Falling in Love in New York

by HILL, MELISSA

  She had no problem admitting that up until now, she’d been perplexed by her sister’s penchant for designer clothes, believing it all rather silly.

  But there was absolutely no doubt that these clothes really transformed her and at the same time there was this guilty thrill to be had about wearing these designer names with their incredibly lavish prices. So while Abby wasn’t planning on actually buying any of these clothes, she had to admit it sure was fun trying them on.

  “Right, enough of that. I think we now need to seriously up the glam stakes.” Caroline seemed to be equally enjoying her stylist’s role. “Wait there for a couple of minutes, I spotted something on the way in that I think would be the absolute business on you, but we need the bag and shoes to complete the entire look. Gimme a sec.”

  “OK,” Abby giggled, wondering what was coming next. What could be more glam than the glittery skirt she was wearing now, and as for those heels…! Now she was beginning to understand what all the fuss was about. One of these days, she was going to treat herself to a pair of Jimmy Choos, they were just so pretty and delicate and – oh… my… God!” Abby stepped back in awe as the most stunningly beautiful dress she had ever seen suddenly materialised in the doorway of the cubicle.

  “You like?” Caroline’s voice was muffled, and she could barely be seen behind the ball-gown’s layers of voluminous fabric.

  “I love!” Abby gasped.

  The dress was a deep plum colour, and had a strapless ruched tulle corset-style bodice. At the waist there was a similar coloured thick satin sash and floral corsage, which fastened at the back in a self-tie bow. But it was the full skirt, and its layers and layers of plum-coloured tulle that made the gown magnificent.

  “Oscar de La Renta–isn’t it amazing?” Caroline’s head eventually peeped over the bodice.

  “Amazing…” Abby was almost too stunned to reply.

  “Um, is there any chance you could take it off my hands here? All these layers weigh a bloody tonne!”

  “Oh, of course,” Abby lifted up the dress and immediately hung it on one of the cubicle hooks, almost afraid to touch it; it was so beautiful, never mind wear it.

  “I think these will work well, what do you think?” Caroline had also procured a pair of dusky pink satin Karen Millen heels and a gold beaded Chloe evening bag to accompany the dress. She looked at Abby, frowning. “Well–are you going to try it on or what?”

  Abby wanted to try it on, of course she did, but it was so beautiful she knew that she wouldn’t be able to do it justice.

  But within a few seconds of stepping into those acres of soft material and zipping up the corset bodice, her fears were appeased. The dress seemed to fit like a dream and when she’d slipped into the three-inch- heels and eventually turned to face her reflection in the mirror, she felt a lump in her throat. Oh my…

  For once even Caroline seemed lost for words. “Wow…” her sister said eventually, looking her up and down. “You look… stunning. It’s weird really, but I feel kind of emotional looking at you, almost as if you’re trying on your wedding dress or something.”

  Abby turned to her, eyes glittering. Somehow, Caroline had managed to pinpoint her own feelings exactly. She wasn’t sure why she felt so overwhelmed at that very moment. It was just a dress, after all. But what a dress. And despite herself, Abby couldn’t help but wish that Kieran could see her now…

  “Thank you Car,” she whispered, softly. “I don’t know how you managed it but this is just perfect–this whole idea is just perfect. I’ll … I’ll never forget it.”

  Caroline nodded solemnly, realising that this was about something more than just the dress.

  “Wait a minute,” her sister said then, rummaging through her handbag before eventually producing some lipstick and a hairbrush. “Here, put some of this on and then use this to give your hair a quick going over. ”

  Abby laughed, confused. “Why?”

  “Because we’re going to make sure you do remember it, that’s why.” She fished out her mobile phone before making Abby move out of the cubicle, and then pose in front of one of the store’s nearby floral arrangements.

  Abby couldn’t help but laugh, not only at the silliness of the whole scenario, but also at the faces of the store assistants once they realised what was happening.

  “Can I help you Madam?” one of them said imperiously coming up behind Caroline, who was busy snapping away on her mobile phone.

