“Yes.” William straightened and closed the trunk. “Eons ago. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again with present company though.”
Once there, courtesy of an express pass, they were whisked past the hordes. They took in the stunning art deco ceiling murals, the historical Dare to Dream Exhibit and the new Sustainability Exhibit. Then it was up to the observation deck on the 102nd floor.
William was not unused to stunning views given the height of the Waldorf and the location of his condo, yet he was still able to appreciate this breathtaking view of New York City and beyond. Just like a tourist he whipped out his phone and took several photos, never mind half of them featured Barbara with the New York skyline as the backdrop.
Finally, it was off to Bergdorf Goodman because Barbara remembered that her mother’s birthday was coming up and she hadn’t yet purchased anything for her. So they headed to the sole remaining New York-centric luxe department store, browsing several stores before eventually deciding to get her mother jewelry. William helped her choose, and she bought three 18k Gold 16-stone bangles with mother of pearl stations.
~*~*~*~
At 7:45 p.m. Barbara pulled up at the Waldorf. Instead of getting out of the car, as she expected, William gave her a look of mock outrage and chided, “I’m ravenous, Miss Dickson. You can’t drop me home without feeding me, that’s not ‘hisspitable’.”
Barbara snorted with laughter and shook her head. “William, I feel so grimy. I’ll have to drive home, shower and change and then come back here and I’m so worn out that I don’t think I’ll make it back even if I let Frank drive me.”
William thought for a moment, then he turned to her with a grin.
“I’ve got a splendid idea, then. Why don’t you stay at the hotel for the night? You can refresh yourself. And I’ll have some clothing and accessories, whatever you require, sent up from the shops downstairs for you to choose from. In the meantime, I’ll go to my condo and get ready and we can have a late dinner at Fifteen in about, an hour. What do you say?”
This idea was so impulsive, so crazy – two things that she wasn’t – that Barbara’s initial thought was to dismiss it out of hand. What a ridiculous notion – why she lived fifteen minutes away. But then she made the mistake of staring into William’s eyes and getting lost in them and the allure of more time in his company – coupled with a delicious meal at Fifteen – was an offer too tempting to refuse.
In short order, she was in one of the Waldorf’s suites soaking in a whirlpool bath. Half an hour later, there was a light rap on the door and she opened to a room attendant with five elegant outfits and accessories to match.
It was a bit of a dilemma because all the outfits were very lovely, but, eventually, she chose a little, silver, sequined dress with spaghetti straps and a cowl neck. She paired it with strappy black shoes and a silver and black clutch bag. She didn’t bother to wear the jewelry provided but instead stuck with the small diamond studs she was already wearing. She applied light makeup and after searching her bag found some hair pins which she used to pin her hair into an elegant top knot.
When she walked into the restaurant it was a quarter past nine. She was ushered to a table on the restaurant’s periphery with a beautiful view of Manhattan. William was already seated and intrepidly sipping a drink.
The lighting was intimate and there was a jazz singer crooning in the background. Overall the scene was very romantic.
When she approached, William stood and mouthed, “Wow.”
It immediately reminded Barbara of his reaction that day in West Sussex when she had come to breakfast dressed up in her glamorous best. She closed her eyes briefly as she tried to still the onslaught of emotions at the memory. When she opened her eyes, she startled. William’s face was inches from hers.
For a crazy moment, Barbara thought he was going to kiss her then he moved to the right and kissed her cheek, lingering before he moved away.
After they were seated, and Barbara had ordered a cup of coffee to give her an energy boost, William commented, “So I see you found a dress you liked. I was sure you would. The manager of the boutique is very good. She used to be a fashion consultant. When I called your name she said she had a handle on your style and would have some choices for you.”
“I’m very impressed. You’ve got quite an establishment here. Very professional, dedicated staff. I see why the Waldorf’s a top revenue earner for Lamport Holdings.” She sipped her water and perused the menu. “So Mr. CEO what do you recommend?”
William laughed. “I’m no food connoisseur and unlike you I love meat so I can’t adequately advise you.”
He looked up and signaled to the waiter who came swiftly over. “Ask Mr. Dear to step here, please.”
Mr. Dear arrived in less than two minutes and appeared to Barbara to look mildly anxious, as though he expected there was some problem.
“Jack, may I introduce Barbara Dickson. Barbara, this is Jack Dear, Fifteen’s executive chef or should I say celebrated genius and the reason that this restaurant is Michelin star-rated.”
Barbara stuck her hand out towards the short, slim man with the spiky black hair. Jack Dear practically gushed as he shook it.
“It’s an honor to meet you Miss Dickson,” he said.
“Now, Jack, you’re going to have to help me out here. Barbara wants to know what’s best to order, and, frankly, I think that everything is rather delicious so I don’t know what to say. I want you to advise her, bearing in mind that she only eats fish.”
Dear thought for a moment then recommended the charred leek soup, to start, the grilled halibut with new potato, and spring onion crush for the main course, and to finish a slice of almond meringue pie.
“That sounds great, Jack. Thank you. I think I’ll pass on the pie though,” Barbara said.
