Climax: The Publicist, Book Three

by Christina George

  “Good morning,” he said. His voice was ashy and low, and even in her state of disrepair it hit her in the pit of her stomach.

  Kate propped herself onto her elbow. Her head spun and pounded. She felt like she was going to throw up.

  “What? How did you get here?” Her voice was weak and hoarse.

  Nick walked further into the room and stood by her bed. “That’s a long story. Right now, I’m going to make you breakfast.” He handed her a bottle of water and then commanded, “Drink this first—all of it.”

  “I need aspirin.”

  “After you’ve eaten. Hydrate first.” He nudged the bottle towards her.

  Kate took the bottle from him, twisted off the cap, and took a huge gulp without saying a word. It was ice cold and felt wonderful going down. She kept guzzling. Before she knew it, the bottle was empty.

  “Thirsty girl, which comes as no surprise given how much you drank last night.”

  Kate winced at his words. “Can we not talk?” she whispered.

  Nick cocked his head and almost teasingly said, “What would you rather do instead?”

  “Are you flirting with me?”

  “No. Get over yourself, Kate.”

  A thread of tension wove between them and Nick took a step back. Then he turned towards the door.

  “I’m making you breakfast. Get yourself out of bed and meet me in the courtyard in fifteen minutes, then I’ll tell you everything.” He left without waiting for her to reply.

  Where the hell had that come from? he wondered. Clearly the undercurrent of his tease had been, obviously, to do something that did not require talking. Which, at that point, would be the worst-idea-ever.

  CHAPTER 103

  Nick made scrambled eggs and dry toast. She, of course, had no food at the house. He’d gotten up early and went shopping. He also got coffee, which she didn’t have either. Nick filled her plate with a heaping scoop of eggs, four slices of toast, a banana, and orange wedges to get some vitamin C in her. God knows what she’d been exposed to while she was roaming the streets making brooms. Nick almost laughed out loud.

  Brooms.

  That was priceless.

  He walked the tray outside and set it down on the table, opened the large umbrella, and went back inside to grab the coffee. Kate emerged from the bedroom in just her t-shirt and shorts. Her hair was still wild, tousled and wavy. Nick fought the urge to grab her, push her against the wall, and kiss the hangover right out of her. Instead, he smiled and tipped his head towards the door.

  “Let’s eat,” he said, and Kate followed him outside.

  “Put something on your feet,” he called over his shoulder.

  Crap, right, shoes. Kate could hardly walk. Every time she did, the sledgehammer in her head pounded again.

  She slipped on a pair of flip-flops and walked through the door. She knew she looked like hell, but she didn’t care.

  She sat down at the table. The sun was already warm. Nick put a plate in front of her and poured her coffee.

  “Eat the banana first,” he ordered. “You need the potassium.”

  Kate silently peeled it and took a bite. Then she said, “How are you here, Nick?”

  Nick put a fork into his eggs. “Grace called. Everyone was sick with worry, Kate.”

  Kate took another bite of her banana. “I let everyone know I was taking a few days off. I don’t know why that sent everyone into a panic.”

  Nick leaned forward. “Kate, no one heard from you—not the conference, nothing.” His voice had a bite to it. “Everyone was worried. We were all worried, Kate.”

  “Crap, the conference.” Kate’s head pounded again. “Can I have that aspirin now?”

  Nick had brought the bottle outside, took off the cap, and shook two pills into her hand. “Listen, Kate. I know you’re going through a lot.”

  “You have no idea,” she said and popped the aspirin.

  Nick could feel the anger start in the pit of his stomach. He slammed a hand down on the table and it shook the plates. “Damn it, Kate. The world doesn’t freaking revolve around your heartbreak. Mac broke your heart. Color us all surprised. And for the record, this is the last time that I run to save you after that son-of-a-bitch throws you under the bus.”

  Kate swallowed the aspirin and took a bite of her toast. Nick’s words stung her face.

  He was right; he had rescued her before when Mac had cast her aside. It wasn’t the first time he’d saved her from herself.

