by Jerry Cole
“Terminal H?” the cabbie asked again.
“Yes, H as in Harry. How difficult can it be? We’ve already passed E and F, it should be just ahead.”
“But the road ends just ahead,” the cabbie said in utter frustration.
“Then there must have been a turnoff leading to the other terminals. Go back.”
The cabbie turned around and headed back. Finally, they found the terminal, and Darren could see a private jet parked on the tarmac. It must be his.
The cab stopped in front of the terminal entrance.
“Wait here, I’ll be right back, and we’ll be going to the Browning Towers.”
“How long ya gonna be?” the cabbie asked.
“However long it takes. Don’t worry, there’s going to be a nice tip for you.”
“Okay, buddy.”
Darren went into the terminal. Other than one service window where he could see an attendant, the terminal was empty. He went over and peered inside.
“Hello? Anybody there?”
“Yes, sir?” an older woman came forward.
“I’m meeting…” he referred to his paper, “a flight from Athens. Don’t have any numbers for it, but it must be the plane outside.”
“Oh yes, that flight was early and they’ve all disembarked and gone on into the city.”
“Oh, shit.”
“Sorry, sir. But I did hear them say they were going directly to their hotel.”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
***
Loretta and Melissa awaited Thornton’s helicopter. Knowing how harried they were with the preparations for the event, he’d offered to whisk them to the city where they could land directly on top of the exclusive Browning Towers Hotel, where they would be staying and where the pre-event party was to be held. Melissa’s room at the hotel was to be used as an office until the party was over. Brandy would join her for the party and stay over.
There were over eight hundred invitations for the party. All of Loretta’s wealthy social friends had been invited, as well as a whole slew of top executives of major corporations known to support worthy causes. And there were heads of various environmental organizations, influential members of the press, congress-folk, and family. Even Tyler had been excused from the academy to attend the concert with his mother and her boyfriend. Darren expressly requested Tyler’s attendance because he wanted to introduce Ness to his son.
After Thornton’s helicopter landed in Philadelphia, Melissa, laden down with briefcases, bags, and files tucked under her arm, dashed with Loretta to the open door of the copter where an attendant was waiting to help them inside. After being seated, buckled in, and fitted with sound muffling headphones, they took off and, swinging away from the house, headed toward Manhattan.
The party was black tie and early enough so the guests could munch, drink, and open their checkbooks before needing to head over to the Music Hall for the performance. The whole front of the auditorium had been reserved for party guests and other dignitaries and celebrities.
Darren was extremely nervous as he sought out his mother. His quiet academic life ill-prepared him for these lavish social events, even though his family had entertained exclusive people frequently—but never on this scale, and with so much at stake for their project. He saw Loretta and Melissa on the far side of the ballroom, conferring with whom he assumed were catering staff. The party had not yet started, and he and his mother were going to be the greeting guests as they arrived. He went over to her and took her by the arm.
“Hello, mother,” he said, leaning over and giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Do you know if Mai and Tyler have checked in yet? I haven’t heard from them.”
Melissa answered, “Yes, they have. I believe they went for a swim at the spa and should be showing up on time.”
“Excellent,” Darren responded.
“Darren, you look very handsome in a tux,” his mother said, as she took hold of his bow tie and straightened it, even though it didn’t need straightening.
“And you are ravishing, mother. New frock?”
“Gaultier—new fall line.”
“Stunning.” He clasped his hands together and rubbed them. “So, all ready for the big event?”
“I’m just finishing up with a few details. Why don’t you go grab a glass of champagne, and I’ll meet you at the entrance? Guests should be arriving any minute now.”
Darren surveyed the room. “Doesn’t the ballroom look nice? Splendid flowers.”
Loretta tapped his arm, “Yes, darling, now run along. Let me finish up here.” Darren suddenly felt eight-years-old again, being shooed out of the kitchen for stealing a cookie.
Darren, at this point, was mostly chattering on out of nerves. He had nothing left to do until the guests started arriving. And all he could think about was having missed Ness. By the time he’d gotten back to Manhattan, it was too late to find Ness’ room. He’d needed to dress and come to the ballroom. He wouldn’t meet Ness here either, as he would be back stage getting ready to perform. They would only be able to see each other once the concert was over.
“Hello, and welcome,” Darren greeted, as the first group of guests got out of the elevator and came to the entrance of the ballroom. Soon the two banks of elevators were disgorging new groups. Before long, Loretta and Melissa came over and joined Darren. Melissa was keeping track of the guests as they arrived and informed Loretta and Darren of their names so they could greet them properly.
“Daddy, Grandma,” Tyler shouted as he raced from the elevator in front of his mom and Ned. He came over and gave his dad hug. Loretta leaned down and kissed his cheek.
“How’s the academy?” Darren asked.
“It’s good. They’ve asked me to teach a class in basic physics to the youngsters, and they give me movie passes, but I never go, ‘cause I’d rather read.”
Darren mussed up his son’s hair. “Your hair’s wet. Been swimming, huh?
“Yeah, and you should see their boiler room. It’s ancient.”