  “You can actually.” Without warning Abby’s sister thrust the phone into the assistant’s hands and ordered her to take some photos of the two of them together, all the while directing proceedings with typical aplomb.

  As they both grinned at the camera, Abby in her ‘you shall go to the ball’ Oscar de la Renta dress, she hugged her sister tightly and decided that this had been one of the nicest days out she’d had in ages.

  ***

  Later, they decamped to a nearby restaurant for a late lunch whereupon Caroline immediately ordered more champagne and the two toasted their Selfridges exploits and their fun day out.

  Abby was still slightly dazed by the whole experience, not just by the complete exhilaration she’d felt upon trying on that amazing dress, but also by what had happened afterwards.

  While she was in the cubicle changing out of the ballgown, Caroline was outside getting ready to put back the other clothes she’d tried on. Or at least that’s what Abby had thought she was doing.

  “OK, so definitely that lovely Issa, the Diane V, that Whistles skirt and those jeans then?” Caroline called out. “And the silver Choos of course. But I’m not entirely sure about the Pucci, would you get any wear out of it?”

  “What?” Still half-dressed, Abby shot her head out the door. “Car, you know I’ve no intention of actually buying anything, don’t you? I mean these clothes are gorgeous but I couldn’t possibly afford – ”

  “Oh for goodness sake, who said anything about you buying them?” her sister said breezily. “This is my treat.”

  Abby blanched. “Caroline no, no way. There must be at least two or three grand’s-worth there, I couldn’t possibly let you spend that much on–”

  “You can and you will. This is supposed to be an memorable experience, isn’t it?” she reminded Abby. “Something you’ll remember for a long time to come? So how on earth will you remember it if you don’t take home the bloody clothes?”

  “Caroline, no– ”

  “Abby look, please let me do this, it’s what I had planned from the very beginning when I suggested we go on a shopping day out. In fact, after seeing your face when you tried on the Oscar dress, I’d really love to get you that too, but my credit card would probably explode and Tom would surely leave me.” She grimaced. “But the other stuff is my gift to you, so every time you wear those clothes you’ll remember how much you enjoyed this and how great you felt in that dress.”

  “Caroline …”

  “Look, I don’t want to hear any more about it. I’m getting them and that’s it. Don’t worry,” she reassured her, “I’m going to pick out a few bits and bobs for myself too.”

  Those ‘few bits and bobs’ turned out to a bewildering amount of items including a black-and-white zebra Jimmy Choo handbag, a Grecian-style Vera Wang silk rust-coloured dress with gold sequin embellished straps, (‘for the Marbella ball’ Caroline informed Abby airily), a truly stunning pair of leopard print Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes with a three and a half inch stacked heel that made Abby dizzy just by looking at them, as well as a pair of black patent Christian Louboutin high-heeled pumps sporting Louboutin’s signature red sole.

  Finally, a squishy Lulu Guinness baby pink pebbled suede hobo bag and a pair of Pucci print Birkenstock sandals completed Caroline’s collection, which when added to the clothes she’d chosen for Abby amounted to a sum that probably equalled the national debt of a small country.

  Now, as they sat in the lovely chic restaurant Caroline had booked in advance, both practically buried in shopping bags, Abb
y couldn’t quite get over the life her sister led. The restaurant they were in boasted a Michelin star chef, with the resultant menu prices to make your eyes water, yet Caroline seemed totally at ease in such sumptuous surroundings.

  With all this drinking champagne, designer clobber and fine dining, Abby felt like a celebrity for a day, and when she confessed this to Caroline, her sister laughed.

  “That was the idea,” she said. “Believe me, I don’t normally go this mad, I’ve only eaten here a couple of times before but I wanted to make today particularly special.”

  “Well you’ve certainly done that,” Abby gave a passing waiter an appreciative glance. She giggled, the champagne obviously going to her head again. “Did you hire male models to work here for the day too?”

  Caroline grinned, following her gaze. “Nope, luckily for us that’s all part of the service.” Then her expression quickly turned serious as the waiter in question approached to take their order.

  “Ready to order Madame?” he asked with in a heavy French accent that made Abby swoon.

