Life's What You Make It: Love's Great Adventure Book 1

by Troutman, Theresa

  “Tess, you can take that room. I’ll take another,” he quickly added hoping the awkwardness of Sigourney’s suggestion did not offend Tess.

  “You’ll have to take your own bags upstairs. This is a SFZ.”

  “SFZ?” Tess wondered.

  “Servant-free zone,” the siblings replied in unison, laughing.

  “Come on,” Sebastian motioned to Tess. “I’ll show you your room.”

  Their shoes made clicking sounds as they climbed the marble stairs. They entered the second floor master bedroom. He laid her overnight bag on the bed.

  “I can’t believe we’re here. How did you pull this off?” Tess asked, turning three hundred and sixty degrees while taking in the room.

  “Thankfully, your mother not only likes me, she trusts me. I just wanted to do something to show you how grateful I am for your friendship and tutoring. I couldn’t have done as well as I did this quarter without your help.” He walked up behind Tess, who was now gazing out the window onto Park Avenue. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he whispered, “We have to celebrate. It’s your eighteenth birthday.”

  Tess turned to face him with surprise in her eyes. “You remembered?”

  “Of course. I have a special dinner planned for you tonight. But first, we’re going shopping.”

  “Shopping?”

  “You need a proper dress. You can’t go to Tavern on the Green in jeans.”

  “I wish you wouldn’t spend your money on me,” she said, frowning.

  “Indulge me, Tess.”

  “I think too many people indulge you already.”

  “Maybe,” he agreed, “but you’re not one of them.” He put his hands together, begging. “Please, please?”

  “Fine! On one condition: I want you to buy yourself a pair of jeans and sneakers so I don’t feel so underdressed all the time.”

  Sebastian grinned from ear to ear. “Done! Now Bergdorf’s awaits.”

  They walked toward Central Park and turned down Fifth Avenue. It was a gorgeous day in New York City. The November air was crisp and clear. Cars and taxis inched along, horns blaring. They were making better time by walking.

  “Your sister thinks we’re having sex.”

  “And I corrected her faux pas.”

  “How many other girls have your brought here?”

  “None,” he replied honestly. “You’re the only one.” He turned and smiled at her, wanting nothing more than to take her hand.

  They crossed the street, dashing between idling cars, and landed on the doorstep of Bergdorf Goodman. The doorman looked at Sebastian in his suit then glanced at Tess in her denim jeans. He opened the door and invited them inside. She was out of her element from the first step. They entered a world of expensive perfumes and European cosmetics. Sebastian put his hand on the small of her back to guide her to the escalators. They made their way to the fourth floor, where the couture dresses were shown. He moved through the store as if it were his second home.

  “This is not the men’s store,” Tess observed.

  “No, ladies first,” he reminded her. Sebastian walked into the middle of the dress department. He turned in a circle, looking at the various dresses displayed on the wall. An older saleswoman in a straight-cut black suit approached them.

  “Welcome to Bergdorf Goodman. How may I help you?” she said to Sebastian.

  Sebastian turned to Tess and asked, “What size do you wear?”

  “Eight.”

  Sebastian then turned to the saleswoman. “She’d like to try on that one and that one,” he responded, pointing to his selections. He had the uncanny ability to eye up a room and know exactly what he wanted to buy.

  The saleswoman nodded and swiftly hustled through the door to the storeroom. She collected the dresses in Tess’ size and showed her to the fitting room. Sebastian sat down in the brown suede chair in the outer room to wait patiently.

  Finally, Tess emerged barefoot in Chanel. It was a simple black cocktail dress with a fitted bodice and a knee length skirt that flared out from the waist. The top was an overlay of sheer, black silk with cap sleeves and a round collar. Tess looked at him for approval. She was uptight, unsure how to react to wearing couture. It almost made him chuckle.

  He nodded his approval. “That’s nice. Try the other one on.”

  Several minutes later she stepped out in Calvin Klein. It was a stunning, strapless, gunmetal gray dress with thin tiers of organza on the skirt. He smiled appreciatively. Sebastian turned to the saleswoman. “We’ll take them both.”