  “I’m sorry, but I sent a text to Lulu and Grace. Yes, I screwed up the conference. I really just forgot.”

  “You forgot? The conference is the reason you came here, Kate.”

  Kate pushed her chair back and got up. “No it’s not. I came here to get married. I was supposed to get married to that lying, cheating son of a bitch.”

  Nick stood up and walked over to her. “Kate, I’m sorry. I know this hurts.”

  Kate looked at him and realized that he probably did know firsthand how much this hurt.

  She dropped herself in one of the lounge chairs and said, “I really meant to return to the conference. I really did, but I started walking and just kept walking, and I forgot. I’m sorry.”

  Nick sat down beside her. His voice softened a little. “Look, it’s not a huge deal. Lu told them you got sick here, which is totally plausible—you drank the water or something. I’m sure they managed. But Kate, how could you let everyone worry?”

  Kate stood up. “Where is my phone?”

  “Charging on the counter.”

  Kate stormed inside, yanked the phone from the charger—God, her head hurt, and walked it back outside.

  “Look at my text messages, Nick. I sent a group message to Lulu, Rebecca, and Grace. I told them I was taking a couple of days and would get in touch later.”

  Nick turned the phone on and looked at her messages. Sure enough, there was a message she had typed sitting in drafts.

  He held the phone up. “Kate, it never sent.”

  She grabbed the phone. “Wait, what? How can that be?”

  “Sketchy service at times, Kate. Who knows? Point being no one knew where you were and everyone panicked. Grace called me as a last resort.”

  “Grace,” Kate whispered. “Do they know I’m okay? God, Nick, I’m so sorry. I would never do that. I mean, not even after, you know, the stuff that’s been going on.”

  Nick patted her bare knee. “I know,” he smiled.

  A warm tingle ran though her. “I’m sorry.”

  He stood up and walked back to the table. “Let’s finish eating, then you can shower and call Grace.”

  “I need to check in with the office, too.”

  “The office is fine. Lulu is handling stuff. When you get back, you should give that girl a raise. She’s been unwavering during this whole ordeal.”

  “She’s the best; I couldn’t do this without her.” Kate followed him to the table and continued eating.

  “So, Kate, you were staying with Maria this entire time?”

  She nodded.

  “Were you partying every night like that?”

  Kate shook her head. “God, no. Last night was special. We were celebrating our, eh,” Kate stopped herself realizing how silly this all sounded. “Our business relationship.”

  “Making brooms,” Nick said with a smile.

  “Something like that.”

  “By the way, you should never give up your day job.”

  “For broom making?”

  “No, singing. When I walked in, you were on stage singing ‘It’s a Heartache.’ I’ll never be able to hear that song again.”

  Kate turned red. “Crap, I’m such an ass.”

  Nick took a sip of his coffee. “No, Kate, you’re human. Someone ripped your heart out and you needed to go a little crazy.”

  “Nick, I’m sorry. I know it isn’t easy for you to be here. I know that, eh,” Kate struggled with her words, “that you’re with someone who is, I’m sure, not at all happy
about you coming here.”

  Nick shrugged. No, Stephanie was not happy and now he’d “paused” them. She’d been the one he was on the phone with that morning. Just checking on him.

  Not happy was an understatement.

  A silence stretched between them. Finally, Kate said, “When do you go back?”

  He looked up. “I was going to go today, but the only flight out is at eight a.m.” He checked his watch for effect. “Already past ten. Besides, I’d like to get you on a plane, too.”

  “Nick, I’m fine. You can go. I’m sure it’s not your ideal situation to be here.”

  “I like Mexico,” he said, half-smiling.

  Something melted inside of her. Dear, dear Nick.

  She reached over and gently touched his hand. “You’re the best. You know that, don’t you? I really don’t know what I was thinking.” Her voice dropped to an almost whisper, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” She pulled her hand way, as though she’d touched fire.