Darren had to laugh. “And how’s the fencing going?”
“Hey, I like it. It’s like a ten second game of chess. The strategy keeps you on your toes.”
Guests were backing up, waiting to enter.
“Hey sport, got to move you along. We’ve got to greet all these people.”
“Okay, Dad.”
“Hello, Darren, Loretta—exciting evening,” Mai said, entering with Ned and shepherding Tyler along.
It wasn’t long before Thornton and Bernice appeared.
“Quite impressive,” Thornton said, clapping Darren on the shoulder and giving Loretta kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you for the use of your helicopter, it saved us hours of precious time.”
Bernice leaned forward and crooned, “Can’t wait to read about this in the Times. I saw their social editor on the elevator. Wonder if they’ll mention names.”
“If they do, I’m sure you’ll top the list,” Loretta said and waved at the air around her to clear the cloud of perfume after they’d moved on.
A small palm court orchestra had commenced playing, but the growing din of conversations soon outdid the music.
After the flow of guests had dwindled to a trickle, Loretta said to Darren, “Time to work the floor. Don’t directly ask for a donation, but if they offer, don’t hesitate.”
“Oh, mother…” Darren laughed.
Loretta started schmoozing with her friends. Darren and Melissa spent time chatting with the environmental groups and finally began working their magic with the press. Darren didn’t have a lot of faith in the politicians and mostly left them to gossip amongst themselves.
The champagne flowed, the smoked salmon and French cheeses were quickly consumed, and by 8:15, the crowd started thinning. Fortunately, the hotel was just a block from the Music Hall, so the guests could leisurely wander over to the concert.
Darren kept checking his watch, hoping to break away soon enough to dash to the dressing rooms and
chat with Ness before the concert. Time ran out before he had a chance.
Loretta came over when most of the guests had gone. She patted his arm. “I’m so looking forward to meeting Ness, but it may not be this evening, dear. There’s still so much to do with the guests. I’m afraid I’ll still need to chat with several prime donors after the show.”
“He’ll be here for a week. We’ll find another time.”
“We should get to the theater. It would be good if we were seen chatting with as many folks as possible on the way to our seats.”
Darren sighed. He just wanted this night to be over. He wanted peace and quiet. And he wanted to hold Ness in his arms once again as they slept beside each other.
***
Brava Linda, Darren thought as the concert concluded. It had gone forty-five minutes over schedule but it was a smashing success, in any case. Linda’s organizational skills were miraculous, and he was thrilled with the outcome.
But Ness… his Ness’ performance had absolutely astounded the audience. This was the making of a major caliber star. There was no mistaking that fact. The audience stood and roared. There was no time for an encore, with the tight scheduling, but it’s what the folks wanted.
After the concert was over, Darren rushed backstage. breathless with excitement. He disregarded his mother, son, and his promises to introduce them to Ness to finally be with Ness himself.
There was a crowd gathered at the open door of Ness’ dressing room. He was able to squeeze through most of the crowd, but he could see Ness was totally surrounded by admirers. Ness looked up and saw Darren, and smiled and waved, but was soon drawn back into the conversations in which he was already engaged. Darren worked his way through the press of people until he was within reaching distance. “Ness,” he called out, and Ness looked up at him once again.
“Be with you shortly,” he said, winking, but looking away.
No sooner would one group move away that another would press forward to take its place. Darren finally relented and withdrew to the side of the room, sitting at one of the makeup tables, until the madness subsided.
At last, the crowd dispersed, and Ness was huddled with a few band members and Philippe. Ness finally looked up and waved for Darren to come over.
He reached out his hand, which Darren took. “I’m so sorry, what could I do. It’s madness.”
Philippe was beaming. “Our boy is the tops. Number one. A true star.”
“Give me one more moment, then I’ll be with you. We need to finish up here,” Ness said.
“Okay,” Darren agreed.
And then it really was over. Darren checked his watch and it was after one-thirty. Ness came over to him and just fell into his arms. They held each other for what seemed like hours. They leaned their heads on each other’s shoulder. Neither could speak.
Eventually, Darren broke from the hug, and holding on to Ness’ shoulders, just looked at him. He reached up and ran his hand through Ness’ new hairstyle, longer and spiky with gel.
“You’re a baaad boy,” he said, only half joking.
Ness smiled shyly. “And you’re not the only one to tell me that. You should hear my sister, Kori… who sends her regards, by the way.”
“You saw her recently?”
“A few days ago. And she’s got herself a beau—a doctor.”
“Good for her. Now your other sisters will have to get off their asses and help with your father.”
Ness laughed. “That’s not fair, they help. But you’re partially right, too. They always let Kori run the house.”
“So, are you free to leave here now?”
“Let me get this gunk off my face first.”
He went to the makeup table, put cold cream on his face, and wiped off his stage makeup with tissues. Darren stood behind him with his hands on Ness’ shoulders.
“You must be exhausted. I know I am,” Darren commented.
“You have no idea.”
“I drove out to JFK to meet you when you landed.”
