a small sip. “Speaking of our hostess, have you seen Gabby?”
Lauren looked around. “No. I’m sure she’s working the room.”
“How about we check out the artists? I’m sure we’ll see Gabby.” Randy took Lauren by the hand.
Alicia took another tiny sip. “Sounds like a plan.” She rubbed her head.
“Are you okay?” Nathaniel asked softly.
“I’m fine,” she insisted.
“It was just a question,” he grumbled.
The four of them walked through the gallery and saw a variety of artistic styles from postmodernism to a new take on the impressionists.
“Gabby certainly chose an eclectic group of artists,” Randy noted.
“For her, it’s giving people a chance to see both ends of the spectrum and everything in between,” Lauren said proudly.
Nathaniel stopped. “Look at this one.”
The four of them were in front of Nigel’s painting.
“I recognize the city. It’s Cotonou.” Nathaniel studied the work.
“I think Gabby said the artist’s mother is from Cotonou,” Alicia said.
“I like it,” Randy said.
“Thank you.” Nigel said as he walked over with Gabby, who looked stunning in an asymmetrical blue pastel gown.
“You’re welcome.”
“Great exhibit, Gabby. You’ve done it again.” Alicia kissed her cheek. “By the way, I love your dress.”
“Thank you. It’s a Lisette.”
“Oh, I’m impressed. She’s not easy to come by, either,” Lauren observed.
“It’s one of the benefits of being a Blanchard. Her mother moves in the same circles as mine.”
“I see. Bunny made a call,” Lauren said with a nod.
“Right.”
Alicia looked over at Nigel and cleared her throat.
Gabby finally got the hint. “Oh, excuse me, where are my manners?” She turned to Nigel. “Nigel, this is Alicia Archer and Lauren Jones. Ladies, this is Nigel Clark.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He shook their hands.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Gabby. Congratulations on such a wonderful exhibit,” Randy said when the introductions were completed.
“Thank you. I like to think the sixteen most talented artists in the city are under my roof tonight.”
“Judging from what we’ve seen so far, I think it’s a pretty safe bet that’s the case,” Randy agreed.
“Nigel, you really captured the essence of the city in your painting,” Nathaniel observed.
“Thank you. Have you been to Cotonou, Dr. Becker?”
“Yes, it’s an amazing city. Please call me Nate.”
“Thank you, Nate.”
“Well, ladies, why don’t we let the guys get acquainted,” Lauren suggested.
“In other words you want a chance to talk about us,” Randy joked.
“Don’t worry, we won’t say anything bad.” She waved. “Come on, ladies.”
Alicia felt a little off balance when she took her first step, but she covered it quickly as they walked over to the chic reception area.
Alicia was glad to sit. “Victor did it again. The place looks fantastic.”
“Thank you, my dear,” Victor said as he sauntered over.
“You deserve it.”
“Thank you. I did sweat the details.”
“And now you’re lapping up the praise,” Gabby added.
“And a few phone numbers.” He winked.
They laughed.
A waiter passed by and looked at Victor. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to see if I can add another number to my collection.” He quickly followed him.
“You can’t knock his hustle,” Lauren said as she finished her champagne.
“True.” Alicia put the champagne flute down.
“You’re not going to finish it?”
“No, you can have it if you like. I hate to see it go to waste. It is good.”
Lauren picked the glass up. “Thanks.” She finished Alicia’s champagne and put the empty glass down.
“Good grief, girl,” Alicia said.
“What can I tell you? I was thirsty.”
“Before we go any further, Alicia, what’s the deal with you and Nate?” Lauren asked.
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play cute with me. I can see something is off tonight.”
“I thought so, too, especially when you introduced him as Dr. Becker,” Gabby added.
“That’s his name.”
“But he’s more than a doctor to you, isn’t he?”
“If you must know, we had a fight. This is the first time we’ve seen or spoken to each other in a couple of days.”
“What did you fight about?” Lauren asked, shocked.
“He tried to tell me what to do. You know how much I hate that.”
“He probably told you
to slow down. You hate that even more.”
“What can I say, Gabby? I’m an independent woman.”
“You’re a hardheaded woman,” Lauren stated.
“Hey, you two are supposed to be my friends and support me.”