  Nick pinned her with his stare. “Kate, you aren’t feeling well. You’re vulnerable and heartbroken. Don’t say something we’ll both regret.”

  Right, of course. Regret.

  Kate touched her coffee cup and thought for a moment, then said, “So, since you’re here for the day at least, I want to show you something.”

  “What?” His defenses were up. He knew that, but Kate seemed excited about whatever it was.

  “It’s in town and it’s a surprise.”

  “More broom making?” A narrow, teasing smile formed on his face.

  “No,” she tilted her head and returned his smile, “but if you’d rather do that, I can teach you?”

  “Funny,” he said. “What’s your plan? Are you sure you really want to leave the house? You still seem pretty, eh, fragile.”

  Kate tilted her head to one side. Her headache was starting to soften. “Thanks for not saying hungover, and yes, I’m sure. Besides, you’ll want to see this.” She stood up, “I’m going to get dressed. Give me twenty minutes and I’ll be ready.” Kate grabbed her dish and Nick’s, along with their coffee cups. “And I’m doing dishes, so don’t you dare touch them. You’ve done enough.”

  He smiled and watched her walk away, wondering what she was up to.

  CHAPTER 104

  “It’s just a little farther,” she said mysteriously. San Miguel was known for its colorful architecture. Seeing a house with a yellow door was not out of the ordinary. Even some of the homes and businesses had color—orange walls, bright pink doorframes. To someone who hadn’t been there, it sounded like an odd mishmash of colors, but once you were in the town it fit with the old architecture and the feel of a true, Mexican village. Nearly all of the streets were paved in cobblestones and many were surprisingly narrow. Some streets wound through the village and up the curvy hills that made up the city and could often only accommodate one-way traffic.

  Kate wore one of her bright tops over a pair of shorts that set off her long legs. When they finally arrived at Kate’s mystery destination, she stood in front of the window of a shop and pointed to what was in the storefront display. They were in front of a bookstore with several books on display. In the center on a riser were two books translated into Spanish: The Fall and After the Fall.

  The sign below them read, “Allan Lavigne, World’s Greatest Writer, once came to San Miguel and signed books in this store.”

  There were a series of pictures in frames just below the riser. Although they were older, Nick recognized them immediately. It was his uncle in the sixties at the height of his fame from the first book, proudly signing books. Some pictures showed him with fans, while others just showed a smiling Allan holding his book.

  Nick pointed to the pictures. “Kate, this is incredible. I had no idea he was here.”

  Kate smiled and nodded, “The owner is an expat and a huge fan of your uncle. He always stocks his books. He knew the owner before he moved to Mexico, when he was still a New Yorker. I think they’d gone to school together. Anyway, much to the chagrin of his publisher Morris & Dean, Allan insisted on doing an event here. At the time there was no translation of the book. The town had a big party for him. Allan used to tell me about it.” Kate fell quiet for a moment. “He loved this town because it was so simple. It was such a simple life.”

  “I had no idea,” was all Nick said. He did, indeed, feel dumbstruck. Uncle Allan had never told him this, which proved yet again how close he and Kate were.

  “Come on. Let’s go inside. The owner will have a fit meeting you.”

  Kate didn’t wait for Nick to answer but pushed the door open and called, “Marcel!”

  Marcel looked up from behind the counter; he had fading white hair and rimmed glasses that he pushed up on his nose when he heard Kate’s voice. Nick guessed him to be late seventies or early eighties.

  They walked up to the counter and Kate hugged Marcel.

  His face lit up at the sight of her. Nick mused that everywhere Kate went, people fell in love with her. Even Sam the police officer back home. “Nice gal, that Katie,” he’d said. Yes, everyone loved Kate Mitchell, including him.

  A shudder ran up Nick’s spine.

  Then he heard Kate say, “Marcel, I have a surprise for you.” She smiled and turned to Nick. “This is Nicholas Lavigne, Allan’s nephew.”

  For a moment Nick thought the old man would cry. “Nicholas?” He walked up and put two frail hands on either side of Nick’s face.