“Bring the pie for me Jack,” William interjected. “I’ll eat it if she doesn’t want to. I’ll also have the leek soup and for my main the roast squab.”
“You know I’ve been here a few times before,” said Barbara after Jack hurried off to do his boss’ bidding. “But I’ve never met the legendary Jack Dear. I was expecting someone less…diminutive.”
William chuckled. “I know. Everyone says that. He runs the Waldorf kitchen like a Nazi and he’s barely over five feet tall. I heard that he’s made men over six feet cry in there.”
Barbara’s shoulders shook with laughter. She sobered when William reached out and gently removed something from her cheek. “A strand of your hair,” he explained.
She muttered, “Thank you,” and took a sip of her coffee to conceal how his touch had unnerved her.
After they’d devoured the soup and awaited the second course Barbara scratched her cheek and shifted in her seat. “Um… Wills.”
He angled his head at her. “Yes?”
“When we ran into each other in London you were with someone. Who was she?”
“Her name was – is – Elizabeth Kelly,” William replied.
~*~*~*~
William had dated a few women over the years in an attempt to forget Barbara and Elizabeth Kelly was probably the one who had come closest to getting him to the altar. He still had deep affection for Elizabeth. She was a sweet girl. But the things Barbara did to his insides she never had.
It had been a case of mistaken identity. It was several months after his father had passed away, five years after Barbara had entered his life and then just as quickly exited. He had accompanied his mother to the Royal Opera House's performance of Don Giovanni.
During intermission he heard a woman laugh. The sound immediately reminded him of Barbara.
His eyes swung in her direction.
She was backing him but something about her flowing mane and her figure caused him to assume that it was Barbara.
Before he could think clearly he had rushed up to her, touched her bare arm and said “Barbara.” The name had died on his lips when he realized that it was in fact not Barbara.
Still, the res
emblance had been striking. The bone structure, shape of her eyes, and color of her hair had reminded him so much of Barbara that it was uncanny. They'd laughed over the mistake and chatted. He’d introduced her to his mother and it turned out that her father, Michael Kelly, a British politician turned businessman, was a close acquaintance of his parents.
They’d started dating and William found that he liked her. Soon the relationship progressed and they were a couple. He'd reasoned that Barbara, now on her second marriage, had clearly moved on so why shouldn’t he. What was he to do, pine after her for the rest of his life? Why not settle down with a nice girl who was clearly in love with him.
So it seemed to make sense to propose. And that was what he did on Elizabeth’s birthday, thirteen months after they had met. But deep down he knew it was wrong – dead wrong. He liked Elizabeth a lot but he didn't love her – not the way a man was supposed to love a woman – certainly not the way a husband should love a wife.
It all came to a head several months later when he ran into Barbara at the Globe theatre in London where he and Elizabeth had gone to see Anthony and Cleopatra. He now wondered if it was divine intervention that made him choose that theatre on that night. If he hadn’t he and Elizabeth would probably have gotten married.
He had gone back to the car to get Elizabeth’s shawl for her because the open air theatre had gotten a little chilly. He wasn’t wearing a jacket himself and therefore had none to give to her.
On his way back into the theatre he had literally bumped into Barbara who was walking towards him, while looking for something in her bag and chatting on her phone. When she collided with him it felt like déjà vu all over again. The shock written on her face must have mirrored his own.
“William!”, “Barbara!” they exclaimed each other’s names simultaneously.
William realized that he was still holding her, still had his arms around her to steady her. She was staring at him like she had seen a ghost. Then she appeared to come back to reality and realize that she was holding the phone.
She spoke into it, “Um, let me call you back, okay?”
The motion of taking her eyes away from him and placing the phone into her bag had probably given her the time she needed to regain her composure because when she looked back at him she was fully in control. She flashed him her famous smile. “It’s good to see you. You look well,” she said.
He, on the other hand, was not in control, he felt as if someone had sucker punched him. “Barbara…Good heavens…I haven’t seen you in years…Imagine running into you like this. What are you doing here…Are you here alone or with someone?” He babbled. His hands itched to hold her again. He wanted to envelop her in a hug and never let her go.
She shook her head. He saw an emotion flash in her eyes, then she appeared to shake it off and resume her cool façade. “I’m here with my husband, William.”
As if on cue, a tall, good looking, dark-haired man came up behind her.
“Barbara, honey, there you are. I was beginning to wonder if you’d gotten lost. You were taking so long.”
Barbara turned and the man leaned in and possessively slid his arm around her waist. He looked at William questioningly.
“Oh, Gerald, this is William Lamport, an old acquaintance of mine. William, this is my husband Gerald Salzman.”
Old acquaintance? Was that all he was to her? William fought the childish urge to ignore Salzman’s hand and scowl at him.
“Pleased to meet you,” he said, taking the hand that was offered. He was anything but pleased.
Salzman could probably sense his hostility because he said stiffly, “Likewise.” Then he turned to Barbara and said, “Hon, we’re missing the play.”
How rude, William thought.
Barbara smiled at Salzman. “Gerry, I haven’t seen William for years and we’ve barely spoken. We’re just going to chat for a few, then I’ll join you.”
