“I find the heavens tremendously exciting,” he enthused, “and I intend to host the world’s leading astronomers here. It’s remarkable isn’t it? The city lights twinkling like stars below, and the heaven’s stars twinkling above.”
Belle walked slowly around the dome, completely overwhelmed by the majesty of her surroundings.
“It makes me feel so emotional,” she declared. “Simon, you are truly the most brilliant man. You’re like, I don’t know, Leonardo Da Vinci.”
“My goodness, Belle, not at all.”
“Yes, you are,” she said firmly, striding back to him. “You are a true visionary.”
Wrapping her arms around him, she whispered,
“I feel so honored to know you.”
“And I feel honored to be here with you. You’re the first person I’ve brought up here,” he breathed, hugging her tightly.
“I am?”
“Well, except for the architects and decorators. I mean, the first visitor, and I’m so glad it’s you that is the first I’m sharing it with,” he finished, and pulling away from her, took her hand and led her to the windows.
“You see that city? It’s yours. You can have anything you want. Anything. You name it and I’ll buy it for you. I’m not just saying that, Belle, I mean it. What can I give you?”
“There is nothing I want that money can buy,” she replied softly, what I want is standing next to me, holding my hand.
“If anything comes to mind,” he murmured, though what I wish to give you, is standing next to you, holding your hand.
I have to leave,” he whispered kissing her ear.
“What?” Belle answered blinking her eyes open.
“I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. I forgot to tell you last night that I have a very early meeting. Go back to sleep. It’s only 6:30.”
“Oh Simon,” she yawned reaching her arms up to hug him. “Wish you didn’t”
“Parker will pick you up at 9:45 to take you to the Doctor’s office. I’ll meet you there.”
“Okay. Bye.”
He kissed her on the cheek, and rolling over to hug his pillow, she fell immediately back to sleep, not waking until a gentle knock on the door suggested she do so. Crawling out of bed and donning her robe, she padded across the bedroom, into the living room and opened the door. It was Theresa with the rolling food cart.
“Mr. Sinclair asked me to bring you breakfast if you weren’t up by nine,” she smiled.
“How marvelous,” she yawned. “It smells wonderful. What is it?”
“Scrambled eggs with parsley and cheese, cooked tomatoes, toast, orange juice and a pot of tea. I thought that’s what you like, since you had it last time.”
“It’s perfect, thank you, Theresa.”
“Did you notice what Mr. Sinclair had brought in this morning?” she asked.
Still trying to wake up, Belle scanned the room. A round table with two chairs was sitting by the window.
“He thought it might be useful so you wouldn’t have to always go down to the dining room for your breakfast,” Theresa stated, rolling the cart across the room. Shaking her head, Belle followed, standing by as the young maid set it up.
“Thank you, Theresa. I think I would have slept all day if you hadn’t knocked on the door.”
“You’re welcome Miss Somers. Is there anything else I can get you?”
“No. This is super,” Belle smiled, pouring the tea.
“I’ll see you later then. Have a good day.”
Belle watched the girl leave the room, and sitting down she gratefully sipped her tea as she looked out at the view. Simon could have had the table placed anywhere, even in the Salon next door, but he chose the spot where she had knelt before him in the radiant blue dress. It was all rather perfect
When she’d finished her breakfast, she showered, dressed in slacks and a warm sweater, and selecting one of the new bags, throwing in her bits and bobs, making sure not to forget T-Rex, she headed down to the foyer to wait for Parker.
Henry, the butler, was the only person she saw as she wandered into the foyer, and she decided to wait in the adjacent reception room. Staring out the window she thought the day looked cool, and leaves were dancing about in a fresh breeze. Thinking she should run back to the suite to grab a jacket, she turned to leave, only to find Amaranth standing in the center of the room, staring at her, once again having approached noiselessly.
It’s unnerving how you just appear out of nowhere, Belle thought, wondering if it was something the woman did on purpose, or if she was just naturally stealthy.
