Climax: The Publicist, Book Three

by Christina George

  The applause got even louder.

  “When I was growing up,” Nick began as the applause died down, “my uncle used to tell me that creativity is so much more than being creative. Creativity builds confidence, fosters imagination, and builds courage. He often quoted Cecil B. DeMille when he said, ‘Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.’

  “It is my hope that this center helps build the creativity of thousands of students and serves as a continual reminder of the importance of reading and the written word. Uncle Allan would be so proud to see this, and I’d like to thank his dear friend, and mine, Kate Mitchell, for her vision and her determination to make this happen.”

  Dear friend? Really? Now she was a dear friend? Hardly. It was probably just for the sake of the speech.

  Nick stretched out his hand, inviting Kate onto the stage. She hesitated and then walked up. The crowd stood on their feet, bulbs flashed, and in the midst of that, Nick felt an emotion overtake him and grabbed Kate and hugged her. The hug lasted seconds, but Kate could feel a tiny flame ignite inside her and sparked a tingle that she could feel all the way down to her toes.

  What the hell was wrong with her?

  . . . .

  Mac stood in the back of the room watching the events onstage unfold. He’d caught the earliest flight he could back to New York to try and be here for this opening, knowing how important it was to Kate. The flight had been delayed leaving Los Angeles, and by the time he got to the center, the woman running things was already taking the stage. He was surprised to see Nick there, but it made sense. Allan was his uncle. Still, he didn’t like seeing him and Kate on stage together. When Nick grabbed his fiancé and hugged her, it made Mac feel a bit like a neophyte. He wanted to run up on stage and yank her out of his arms, which he knew was pretty stupid considering that he’d just spent the last few weeks with his ex-wife.

  Mac leaned against the back wall and took a deep breath. As usual, he was being silly when it came to Nick. He watched as the applause died down and the two of them got off the stage. They were immediately descended on by reporters and students. He noticed there was even someone there from the national evening news and from Good Morning America.

  “Good work, Katie,” he said to no one. She’d clearly done a big push for this, as she should. It was a fantastic way to honor Lavigne’s legacy.

  Not wanting to interrupt them or steal her limelight, he waited in the back of the room, but as twenty minutes and then thirty minutes ticked by, he realized that it might be better for all considered if he just went home and waited for her there. He’d make her dinner and surprise her. She had no idea that he was coming home, and rightfully, Allan connected her to Nick and this was their moment. Quietly, he left the building and headed for home.

  CHAPTER 44

  “So, what do you think Mr. Lavigne would say if he saw this place?”

  Nick was in the Reading and Creativity room surrounded by the group of high schoolers Allan had been mentoring.

  They were seated at one of the round tables. Nick leaned back in the chair to answer the student’s question.

  “He’d be beyond thrilled. I mean, I don’t know if he could have ever envisioned something so amazing.”

  “What was it like to do this—I mean build it?” one of the other kids asked.

  Nick smiled and shrugged, “I really don’t know. I actually had no idea Kate was doing this.” He felt a tad sheepish about this.

  Kate walked up just then. “Hey guys!” She smiled and Nick turned to look up at her face. She was glowing and as beautiful as he’d ever seen her.

  “Miss Mitchell, we’ve been talking to Nick, and he’s been telling us stories about his uncle.”

  Kate pulled up a chair and sat down. “I’m so glad you are getting to know them,” she said to Nick. “They’re an amazing group of writers.”

  Her smiled widened. Nick could tell how much she enjoyed this part of her work—empowering young minds.

  “Katie, Katie!” a tiny voice called out from behind them. Nick turned to see a small girl, maybe six, run up to Kate and throw her tiny arms around her neck. “I love this place,” she smiled.

  “Sammy, it’s good to see you. I didn’t even know you were here.” Kate pulled the child onto her lap. “Samantha, this is my friend Nick Lavigne. He’s Allan’s nephew.”

  “I saw you talking,” she said.

  “I try to do reading groups once a month,” Kate explained to Nick. “Sammy is in one of my groups and she’s a great reader. Aren’t you?”

  The girl nodded enthusiastically. Nick watched Kate with the child. His mind cycled back to a time when they had dreamed of having their own children.

