I kicked off a Jimmy Choo and grimaced as I rubbed my aching foot. When I took a closer look, I noticed blisters had formed on my pinky toe. My other foot looked even worse.
“Figures,” I grumbled. I had a cluster of blisters on my feet and a boyfriend, or whatever he was, who was acting like a blister on my butt. Suddenly, the whole situation felt like a colossal clusterfuck. I didn’t know what was worse—Cooper judging Simon or Simon judging Cooper. Cooper acted like such a jerk to Simon and.... Oh my God, why was Simon even here?
I sat up tall and in yogic position, I folded my legs and pressed the heels of my feet together. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. “Let it go...” I chanted on the exhale. “It doesn’t matter that Simon’s downstairs,” I whispered.
Cooper had finally realized the error of his ways, and now we could have the family I’ve always wanted. Tess knows the truth. She’s happy.
“Let it go,” I repeated.
Letting go seemed easier said than done. I pressed my knees to the floor and sighed. Had it only been a few hours ago when I felt like a tipsy Cinderella? Now all I felt was miserably sober, doom, and gloom. I sure as hell didn’t recall Cinderella being this stressed out when the prince brought her a fancy shoe. Feeling more like one of the bratty step sisters, I folded my arms across my chest and kicked Jimmy Choo across the room.
Chapter Fifteen
Three’s a crowd.
Facebook Status June 13 at 5:00pm
After deciding that Cinderella’s judgment hadn’t been impaired by four hours of champagne and wine at a vineyard, I decided to give myself a break. I allowed myself ten more minutes to sulk and then turned to an old reliable pick-me-up, my version of happy hour. I turned on the tub faucets. It was time to pamper myself.
I dug through my backpack and retrieved a rotting banana from a fruit stand in Munich and a packet of honey from tea in London. I mixed them together with the leftover milk from this morning’s coffee and whipped up a facemask. Thank you, Self magazine, for that tip! Then I lathered conditioner in my hair and wrapped my head in a warm towel that had been soaking in the running tub.
I had one foot in the bubbling tub when I heard a knock at the door.
“Hang on,” I yelled as I stepped back onto the cold bathroom tiles. I figured it was probably Cooper, and I’d just talk to him through the door.
No. If we were going to make a go at this, I had to keep it real. He couldn’t always expect me to be done up. It’s high time he embraced my casual self. Move over, plain Jane. It’s time to make room for her even simpler sister.
I flung open the door, and to my surprise, Simon stood there, staring. My heart leaped and then sank. I was wrapped in a towel and smelled like a sour banana smoothie. He flashed his handsome smile, and I was reminded of the first time I had laid eyes on him in London. I hadn’t looked so hot that day either.
“Hey, what’s up?” Simon said.
My face flushed under his gaze and at that moment, I was actually relieved I had a mask to hide behind.
“Oh, I’m just keeping it real,” I said, punching the air.
He didn’t recoil in horror. Nor did he shield his eyes. My facemask reacted more than he did. A chunk of banana slid from my face to the floor.
“What?” Simon laughed and bent down to pick it up.
“Never mind. Just an inside joke with myself.” I grabbed a tissue from the dresser. “Do you want to come in?” I said, handing him the tissue.
Simon hesitated as he wrapped the banana chunk. “Were you expecting company?”
“No,” I exclaimed. “Look at me.”
“Well, you opened the door with such gusto. Who knows, maybe you’re hosting one of those crazy spa parties or something.”
“Oh, no,” I assured him with a chuckle. “I never entertain with a mask on. I figured it was Cooper and to tell you the truth, I kind of wanted him to see me like this.”
“Whatever you guys are into is totally your business,” Simon said, holding up a hand.
“What? No. It’s just that he’s never seen me like this,” I said, waving my hand over my body. “I thought, isn’t it about time he does? He should know all sides of me, right?”
Simon nodded thoughtfully and leaned on the doorframe. “I, personally, don’t believe in mystery. Full disclosure.” He winked, and eyed the towel I clutched protectively.