“Amaranth, I didn’t see you there,” she declared. “Is there something you need?”
“Mr. Sinclair has told me he is transferring me back to my former position,” she stated, lifting her chin. It was a gesture Belle had seen before, and she guessed it was defensive. “I trust I didn’t do anything to offend or upset you.”
“My goodness, not at all,” Belle lied, wishing the woman would just leave her alone. “I’m just not used to having someone hover around and help me decide what to wear. I’m sure I’d be better off with your assistance, but it’s just not something I’m used to.”
“I see. Well, since I shall not be attending you, I wanted to wish you well and hope you enjoy the rest of your stay,” Amaranth continued coolly. “Just how long do you think that will be?”
“My stay is indefinite,” Belle replied, feeling goose bumps across her skin.
There was something peculiar emanating from the quirky woman, even more so than usual, and Belle shifted her gaze to the window hoping to see the car. To her relief it was pulling into the curb.
“Ah, Parker is here,” she declared. “Thank you for your help, Amaranth. I’m sure I’ll see you again.”
Belle moved past her quickly, anxious to leave, and found Henry holding the door open.
“Thank you, Henry,” she said, attempting to hurry out the door.
“You’re most welcome, Miss Somers,” he replied kindly, and when Belle turned to acknowledge his response, she saw over his shoulder, the ghostly visage of the tall, thin, stiff, Amaranth, standing in the middle of the foyer watching her.
Belle shivered as cold chill rippled down her spine, and pulling her eyes away, she moved quickly down to the car, climbing inside. As Parker closed her door, she leaned back her head letting out a heavy sigh. The woman was completely creepy.
“Everything all right?” Parker asked, settling behind the wheel.
“Yes, fine. It’s just Amaranth, but I shouldn’t say anything. I’m sure she’s a perfectly nice woman.”
“I’m sure,” Parker remarked, looking at Belle in the rearview mirror. “We’ve just not met that side of her yet.”
Belle was shocked, and ignoring Simon’s admonition about keeping a professional distance, she replied, with a broad grin,
“Perhaps because it doesn’t exist.”
Smiling back, Parker answered,
“I suspect you might be right.”
Pulling away from the curb, she looked back at the house.
Who are you, Amaranth Simington?
The drive to the medical office wasn’t far, and she was ushered into the doctor’s office immediately upon arrival, finding Simon waiting for her.
She liked the doctor instantly, and the visit was short and easy, filling out the paperwork taking more time than the blood draw.
“I’ll have Parker take you home after dropping me at the office,” Simon told her, as they headed out of the medical building to the car.
“How did you get here?” she asked.
“I came here earlier. Figured I’d do my annual physical while I was at it,” he grinned. “Kill two birds and all that.”
“I think I’d like to visit my old stomping grounds,” she remarked. “I don’t think it’s very far from here. I’ll just take a cab.”
“We can drop you,” he offered.
“Um, okay. I’ll cab it back.”
“Or call me and Parker can fetch you,” he continued.
“Simon, honestly, I’ll just catch a cab and–.”
“Belle, would you please get in the car,” he interrupted. They were still on the sidewalk, Parker holding the door, and Simon was becoming agitated “I’m not standing here all morning discussing this.”
“Sorry,” she apologized, and climbed in hurriedly, Simon following.
“Here,” he said opening his briefcase as he sat next to her. “I don’t like you running around without a phone. Take this one. When you get home your new one will be waiting at the house.”
“I’ll go and pick it up,” she argued. “Besides, I have my T-Rex and Badir got it working.”
“What?” he asked, having no idea what she was talking about.
“My dinosaur. My old phone. Badir got it work.”
Simon leaned in, his lips at her ear.
“If you want your tender backside to get spanked again tonight, keep arguing with me. Now take this phone. Yours will be delivered. It’s been arranged. End of story.”