  Tess rushed over to him, whispering. “No, you can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “These dresses cost over two thousand dollars. You just don’t spend that kind of money on a whim.”

  “I do,” he simply replied. “Now go get changed so we can go to the men’s store and buy some jeans.”

  There was no arguing with him. She trudged back to the fitting room. Sebastian motioned for the saleswoman, who was now hovering intently. “Find out the rest of her sizes. Pick out lingerie—La Perla. She’ll need black silk stockings with the seam up the back and black heels—something strappy.” He handed her his American Express card. “I’ll need them delivered to 1425 Park Avenue today.” The saleswoman nodded and went about her task.

  Tess observed the exchange between Sebastian and saleswoman when she exited the fitting room. She rolled her eyes in disbelief that he could act so nonchalantly about the shopping spree. “Gee, and you only have the gold card,” she muttered under her breath. “I would have at least expected a platinum card.”

  Sebastian was not amused. “Mother has the platinum card.”

  “I’m just joking,” she told him, gently touching his arm. “I don’t have a credit card. Most people our age don’t!”

  “Well, I’m not most people our age. Will you please stop stressing out?” Sebastian pleaded.

  “What will your mother say when she sees the bill?” Tess stopped for moment, placing her hand over her heart in a panic. “What will my mother think?”

  He offered her his arm. She eagerly took it, as if Sebastian was a life preserver in a wild storm. He steadied Tess. “Platinum credit cards, the cost of a dress, the expense of the Jaguar…what does it matter? You can’t fault me for living a privileged life. My mother and I are playing a game. She wants an obedient son. I go along just enough to have a comfortable life,” he explained with malice.

  “Most people would say your life is excessive.”

  “Maybe so, but it’s the only way I know,” he replied matter-of-factly. “Tess, you make me happy. Don’t ruin this for me.”

  “Sebastian, you don’t have to buy my friendship. You already have that.”

  They left the building and walked across Fifth Avenue to the men’s store. Once they were inside, a salesman quickly approached the couple. “Welcome to Bergdorf Goodman. My name is Randolph. How may I be of assistance to you today?” he asked, addressing Sebastian and barely glancing in Tess’ direction.

  Sebastian noticed him eyeing his expensive suit and figured the salesman had found himself a hefty commission by offering his services. Sebastian smiled politely. “The lady would like to see me dressed in jeans and sneakers,” he said, tilting his head toward Tess.

  “Any particular designer?” he asked, finally acknowledging her presence.

  “Tess?”

  She shrugged, unsure how to reply.

  “Bring what you like,” Sebastian instructed him.

  “I’d say a thirty-two waist and an eleven shoe,” Randolph guessed aloud. “I shall return momentarily with a few selections. Can I have someone bring you a beverage?”

  Sebastian acknowledged the correct sizing, and after an eyebrow lift to Tess, declined the beverages.

  Tess took a seat and Sebastian sat next to her. He squeezed Tess’ hand in an attempt to dispel her unease.

  The salesman quickly returned with a small stack of denim jeans for Sebastian to try on. He returned a few minutes late
r wearing Calvin Klein jeans. The cut was loose and full. He stood on the small tailor’s platform and looked into the three way mirror, turning his head this way and that to see his reflection from all angles. He frowned. “No.” He stepped down and retreated to the fitting room to try on the next pair.

  He returned in Armani slim-legged jeans. He repeated the mirror routine. This time he smiled. “These will do.”

  “And the shoes, sir?” the salesman asked, holding four shoe boxes in his arms.

  “Let the lady decide,” he replied, before returning to the fitting room.

  After a light lunch, they walked back to the brownstone. Sebastian carried a shopping bag containing his first pair of jeans, a cashmere sweater, and sneakers. They didn’t talk, and that was okay. Sebastian was so comfortable with Tess that he didn’t feel the need to fill the silent space with idle chatter.

  They heard the beautiful sound of piano music filling the foyer when they entered the house. The music abruptly stopped. “Sebastian, is that you?” Sigourney called from the front parlor.