Another piece of banana started to slide. “Maybe you should come in so I can wash this off. I feel like I’m going to ruin this lovely carpet.”
Simon followed my gaze to the well-worn brown carpet that covered the hallway. I noticed he had changed out of flip-flops into navy blue Chuck Taylors.
“Um, I just wanted to talk to you about something.” He ran his hands down his neck and folded his arms across his chest. “It won’t take long, I promise.”
I heard a door slam and voices approaching from down the hall.
“Sure, but will you please come in?” I jumped behind the door. “You’ve gotten a dose of the real me. There’s no need to scare the rest of the guests.”
Simon just stared at me as he stuck his hands in his pockets and played with the coins he had inside.
“Hellooo?” I said, waving my hand in front of his face. “Are you still here?”
The jingling sound of the coins came to an abrupt stop.
“I’m sorry,” Simon took his hands out of his pockets and rubbed his eyes.
I stepped aside and waited for him to walk into the room. This time I was reminded of the first visit he’d made to my hotel room in Paris.
“Make yourself comfortable.” I smiled. “I’m just going to change.”
“Lucy?” Simon took a seat on the bed and clasped his hands together. “Do you think I can just talk to you for a quick sec? I kind of regret coming here in the first place and just want to get it over with.”
I nodded and tightened the towel wrapped around my head. There I stood looking like Chiquita banana, and yet for some reason, I didn’t even care. I was more concerned with what he wanted to talk to me about and why he looked so nervous.
“First of all, please, take what I am about to say as friendly advice.”
“Okaaay.” I sat on the bed next to him and folded my arms across my towel-covered breasts. I looked at him expectantly.
Simon drew in a breath and licked his lips. “It’s about your ex-fiancée. Or maybe you’ve dropped the ‘ex’ part by now?” He raised one eyebrow and waited for me to answer.
“I don’t like labels.” With my toe, I subtly slid one of the Jimmy Choos under the bed.
“Well, Cooper seems to think you do.”
I rolled my eyes and waved a hand. “He likes to spoil me.”
Simon held up a hand and shook his head quickly. “I’m not going to go there. That’s irrelevant. Listen.” He paused to grab my arm. My skin tingled from his touch.
“I know we don’t know each other well, but I know enough to say that you’re a dream woman,” he said matter-of-factly. “My dream woman, anyway.”
I gasped and pointed my finger at my chest in surprise.
“Yes, you, Lucy. You’re smart, funny, sexy... And in all fairness to Cooper, I’m sure,” he said, holding a hand in the air, “that he has some redeeming qualities. But look at you,” he said, waving his hand over my body. “You’re gorgeous. More importantly, you’re beautiful within.” He tapped my breastbone, and a shiver ran up my body.
I swallowed hard and pressed my palms together. “Thank you,” I mumbled and looked down.
I may have been speechless on the outside, but my heart sang on the inside. That may have been the nicest compliment I had ever received.
“You’ve told me some things he’s said, and quite frankly, I don’t quite see how you guys are together. I don’t think he appreciates you and...”
“Luce?” a voice called out in the hallway. My head snapped up so fast that I felt a burning sensation in my neck.
“It’s Cooper,” I hissed.
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My eyes bulged as I stared at Simon. I heard a simultaneous knock at the door. I think the knocking heart in my chest may have been louder.
“Oh, my God,” I gasped. “What am I going to say?”
“Relax,” Simon whispered and jumped to his feet. “I’ll hide. Just please, please promise not to have sex with him.” He wore a pained expression on his face. “I really can’t imagine hearing...”
I interrupted by punching him in the arm.
“Ow.” Simon grimaced and rubbed his arm. “I was being serious.”
I shooed Simon away and pointed to the bathroom. While he headed off to take cover, I stood and adjusted my towel.
“I’m coming.” I called. I ran to the door and opened it a few cracks.
“Yikes,” Cooper said. He took a step backwards into the hallway.
“Gee, thanks,” I said dryly. “I wasn’t ... err ... expecting any company.”