“Yes, Sir,” she said softly.
Sitting back he saw the crimson flush, and knew his words had been heard.
“That’s better,” he smiled, kissing her cheek. “Is there anything else you need?”
“Now that you mention it,” she said thoughtfully, “do you have an extra computer at the office that could be brought to the house? I haven’t checked my emails since we got here. As much as I like not thinking about things back home, I really need to check in.”
“There’s a computer in my study, but I’ll get you one for your personal use, don’t give it a second thought, and remember we’re leaving for the country later this afternoon,” Simon reminded her. “You have to pack.”
“Not to worry, I’ll be back in plenty of time. I’m really excited about it,” she said happily.
“Where are we dropping you off?” Simon asked her.
“Sorry again, the American Consulate.”
“Did you get that, Parker?”
“Yes, Sir.”
As the car pulled away, Simon took her hand and squeezed it fondly.
“As of Tuesday next week,” he said quietly, “no more raincoats.”
“Love that story,” she smiled, squeezing his hand in response, “and I understand you gave Amaranth the news already,” she added.
“I did, first thing. How did you know?”
“She stopped by to offer her apologies and wish me well.”
“That was nice of her,” Simon remarked. “I was quite surprised that she seemed disappointed. I thought she’d be happy to be my social secretary again.”
“Me too, come to think of it. Why would she rather be messing about with me and my clothes?” Belle wondered out loud.
“Ah well, it’s behind us now. Time to look forward to the weekend.”
“YAY,” Belle giggled. “I can’t wait.”
“You have no idea,” Simon quipped, a twinkle in his eye.
“The old neighborhood,” Belle beamed, as the Rolls turned into a familiar street. “The cafe is still here. Can you let me out? This is perfect.”
Parker slowed the car and pulled to the curb, jumping out quickly to open the door.
“Remember, we need to leave by three if we’re to beat traffic,” Simon reminded her, “and make sure you bring something, uh, from the boxes. Two or three things.”
“Yes, Sir,” she saluted.
“You are being very cheeky,” he warned.
“Have a great day,’ she winked.
Climbing out of the car, Simon was hard pressed not to slap her butt as she leaned over to step out.
I’ll bet it’s still nicely tender from last night, he mused.
Just the fleeting memory made him stir, and he tried to think of something, anything, to will his cock back to sleep, and watching her bounce into the cafe from her past, filled him with a happy warmth.
None of them were aware of the silver Jaguar that had been following the Rolls, and had come to a stop a few cars back.
Belle stood just inside the door, glancing around. Very little had changed. There were some new pictures on the walls, but otherwise it could have been yesterday that she’d been standing just where she was, a teenager in love, a young woman having just lost her virginity. The fond memory brought a smile to her lips, and ambling to the counter she ordered her coffee and studied the pastries on offer. It seemed almost a crime not to buy one, even though she was still quite full from her breakfast.
“I think the croissants are very good here.”
The voice was soft and deep, and for a moment she thought...
“Only look around if you know,” the voice continued, cutting off her thought.
“It can’t be,” she breathed. “It can’t!”
Heart hammering, she slowly turned.
“Oh, my God! I don’t believe it! Furio!”
Without any thought or hesitation she threw her arms around him, hugging him with all the muscle she could muster.
“Belle, my precious Belle. I cannot believe this either. Why are you here?”
Reluctantly letting him go, she stepped back and stared in wonder.
“This is impossible. Oh, my gosh. Impossible.”
“But it cannot be impossible, because I am here and you are here, so it must be possible,” he laughed.
“Your coffee, Madam,” the young barista called.
“Please, can you sit with me. I want to know how you are, why you’re here?” he pleaded.
“Of course, of course,” she replied breathlessly, and grabbing her mug, followed him to a table in a quiet corner.
“I have a nice flat two streets away. I come here all the time. Every day I am here,” he told her, “but I never think I will see you. You are on holiday?”
