* * *
With a Starbucks coffee in hand, Lauren was stretched out on the sofa completely engrossed in her Sunday political programs when her phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Lauren, it’s Joe.”
“Hi, Joe, how are you?”
“I’m not bad. The question is, how are you?”
“I’m fine, Joe.”
“When I got your message to set up a settlement meeting with Ken and his lawyer for tomorrow, I thought perhaps you had a fever or something.”
“You’re hilarious, Joe. Is this what I pay you $500 an hour for?”
“No. The stand-up is a freebie.”
“Oh gee, thanks,” she said sarcastically. “Did you set up the meeting?”
“Yes. We’re on for tomorrow at my office at ten.”
“Good.”
“Are you going to tell me what this meeting is all about? I am your lawyer. I should know.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’ll see tomorrow.”
Lauren hung up the phone and glanced at the newspapers on her coffee table.
“Look at this nonsense.” She picked up one of the papers. “They are just running wild with this story.” She threw the paper back on the table. “I bet Alicia’s place is a zoo by now.”
* * *
Harrison bristled at the sight of the reporters in front of the house.
“Look at these vultures,” he huffed as he closed the curtains.
“What’s going on?” Nathaniel asked.
“Look for yourself.”
Nathaniel looked at the reporters, news vans and camera people camped out in front of the house. “Good grief, when did this happen?”
“They’ve been here since I got up at seven this morning and they’ve been proliferating ever since.”
“I’m afraid to get the papers.”
“You don’t have to get the papers to see what’s going on. All you have to do is go on the Internet or turn on the television. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing either.”
“It’s a good thing we turned it off upstairs.”
The phone rang again.
“I’ll get it.” Harrison went to answer the phone.
Nathaniel looked out of the window again. “This is unreal.”
“Nate, can you tell Alicia that Barbara’s on the phone for her? I know she’ll want to talk to her.”
“Not a problem.” He went upstairs.
Alicia had the Weather Channel on. “I figured this was the only safe thing for me to watch today.”
He walked over and kissed her. “You’re probably right. Barbara is on the phone for you.”
“Okay, thanks.” Nathaniel left as she picked up the phone. “Barbara?”
“Hi, Alicia, how are you holding up?”
“I’m still here. So tell me what’s happening?”
“Word has it that Taylor and the stooges are scheduling a press conference for Monday afternoon.”
“Where they’ll announce that I’m taking a leave pending a full investigation, no doubt.”
“More or less.”
Alicia decided she had to start with someone and it might as well be a friend like Barbara. “Thanks for keeping me in the loop, Barbara. There’s something I want to tell you before I do my own press conference.”
“What?”
“I wasn’t drunk Friday night. I have…”
She cut her off. “You have MS.”
Alicia was shocked. “Yes. How did you know I was going to say that?”
“I figured it out a while ago.”
“How? I thought I was pretty careful about hiding it.”
“Oh, you’ve done a great job hiding it from most people. But my sister has had MS for thirteen years.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“I don’t really talk about it.”
“I feel so embarrassed. I wasn’t ashamed of the condition or anything.”
“You didn’t want people to treat you differently. My sister was the same way. It took her a while to realize that she didn’t have to let the diagnosis define who she was.”
“It seems I’ve done that.”
“Listen, I’m in no position to judge. Heaven knows what I would do if I ever faced something like that.”
“Well, I’m glad I told you, even though you knew.”
“Alicia, I’m honored that you felt comfortable enough to tell me first.” She paused. “So where are you having the press conference?”
“I’ll probably have it up here in my backyard, considering half the media seems to be in my neighborhood already.”
Barbara laughed. “You poor thing.”
“Tell me about it. Anyway, thanks for giving me a head’s up.”
“You know I always have your back.”
“I appreciate it. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Take care, Alicia.”
“I will.” She hung up and dialed again.
“Hello, Viola Sherwood here.”
“Hello, Viola, it’s Alicia.”