  “Why, your uncle used to send me pictures of you when you were just a little boy. He was so proud of his nephew. He thought of you as his own son.”

  Nick felt something catch in his throat. “Thank you. It’s really nice to meet you.”

  The old man hugged Nick, and Kate watched and smiled. “Can you show him the other pictures you have from Allan’s visit here?”

  “Oh, gosh. Yes, I can, Katie!” Marcel seemed suddenly twenty years younger as he stepped behind the counter and pulled out a cardboard box.

  They spent the next hour going through old photographs and listening to Marcel’s stories. Allan had only been to Mexico once but had stayed in touch with Marcel through the years. Once when Marcel had returned to New York for a visit, he and Allan had spent the afternoon together, drank a little too much brandy, and had dinner at one of the local haunts.

  When they finally left Marcel’s, Nick turned to Kate and said, “I feel like I just spent the afternoon with Uncle.”

  Kate nodded and they walked further up the street. “I know it. That’s why I wanted you to come here. He loved Allan.” She was silent for a moment and then said, “We all did.”

  Nick touched her hand. It was a reflex, an old habit, but it sent a jolt right through her.

  CHAPTER 105

  Dusk was starting to fall in Mexico. Kate and Nick had spent the day walking through the town and seeing some of the sights. It had been a good day. They talked about everything except Mac and her “ordeal.” As the night crept in, Kate felt like she was losing her opportunity to say something to Nick, to thank him for helping her.

  Again.

  She also felt like there was something unsaid, and she needed to say it before he left or she lost her nerve.

  “Nick, there’s a fiesta just up the road from the villa. Do you want to go?” Before he had a chance to answer she added, “Maria will be there, I’m sure. I need to tell her I can’t go into business with her.”

  Nick smiled, “She has seen your handiwork. I’m sure she won’t be surprised or disappointed.”

  Kate laughed and gave him a quick slap on the arm. Nick looked at her with an intensity that almost set her on fire. Her body tingled under his gaze. Then he said in a voice that was low and deep, “Sure. Let’s go. It sounds like fun.”

  . . . .

  They returned to the house to get ready. Kate was getting ready in the master while Nick showered in the bathroom across from his room. Whoever built this house spared no expense. The shower was dual-headed with
stone walls and a skylight above. Each bedroom had a fireplace, he’d noticed, although he wasn’t sure why.

  Except maybe for effect.

  Sort of like in California—you never need them, but it’s always cozy to light a fire.

  Cozy and romantic. Nick stepped out of the shower and thought about the day he’d spent with Kate. It had been nice just being with her again. They stayed away from heavy discussions, but Nick was mildly curious about what had actually happened between her and Mac. Call it morbid curiosity, but he knew Mac would have a hard time getting back into Kate’s good graces. However, invariably he would.

  He always did.

  Nick felt his chest tighten; it still hurt, even now as he thought back to the night Kate broke their engagement.

  “I don’t love you the way I should,” she’d said, and for a moment he thought he was hearing things. They were in love. They were getting married. This was going to be their happy ending.

  That same night she moved out and moved back to New York.

  With Mac.

  Everything ends.

  His uncle had said that to him once, and Nick knew first-hand how true that was.

  Nick was still lost in thought as he pulled a shirt from his bag. He’d arrived, and in his rush to find Kate he had just thrown his bag on the bed. The shirt was sufficiently wrinkled. Nick pulled on his pants and walked into the living room that connected the guest bedrooms to the master. Kate was just walking out in a white dress with capped sleeves she had pulled down to expose her shoulders. It bunched at the waist, which set off the layers in the bottom half. The skirt was ruffled and edged with red, which set off the white and added just a splash of color. Nick stood for a moment, unable to move, just holding his wrinkled shirt.

  God, he had to get out of here.

  “Nick, are you going like that?” Kate smiled and felt her skin prickle with heat.

  “N-no, I, my shirt is wrinkled. You don’t happen to have an iron, do you?”

  Kate pointed to the closet off the living room. “It’s in there.”