  “Sure. I’ll start with the lobster bisque, and the lamb and walnuts, thanks. And we’ll also have a bottle of your Montrachet.”

  “Certainly. And for you, Madmoiselle?

  Abby was still staring at the menu, unable to make up her mind and choose from the amazingly enticing selection of dishes. Thanks to Erin, she’d for the most part got over her hang-up about food, and as this was her first (and probably only time) eating in a place like this, she didn’t want to go for something staid and boring, although in this place chances were nothing would be boring. No, with all that was happening today and in the true spirit of item number nine on the list, she decided to once again ‘be more spontaneous’.

  “I will try the … artichoke risotto, and the Cornish brill please,” she told the waiter only to see Caroline glance up in surprise.

  “I know,” she said sheepishly, when the waiter left the table, “I’m as surprised as you are, but I just feel like going a bit mad these days.”

  Caroline reached over and squeezed her hand. “Good for you.” Then she topped up their champagne flutes. “It’s about time you started enjoying the finer things in life Abby–perhaps more than anyone, you deserve it.”

  Abby looked at Caroline, her perfectly coiffed blonde curls, her expensive designer outfit and extravagant jewellery, and instead of seeing the pretentious, self-centred and spoilt person Kieran had convinced them both she was, finally saw her sister through her own eyes. She was an incredibly generous, warm and kind-spirited individual she realised now. Up until recently, Abby had always felt alienated and slightly intimidated by Caroline’s wealth and lifestyle, and as a result had distanced herself from her older sister, convincing herself that they had little in common. But she had been the one to erect the barrier Abby admitted and as a result, they’d grown apart.

  But since her accident and subsequent diagnosis, Caroline had been magnificent, and had tried to boost Abby’s spirits at every opportunity, arranging the trip to New York for the whole family in order to lift her out of her misery, and coming up with the idea of making the list. And then to top it all off, she’d arranged this wonderful day out today, buying her all those gorgeous clothes, a posh lunch, a stay at Claridges …how could she and Kieran have ever believed her to be self-centred?

  Suddenly she felt another lump in her throat. “Thank you,” she said, her voice hoarse.

  Caroline went to wave her away “It’s nothing–”

  “No, I mean it,” Abby interjected. “This is truly incredible. I’m enjoying myself so much I can’t even explain it. But I’m not just talking about today, I’m talking about all the things you’ve done for me over the last few months, all the times you’ve been there. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You’re my sister,” Caroline said with a smile. “And you’ve been through the mill lately. Why wouldn’t I be there for you?”

  Shortly afterwards, the waiter arrived bearing plates of food that could only be described as works of art.

  “Wow,” Abby gasped, almost afraid to touch her beautifully presented risotto. “Can you get your camera out again? I know I said one photo a day but I think I’ll want to remember this too.”

  Her sister rolled her eyes in that dismissive, pretentious way that used to really get up Kieran’s nose, but which she now understood was just Caroline. “Honey, you really haven’t lived, have you?”

  “Evidently not,” Abby giggled, grabbing the camera and, much to the dismay of the other stuffy-looking diners began snapping all round her. “I can’t wait to see what they do for dessert.”

  “Didn’t I tell you? I have something else planned for dessert.” Caroline grinned wickedly. “The day isn’t over yet you know.”

  But despite Abby’s pleading, her sister refused to fill her in on this plan, and when they left the restaurant an hour or so later, Abby having eaten easily the best meal of her life, she wondered what on earth was coming next.

  But again, Caroline was insistent on staying mum, and Abby deduced that they must be going to some famous London cake-shop or something, which despite all she’d eaten earlier, would go down very well indeed!

  So having dropped their shopping bags back at the hotel beforehand, when their cab eventually pulled up outside a four-storey, innocuous-looking building on a side street she was well and truly puzzled.

