Waiting for Mr. Darcy

by Chamein Canton

  “You can use this phone. Just dial nine for an outside line,” the desk nurse piped up.

  “Thanks.” He picked up the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Harrison, it’s Nate.”

  “Hey, Nate, how’s the evening going?”

  “I’m at the hospital with Alicia.”

  “Oh, God, what happened?”

  “She had an attack, but she’s being treated here at the MS Center at NYU.”

  “Are they admitting her? Should I come down?”

  “I don’t think so. They just took her for an MRI. I’m pretty sure she’ll be home tonight.”

  “But you’re not positive?”

  “I’ll know more shortly. In the meantime they’ve given me a bunch of paperwork to fill out.”

  “What do you need to know?”

  He read the form. “I know some of the basic stuff but I don’t have dates for her surgeries or anything like that.”

  “I have a sheet with all that information here. Do they have a fax?”

  “I’ll ask.” He tapped the desk. “I’m sorry. Do you have a fax machine?”

  “Yes. There’s one in the intake area,” the head nurse answered.

  “I’ve got this stuff to fill out and there’s a sheet with all the details I need for the form. Can he fax it here?”

  “Sure. The number is 646-555-8956.”

  “Thanks.” He wrote it down. “Harrison, the number is 646-555-8956. Put Alicia’s name on it, along with Dr. John Hubert.”

  “Got it. I’ll do it in a minute. Call me whether it looks like she’s being admitted or not. If she is, I’ll be down there as soon as I can.”

  “Thanks. In the meantime, can you call everyone? I’m on the hospital’s line.”

  “I will.”

  “I’ll call you back with an update.” He hung up.

  Just as Nathaniel was about to speak, the nurse stopped him. “I heard you. We’ll check the fax machine and attach it to the clipboard.”

  “Thank you.” Nathaniel walked down the hall and into the waiting area. It was a position he wasn’t used to being in. As a doctor he was the one people waited for. He put his head in his hands, and, for the first time in a long time, he prayed.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Nathaniel heard the familiar sound of a physician’s wingtips coming down the hall. It was Dr. Hubert.

  “Well,” Nathaniel said nervously.

  “It’s an exacerbation. But something tells me you already knew that.”

  “I did.” He felt guilty.

  “These things usually don’t come on all of a sudden like this. There are signs.”

  “I know, but she’s Alicia Archer, superwoman. She’s been running at full speed most of the week.”

  “I see that a lot with MS patients. They can be quite willful.”

  “You just described Alicia to a tee.”

  “That’s probably why she’s so successful. Still, she needs to slow down and listen to her body.”

  “I know.”

  “We’re giving her a course of intravenous steroids, which should help.”

  “Are you admitting her?”

  “No, she can go home tonight but she has to take it easy.”

  “She will. She’ll be outnumbered.”

  “You can go in and see her now.”

  “Thanks. I should call her family. They’re probably pretty worried. Do you mind if I use the phone at the nurses’ station again?”

  “No, go ahead.”

  “Thanks, John.”

  He went back to the station and picked up the phone to dial Harrison.

  “Hello?”

  “Harrison, it’s Nate.”

  “Hey, Nate, what’s the story?” Harrison was clearly distressed.

  “I just spoke with the neurologist and she’s okay. They stabilized her with IV steroids.”

  “Thank God. But we both know why this happened.”

  “She did too much.”

  “That’s going to change.” Harrison breathed a sigh of relief. “I guess I’ll call everyone with the news and then I’ll get her room ready.”

  “Thanks. I’m about to go in and see her now.”

  “Tell her I love her.”

  “I will. I’ll see you a little later.”

  “Okay.”

  Nathaniel walked down the hall to the room. When he peeped in the window, he saw Alicia lying there while nurses adjusted the IV.

  He took a deep breath and entered. “Hey there.”

  “Hi,” Alicia said softly.

  He pulled a chair up close to the bed and took her hand. “How are you feeling now?”