“Yes, no, kind of. Not sure.”
“Ah, you are happy. In love. I see in your eyes. He must be my kind of man,” he remarked quietly.
“Yes, most definitely,” she nodded, then giggled at his phrasing. It was so Furio. “I wanted to come here to visit, just relive those days. Especially our very special week,” she sighed. “Gosh, I loved you so much.”
“Me too, but we were so young.”
“Yes we were.”
“A child’s love, but still powerful. You see, I am married now,” he grinned, holding up his left hand.
“Wow. Congratulations. Happy I hope?” she asked.
“Yes, most happy. Most happy. I hope for you too, this will happen,” he said sincerely, reaching across and taking her hand.
As they talked and reminisced, Amaranth, sitting in her silver Jaguar, could not believe her luck. Following the Rolls on a whim, determined to track Belle for the entire day, determined to find something she could use against her, determined to send this minx of a girl scurrying back to the country from where she had come, she had struck gold.
Not only was Belle meeting up with a secret lover, Amaranth had their clandestine meeting on film. Hugging, kissing, holding hands, it was too good to be true. Finally the Gods had smiled upon her. Finally she had what she needed to put this whole, sorry affair to an end. The Ambien in the Vodka would be the clincher.
For fifteen minutes she snapped picture after picture, until the foolish girl rose from the table and hugged the handsome, curly haired man goodbye. Placing the camera carefully back in its case, she jerked the car back into the traffic, eager to get home and print out the best of bunch.
Now I’ve got you. There’ll be no escape this time.
Driving maniacally through the heavy London traffic, Amaranth pulled her car into her assigned parking space, raced into the house, up the stairs to her office and locked the door behind her. Pulling the camera from it’s safe shell, she cackled happily as pictures of the cheating girlfriend danced before her eyes.
Catch your breath, Amaranth. Slow down. Plug the camera into your computer and download the pictures.
Sitting in her chair
she took a long, deep, easy breath, and proceeded to do just that, selecting one dozen of the many photographs she’d shot. Loading her photo paper in the printer, she hummed happily, and selected “BEST” when it came time to choose the image quality.
Now then, do I present these to Simon when he returns this afternoon, or wait until they get back from their weekend?
Rising from her chair, she wandered across to her spot at the window and gazed down at the green lawn, envisioning their wedding for the umpteenth time. The printer made its many noises as it laid ink to paper and spat out the result, and as the last picture landed in the tray, Amaranth was making up her mind.
Waiting until they return will give me a chance to search through her things. Maybe I’ll find something else to use against her. There’s bound to be something.
Happy with her decision, she pulled the pictures from the tray and placed them carefully in an envelope, locking it away with her large, red scrapbook. Staring at the clock she had only a few hours to wait before she could begin her hunt.
Packed and ready to go, Belle left her suitcase by the living room door, and walking back to her closet, checked around to make sure she had everything she needed. On an impulse she pulled out the large pink box containing her diaries. Seeing Furio and walking through the neighborhood had reminded her of the many hours she’d spent writing her thoughts and feelings. Staring at the book yet to see pen on its paper, she decided it was time to begin a new journal. Her burgeoning emotions and extraordinary experiences demanded it, the trip to City View alone was worthy of several pages.
Placing the book in her handbag, she resolved to start the entries during the weekend, assuming she had the time and opportunity. Placing the precious box back in its drawer, she headed out.
Though she was disappointed she’d not had the time to meander through the house, she knew there would be empty days ahead when she could amble through the many rooms, and explore to her heart’s content.
James, Simon’s valet, appeared from Simon’s closet, suitcase in hand.
“Is this everything you have?” he asked, gesturing to Belle’s bag.
“Yes. Thank you,” she replied.
He picked it up and Belle followed him to the elevator. Simon had been called to the phone in his study, and was meeting her in the foyer.
The British Billionaire Bachelor, Act Two Page 7