Be Mine Forever: Darcey’s Story
Book #2
by Mary Lynn Cooper
A Lovers in London Book
Mary Lynn Cooper’s Other Books:
● Always, My Valentine: Trisha’s Story
● Be Mine: Darcey’s Story (Book #1)
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Chapter 1
“Fudge! I’m dead. Sissi will send me to the guillotine!” Darcey muttered to herself inside the car.
The 405 freeway lay in front of her like a huge parking lot hell-bent on making her life miserable. The harsh California morning sun lit up the perfect blue sky. She turned on the radio to calm her nerves and the clear voice of a radio host filled the air of the white Acura.
“You know what I mean,” a guest on the radio talk show said, “sometimes what you wish for all your life turns out to be far removed from a fairytale ending.”
“You mean he wasn’t the man you married?” the host, a popular and handsome Hollywood celebrity asked, “Or did the relationship get boring, were you both too familiar with each other?”
“We just kinda drifted apart, I guess.”
The pain in the lady’s voice touched Darcey’s heart. I know exactly how you feel, she wanted to tell the stranger on the airwaves.
She switched to another station. A melancholic 90s song filled the air. Chuckling, she shook her head as she shifted gears. The car moved a mere few feet. Los Angeles traffic was known to test the patience of even the most serene individuals. But it wasn’t the snail-paced commute she was worried about. She smirked wryly at the thought of how the two people on the radio show seemed to be talking about her relationship with Nathan. Memories of their last argument assaulted her mind.
“How could you even accuse me? Seriously, Darcey. Do you really think I could do that?” he had told her. The azure blue of the Pacific Ocean shimmering from his deck did nothing to soothe her mood. She had caught him in a very, very compromising situation.
“Three girls in bikinis, what did you expect me to think? Do you honestly think I believe you, or should I just assume you were all playing Monopoly?” she had lashed at him.
His bluish grey eyes flashed darkly as he shook his head and gripped her hands in his. “I’ve been betrayed before, you know that.”
She fought back the tears, her mouth set in a tight line. “And so did I! Another betrayal is something my heart can’t afford, Nate.” She pushed him away and stood up, the sun warmed her shoulders as she stared at the clear sky. How could her heart break in paradise?
He stood up, placing a hand on the small of her back, his eyes searching her face. “Do you trust me, Darcey?”
“I love you, you know that.” She averted her gaze and stepped away from him again.
“My question was, do you trust me?” He tenderly grazed her chin with a finger, slowly turning her face towards his. The smell of their homemade breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes filled the air, but the feast was left untouched on the patio of Nathan’s Malibu home.
“I made blueberry pancakes, would you care for some?” She sat down and picked up a fork.
He didn’t say a word as he sat down beside her, tipping her chin again with a gentle hand. “How could say you love me, yet at the same time think I would ever cheat on you? What little faith you have in me, darling.” His eyes were soft, grey blues questioning her chocolate browns.
“I’m sorry.” She shifted her eyes away from him, pain clouding her vision.
But he didn’t give up easily, pulling her in for a tight embrace. “I love you so much, you’re fortunate I can’t stay angry when it comes to you. But please ask me before assuming anything insane, before ignoring my calls and text messages, making me worry.”
When she didn’t say anything, he continued, “Look, I did get drunk. Yes, I had more than my usual two pints because I missed you. I hadn’t seen you for weeks. I can never get a hold of you, our work schedules don’t seem to like each other.”
She loosened herself from his embrace and gingerly cut a piece of pancake, her appetite was no way near California at that point. She didn’t trust herself to speak.
Nathan went on, “You’re either at a meeting or off to Mexico, Florida, New York, wherever. I know I’ve been busy settling in my new office too and I thought I could travel with you, Darcey, but I was dead wrong.”
When she finally spoke, her voice was strained. “What did happen that night at the mansion and the three girls?”
He held her hand in his, his grip was tight while hers lacked life. She couldn’t believe the man she trusted more than anyone was hurting her so much.
Nathan shook his head slowly before speaking, “They were playing a game. You know, like a list of things to do. Similar to ‘Simon Says’. There was a dare to find a man with the most colourful swimming attire, and another quest to find someone passed out pissed, then paint his face. I was that man.” He gritted his teeth while she inhaled sharply.
He took a sip of his coffee. “Those girls literally made me look like a woman. The prize was a trip to Vegas, sponsored by one of my clients. Look, I’ll even show you the photo they took of me drooling, and with clown makeup on my face. It’s humiliating. These LA girls are wild.”
Picking up his phone from the table, he showed her the picture.
Despite her sour mood, a chuckle escaped her lips. “You look pretty. Imagine that, you would even be better looking than me had you been born the fairer sex.”
“At least you know we’d have good looking children.” He grinned, teasing her.
Her cheeks slowly grew warmer. She shoved him away softly. “I bet you loved the attention.”
“What? I was never big on Barbie dolls. Plus, I already have you to get attention from.”