  “I feel like a fool but physically I feel better. I also feel bad for the way I treated you.”

  “We don’t have to talk about that now.”

  “Yes we do. I pushed you away. I was wrong to do that. You were looking out for my best interests. I should have listened to you and gone to the doctor. It was stupid of me.”

  “You’re not stupid.” He kissed her hand.

  She looked at the IV. “It doesn’t feel that way.”

  Before Nathaniel could say another word, Dr. Hubert entered the room. “I see you’re looking better. How do you feel?”

  “I’m definitely better now than I was when I arrived.”

  “Good.” He looked at the IV bag. “You’re nearly done, so we’ll be releasing you.”

  “Great.”

  “Don’t get too happy. You must follow up with your neurologist right away, at least by Monday.”

  “Consider it done, John,” Nathaniel interjected. “Her family and I will make sure of it.”

  “Good.” He paused. “I’m going to get your release paperwork started and you’ll be able to leave.”

  “Thanks, Dr. Hubert,” Alicia said gratefully.

  Nathaniel kissed her forehead. “I spoke to Harrison and he told me to tell you he loves you and he’ll have everything set when you get home. You realize you’re going to be on house arrest when you get home, right?”

  “I know,” she conceded.

  “I asked him to call Gabby and Lauren so they’d know what happened.”

  “Good.” She took his hand. “I really am sorry.” Her eyes filled with tears.

  He wiped her cheek. “It’s okay, Alicia.” He kissed her. “It’s going to take a lot more than just MS to scare me away.”

  * * *

  Lauren hung up the phone. She and Randy had returned to her apartment after the exhibit.

  Randy handed her a glass of wine. “How is she?”

  “Thank you.” She took a sip. “She’s better, thank goodness. Harrison said Nate took her to the NYU MS Center and they treated her.”

  “Alicia has MS?” he asked, surprised. “I didn’t know that.”

  “No one knows outside of a very select and small group.”

  He sat next to her. “I understand she wants her privacy, but it’s MS and a lot of people have it.”

  “I know, but that’s the way she wants it. She thinks people will look at her differently if they know.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “No, but it’s not up to me. I have to honor her wishes and I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t mention it. Okay?”

  “My lips are sealed.”

  “Thank you.”

  They kissed.

  “Did I tell you how stunning you look tonight?”

  “Yes, but I won’t be too upset if you tell me again.”

  He lightly traced his fingers on her shoulders. “Yes, you are stunning in this gown. I felt like the luckiest guy in the world.”

  “Thank you.”

  “However, the sight of you of out of this gown will be more ravishing.” He raised his eyebrows.

  “Is that right?”

  “Oh, yes.” He unzipped her gown and began kissing her neck.

  Lauren closed her eyes. “That feels nice.”

  “That’s the idea, my love.” A chill went up Lau
ren’s spine as he pulled her gown down along with her bustier, to reveal her breasts. He caressed her breasts in his hands while he lightly kissed the nape of her neck. She turned to face him, unbuttoned his shirt and kissed his neck and chest.

  His body tightened as she placed her kisses further south until he could take no more.

  He got up and lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

  * * *

  With all the excitement about Alicia, Nigel insisted he stay for the night and Gabby was too tired to disagree. The next morning his ex was still the elephant in the room.

  Eyes closed, Nigel reached over to find the other pillow empty. When he opened his eyes, he saw Gabby sitting near the window.

  “Good morning,” Nigel said.

  “Good morning.”

  He sat up. “Why are you way over there?”

  “I was just thinking.”

  “I know you’re still upset with me. I’m really sorry. I should have…”

  “I accept your apology.”

  Nigel looked surprised. “That’s it?”

  “Would you prefer me to yell and scream?”

  “No, but you were pretty angry and you barely said anything to me at the exhibit. I thought you’d unload for sure.”

  “I planned to, but then Alicia got sick and it changed things for me.” She looked out the window. “She told us that she and Nate had a fight. Yet when she took ill, whatever happened disappeared. Nate focused on taking care of her without hesitation.”

