"Right," Emily said as Andrea nodded her head in agreement. "Are you two up to more good news?"
"What? Did you get a promotion Em?" Kurt asked affectionately.
"No Kurt. It’s something better than a promotion. I’m getting married."
"Michael?" Andrea whispered.
"Who’s Michael?" Kurt questioned.
"I don't believe this," Andrea shrieked as she threw her arms around Emily. "I'm so happy. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I couldn't. You had just broken up with Jason. I couldn't."
Kurt stood there baffled. "Hey, hey. Can I get a hug and word in here? You're a sneaky devil, Em. I can't wait to meet my prospective brother-in-law."
"Oh, Kurt, you'll love him. He's everything I want for the rest of my life."
"That makes two of us," he said, as he encircled the two most precious women in his life.
CHAPTER TEN
The next week flew by without a word from Grayson. Worried, Andrea called Taos.
“Hi, Grayson. This is Andrea. I thought you were going to call and we were going to make plans for you to come to New York?"
"I'm sorry dear. I decided to go full ahead with the plans for the B and B. The renovations of the out-buildings were going better than I dreamed and the house will be completed within the month; I promise I’ll be there for the wedding. When did you say it was?"
“We’re being married in the chapel at Holy Spirit Church on April ninth at four in the afternoon.” Andrea paused. “Get the renovation project in order and then spend Christmas with me and Kurt.”
"That's a great idea. By that time, all the structures will be closed in and hopefully, the finishing work can be completed. I plan to open by the Fourth of July."
"How exciting. We’ll come for the grand opening."
"Let’s discuss it when I come to visit for Christmas. I would like your opinion on some fabric that I have.”
"I'd love to help in any way I can, Grayson. Make your plane reservation now.
Christmas is only five weeks away."
"I will. I'm looking forward to meeting Kurt and his sister Emily."
"We'll be having two weddings, Grayson. Emily plans to be married in July. Her fiancé is a lovely man and Kurt and I are pleased."
"See you at Christmas. I'll call you with my itinerary. Love you, Andrea."
"Love you too. Bye." She sounds so excited, Andrea thought. So much has happened in the last few weeks. It's like a romance novel, she laughed to herself.
Andrea and Grayson kept in phone contact through the remainder of the month. Even Kurt got to meet Grayson via telephone. About a week before Christmas, Grayson called. They had a major snowstorm and the roof of the main dining room collapsed due to the heavy snow fall, and it was impossible for her to leave at this time.
"These things happen, Andrea. Things were going too smoothly, but I'll see you for the wedding."
"We're so disappointed, Grayson. We'd planned a double engagement party. We wanted you to meet some of our friends. Hold on a moment, Kurt wants to know what's happening.”
"Hi, Grayson, this is Kurt. Am I ever going to meet you?" he asked jokingly. "Can't you just fly out for a few days?"
"I wish I could, I'm dying to meet you and your sister."
"You'll definitely be here for the wedding, won't you? If not, we'll have a very disappointed bride."
"I'll be there and I'll meet everyone at the rehearsal party."
"We're not having a rehearsal party."
"You are now," she said.
Kurt handed the phone over to Andrea and shrugged his shoulders.
"What's this I hear about a rehearsal party?"
"Well, Andrea, I called Jack's Restaurant and they're going to handle every thing for me. You just have to call the restaurant a week before the wedding with the date, time, and the number of guests."
"I can't let you do that."
"It's my pleasure, dear. And by the way," she whispered, as if Kurt could hear her, "Your man is charming."
"He is, Grayson. He definitely is."
"See you in April then."
Andrea and Grayson kept in close contact through the month. She had hoped Grayson could make it for her showing at Arthur's Gallery, but she just couldn't get away. Andrea had walked in on many whispered conversations between Kurt and Grayson. She knew that were getting to know each other via telephone and Kurt was asking for her help in planning an exotic honeymoon trip. Andrea was sure that they never surmised that she was ease dropping. It was a wonderful time for all of them. Emily also talked with Grayson and planned a small bridal shower for her.
