Chapter Twenty-Seven
Kate stood in line at Trader Joe’s off of Fourteenth Street. The line curled around the aisles but seemed to be moving in a pretty organized fashion. She nudged the basket at her feet along as the people in front of her kept moving ahead. The papers Edward had given her were folded and tucked neatly into her purse. A white corner of the envelope peeked out, reminding her of the task that lay before her.
It was a ritual that she’d stop and get Allan some food before she dropped by, and despite it being Saturday and the store packed with shoppers, she didn’t want to arrive empty-handed. Or rather, she didn’t just want to pop in with Edward’s missive and then leave. This had to look like a regular visit. Kate sighed. If it were a regular visit, she wouldn’t be on acting as Edward’s messenger boy. Kate pondered how she would tell Allan. During the few years she’d known him, he hadn’t really mentioned the contract, except occasionally referring to it as an “unpleasant tether” that connected him to a publisher and an industry he wanted nothing to do with. Still, Kate knew that he kept up with publishing and that part of him would never leave it.
Publishing was like that; once it got into your system, it would take an exorcism to get it out. Most people never left the industry, although she’d known some publicity people that got sick of being the focal point for fame and would retire into other areas like editing or becoming a literary agent. She wasn’t really sure which was the lesser of the two evils. It was all about creativity and the ego—often a lethal combination. She once knew a publicity person who ended up working in the technology sector.
When Kate asked her if she’d ever return to publicity, she replied, “Oh God, no.” Sometimes the industry took a hard toll.
A skinny young kid with a flag waved her on to a register.
“Number ten,” he smiled. It was her turn to check out, and with the efficiency they were known for, she was out of there and back in the bright, cold, December sun within seven minutes. Just a few blocks and she’d be at Allan’s. Usually, she looked forward to her visits, but this time she didn’t. Although she knew he would insist he didn’t care, she was certain this would break his heart.
Generally, Kate would breeze into Allan’s apartment with a cheery, “How’s my favorite author today?”
But on this particular Saturday, Kate didn’t feel her usual happy self. She hated the task that lay before her. Her heart felt heavy and hesitant. This was a mistake, she thought. Let Edward handle his own paperwork. But then, she realized if he did it would be delivered by some pimple-faced messenger with no more than a semi-grunted, “Have a nice day.”
Allan deserved better than that.
After a light knock at the door, Allan opened it with a smile.
“Why, if it isn’t my favorite publicist!” he said, his voice authentically cheery. Kate was glad. He must be taking his meds, and he was dressed, which on a Saturday morning was a rarity. Kate set down her bags, hugged him, and gave him a soft peck on the check.
“It’s good to see you, Allan. You look great!” she enthused.
“Well, my nephew is in town! Remember, I told you he was going to be visiting?” Kate eased past him to the kitchen where she found everything tidy and put away. Typical for a visit from Nicholas.
“Right, I forgot he was coming today. That’s great, Allan. Is he staying long?”
Allan followed her into the kitchen. “Through Christmas! I’m so happy he’ll be staying that long; it’s been ages since we’ve spent so much time together. He decided at the last minute to extend his trip.”
Kate was surprised. In past visits, Nicholas had only breezed in and out, which is why they’d never met before.
“When will he be here?” Kate emptied the bags, putting the food neatly away.
“Katie, my love, you don’t need to buy me food each time you visit. But I am so grateful that you take such good care of me.”
Kate smiled, “Seems you’ve already been shopping. I’m proud of you, Allan.”
Allan laughed, “You say that like I’ve never been shopping before.”
“Sorry, I just, well…”
Allan put a weathered hand over hers. “I know. I was kidding. Today is a good day. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Kate’s eyes started to burn. A good day, he said. Well, not for long.
“So, what time will Nicholas get here?” she asked.