  “A dozen kids, Nick. Really?” It was a rainy spring Sunday morning and they were in bed. The sound of rain hitting the window and the feel of Kate in his arms made that day perfect.

  He had kissed the top of her head, “Well, okay, six?”

  “Six? God no. I mean, I love kids, but you know, can’t we just have two and make sure they just have a lot of friends?”

  Nick pulled her tightly to him. “Three then.”

  “Three,” Kate sighed, “Okay three, but maybe we should reconfirm this number after we have one?”

  Nick had laughed and kissed her, and they’d made love. The thought of their children had stuck with him the rest of the day.

  He watched Kate with the little girl and surge of sadness clawed at his heart.

  “Nick? Is everything okay?” Nick had seemed far off.

  He shook off the memory. “Yes, fine. But I just realized it’s getting late. I should probably go.”

  Kate blinked. The afternoon had been perfect. She was sorry it was ending. “Sure, of course. I’ll walk you out.”

  “Sammy, it was good seeing you again.” She kissed the top of the girl’s head and waved to the students. “Kids, keep writing and we’ll see you again soon!”

  When they reached the door, Kate said, “Nick, it was so good of you to come today. Thank you again.”

  Nick’s eyes were on her. Something pulled at him—this inertia he felt whenever he was near her, like some homing device pulling him closer.

  “Let’s have dinner.” It was out of his mouth before he knew what he was saying.

  Kate put a hand on the doorframe. “Dinner?” She was a little surprised. Sure, the afternoon had been good, but they still weren’t besties.

  “Unless you have other plans,” he said. His voice was low and ashy. It was a dangerous voice and should come with a warning label: Caution, this voice will make you do crazy things. Her mind went on high alert. Maybe this wasn’t a great idea. Sure, she would go home to an empty apartment with Mac still gone. But dinner with Nick?

  Danger, Will Robinson. Danger.

  “Sure.” Her mind almost exploded when she agreed.

  What was she doing? Hello spin cycle, is that you?

  . . . .

  Nick suggested going to Hangawi in Koreatown. “I love that place,” he smiled as they got onto the subway.

  The doors closed behind them and the train started moving.

  “I remember,” Kate said as she sat down. She did indeed remember. It was the first place they’d eaten at together. It had been their first date, although she hadn’t realized it at the time.

  Nick’s head snapped in her direction; she could tell he remembered now, too. “Oh, right. Kate, we can go somewhere else.”

  “It’s fine.” She touched his knee and pulled her hand back quickly.

  Yeah, a really bad idea, she thought.

  . . . .

  By the time they arrived at Hangawi it was getting dark. Nick pushed open the heavy wooden doors that led inside. The restaurant, which was known for its organic Korean cuisine, was dimly lit with tables. There were no chairs; all of the tables either had pillows for sitting or benches carved into the stone floor. They were seated at a table along the wall that was separated from the other patrons by a thin, semi-sheer curtain. Kate sat
down on a cushion. She recalled the first time they’d come here. Everything was new then. She’d gone on a date with Nick at Allan’s urging. Allan was certain they were perfectly suited for each other and would end up living happily ever after.

  He had been half right.

  They’d had happy until Kate changed her mind.

  This really was a mistake, she thought again as she picked up the menu. She hadn’t been back here since their date—not for any other reason than there are about a million restaurants in New York and this place always held that certain special memory associated with new beginnings. Maybe in a way it would be again. The beginning of their newfound friendship. Kate peered over her menu at Nick. He caught her eye and smiled at her.

  “I know it’s weird,” he said finally and set down his menu.

  The server approached and Nick said, “I’ll have a ginger tea. Kate?”

  “Same,” she smiled.

  Best ginger tea on the planet. She wasn’t going to pass that up.

  “Are you ready to order?” the server asked.

  “I am, sure. Nick, are you?” He was already nodding.

  They ordered, and the menus were taken away. No distractions, just conversation. A slight awkwardness settled over them. Finally Nick said, “I can’t believe you did this—built this center at the library.” He picked up his water glass and sipped it.

  A smile lit up Kate’s face, as it did every time she thought about Allan’s center. “I didn’t build it. I just came up with the idea, or rather your uncle did. Sort of.”