“That also means we should tell you when you’re being a jackass.”
“If the tail fits…” Lauren added.
“Thanks a lot. Can we change the subject? It’s supposed to be a fun night, not Dr. Phil.”
“Fine, but I promise you we will revisit this,” Lauren said.
“I think the evening is going well. I’m pleased with the turnout.”
Lauren looked confused. “You’re not going to ask us what we think of Nigel?”
“Oh, what did you think of him?” she asked halfheartedly.
“Now I know something is wrong. What happened?” Alicia asked.
“I thought things were going well between you.”
“I did, too.” She took a deep breath. “I really don’t want to talk about it tonight. Okay?”
“Okay. We’ll talk when you’re ready,” Alicia said reassuringly.
A flash of light caught their attention as a few photographers snapped their photo.
“Why in the world are they taking my picture?” Lauren asked.
“You are at the art event of the season,” Alicia said with a smile.
“But I’m not a celebrity.”
“Oh, you’re full of it. Don’t you know that you’re Gelman to my Regis and Kelly?”
Gabby laughed. “Not to mention the fact that you were married to a New York Giants player.” Gabby regretted mentioning anything remotely connected to Ken the minute it left her lips. “I’m sorry, Lauren.”
“That’s okay.”
“What’s going on? Has something happened you haven’t told me about?”
Lauren and Gabby looked at each other. “You might as well tell her, Lauren.”
“Ken’s threatening to make me either buy him out or sell the apartment unless I help him become a desk commentator at NFL Weekly.”
“What? He’s a real son of a bitch. It’s blackmail, plain and simple.”
“I know, and I have no intention of helping him or losing my apartment.”
“Have you figured something out?” Gabby asked.
“I think so.”
“You know if you need anything, money or whatever, I’m here for you.”
“Thanks, Alicia.” She rubbed Alicia’s knee. “I know I can count on both of you.”
“Gabby, is Bunny here?”
“No, my mother called at the last minute. Daddy wasn’t feeling too well this evening and she didn’t want to leave him with a nurse.”
“I know you would have liked her to come, but I can understand why she didn’t,” Alicia said.
“I’d rather she stayed home with him than come here. She can read all about it in the Art Review section of the Times.”
“Don’t you love how casually she dropped that into the conversation?” Lauren giggled.
“Oh, my goodness, you’ve got a buzz already,” Alicia laughed.
“Why do you say that?”
“You’re giggling. You never giggle.”
“Good champagne, love and a sexy man are enough to make any woman giddy.”
“Oh, my goodness, did I hear the L-word?” Alicia said sweetly.
“Yes, you did. Randy told me he loves me, and I love him.”
“No wonder the champagne went straight to your head. You’re in love.”
“I am. Isn’t that something?”
Alicia looked at her watch. “You know, Gabby, you should get back to working the rooms before they send a search party for you.”
“You’re right.” She stood up.
When Alicia stood up and staggered forward, Gabby and Lauren grabbed her.
“Are you all right, Alicia?” Lauren asked, concerned.
Alicia couldn’t get her bearings. Her head was spinning. “No, I think I have to go.”
A photographer snapped a photo, and the flash made the dizziness worse.
Victor walked over. “Is everything all right here?”
“No, Victor. We need to get Alicia out to the car. Can you get her boyfriend Nathaniel? And see if you can get someone to run interference with this photographer. His flashbulb is making matters worse.”
“Don’t worry, Gabby, I’m on it.”
Victor managed to get a couple of waiters to distract the photographer, while Gabby and Lauren helped Alicia through the reception area and out to the limousine. The driver got the door as they helped her in.
Nathaniel ran to the car, followed by Randy and Nigel. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know, Nate. I think there’s something very wrong with Alicia. You probably have to get her to a doctor or a hospital.”
“Don’t worry, I will.” He got in the car.
“Call us as soon as you know something and we’ll be right there,” Lauren said.
“I’ll let you know.”
The driver closed the door and quickly got in.
Randy put his arm around Lauren as the car drove away. “I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“I know. She’s strong.” Lauren put her head on his shoulder.
“She got so pale,” Gabby said.
Nigel took her hand. “You heard Lauren, Alicia’s a strong woman.”
Unbeknownst to her, another photographer snapped a photo.