Through all of this, Andrea had finished the paintings she had promised Arthur and the date was set for the weekend after the first of January.
"Kurt, how does this look on me?” she asked, as she walked out of the bedroom of the Park Avenue hotel.
"Breathtaking," he said, admiring the winter white Dior cocktail suit he had given her for Christmas.
"Did you call to see if Emily and Michael are ready?"
"Yes, I did. They're probably waiting in the lobby as we speak."
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Arthur dashed across the room as soon as he saw them enter the Gallery.
“Andrea, you look smashing," he said as he gave her a European-style kiss on both cheeks. "Your suit is divine. Dior?" he asked, as he turned her around, touching the fabric and patting her hand. He turned to Kurt. "You have a Princess here," he said, and gave Kurt a firm hand shake.
"Arthur, I'd like you to meet Kurt's sister, Emily and her fiancé, Michael."
"I'm happy you could make it. Please, help yourself to the champagne.” Arthur scanned the room. “Sorry. I have to go." He took Andrea’s hand and dragged her along. "You must meet these people. They've been in here at least ten times admiring your work."
Andrea turned to Kurt. "I'll be back in a minute," she mouthed the words to him.
Emily smiled at her brother. “Come on men, let’s have a glass of champagne and some hors d'oeuvres. I’m starving.”
“Did you hear what that couple over there,” Michael nodded to a handsome young couple admiring a painting. “They said they planned to purchase at least three of Andrea’s works.”
“I feel such pride and respect for Andrea,” Kurt said.
Jason leaned against the wall as he watched Arthur introduce Andrea to an elderly couple. She was still the most beautiful woman he knew. Her smile radiated from those fabulous eyes and sensuous mouth. Her beauty was so unearthly it was frightening. He could see she was happy.
He watched as Andrea bent slightly toward the couple to listen closely, and that simple movement clearly revealed the gentle curve of her buttocks. He closed his eyes and remembered the smell, the taste, and the feel of her. He would never forgive himself for being such a fool and for wasting five years of their lives and the rest of his life.
"Kurt, don't look now, but guess who just walked in the door?" Emily said, mischievously.
He brought the glass of champagne to his lips, and peered over the rim of the glass. "I don't believe it. He's leaning against the wall watching Andrea's every movement. What in the hell is he doing here? Did you know that egomaniac sent Andrea a Christmas card?"
"Yes, I did. So, what's the big deal? She and Jason had been together a long time. She still considers him a friend, and she says he feels the same way about her."
"I bet he does, and I don't like it."
"Kurt, stop acting like a jealous schoolboy. Andrea's marrying you, not him."
He scanned the room trying to find Andrea. When he finally spotted her, he started to walk in her direction.
All of a sudden, he saw Jason take Andrea in his arms and kiss her on the mouth. Andrea returned his kiss. He watched as Jason casually draped an arm around her shoulder, as the two of them leaned into each other, like two kids sharing secrets.
“Andrea, darling, I brought you a glass of champagne," he said stiffly.
"Th
ank you, Kurt," she said as she removed herself from Jason's arm and took the glass that was offered. "Kurt, you remember, Jason, don't you?"
"Jason." He nodded his head. "What brought you to New York? The Christmas card you sent Andrea was from Los Angeles."
"Well, I'd met Arthur when he was in LA on business. He told me about Andrea's show, so. . . ." He took Andrea's hand and kissed it.
"How lucky for us," Kurt said, sarcastically.
"I hear from Andrea the two of you are getting married in April. I hope I'm invited."
"Right," Kurt said.
Andrea gave Kurt a questioning look. "Of course you'll be invited, but if I know you, you'll be in Europe or somewhere," she said smiling.
"Truthfully, I'd love to be invited. Is that Emily walking towards us? I can't believe it." He took Emily in a bear hug and kissed her. "You look wonderful. I don't think I have ever seen you with such sparkle in your eyes."
"Well," she said, "The sparkle was put there by Michael, my fiancé."