  Nick set down his glass and leaned into her, “You did this, Kate. You did this amazing thing and I still can’t believe it.”

  Kate shrugged, not one to accept praise easily. “I just, I, felt that there was something I needed to do. I mean, I inherited this book and the amazing fortune it brought me. I felt like I had to do something with it and leave another Lavigne legacy in addition to Allan’s books.”

  Nick ran a hand through his hair. “It’s the perfect thing, Kate. Uncle would be in awe of this and in awe of you…” Nick’s words trailed off.

  There it was again. Awkward Annie was hovering around the table. Kate’s stomach tightened.

  “I’m taking Viv to see it this weekend,” he continued. “She’s going to flip.”

  The server brought their food, and Kate, thankful for the distraction, dug in. It had been a long day, and she was sure she’d forgotten to eat lunch.

  “Her book is nearly finished. I think we’ll have the final edits done this weekend.”

  Nick shook his head, “I still can’t believe that my little sister is a writer.”

  “I know,” she nodded, “and she’s just such a brilliant one.”

  “I’m going to want to plan something for her book launch, but I’ll have to figure out how I’ll do that. Since it’s a November release, I’ll be back in California.”

  Disappointment tugged at her. “I’m sure she’ll be pleased with anything you do, regardless of where it is.”

  “The stores are going well,” he said instantly. “We’ll open them on time; in fact, we may do the open house early, in July.”

  Kate blinked, “Wow that’s great. You must be so excited.”

  Nick nodded enthusiastically. “I really am, and the apartment in The Village is closing at the end of this month, too. So, even if I’m not here, Viv will have a place to stay—not that she needs my help with the advance you gave her,” he threw her a smile. “But I want her to save that. Fame is fleeting, as we know.”

  Allan used to always say that. “Fame is fleeting, Katie. Never expect it or depend on it. Fame will always disappoint.” It was a very true statement.

  “You’re a good brother. She’s lucky to have you.”

  “I’m lucky to have her.”

  Kate realized in that instant how really close they must be. With their parents gone and family members dwindling, they really were all they had.

  Kate swallowed and thought of her brothers far away in some far flung parts of the world, saving lives and risking their own lives. She hadn’t spoken to them in what, a month or more? She made a mental note to call them this weekend, or try to.

  “Kate, I’m sorry, but I have to ask this: Where was Mac today? I would think that for a project as important as this, he’d be there.”

  Kate pushed her food around on her plate, hesitated, and said, “He’s in California with his ex-wife and his sons.”

  Nick blinked but stayed silent.

  “She has cancer. He took her there for treatment.”

  “Kate, God, I’m so sorry. This has to be so rough.”

  Yes, rough, she thought, You have no idea.

  She nodded, “It is.”

  “What’s the prognosis?”

  Kate shrugged, “Not great, but Mac thinks that City of Hope can help. He got in to see this doctor who is making amazing strides in ovarian cancer, and he’s hopeful, as am I. It would be horrible for the boys to lose her.”

  He nodded. He knew exactly what that felt like to lose a parent. “It’s good of him to do this, Kate.” There it was, a compliment. Well, sort of. An acknowledgement of good. Nick’s words drifted off, and Annie Awkward showed up again.

  “It’s rough,” was all Kate said.

  Nick looked at her and could see it now, the tendrils of anxiety that followed her everywhere—the worry and the burden of carrying Lavigne House on her own.

  Nick reached across the table and touched her hand.

  “Kate, if you need anything.” Kate seemed startled by his touch and almost jumped back. Nick’s hand drifted away again, back to his side of the table.

  “I appreciate that, Nick. I really do.” Kate looked up and forced a smile. “I’m fine.” And they both knew it was a lie.

  . . . .

  They arrived at Kate’s subway stop, and Nick got out, too.

  “Nick, why don’t you take the train up one more? You don’t have to walk me.” She smiled as he stepped onto the platform.

  “It’s a nice night; I’ll walk you to your apartment then go home. I love this city at night.”

  Kate walked up the stairs, and Nick followed her out of the train station. They talked about his stores, the opening, how excited he was to see them successful, and the tedious job of finding a good manager to look after them while he was in California. Finally, they arrived at her building. Nick turned to her. His light hair was lit by the moon, and his eyes looked at her with that kind, caring look she’d always loved.