“His flight arrived at JFK, so luggage and a cab ride…”
Allan looked at his watch. Kate noticed how grey he’d gotten in the last few months. When Kate met Allan he still had a full head of dark, slightly wavy hair. Now it was thinning and lighter.
“Probably an hour or so. Can you wait around?”
Kate thought about Mac. He could wait a little longer. She was sure he’d understand.
“Of course,” she smiled.
“Tea, my darling Katie?”
“Please, and I bought some of that ginger tea you love so much. Let’s have that.”
Allan set the kettle on the stove. He still loved cooking the old way. Although he had a microwave, he rarely used it.
Kate sat down at Allan’s antique table and chairs that served as a dining table. Allan’s apartment was bigger than most, with two bedrooms, a long hallway, and a reasonably-sized kitchen and living room. Usually, though, there were papers and magazines scattered everywhere. Overstuffed drawers and unread newspapers often lined the table and spilled into the living room. Allan had one small computer that was tucked away in the second bedroom. The kettle whistled. Allan set two hot mugs down and took his seat across from Kate.
“So, what’s new in the world of books, Katie?” he smiled.
“I start another big promotion coming up.” Kate lifted the tea bag, dunking it back into her cup. “Isla VonKarting, that psychic who was big about ten years ago, has a book coming out. Also, the diet guru and my darling author Janet Easter is doing a signing next weekend that I’m really looking forward to.”
“You like Janet, don’t you?”
“I do. She’s so old school—charming, always happy with whatever press I can get her, which of late hasn’t been too much, unfortunately.” Kate thought about the other authors, the ones writing the racy, hot sex scenes with half-naked men on the cover. Janet’s books often had flowers and quaint homes. Kate wondered how long Janet would be able to keep her following. It seemed everyone wanted romance novels with a highly erotic thread. Or, in the case of Shades of Grey, housewives living out fantasies of being tied up.
“Publishing is a helluva a business, Kate, and MD doesn’t make it any easier. I’m sure they don’t pay you what you’re worth, and they sure as hell don’t appreciate you. It took, what, seven years for you to get a star title? Insane.” Allan sipped his tea. This was her best chance to bring up the agreement.
“Speaking of MD,” Kate hesitated. Her mouth felt dry. This was going to kill Allan. She was sure of it. “That’s part of the reason why I’m here. Edward wants to let you out of your contract with them.”
Allan snorted, “You mean that philandering mess of a CEO finally figured out how to get rid of me? I was wondering how long it would take him to find the loophole.”
Kate was startled. “Wait, you knew that there was a way out of the contract?”
Allan laughed, “You bet I did. My former lawyer was a lot of things, but dumb wasn’t one of them. He pointed that out to me years ago.”
“So, why didn’t you tell MD that? I mean, if you really wanted out…”
“Because I wanted to fuck with Ed.” Allan winked at her. “I’ve known all along how to get out of that contract.”
“Allan, I’m confused. You always said it was a tether, like an albatross, something you didn’t want.”
“I didn’t want it, but I wanted to jack with Ed more. I can’t stand that bastard.” He smiled when he said it. Checkmate, Allan. He’d kept Edward in the dark and strung him along for years with an unwritten book.
Allan leaned forward. “
Look, Katie, years ago when they drew up that contract, my lawyer wanted to be sure that if MD ended up being a piece of shit publisher that I’d have a way out—a way to freedom if I wrote a second book and wanted to find a better home for it, that’s all.”
“So, this doesn’t bother you, then?” Kate asked, still surprised by Allan’s revelation. She wondered now what other secrets about MD, or his relationship with Edward, he might be keeping.
Allan thought for a moment. “I guess it does, but not in the way you think. I sort of always thought I’d get inspired to write a second book. But, nothing ever came to me, so I didn’t.” He sipped his tea. “There were parts of being an author I loved: Seeing your book in a bookstore, and if you were lucky, in the window; or walking by Barnes & Noble on Fifth and signing a few copies. Did I tell you they still carry The Fall?”