Jason extended his hand. "You have a wonderful woman. Take good care of her," he said, sincerely. "When is your wedding?"
"The end of July," they said in unison.
"Now I'll have two weddings to attend this year. Well," he said, as he glanced at his watch. “I'm taking the red-eye back to LA this evening. Andrea, do you think you could show me around before I leave?"
Andrea looked to Kurt for approval. His eyes squinted in amusement and thought, all right Jason, I'll play your game.
"Sure darling, we'll be over by the buffet table."
She threw her arms around Kurt and kissed him soundly. "I'll be back shortly."
"You better," he whispered in her ear.
Jason gave Kurt a quick salute and walked away with Andrea.
Kurt watched as they strolled through the gallery, hand in hand.
"If he touches her one more time, I think I'll hit him right in that Richard Gere face."
Michael and Emily looked at Kurt and burst out laughing.
"That jealous school boy is showing himself," his sister said as she kissed him.
"Relax, Kurt. I know just how you feel,” Michael said. “When Emily and I go to her college functions, it's as if every guy in the room has to come up to her to kiss and hug her."
"Men. I can't believe you two."
"What can't you believe?" Andrea asked as she stepped in between the two men.
"Them." Emily said, laughing. They’re so jealous. My brother couldn't take his eyes off of you. He watched every single move you made while you were with Jason."
"Kurt, darling, is that true?"
"Well, he was all over you. If he kissed you one more time, I was about to come over and bash him."
Andrea giggled in delight. "Don't worry my Darling, you are the only one for me."
Kurt was just about ready to kiss her when Jason approached them. "Now what?" Kurt asked, as he drew Andrea close to him.
"I just wanted to say good-bye to all of you and to wish you much happiness.” He kissed Andrea and Emily goodbye and shook hands with Michael. "Kurt, I need to talk to you."
Andrea looked at Jason with a question mark written across her face.
"I'll be right back," Kurt said, and kissed Andrea.
"What do you want, Jason?"
"I just want you to know that I love Andrea and I would do anything for her."
"You have a hell of a ner . . . ."
"Wait," Jason held up his hand. "I love her in a different way from the way you love her, Kurt. You have to understand we shared a good part of five years together. Those years can't be just flushed down the drain. I'd do anything for her. Try to understand I'm not your competition, but I'd like to be your friend."
"I'll work on it," Kurt said.
"If you two need anything, anything at all, Andrea has my number."
Kurt nodded his head.
Jason smiled, gave him a salute, and walked away.
"What in God's name was that all about?" Andrea asked.
"Oh, nothing," he said, his voice seething with animosity.
With the final countdown just two weeks away, Andrea received a call from Grayson. She had fallen from a ladder and broken her hip and would be unable to attend the wedding.
"What in God's name were you doing on a ladder in the first place? I thought you had workmen there to do the renovations."
“I do," she replied. "They've finally gotten my bedroom finished, and I needed to hang the drapes. I had to get at least this room totally completed or I'd go out of my mind.
"This project is taking much longer than I've anticipated and it’s starting to weigh on my nerves."
"What is the prognosis for your injury?"
"Well, due to my age, the doctor wants to make sure the bones mend properly. I'll be in therapy for a while and then I will have to use a walker.... I'll just have to be careful I don't fall again. The doctor expects a complete recovery."
Tears of disappointment trailed down Andrea's cheeks. Her voice was a thin whisper. "I'm sorry, Grayson."
"What's the matter," Kurt, mouthed to her. Andrea held her hand up for Kurt to wait a minute.
"Yes, I know, Grayson. I'm sorry you won't be a part of our wedding, and I know Kurt will be also. You've become a part of his life, even though you two have only met on the phone."
"Cheer up, dear, and don't worry about me. Just enjoy the most precious day of your life. I'll be thinking of you and wishing you both the best. Take a lot of pictures and send me a bunch. Hopefully I'll see you at the end of April."
"I'll have Emily send you some wedding pictures and I'll call you when we get back from our honeymoon."
"By the way, where are you going?" Grayson asked.