Cooper held up a hand. “I should’ve called. I just wanted to drop off a cup of coffee and some Tylenol. You seemed to be really hurting when I left you.” He held out the offerings, and I opened the door a little wider to take it from his hands.
Oh, you have no idea just how much, I thought to myself. “Thank you so much, Coop. Do you want to...” I couldn’t bring myself to finish the question because the last thing I needed was to hold Simon hostage.
“No, no,” he answered quickly. “I’ll leave you to do your ... girl thing,” he said with a face.
“Hey. Am I that scary?”
“No, no,” he reassured. “I just think some things are better left to my imagination.”
I smiled weakly, knowing full well Simon was within earshot.
“Take the aspirin and drink the coffee. Relax, and when you’re all done with this ... whatever it is,” he said, pointing to my face, “call me.”
“You know what, Cooper. I feel somewhat beyond repair today. Let’s just meet up in the morning. I’ll probably look and feel better in the light of day.”
Cooper’s face immediately fell. “Are you sure?” He looked so disappointed I almost changed my mind, but Simon’s words had rattled me so much that I really needed to do some thinking.
I bit my lip and nodded.
“Okay,” Cooper sighed. “Well, I guess last night’s dinner was supposed to be just that. A dinner. Today was a bonus, and there’s always tomorrow, right?”
“Right.” I leaned my head against the doorframe and nodded again.
“Feel better, sweetheart. The car will come pick you up in the morning. I’ll be sure to call first.”
I blew him a kiss and started to shut the door.
“Oh, and Lucy?” Cooper called.
“Yes?” I popped my head back into the hallway.
“Thank you for giving me another chance. I promise,”—Cooper interlaced his fingers and squeezed his hands together —“you won’t be sorry.”
I smiled grimly and closed the door.
Within a second, Simon appeared in front of me. We listened to the sound of Cooper’s footsteps disappear down the hall.
“Please, please,”—Simon closed his eyes for a brief moment before he reopened them—“don’t tell me you have officially taken him back?”
I clenched my jaw and looked at Simon.
“Unbelievable,” he muttered.
I squinted and leaned closer. “What did you say?” I said in disbelief.
I folded my arms across my chest and tapped my fingers. “What does that mean? You don’t even know him.”
Simon gazed into my eyes, and my heart began to race. I inched back so he wouldn’t hear the heavy beating.
“I don’t have to. Just hearing what he said about your appearance confirmed my entire opinion of him. Lucy, it doesn’t matter what you wear, a designer dress or a hotel towel.” He tugged on my terry cloth get up.
Wowzers! I felt something I hadn’t felt once the entire day with Cooper. All sorts of nerves had come alive, and I clutched my towel protectively.
“You’re perfect just the way you are. I’m sorry, but I don’t think Cooper loves you for you. He loves the idea of you, but not the reality. Not the Lucy who wants to dress casually. Or the Lucy who can’t have babies,” he said, gently.
My stomach dropped, and I chewed my lip, while fixing my gaze on the floor.
“He’s just too hung up on appearances,” Simon continued to rant, “not to mention making millions.” He scowled. “Does he really make you happy?”
I paused for a moment. Is anyone really ever truly happy? Oh, whatever. Feeling anger rise within me, I bit my lip and drew in a breath.
“Simon, no offense, but you barely know me. And you definitely don’t know Cooper. What gives you the right?” I clasped my fingers together to keep them from shaking.
“I’m sorry,” Simon said. “I just think you’re much deeper than he is. And that you can do better.”
Like who? A camp counselor who doesn’t want to grow up?
“I think you should leave,” I said quietly, reining in my temper.
“Lucy...”
I walked towards the door and flung it open. I couldn’t bring myself to look him in the eyes, so I stared down at the floor instead.
“Jesus Christ, Lucy. Are you mad at me or are you mad at yourself? You’re acting like a total fool.”
My head snapped up, and I stood there with my mouth agape. While my inner voice was loud and clear, I couldn’t seem to find my outer one.
“Yes, a fool,” Simon repeated. “How can you even be with that douche after what he did?”
“Simon, you don’t know....” I rubbed my temples.