  “Yes, we’re back,” he responded, popping his head through the open doorway.

  “Come have some tea before you get ready for dinner,” she suggested.

  Tess and Sebastian joined Sigourney, who stood from the piano to pour the tea. She handed them each a cup and motioned for them to sit on the sofa.

  “I see you had quite a successful shopping trip by the number of boxes that Bergdorf’s delivered. I had them put everything in your room, Tess. I hope you’ll let me help you get ready. I can’t wait to see what Sebastian bought you!” Sigourney sounded as excited as a six-year-old on Christmas.

  “That would be great,” Tess said.

  “Oh, I almost forgot—Mummy called while you were out. She’ll be here on Monday. She’s sorry she won’t get to see you this weekend. She did say she’ll be in Pennsylvania the week before Christmas, and she decided to have the annual New Year’s party there.”

  “Brilliant,” he spat in disgust, quickly taking a cigarette out of his pocket and lighting up.

  “Sebastian, don’t be like that. She really loves you in her own way,” Sigourney informed him. “And put that fag out.”

  “And I really despise her,” he replied, ignoring her request to extinguish the cigarette.

  “She wants you to be successful,” Sigourney argued. “The fag, Sebastian, put it out.”

  “She wants me to be less like my father and more like her. I can’t understand why, since neither one of them raised me,” Sebastian seethed. He took another drag on his cigarette.

  Sigourney leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I know you’re in a quandary, but you’re doing so well here in America. Nanny keeps me posted because you have no free time for me.”

  “Yes, well, Tess gets all the credit for that,” he replied, motioning to her as she sat quietly, taking in the sibling interaction with great curiosity.

  Sigourney looked to Tess for input.

  “He’s a changed man,” Tess announced.

  “See!”

  Sigourney laughed. “You just took her on a shopping spree. Of course she’ll be on your side.”

  Sebastian shot her a dirty look. Sigourney had gone too far with that comment. Tess took notice and quickly jumped in. “Sigourney, I’m well aware of Sebastian’s life in England. He’s made an amazing effort to focus on his grades and get into a good school. I’m really proud of him. Our friendship has nothing to do with money.”

  “I haven’t gotten the chance to meet the new and improved Sebastian yet,” Sigourney mocked.

  “Well, he’s right in front of you and he’s a wonderful and kind person,” Tess defended Sebastian.

  “You must think I’m horrid for being so cynical. I’m sorry,” Sigourney apologized.

  “It’s okay.”

  “Good,” Sebastian interrupted, smudging out his Dunhill in the crystal ashtray. “Now that we have that sorted, will you two go and begin your primping? Our reservation is for seven o’clock.”

  Tess and Sigourney left the room and began their ascent to the second floor. Tess turned to face her as they climbed the stairs. “Are you coming to dinner, too?”

  “Oh, no,” Sigourney replied with a devilish smile.

  “Then why did he just tell us to go primp?”

  “I’m here to transform you into Cinderella.”

  At that moment, they reached the guest room to find a tower of white Bergdorf Goodman boxes neatly stacked in the middle of the room. Her face fell. “Oh, Sebastian, what did you do?” she muttered to herself.

  “Open them up!” Sigourney urged cheerfully. “I’m dying to see what he bought you.” Tess was frozen in place. “Tess, why do you look so terrified?”

  “He just spent over two thousand dollars on dresses. What else could he possibly have purchased?”

  “There’s only one way to find out. Come on.” Sigourney pulled Tess toward the boxes.

  Tess opened the first box. Inside she found a pair of black leather Manolo Blahnik stilettos. She picked the shoe up by its strap and showed it to Sigourney. “How am I supposed to wear these and not break my neck?”

  “Oh, look! French lingerie and silk stockings,” Sigourney chirped, ignoring her while opening the next box. “I am going to have so much fun making you up!”

  “I won’t feel underdressed tonight,” she mused, dropping the torturous heel back into the box.

  Tess showered in preparation for what was to come. Sigourney primped and prodded her as if she were a Barbie doll. She was seated at the vanity as Sebastian’s sister expertly applied makeup and styled her hair. “I don’t know, maybe we should try an updo?” she pondered aloud.