  “He loves her and that’s what you do when you love someone.”

  She shook her head. “That’s when I realized that maybe I shouldn’t have gotten so upset with you. It’s not like you have any control over what your ex does. But you have to admit you should have told me about the custody case.”

  He hung his head. “I know. I was going to tell you and then I just…”

  “What?”

  “I guess I felt like a loser. You’re a beautiful, successful woman who could have any man, and you were interested in me. I didn’t know how I was going to tell you my personal life was a complete mess.”

  “Whose personal life isn’t a mess? Everyone has something to deal with. The point is, if you love someone, you take the good with the bad.”

  “There’s a lot of bad right now.”

  “So we’ll deal with it. I want to help you through this. I’m sure you’d do the same for me.”

  “I would.”

  She got up and sat next to him on the bed. “I know.” She kissed him. “How about we watch a little morning news?” She picked up the remote.

  “You want to watch television now?” Nigel had something else in mind.

  “Yes. I want to check the weather.” She turned the television on.

  “You’re heading up to Scarsdale, aren’t you?”

  “I have to see her for myself.” She turned the volume up.

  “And that’s our local weather for today. We now turn to Doug Moriarity for the latest in the world of celebrity news. Doug?”

  “Thanks, Jane. Sources say that domestic diva Alicia Archer looked like she’d been hitting the cooking sherry when she attended the Sixteen to Watch exhibit at the Blanchard Gallery Friday night. She’s reported to have staggered out of the gallery early, propped up by two other guests to a waiting car. As you know, Alicia Archer just launched a cookware line with two major retailers…”

  Gabby turned the television off. “Oh, my God. Alicia is going to freak out.”

  “But she wasn’t drunk. She has MS.”

  “We know that, but other people don’t and they’ve assumed the worst.” She stood up. “Forget the weather report. I’m heading up.”

  “I’m coming with you.”

  “Do we need to stop by your place so you can change?”

  “No need. I brought a change of clothes with me.”

  “Good. That saves us time. Okay, I’m going to hop in the shower now.”

  “It smells like the coffee is ready. I’ll bring you a cup, too.”

  “Thanks.” She went into the bathroom.

  Nigel went to the kitchen and fixed the coffee. On the way back to the room he noticed the paper on the counter. There was a picture photo of Alicia, Lauren and Gabby. There were two empty champagne glasses near Alicia. “Oh no,” he groaned as he picked the paper up.

  Gabby was toweling off when he got back. He handed her the coffee.

  “Hmm, smells good.” She took a sip. “Is that today’s paper?”

  He handed her the paper. “You’re not going to like it.”

  Gabby’s expression said it all. “This is insane. Alicia didn’t drink the champagne. Lauren finished both glasses and now they’re making Alicia out to be a lush.”

  “Unfortunately a picture is worth a thousand words, even if it’s wrong.” He kissed her forehead.

  She sighed. “This is going to kill Alicia.”

  “She has people around her who love her and know the truth who will help her get through it.”

  “I know you’re right.”

  “Of course I’m right.” He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be five minutes in the shower and we can get on our way.”

  “Okay.”

  Gabby shuddered to think of the effect the paper and press would have on Alicia’s well-being. She’d spent so many years carefully crafting her image, only to have it blown to bits by misinformation. Gabby wondered if this was the thing she needed to finally admit to the world there was a kink in the armor of a seemingly perfect businesswoman and domestic doyenne. She knew that the very thing she tried to hide from the world was the one thing that could save her. But would she reveal it?

  Chapter 18

  With Kurt Jr., Gabby, Harrison, Lauren and Nathaniel at the table, Alicia’s elegant dining room looked more like a war room.

  “Does Alicia know about any of this, Nate?” Lauren asked.

  “No. She’s been pretty out of it with the muscle relaxers.”

  “Well, it’s not like she won’t find out, even if we tried to keep it from her. It’s news now,” Harrison said, disgusted.