After Salzman left, Barbara said, “William, I know it’s been over two years but my condolences on the death of your father. I know that the two of you were very close.”
“Thanks, Barbara. Yes it was difficult.” He paused then blurted out, “Barbara, I’ve missed you.” Where had that come from?! He felt embarrassment wash over him.
Barbara’s eyes widened in surprise. She blushed to the roots of her hair. Suddenly, she appeared to notice the shawl he held. “Are you here with someone?” she asked as her eyes flew from the shawl to his face.
He cleared his throat, feeling even more embarrassed in light of what he was about to say. “Yes, my fiancée. I went to get her shawl from the car. In fact, that reminds me, she’s chilly. I’m sorry, Barbara, I have to go. It was great seeing you, though. Enjoy your night.” He had hurried off before she could respond.
He had been so flabbergasted by the entire experience that when he returned inside the theatre and Elizabeth asked what took him so long he just shrugged. He then began searching with his eyes for Barbara and her husband among the crowd. When he found them he tortured himself throughout the remainder of the play watching her laugh with her husband, watching him whisper in her ear and hug her and kiss her hair. He’d felt as though someone was twisting a knife into his gut.
He finally admitted to himself after almost two years of shamming that he had wanted Elizabeth to be Barbara. He had fooled himself into thinking that he could somehow make her into Barbara. He'd broken down and told her, three months before their wedding day, that he couldn't marry her, that, while he loved her, he wasn't in love with her.
Elizabeth had been understandably upset – called him names he didn't even know she knew.
She didn't stay mad, however. She found love a year later in the arms of the Viscount de la Torre of Spain’s royal family and had even invited him to their wedding. He’d attended too. Why not? Just because he was unlucky in love didn’t mean he couldn’t be happy for other people.
Now William just gave Barbara a half smile and kept those details to himself.
“Why did you tell me you missed me when I saw you at the Globe?”
William looked down at the table. “Because it was true. I just said what was in my heart and then I was immediately sorry.” He looked back up at her and looked deep into her eyes. “Forgive me for being so thoughtless.”
Barbara sighed. “I thought I’d gotten over you, William. Then when I saw you and when you said that to me. Well, it made me question my feelings for Gerald.”
“Really?”
She met his eyes. “Really.”
That word and its implication hung in the air between them for several minutes. They ate their other courses in thoughtful silence as the wheels in William’s mind continued to turn. Was it possible that they could move beyond this whole ‘friends only’ thing sooner rather than later. She’d just confessed that she hadn’t gotten over him even when she was married to Salzman. Perhaps if he was persistent she’d rediscover those feelings again.
“I’d better be going, William,” Barbara said after their dishes were cleared away. “I’m starting to get sleepy and need to be alert enough to drive back home.”
William gave her a puzzled look. “I thought you were spending the night here.”
“I hadn’t planned to.”
“I’m not letting you drive home. You look exhausted. So you’ve got one of three options, either stay here and then leave early tomorrow morning, or leave your car here and I’ll have my driver take you home, or you can call your own chauffeur. The car will be returned to you in the morning.”
Barbara watched William for a moment. “Okay, Sir William The Gallant, you can let your driver take me home. I’ll just pay the bill and then go get my stuff from upstairs.”
“Pay what bill?” William asked.
“The restaurant bill.”
“You’re joking,” he said incredulously. “There is no bill. I own this restaurant.”
“Didn’t you tell me that if I didn’t feed you I wouldn’t be being hospitable? So how
can I feed you if I’m not the one paying for the food? Let me tell you something, Mister, you’re going to get me a bill to pay. I’m not going down as ‘inhisspitable’.”
William had a few words with the waiter and after several minutes Barbara was given a bill.
They traveled in comfortable silence as the chauffeur drove to the Upper East Side, both tuckered out after such a full day. Each was loss in their own thoughts as they contemplated all that had transpired between them that day.
Barbara turned to William when they arrived at her building. “Thanks again, Wills. Will I see you at church tomorrow?”
William nodded. “I’ll be present and accounted for,” he asserted.
Chapter 20
William was indeed present and accounted for at church the next day. Barbara couldn’t help but feel happy to see him and after church, as he interacted with members of her church family and discussed the sermon with Rev. Fulbright, she felt proud to have him with her.
She and her mother had accepted the invitation to dine with him at Ixora, another of the three Waldorf restaurants.
After his chauffeur driven limo dropped her mother off, William turned to Barbara.
“I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“What is it?”
He reached into the breast pocket of his tan suede jacket and pulled out two tickets. “These.”
Barbara took the tickets from him, read them and squealed with delight. “Oh my goodness! Two front row tickets to a Third Day concert? Where did you source these?!”
“Oh, I have my ways,” he said mysteriously.
“When is it?” Barbara searched the tickets again for more details. “Wills, this concert is in L.A. and it’s…tomorrow!”
“I know. We can take my jet and be in L.A. by tomorrow night for the concert and then return when it’s done.”
“Wills, that’s so crazy. I’ve got commitments. I can’t just pick up and go to L.A. at a day’s notice...”
The Royal Couple: A Christian Romance (Royals Book 1) Page 20