  “No, it’s fine.” Tess quickly dispelled, fidgeting in the chair.

  “It just needs something.” She thought for a moment and then reached into her jewelry box. Sigourney placed a diamond barrette in Tess’ hair. “Perfect.” She gleamed with satisfaction.

  Tess stood up and gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Sigourney stood behind her, smiling. “Sebastian does have exquisite taste,” Sigourney proclaimed. “He’s waiting for you. It’s time to go.”

  Carefully, Tess descended the stairs, holding onto the railing for balance. She teetered in her new shoes. Sebastian stood below in the foyer, fixated. His breath hitched. He couldn’t believe how beautiful and utterly sexy she looked in her Calvin Klein dress. The cut was perfect for her. The transformation from plain girl to society lady was astonishing.

  As she hit the landing, Tess lost her footing on the slick marble floor. Sebastian quickly reached out for her arm to steady her.

  “How do you expect me to walk in these damn things?” she questioned him in despair.

  He merely smiled as he placed his hands on her waist to straighten her posture.

  Sigourney walked down the stairs holding a fur coat. “Tess, wear this tonight. It’s cold outside.”

  “Sigourney, I can’t.”

  “Of course you can,” she argued, sounding just like her brother.

  Sebastian held out the soft mink and slipped it onto Tess. “Off we go. The taxi is waiting.” With Sebastian’s hand on her back, they stepped out into the chilly New York air.

  The doorman welcomed them to Tavern on the Green. The hostess greeted Sebastian. “Mr. Irons, we will seat you at your mother’s table.”

  He glanced at the hostess’ name tag. “Thank you, Emily.”

  She nodded and sat them at a prime table. It was next to a large window overlooking Central Park. The fairy lights magically twinkled in the trees outside like thousands of tiny fireflies blinking on and off. Emily handed them both menus and discreetly excused herself.

  “I’m not having a cheeseburger tonight, am I?” Tess asked before she even opened the green leather-bound menu.

  “No, not tonight.”

  “Just order for me,” she said, laying the menu on the table.

  The sommelier opened a bottle of Cabernet S
auvignon and handed the cork to Sebastian before pouring an inch of wine into a crystal glass. Sebastian took a sip. He swirled the wine around his mouth. The rich, full flavors of black fruit, oak, and herbs rolled over his taste buds before swallowing it. He nodded to the waiter. “This is fine.”

  The sommelier poured two glasses of wine. It was perfect for what Sebastian had in mind for their meal. Tess politely took a sip.

  Sebastian enjoyed the cabernet, while Tess switched over to water. The waiter arrived at their table. Sebastian placed their order without looking at the menu. “We’ll, have a baby beet salad with arugula and mandarin vinaigrette. For the main course we’ll have the filet mignon, wild mushrooms with white truffle oil, and grilled asparagus.”

  Once the waiter left them, Sebastian raised his glass to make a toast. “To you," he said softly, “for your friendship and encouragement.”

  Tess raised her glass. “You know you didn’t have to do this.”

  “I know.”

  “I feel like a very uncomfortable Cinderella.”

  “Just try to enjoy the evening. I’ll have you home before midnight. I just wanted to have the perfect day with you.”

  “So was it perfect?”

  “I don’t know. The day is not over yet,” he replied with a sly smile.

  “Fine, I’m just along for the ride. Protesting will do me no good.”

  “It’s about time you sussed that out. This weekend you’re all mine, and I’m going to show you this amazing city and all it has to offer.”

  The waiter placed the salad plates on the table in front of them. He took a chilled salad fork from the napkin-covered plate he held and laid one by Sebastian and one by Tess. Sebastian picked up his salad fork and Tess followed his lead.

  “I’m sorry about Sigourney, earlier. She isn’t very good at editing her thoughts before she speaks.”

  “I admire that she says what’s on her mind. She’s not like you in that regard. You are always thinking before you speak.” She took a bite of her salad. “Sometimes it would be nice to hear what you’re thinking in the moment.”