"Do I hear some mischief in your tone? I know you and Kurt have been on the phone a number of times. Did you help him make his decision?"
"Hasn't he told you yet?"
"No, he hasn't. He said he wanted you to be here when he announced our trip."
Kurt grabbed the phone and walked over to Andrea. "Grayson, this is Kurt again. Shall we tell her together?" He paused. “I’ll put us on speaker phone,” he said. “Okay Grayson.”
"On the count of three," Grayson laughed.
"One, two, three," they said. “Istanbul.”
Andrea looked at Kurt in amazement. "Istanbul. How did you know, Kurt?" Andrea smiled. "Emily?"
Andrea showered kisses over Kurt's face. "I love you, Kurt."
"Hello, hello," Grayson called. "What are you two doing? I can hear you.”
Together, in an embrace, they said. “What do you think?”
Grayson giggled, "I wish I were there to see you both. And, thanks Kurt, for including me in on the surprise. I know you'll have a wonderful time. Just be careful. There's so much going on over there."
"Don't worry, Grayson,” Kurt reassured her, "I've done my homework, and it's quit safe to travel over there now. We'll be fine."
On the day of the wedding, Andrea awakened to the roar of wind. She rushed to the window. A winter storm had intruded on their spring wedding. The snow blew against the windows, making it almost impossible to see out. The street looked like a scene from Dr. Zhivago. "April. Why in God's name did we choose April for the wedding?" she cried. April weather in New York State had to be the most unpredictable time of the year.
A cold chill ran through her and tears formed in the corner of her eyes. Stop being superstitious, she thought, as she headed for the shower to get ready for the greatest day of her life. She knew Emily would be over shortly to help her dress.
As she stepped from the shower, the phone rang. "Hello."
"Hi, darling."
"Oh Kurt! Did you see the weather out there?"
"It looks beautiful to me. Don't worry Andrea, everything will be perfect."
"I know, but they say if it storms on your wedding day, your marriage will be just as stormy."
"I didn't realize you were superstitious."
"Well,
maybe a little," she laughed. "Not to change the subject, but is Emily ready to come over to help me dress?"
"No, but I am. Just a little hug before the wedding?"
"Definitely not. The bridegroom is not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony."
"Oh, and you say you're not superstitious!"
"I'm not. I just want everything to be perfect, that's all."
"Everything will be perfect, because we love each other."
"I do love you Kurt, but I need Emily now," she said, an edge of desperation in her voice.
"Andrea, are you all right? I'm coming over."
"No. Please. Don't come over. I guess I have the pre‑nuptial jitters. I'll see you in an hour, my love. I'll be fine."
Kurt placed the receiver in its cradle and called to Emily, "Are you almost ready to go over to Andrea's?"
"Yes, I'm on my way. Why? Is there a problem?"
"I don't know. She doesn't sound like herself. She's disturbed about the weather. I can't believe the snow would upset her so." He ran his fingers through his hair.
Emily looked at her brother. "Do you mean she never told you how her parents died?"
"No. She'd start to tell me and then she'd clam up."
"Her parents died in a crash, on a day just like this."
"Oh no. How stupid and insensitive of me. I just thought she was superstitious and I laughed at her."
"Well, that's the reason she's superstitious."
"Please go over and calm her down."
She hugged her brother. "She'll be fine," she reassured him.
Emily put on her boots and a long coat and ran across the street. She entered Andrea's house from the side entrance. As she closed the door and looked out of the window, she knew the blizzard was getting a good start on the day.
"Andrea, where are you?"
"Upstairs in my room," she shouted down.
When Emily entered the bedroom, she saw Andrea on the bed surrounded by photo albums. "What are you doing? I thought you wanted to get dressed."
Andrea looked up at Emily, standing in the doorway. "You look lovely. I'm glad we choose emerald green for your color," she said in an empty tone. Tears slid down her face as she turned one page after another page. "I had to go through the photos of my Mom and Dad. If my parents were still alive, I know they would have approved of Kurt."
Of Body And Soul Page 7