“No, Lucy, you don’t know. He broke off your engagement. He broke your heart. Show a little self-respect.”
Whether or not I had shown any self-respect, I knew I certainly wasn’t at that moment, as I stood there, overexposed in my towel.
“Please, just leave. I can’t do this right now.”
He walked forward and stopped in front of me. “I was just trying to help,” he mumbled to the floor.
“Help me feel like a fool? Help me doubt my own life? Mission accomplished.” I stepped aside, and I too, looked down, hoping to signal our conversation was over.
When I saw his feet pass, I slammed the door behind him. And then there was one.
* * * *
I woke up in the middle of the night, dying of unquenchable thirst. Little elves were hammering away inside my head. The dry mouth, I could chalk up to too much alcohol and not enough water, but the pain in my head, well that was just a side effect from Simon, that pain in my ass.
Damn him, the know-it-all who knows nothing. I had such a lovely day with Cooper at the vineyards and probably would’ve been perfectly happy if I hadn’t run into Simon. As I‘d tossed and turned all night, thoughts of his insecure ramblings rattled around in my head.
I yawned and squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to sleep.
Several hours later, the sound of pedestrian traffic beneath my window roused me from my broken sleep. I pressed my forehead as the events from the night before worked their way back into my consciousness.
Don’t even go there, I warned myself. I turned on the clock radio and allowed the sounds of Pavarotti to drown out the cacophony in my head. Tess and I only had a few more days until we moved on to Venice, and I refused to allow Simon’s nonsense to ruin another moment of my fleeting time in Florence.
I flung my feet to the floor and dragged my lethargic body out of bed. Sounding raspy and off-key, I hummed along with the Italian opera singer as I stumbled over to the window to open the shutters. Bright sunlight flooded the room, and I shielded my eyes to look out into the distance.
The Cyprus trees, copper domes, and terracotta roofs looked like part of a painting, their colors standing out against the clear blue sky. The sun warmed my skin and radiated through my entire body, brightening my mood and uplifting my spirits. It was going to be another glorious day in Florence, and I was dete
rmined to make damned sure it was a good one.
I folded my arms on the windowsill and watched the Florentines as they set out on their daily grind. They looked suspiciously happy, which made me realize that a workday with a two-hour siesta probably doesn’t qualify as a grind. The more I thought about it, it seemed to qualify more as grand. Once again, what a difference a letter can make. The sound of my cell phone interrupted my musing.
I glanced at the caller ID. It was Cooper.
“Good morning,” I answered with a smile. “I have the windows open and feel a lovely day on tap. Is it possible the air actually smells like a cross between espresso and Parmesan cheese? I know that may sound like a gross combo, but it’s making my mouth water for...” I paused from my babbling to swallow. “A cappuccino and a cheese Danish? Or maybe a fig one? Oh my goodness. My mouth is actually watering. I didn’t eat any dinner last night.”
“Don’t hate me,” he pleaded.
“Oh,” I cried. “Duh. How could I have forgotten how much you loathe cheese Danish? I must’ve blocked it out because honestly, I can never, ever imagine—”
“That wasn’t what I meant, Lucy,” Cooper interrupted. “I have some bad news.”
“Whatever it is, don’t worry. I’m sure it’s not so bad. Is the Mercedes in the shop? I’ll have you know I’ve become a real whiz on mass transit.”
Cooper remained silent and I, on the other hand, couldn’t shut up. I was feeling rather punchy, or maybe I was just delirious from a bad night’s sleep.
“Are your best pants at the cleaners? No time to shave?” My jokes were met with more silence and I felt a familiar twisting in my stomach.
I heard Cooper draw in a breath. “Luce,” he began.
“You have to work, don’t you?”
“Well, yes and no.” Cooper sounded distracted, and I heard the sound of a male voice in the background. It had a very thick Italian accent. “Luce, can you hang on a sec?”
“Yes.” I plopped down on the bed, looked straight ahead, and stared at myself in the mirror. The me looking back was clearly annoyed and disappointed.
Tales From a Broad Page 24