Kate wasn’t sure how to respond, but somehow she didn’t believe Allan. If Kate knew nothing else, she knew an author’s heart. There were few authors that only had one book in them; most of them had at least two, maybe even more. Some, like Janet, had dozens. Kate knew in her heart that Allan was disappointed, maybe even more than she realized. But, he was showing a brave face for whatever reason. Probably because he couldn’t stand the thought of anyone’s pity.
“So, where is the contract. Let’s make Eddie’s day, shall we?” Kate reached for the envelope and slid it across the table. Allan opened it, grabbed a pen, and signed it.
“Aren’t you going to read it?”
He shook his head. “No need. It’s clear cut. Eddie doesn’t want anything to do with me, and the feeling is mutual. They can’t touch The Fall. It’s still my baby and will be until the day I die.” Allan folded the paperwork and slipped it back in the envelope.
“So, Katie, I got a new computer that I’d love to show you. Come with me.”
Kate followed Allan into his office, still puzzled by what had just happened. She followed Allan down the hall. There in his office was a shiny new Mac.
“Nicholas actually had it delivered to me as a Christmas present.” He smiled, pointing to the laptop. “He seemed to think it would inspire me to write. I’m just hoping I can still play Solitaire on this damned thing.”
Kate let out a small laugh. It was so like Allan. He needed so little to make him happy. They were interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Nicholas is here!” Allan seemed ecstatic. He slipped out of the office, Kate behind him, and opened his front door.
Nicholas stood as tall, handsome, and tan as Kate would have expected a California boy to be. He flashed a brilliant white smile and sported sandy blond wavy hair. He was dressed in jeans and a pale blue shirt, but he looked like he’d just come from the beach. His jacket was too light for this weather; no doubt Allan would supply him with one.
“Uncle! So great to see you. Man it’s cold in the city!” Nicholas hugged Allan and the two stood in the doorway. Kate stepped back to give them a moment, but Nicholas caught her out of the corner of his eye.
“Uncle Allan, is this Kate, the one you’re always telling me about?” He stepped inside and past his uncle. Nicholas reached to shake her hand.
“We finally meet.” A brilliant white smile almost overtook his face. Kate thought he could be a model with his perfect tan and chiseled featured. He looked almost god-like.
Kate took his hand. “Nice to meet you, Nicholas.”
“Please, only my uncle stands on formality. I prefer Nick.”
“Nicholas was your father’s name, my dearly departed brother. I have always loved that name.”
Nick rested a hand on his shoulder. “I know you have, Uncle, and you may call me anything you like.” Nick gave Allan a soft kiss on the cheek. Allan seemed to glow.
“Allan,” she said after Nick wheeled his suitcase inside, “I should go. I have some things I need to take care of.”
“I’m sorry you won’t be staying,” Nick smiled. There it was again, that blinding flash. She’d need a pair of sunglasses if she was going to spend more time with this guy.
“Well, she’ll be back for Christmas,” Allan smiled. “Thanks for dropping by, my Katie darling. It’s always good to see you.”
Kate hugged Allan hard. She still felt sad about what had just happened. Allan was no longer an MD author. His career was over, yet oddly he didn’t seem to mind. Although Kate was certain he did.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
When Kate arrived at Mac’s apartment, he was preparing a basket. He kissed her when she walked in.
“How did it go?”
Kate took a deep breath. “It was okay, actually. He didn’t seem to mind. What are you doing?”
“Packing us a picnic basket.”
“It’s twenty-eight degrees out, Mac. Where are we going to picnic?” Kate started taking off her coat.
“Leave that on. We’re not staying. Trust me.” Mac swept her out of his apartment, into the elevator, and off for another adventure.
Kate had never known a man with so many mysterious ideas.
Mac hailed a cab, and they rode for about twenty minutes. The car stopped.
“We’re here.” Mac pointed to the building in front of them.