  “It’s been a good day, Kate. I can’t thank you enough for what you did and for letting me be a part of it.”

  He was standing close to her—somehow too close. His arms reached out, touched her, and he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

  “Thank you,” he whispered as his lips touched her. His breath was warm on her skin; the tingle of it teased her spine.

  “I’m glad you could be there with me.” She was having a hard time talking. Nick stepped back and she could feel her lungs fill up with air again.

  “Good night, Kate.” He smiled and turned and headed for home.

  It was good he left quickly. Nick picked up the pace to put even more distance between himself and Kate. His lips craved her. It had been all he could do not to hold her face and press his lips to her mouth. He wanted to devour her with a carnal urge he hadn’t felt in a long, long time. Nick walked faster, pulling air into his lungs. Distance was his friend, and he put as much of it between them as quickly as he could.

  . . . .

  When Kate arrived upstairs and pushed the door open, the first thing she noticed was Mac’s briefcase. The dining room table was set for two and decorated with unlit candles.

  “Mac?” she said tentatively. Then she looked beyond the table and saw two legs draped over the end of the couch. She walked closer. He was asleep, with his reading glasses perched on the bridge of his nose and a manuscript draped over his chest. Kate sat down on the coffee table.

  �
��Mac,” she nudged him gently and his blue eyes fluttered open.

  “Kate, you’re home.” His voice was deep and full of sleep.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked as he sat up. He pulled her onto the couch next to him.

  “God, I’ve missed you,” he said and kissed her, deep and hard. Something inside her flickered.

  “I came home early. I wanted to surprise you. I showed up for the opening today, but you seemed busy so I came home to make us dinner.”

  Except she’d been at dinner with Nick, in the place where they’d had their first date.

  “Oh, Mac. I’m so sorry,” she said and buried her head in his shoulder.

  “I saw Nick there. I’m sure he was really proud.”

  “Yes. I, eh, I invited him.”

  Mac looked down at her. “Kate, it’s fine. It was Nick’s uncle. I would expect you to.”

  “I’m sorry I missed dinner.” She smiled at him and stroked his hair, pushing it back into place.

  “Where did you go?” he asked, running a thumb along her chin.

  “Nick and I had dinner after.” She felt reluctant to tell him, but she wasn’t about to lie.

  “Ah.” Mac only smiled.

  “I’m sorry, I just…”

  Mac placed a hand over hers. “Katie, it’s fine. Allan connects the two of you. You should be able to celebrate his life with Nick. Really. It’s fine.”

  Kate felt her heart surge and then prick with guilt. “You came all this way, just for the opening?”

  A sexy, devious smile curved his lips. “And to see you…” Mac kissed her, hard and wanting. He pushed her back onto the couch and began to unbutton her blouse.

  “God, I’ve missed you,” he whispered before he carried her off to bed.

  CHAPTER 45

  Stephanie felt more at home in New York than she did in any other place in the world. Why she wasn’t already living there was beyond her. Thanks to Nick having his shops in the only city in the world that mattered, she could finally call New York home.

  The crowds at JFK were horrendous, and despite her flirting with the person who assigned cabs to waiting tourists, she still stood in line for thirty minutes. She should have had Nick organize a car for her, but she’d wanted to surprise him. Her three-inch stiletto Manolo shoes were starting to pinch her feet after the long flight and the tedious walk through the terminal. Stephanie tossed her long blond hair over her shoulder and dug in her Kate Spade bag for her phone. Maybe there was still time to get a car service down here. This line was infuriating. She couldn’t wait to see Nick or the look on his face when she surprised him. She spotted another guy directing pedestrian traffic to the cabs; he looked like he hadn’t showered in a week, but Stephanie didn’t care. He held the keys to the Holy Grail—an air-conditioned cab. She threw him a perfect white smile and leaned forward, hoping he caught sight of the shape of her perky girls. He smiled back with bad teeth. Great. But whatever it took. He started walking over to her, and her smiled broadened. She was certain he would pull her out of the line and whisk her into a cab.