  “My mother doesn’t deserve this.” Kurt pounded his fist.

  Gabby rubbed his back. “We know, Kurt. It isn’t fair.”

  “She’s sick, and for people to think she’s a drunk kills me. Can’t we sue?”

  “I’m not a lawyer, Kurt, but I doubt it’s actionable. We have to convince your mom to come clean about the MS. That’s the only way. In the meantime I’ll do what I can to keep the network appeased. The magazine and company board is another story,” Lauren sighed.

  Nigel walked in. “Excuse me. I hate to interrupt.”

  “That’s okay, Nigel. What’s up?” Nathaniel asked.

  “A Winnebago just pulled up in the driveway.”

  Kurt Jr. jumped up. “It’s Grandma and Gramps.”

  “I think we know who’s telling her now,” Gabby said.

  In walked Walt and Loretta Carlson. Walt was a tall, regal man with dark brown skin, silver beard and close-cropped silver hair. Loretta was a full-figured silver fox with light-brown eyes who wore her shoulder length hair in a bun. They were dressed casually in jeans and sneakers.

  Kurt Jr. looked like a little boy again with his grandparents.

  “Come here and give your Grandma a hug.” She squeezed him tightly. “How’s my boy?”

  “I’m good, Grandma.”

  “You look good, Kurt.”

  “So do you, Grandma. I like your jeans.”

  “Thank you. I’m an old lady trying to keep it together.”

  “You’re doing a good job.” He turned to his grandfather. “Hi, Gramps.”

  “Hey there, son. How are you?” They hugged.

  “I’m okay, Gramps. I’ve had better days, but overall I’m good.”

  “You’re talking about this nonsense in the papers with your mother.”

  “Yes, Gramps.”

  “Well, you can trust that we’ll ge
t this straightened out.” Mr. Carlson looked around. “It looks like we walked in on a meeting or something.”

  “Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson.” Lauren smiled.

  “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson. It’s good to see you,” Gabby said.

  “Lauren and Gabby, it’s good to see you girls. I knew if anything was going down with my daughter, you two would be right here.” Mr. Carlson hugged both of them.

  “Hello, girls, it’s wonderful to see you.” Mrs. Carlson hugged them as well.

  “It’s great to see you too, Mrs. Carlson. You both look great,” Lauren said.

  “Thank you, dear.”

  “Hi, Walt and Loretta, it’s good to see you.”

  “Harrison, my man, how’s it going?” Mr. Carlson shook his hand.

  “I’m hanging in there.” He kissed Mrs. Carlson’s cheek. “Loretta, you’re as lovely as ever.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So where is our girl, and what is this rubbish we’re hearing on the news?”

  “That’s what we were talking about,” Nathaniel piped up.

  “You’re the neighbor, aren’t you?” Mr. Carlson looked at him suspiciously.

  “Oh, Walt, cut that out. You know he’s the one Alicia’s been seeing. Don’t pay him any mind. He knows who you are.”

  Nathaniel laughed nervously.

  “Well, young man, you’re also a doctor. Can you bring us up to speed?” Mr. Carlson asked.

  “Alicia had an attack. I took her to the NYU Multiple Sclerosis Center and they treated her. She’s okay now.”

  “That’s the real story, but the story in the papers is something else entirely,” Mrs. Carlson said.

  “Where is she?”

  “She’s in her room, Gramps.”

  “All right, Loretta, you know where we’re going.”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  They went upstairs.

  Lauren waited until they were upstairs. “Gabby, can I talk to you?”

  “Sure.”

  “Let’s go into Alicia’s office.”

  Gabby looked puzzled. “Okay. I’ll be back, Nigel.”

  “No problem, baby, I’ll be right here.”

  They went to the office. Lauren closed the door.

  Gabby sat down. “Okay, Lauren, you’ve got my attention.”

  Lauren handed her the newspaper. “I think you should look at this.”

  It was an article about the exhibit, with a picture of an artist and one of Gabby and Nigel holding hands. “I didn’t see this.”