“Mac, this building is still under construction.” She knew the building well. It promised to be a magnificent structure when it was done. Tall glass walls with sweeping views of the bay and Battery Park.
“I know. A friend of mine designed it. He said that if I have a chance, I shouldn’t miss seeing the view from the twenty-seventh floor. I thought you might enjoy that, too.” Mac opened the door to the yet-to-be-finished structure.
Kate had actually been dying to see the building. Most everyone had. The design was something that rivaled even the new New York Times building. Sleek, with clean lines and lots and lots of glass. The designer, Arthur VanSassen, was well known for his love of what he called “transparent art.” To him, all buildings were art. Some, of course, better art than others.
“I didn’t know you knew VanSassen.”
Mac let out a low whistle. “Wow, Katie, you know your architects.”
She smiled, “I used to date one. Insane control freaks who spend much of their day trying to make up for their raging insecurities by building things.”
She paused as she stepped into the worker elevator. “But, I’m sure your friend is nice.” She smiled sweetly.
Mac threw his head back and laughed. When he laughed, his entire body joined in on the emotion. It was one of Kate’s favorite things about Mac—one of many.
“Don’t worry. You don’t offend me. I don’t know him that well, to be honest. But, he sure does know how to cobble together a great design.”
The elevator lurched up twenty-seven floors. Kate felt slightly uneasy being in such a rickety thing but assumed that if the workers were fine with it, it should be safe. And she was with Mac; she knew he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.
Mac held the basket of food in one hand. With the other, he took ahold of hers, sensing her uneasiness.
“We’re almost there,” he said in a low, sexy voice that made her want to undress.
The doors opened to a large room. The floors were in, but dusty and covered with papers and other debris. The room was huge. Kate assumed it would someday be a conference room. Mac walked over to the window and looked down.
“Look at this, Katie. The whole world is down there.”
Kate walked up behind him; there was indeed a world beneath them, with pedestrians scurrying around and the park, wide and white in front of them. She remembered the night she kissed Mac somewhere amidst the trees down below. Had it only been a few days?
“I figured it would be nice since we had our first date in that park.”
“It wasn’t a date, Mac. It was our company party.” Kate smiled and rested a hand on his firm chest.
“Okay, so not a date, but a great kiss.” Mac leaned down and kissed her softly. He smiled as he pulled back. “That was a re-creation.”
Now she was becoming one of them. She felt as though she crossed over to the place where everything out of his mouth was either brilliant, sexy, or made her laugh.
Giddy. She was becoming giddy.
Giddy and falling in love. Welcome to Day Three of her affair with Mac.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
After they finished lunch and a bottle of crisp, white Sauvignon Blanc, they set off to walk the city, which was one of Kate’s most favorite things to do.
“Every time you turn a corner in New York, it’s like a whole different village,” she told Mac as they stepped through the city. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”
They walked for hours, through lower Manhattan, Wall Street, and past the World Trade Center renovations, which were ongoing. They talked the entire time, sharing their childhood, their favorite movies, and past times—although Mac carefully skirted any topic that would involve his wife.
“It’s getting late,” Kate hesitated. She didn’t want the day to end, but he wasn’t her boyfriend. This wasn’t a weekend thing. It was an affair and she was still trying to figure out the rules.
“Are you hungry?” Mac asked.
“Very.”
“Let’s go grab dinner, then. There’s a place I love called Extra Virgin. Fabulous food. Sound good?”
“Funny name for a restaurant, but so like you.” Kate threw him a teasing smile. “But it sounds great.”
Located in West Village, Extra Virgin was small and quaint, as most restaurants in the Village were. When they arrived, the restaurant was teeming with patrons. It was warm and dim inside, and the hum of voices and smell of food made Kate wonder why she hadn’t been there before. Probably because she worked so much. Normally, a Saturday found Kate running errands and catching up on email. Today was a decadent treat spent with one of the most delicious men she’d ever known.
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