His smile was perfect, she pulled him in for a kiss. She wanted to make up for accusing him, for doubting the man who believed in her dreams. The kiss said more than what any words could. Missing Nathan was like having foreboding grey clouds in the land of sunshine.
“I missed you,” she whispered after their lips parted. His smiling face told her he felt the same way.
A loud honk from behind her shook her out of her reverie. She sighed. I wonder what Nate’s up to now?
Her chest felt tight from pain a few minutes later as she arrived at her exit off the freeway. She glided her car off the ramp. Just as she pulled into the C’est La Vie magazine’s office, her phone rang.
It was Nathan.
“Darling, my mother said we’re having dinner with her tonight. I’m sure she’ll tell you herself. She insisted I come. I’m meeting an investor from South Korea tonight, but your boss just can’t understand the word no.”
“Baby, just go. I mean, I know your mum can be difficult, but she’s trying to get close to you.” Darcey locked in her phone by cocking her head to one side as she climbed out of the car. “Don’t you want to be closer to her? This might be another chance for you to get to know your mum better.” She glanced at her watch.
Drats! I’m twenty-five minutes late. Sissi will eat me for brunch.
She let out a groan as her heels made clicking noises on the pavement. The magazine’s elegant steel building suddenly appeared dangerous to her eyes. Her boss was one tough lady, that was for sure.
“Congratulations, you’ve officially become Sissi Anderson’s minion!” Nathan s
aid over the line.
She figured he was half joking. Lately, when it came to him, Darcey was no longer sure whether he was serious or taking the piss.
“That’s unfair for you to say. She had always been your mother, way before she became my boss.” She sounded as irritated as she felt.
“Okay, so inviting me to dinner tonight makes up for all the times she missed my birthdays? I’m sorry, Darcey, unlike you, I can’t just downshift that way and hand Sissi the award for best mum.”
“Nathan—“ She stopped right in the centre of the elegant lobby.
“You know what,” he interrupted, “this conversation is really not getting us anywhere.”
“I agree.” She hated how her voice raised and made a deliberate attempt to tone it down while looking quickly around to make sure none of her officemates were within earshot. “Look, I’m twenty-five minutes late. Listening to you whine about your mummy issues is becoming to be the highlight of my day. And it’s only nine o’clock!”
Way to go, Darcey! She felt horrible as soon as she said those words.
“Sometimes I wish you didn’t work for my mother.”
Something about his tone filled her with deep sadness. But she was far too worried about being late, plus she was annoyed at him for failing to understand her situation.
“Well, you should have thought of that before you sent my articles to her office. Or do you think that your mother hired me because of my relation to you?” She knew she was challenging him but she couldn’t stop. Her temper was as hot as Los Angeles in August. Stepping inside the lift, she then pressed the button for the top floor.
“What are you talking about? My mother hired you because you’re talented. I just wished we were back in London, away from this hot weather, the beaches, and nutty party girls. Just go back to the way things were.”
“How ironic. The very things you love about California are the same things you’re willing to trade for dreary and foggy London, fish and chips and smelly buses and undergrounds.” A weak smile formed on her face. She had to admit she missed home too, but she wasn’t admitting that to him.
Staring through the glass walls of the lift, the sight of hills and a vast valley greeted her senses. Not a cloud adulterated the perfect skies.
“At least in London, I knew where I stood with you. Over there, mother couldn’t interfere with our relationship. And you didn’t work so bloody hard that I hardly see you. At least in London, I had you, Darcey.”
Her eyes teared up, but she knew better than to let her emotions get in the way. “I have to go. You can come tonight, or not. I’ll be there because your mother invited me and I have manners.” The lift got to the top floor and opened with a chime.
“What if I told you I’d make you a sandwich, and we can watch the stars in Malibu tonight after a midnight swim?” His voice softened and she felt horrible for being so edgy. But then she remembered how serious and busy he could be with his business, too.
“Sorry, my priorities have changed.” As soon as she said the words, she wished she could take them back.
“Yes, indeed. They have changed. People change. Does that also mean your feelings toward me have changed?” His voice was angrier than sad this time.
She walked towards her office, grateful for the empty vast hallway in the posh suite was empty.
“Nate,” she began, but he wouldn’t let her finish.
“Don’t. I have to go. I hope you enjoy my mother’s company tonight. You seem to prefer her company over mine. Have a good day, Miss Vaughn.” He hung up and she immediately knew the coldness in his voice would haunt her all day.
As she was pondering what message to send him, a text message came through. It was Joyce, Sissi’s secretary.
‘Darcey, where are you? Miss Anderson is waiting for you at her office. Go directly there.’
‘Yes, maam,” she said out loud, her hand shaking as she put the phone inside her purse.
Looks likes Nathan’s right. Sissi got herself a new minion.
Chapter 2
She stepped inside Sissi Anderson’s office feeling like someone entering a rabid lion’s den. Anyone who saw the beautiful and elegant older lady during one of her angry moments could easily surmise where Nathan got his temperament.
Darcey had recently returned from Brazil on a writing assignment where she was asked to do a feature about the country’s dancing culture, Ipanema beaches and cuisine. After staying up until three in the morning finishing the piece, she almost burst out crying when Sissi ran the article through a paper shredder.