  When they entered the building, Abby soon realised it was in fact some kind of beauty spa which worried her a little, as she’d always been a bit wary of beauty parlours and such-like, the idea of mostly beautiful strangers prodding and poking her lumps and bumps not the best confidence booster. Which of course was one of the reasons she’d never had a leg wax, and much to Caroline’s chagrin, had never had her eyebrows professionally shaped either. So whatever her sister had planned for them, chances were she wasn’t going to like enjoy it very much. Oh well, for Caroline’s sake she was prepared go along with it.

  Her sister seemed to read her mind. “Don’t worry–you’re going to love this,” she said before announcing, “Two for ‘Chocolate Heaven’ at six,” to the receptionist. At the mention of the world, Abby’s interest was piqued.

  “Chocolate?” she queried as they took a seat in the waiting area.

  “And plenty of it,” Caroline said, refusing to elaborate further.

  She hadn’t been joking. Their two-hour ‘Chocolate Heaven’ experience began with a one-hour silky smooth skin-conditioning body wrap. Following this, the two relaxed side-by-side in the treatment room, both covered from head to toe in luxurious warm chocolate fondue, and surrounded by chocolate scented candles, their delicious chocolate aromas filling the air.

  “Mmm…talk about living up to the name,” Abby said lazily. “I really do feel like I’ve died and gone to chocolate heaven.”

  “Guilt-free chocolate–what could be more perfect?” Caroline said in a dreamy voice. “And I told you you’d love it.”

  Suddenly Abby felt guilty. How much must all of this be costing? Never mind the flight, clothes, and fancy hotel; the lunch alone had been eye-wateringly expensive, and then on top of all that, now this! When she again tried to thank her sister for her unspeakable generosity, Caroline simply waved it away.

  “Don’t be silly–it’s nothing really. You know Tom is loaded. Now, don’t get me wrong, every year we donate at least ten percent of our earnings to charity, so my conscience is squeaky clean when it comes to spending ‘frivolously’.” She laughed putting additional emphasis on the last word. “But we have the house we want and the cars and all that, and seeing as we have only have ourselves to spend it on …”

  Abby ears pricked up at the slight catch in her voice as she said this. She’d always assumed that Caroline wasn’t a bit maternal and was way too busy enjoying life to bother with children.

  It wasn’t something that they’d ever spoken about but then again, when would they have had the opportunity? It was only very recently that they
’d even become close, despite Caroline’s best efforts Abby thought guiltily. So seeing as she’d already been wrong in her assessment of her sister’s personality, perhaps she’d been wrong about that too?

  “Do you think you’ll ever decide to have any?” she asked hesitantly.

  Caroline chuckled. “We decided to have them from day one–unfortunately things just didn’t turn out that way.”

  Abby sat up and looked across at her. “What? You mean you can’t …”

  “Can’t have children? No.” Caroline said smiling easily, her eyes still closed. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew that, that maybe Mum had … Anyway, don’t worry and please don’t start spluttering with embarrassment about it, like everyone else seems to do. It’s a pity, but we’re fine with it.”

  Abby’s thoughts raced, a million questions running through her mind. “But are you absolutely sure that –”

  “Oh yes, we’re absolutely sure, believe me and we have all the results to prove it. Now, I’m not going to say which one of us it is–I don’t believe in all that who’s to blame bullshit. Medically, we can’t have them and that’s the long and the short of it as far as we’re concerned.”

  “Caroline, I’m sorry, I had no idea –”

  “Hey, don’t sweat we’re OK with it. Yes, it was a blow and a shock to the system for both of us at first, but we’ve got lots of other great things in our lives, so why worry? I never buy into that negative bullshit Abby, and I’m delighted that in your situation, you’re not doing it either. So, Tom and I can’t have kids but we’ve got a great life, piles of money, and we love one another to bits. Why ruin all that by driving ourselves crazy over what we don’t have?”

  “I suppose.” Abby had to admire her sister philosophy. It was no wonder she’d never picked up any strange vibes about her sister’s childfree state because Caroline refused to allow any. And she felt childishly gratified that her older sister seemed to whole-heartedly admire the way she too was dealing with the hand life had recently dealt her. It merely reinforced that by thinking positive and doing what she was doing and that she–like Caroline–wouldn’t allow this setback beat her.