* * *
In the car Alicia tried to steady her head, but it didn’t help. Her head continued to spin whether she closed her eyes or not.
“It’s okay, sweetie.” Nathaniel held her close to him. “We’re going to get you some help. You just hold on. Okay?”
“Okay,” she said weakly. “I’m sorry about before.”
“I’m sorry, too, honey. But I don’t want you to worry about that now.” He put his arm around her. “We’re not far from the NYU Medical Center. How fast do you think you can get us there?” he asked the driver.
“I can get you there in fifteen minutes or less.”
“Let’s make it less. Okay?”
“I’m on it.” The driver sped up.
Nathaniel took his cell phone out and dialed. “Hi, I need Dr. John Hubert, please.” He waited while they connected him.
“Dr. Hubert here.”
“John, it’s Nathaniel Becker.”
“Hey, Nate, how are you?”
“I’m fine, but this isn’t a social call. I’m on my way there with a patient who’s in the midst of an exacerbation.”
“What are the symptoms?”
“She’s unsteady on her feet and very dizzy. She had to be assisted to the car.”
“Is she on any medications?”
“She’s taking Avonex.”
“I’ll meet you in the ER and we’ll evaluate her.”
“Actually, John, I need you to see her upstairs in the MS Center.”
“Why?”
“It’s Alicia Archer, and it’s not common knowledge that she has MS.”
“I see. We’ve had our share of celebrities here. Meet us in the front and I’ll have someone there to take her upstairs.”
“Thanks, John. I really appreciate it.”
“Not a problem. Do you have an ETA?”
“How much longer until we’re there?”
“About five minutes,” the driver answered.
“We’ll be there in five minutes.”
“Okay. I’d better get off the phone so I can meet you.”
“See you in a minute.” He closed the phone and looked at Alicia, who seemed to grow paler by the minute. “Alicia, honey, are you still with me?”
“Yes,” she said weakly.
“We’re getting help.”
Three minutes later the car pulled up to the front of the hospital. Dr. Hubert and two nurses were there with a wheelchair. The driver jumped out to open the door.
Dr. Hubert leaned down and looked at Al
icia. “So this is our patient?”
“Yes.”
“Ms. Archer, can you hear me?”
“Yes.”
“I’m going to lift you out of the car. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“No.” Nathaniel got out of the car and rushed over to the other side. “I’ll do it.”
“All right.” A slight man with graying hair, Dr. Hubert backed away as Nathaniel lifted Alicia and put her in the wheelchair.
“Let’s get her upstairs, ladies.”
As the nurses wheeled her away, Nathaniel was on their heels. They rushed into a waiting elevator.
Nathaniel held Alicia’s hand. “You’re going to be fine. Dr. Hubert is one of the best neurologists in the country.”
Alicia nodded.
The elevator doors opened.
“Take her to room four.”
“Yes, Doctor.”
As the nurses wheeled her away, Nathaniel tried to follow them. Dr. Hubert stopped him.
“Come on, Nate, you know the drill.”
“But I’m a doctor. I have privileges here.”
“That might be so, but you have a personal relationship with the patient. You’re not going to be able to be objective.”
“Of course I will. I’m a professional.”
“You’re a professional in love. There’s no way you’ll be able to stand still in there.”
“But I don’t want her to be alone.”
“She won’t be alone. Listen, I’ll keep you apprised of what’s happening and I’ll let you in as soon as I can. Okay?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“No.”
“Then it’s okay.”
Dr. Hubert patted him on the back. “Good man.”
Nathaniel watched through the window as Dr. Hubert and his staff assessed Alicia’s condition. He felt his heart break as he stared at her pale face.
A nurse came out. “We’re going to take her for an MRI.”
“Okay.”
“We do have some paperwork for you. Are you the next of kin?”
“No. I’m her boyfriend. I’m also a doctor.”
“Well, maybe you can fill out some of the paperwork.”
“I can try.”
“If you go over to the nurses’ station, they can help you.”
“Thanks. You’ll let me know when she’s back from radiology, right?”
“Yes, Doctor.”
He went over to the nurses’ station and they handed him a clipboard. He filled out what he could and then he took out his cell phone.
“I can’t use this in here,” he lamented.
Waiting for Mr. Darcy Page 25