She knocked on her boss’ door.
“Come in,” a stern voice answered.
Sissi’s office overlooked the vast San Fernando Valley. In the middle of the spacious room sat an Italian leather sofa. Darcey was aware the office came with a walk-in closet loaded with company-funded designer clothes and shoes. One time Sissi hated the younger woman’s outfit so much, she asked Darcey to strip off her clothes inside the closet, one the size of Darcey’s entire apartment, and instructed her to wear a peach Chanel suit instead. The blazer was a size too small. Sissi was in excellent shape for anyone’s age, but at least the client they met that day seemed impressed.
“Good morning, Sissi.”
“You’re very late.” Her boss didn’t bother to raise her head. A thick pile of paper lay on the large desk. “And I know you’re going to blame the LA freeways, but how long have you lived here? You should know enough by now to leave earlier.”
Darcey wanted to say she actually woke up extra early today but an accident on the 405 made being on time an impossibility. She stopped herself from opening her lips. Her boss wouldn’t want to hear the story about her beloved son wanting to get out of a dinner invitation with his own mum. It didn’t seem like the best way to start the day with the great Sissi Anderson.
“You’re right, Sissi. There should be no excuse for today’s tardiness.” She fought the urge to roll her eyes.
“I didn’t call you in today to listen to you formulate a pretend apology. I called you in to discuss your Brazil story.” Sissi finally lifted her beautiful blue-grey eyes to look at her.
Nathan’s eyes. Darcey fought the urge to grimace, remembering her argument with him.
Sissi sipped a cup of coffee with perfectly manicured hands. The Brazil story. Darcey gulped, suddenly worried. Was she about to get fired? Another article, one about wine vineyards in Napa, had also met its fate through the dreaded shredder. She stared down at her feet, like a criminal awaiting verdict.
Sissi didn’t offer her a seat. “It was good. Very good, in fact.”
Darcey gasped. “But you—“ She wanted to remind Sissi how the piece ended up looking like paper spaghetti.
A graceful hand went up. “Fine, I admit it wasn’t my cup of tea, but I changed my mind. My assistant sent it to a Japanese magazine, our Asian counterpart. The editor-in-chief wants to collaborate with me. He wants us to write a feature about Los Angeles and London. And Tokyo too, of course. They have an office in London, as well.”
“Don’t they have their own writers?” Darcey sat down across Sissi. Her heels were killing her. She never expected working as a writer involved dressing like a fashion victim.
Her boss sent her a look that could silence a raging dragon. “They do, but most of their writers are Japanese. They want a Western writer’s take on the subject. I could hand the LA assignment to one of the local writers on staff, but it would be better if all three stories were written by you. Do you have a problem with that?” She lowered her Chanel spectacles.
I’d be away from your son even more.
Sissi saw the hesitation on her face. “You did say you’re willing to go anywhere in the world for this job. And I recall you once said you love Japanese culture. There shouldn’t be any reason you can’t take this.” The haughty stare was beyond disarming.
‘But I’m willing to fly to the moon and back for your son,’ Darcey wanted to say, but she knew better than to
confide in Sissi about personal matters.
She simply nodded.
“You get to sleep at the ritziest hotels, experience world-class spas, Michelin-starred restaurants. You are aware, I hope, that their company’s target audience belongs to the VIP’s of the biggest cities in the world.”
None of these will matter if Nathan isn’t with me.
She wanted to refuse the assignment, wanted to say she had to save her relationship with Nathan. But if there was a time to keep her emotions in check, the time was now. She also knew Sissi always got what she wanted.
“Thank you, Sissi. This is a good opportunity for me to visit London and see my family. And, of course, Japan is always a good idea.” She forced a smile but her words sounded forced, even to her own ears. She certainly didn’t sound like someone ecstatic to be given a compliment by Sissi and the chance to travel in luxury.
A heavy tug played with her heart. Nathan wasn’t going to like her leaving again so soon after her arrival from South America.
“When do I leave for London?”
“Day after tomorrow.”
“What? But, Sissi, Christmas comes in a few weeks.”
A perfect Beverly Hills-groomed brow rose. “You should be thankful then. You get to spend it with your friends and family in London.”
‘But what about Nathan,’ she wanted to ask. She bit her lip instead.
As if the older lady could read minds, Sissi added. “Nathan can fly and see you surely. And, oh, there is a Vivien Westwood gown for you to wear to a ball I want you to cover.” Sissi smiled, her elegant face instantly looked warm.
Darcey wanted to rub her eyes. Seeing Sissi look soft was always a surreal experience.
“How long will the London assignment take?”
“Well, six months.”
Darcey gasped. “Six months?”
“Is there a problem?” Without waiting for a response, Sissi went on, “You will be writing reviews for dozens of hotels and restaurants in their list. These will be included in a guide for first-class travellers. Not everything you’ll write will be published for the guide, of course. We’ll pick the best ones, the ones we feel will catch our readers’ interest.”
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