Ness turned. “You did? I didn’t see you.”
“You arrived early and were already gone by the time I got there.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, taking Darren’s hand.
“But I’ve got you now. And I’ve got a room just down the block in the same hotel we booked you into. Would you care to join me?”
Ness sighed, his shoulders collapsing. “I can’t tell you how much I want that, but we’ve got to audition a couple of new guys for the band early tomorrow. And I really need nothing but sleep right now. So sorry.”
“Oh, Ness…”
“But I promise, promise, promise, as soon as the audition’s over we’ll go wherever you want. I’ve freed up a whole week to be with you. Really, truly, I promise.”
Darren shook his head. “Then can I walk you to your room?”
“Sure. Just let me get my guitar.”
***
They walked from the stage door and down the street toward the hotel, arm in arm. Darren bumped his shoulder up against Ness.
“So when can we meet tomorrow?” he asked.
“I’ll have to call you when we’re done. Will you still be at the hotel?” Ness asked.
“I can be. No, I will be. There’s nothing else more important to me.”
They came to the hotel and went to the elevators. They were quiet on the way up until they reached Ness’ floor.
As they walked down the hallway, Ness asked, “So was the concert successful for your cause? Do you know how much you raised?”
“Not yet. Probably won’t have a tally for several days.”
They came to Ness’ suite. They turned and looked at each other.
“You sure I can’t come in?” Darren asked.
“There is nothing I’d like more, but, if you do, you know what’ll happen and I won’t get any sleep. Please, be patient with me.”
Darren leaned his head forward and rested it on Ness’ forehead. “You know, you drive me crazy.”
“Yes, I know. I drive me crazy. Or, at least, my life does.”
Darren backed away. “Okay, I’ll wait for your call tomorrow. Call me on my cell. If I’m out, I’ll come right back. I’ve booked a car and driver and we’ll drive first to my mom’s in Philly. Got a few things to wrap up before we go home. And my mom’s just dying to meet you.”
“So then you’re going to be tied up, and I’ll have to wait for you instead,” he teased. “Guess that’s only fair after all I’ve put your through.”
Darren put his hand on the back of Ness’ neck and pulled him close. He slowly gave Ness a deep and gentle kiss.
“Goodnight,” he said, pulling away.
“Goodnight,” and Ness, disappeared into his room.
Chapter Twelve
“Thirty-six million and change,” Loretta announced, waving a printout of the email she’d just received from the bank. “That should get us started and keep us going for a while.” She was standing at the second floor balustrade of her house as Darren and Ness came in from New York City.
“That was quick,” Darren said, as he stared up at his mother. “I thought the tally would take longer.”
“Oh, this is just the first report. More’s coming in and is still being tallied.”
“Mother, this is Ness,” Darren introduced.
“Ahhh!” she screamed, throwing the paper aside and rushing down the staircase. She flew to Ness and threw her arms around him, giving him a kiss on the cheek that left a lipstick mark. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t meet you last night, but I was being the hostess with the most-est.” She laughed and danced a few steps backward, barefoot as usual. She clapped her hands. “Oh Ness, you were just wonderful. I so enjoyed your songs.”
“Thank you. And it’s a pleasure to meet you too. I have a present for you from my sister, Kori.” He rummaged in his bag and pulled a box with a string tied around it. “Baklava. She makes it herself.”
“Oh joy. What a treat.”
Melis
sa came out of the library. “Oh, hi Darren. And this must be that singing sensation, Ness.”
“Hello,” Ness greeted.
“I’m Melissa, the new COO of our now-funded Water Unlimited non-profit.”
“Is it official?” Darren asked. “Don’t we need board approval?”
“Oh yes, of course, but Loretta just suggested it, and I’m trying it on for size.”
“Well, it fits,” Darren said, very pleased. “You deserve it, and we deserve you.”
She curtsied and said in a southern accent, “Why, thank you, kind sir.”
“How about lunch? Cook has done some sort of soupy-stewy kind of thing,” Loretta said.
“Could we put our things away first, mother?”
“Of course. How ditzy can I be? Just come on down when you’re ready.”
Darren led Ness up the staircase and to his room. Darren had, what was known as, the second-best bedroom. It had a fireplace, a dressing room, and a bath. The room was large enough to command a desk and a seating area in front of the fireplace. French windows led to a balcony overlooking the back garden.
“Nice little cottage,” Ness teased. “You could just about fit our house in this room.”
“Drop your bags and come here,” Darren commanded.
Ness did as instructed. They fell into each other’s arms. It was the first real moment they’d had alone since their goodbye in the sailboat cabin.
Darren held on tightly. Tears started rolling down his face.
“What? What’s this?” Ness asked, pulling away and wiping the tears from Darren’s cheeks.
Darren was both laughing and crying, embarrassed by his display of emotion. “Sorry, it’s just been so long. And it’s been so difficult not being with you.”
Ness ran his hand along Darren’s cheek. “It’s okay. Everything’s going to be okay.”
“How do we know that? Your crazy life… my devoted life. Where’s the center for us?”