“Alicia. I’m so happy to hear from you. What the hell is going on? Taylor’s on the phone calling everybody about this press conference thing and she’s saying you’re leaving. The whole thing is crazy.”
“I know. I need your help today, Viola. I need you to schedule a press conference for tomorrow morning here at my house in Scarsdale. I’m going to tell the world I have MS.”
“Oh, my God, Alicia. I had no idea.”
“No one knew except my family and close friends. I’ve had it for nearly three years now.”
“Oh, honey, I will get on this now and I’ll have everyone there by nine sharp.”
“Thanks. I don’t know how you’re going to keep it from the others.”
“Not to worry. I know exactly what to do.”
“Thanks, Viola. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yes, you will.”
Harrison and Nate entered. “What’s going on?” Harrison asked.
“I’m having a press conference tomorrow morning.”
“So soon?” Nathaniel was surprised.
“I don’t have a choice. Taylor and some of the board members of Archer Omnimedia are having one tomorrow afternoon. I need to get ahead of it.”
“You have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow morning,” Harrison reminded her.
“I need you to contact Dr. Stuart and see if he can come here today. I’m sure he’s back by now. We have his number at home, don’t we?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then let’s give him a call.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know what happens.” Harrison left the room.
Nathaniel looked at her.
“What?”
“You want to call a press conference?”
“Yes. I have to slow Taylor’s momentum.”
“This isn’t a game. It’s your life.”
“You don’t think I know that?”
Nathaniel sighed.
“You don’t approve?”
“It’s not a matter of whether I approve or not. I just think this whole thing is a big-enough circus.”
“I know, but the sooner I get this done, the sooner we can get back to a normal life.”
Harrison entered the room again. “Dr. Stuart will be here at two.”
“Terrific. Harrison, can you contact my parents and Kurt and let them know I’m going to have a press conference on Monday morning.”
“You’re having it on Monday. Here?”
“Why not? They’re already camped out in front of the house.”
“It’s your party,” Harrison acknowledged.
“See, Nathaniel, we are on our way back to normal.”
“I hope you’re right.” Nathaniel smiled, but he didn’t look completely convinced.
* * *
Gabby changed her clothes three times before she settled on an Empire-style black dress. She figured if she was going to meet her executioner, she’d be dressed for the occasion.
As usual, Rosie had on her uncomfortable uniform and set the table up for tea.
The doorbell rang and Gabby took a deep breath while Rosie went to answer it.
A few moments later Gabby heard several voices. “What’s going on?” She went to the top of the stairs. When she looked down, she saw two men bringing her father upstairs in his wheelchair.
“Daddy?”
He looked up. “Hello, princess.”
“Be careful with him now.” Bunny was behind them.
“Mrs. Blanchard, we really would prefer if you stay below until we get him level,” one of the men said.
“I want to make sure you don’t drop him.”
“We won’t, ma’am, but we really don’t want to hurt you in the process.”
“Fine, I’ll stay here.”
Finally they reached the top. “Here you are, Mr. B.” One man caught his breath.
“Thank you. Hello, Daddy.” She kissed and hugged him. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“I’m glad to be here.”
“Are you feeling better, Daddy? Mother said you weren’t feeling good on Friday.”
“It was nothing. You know how your mother likes to fuss.”
Bunny got to the top of the steps. “Give your mother a hand, Gabby.” She held her hand out and Gabby helped her up the last step. “Thank you. I had a reason to be concerned. He had a little fever.”
“You did, Daddy?”
“It was 99.0. In my book that doesn’t qualify.”
Gabby laughed. “How are you, Mother?” She kissed her.
“Very well, thanks.” She started to wheel Mr. Blanchard to the living room.
“I’ll do that, Mother.” Gabby took over.
Bunny took a seat while Gabby got her father situated. “How’s that, Daddy?”
“That’s good, princess.”
Gabby took a seat while Rosie began serving tea.
She handed a cup to Bunny. “Thank you, Rosie.”
“You’re welcome, ma’am.”
“I’ll fix yours, Daddy. You take it with honey and lemon, right?”
“Yes.”
She handed the tea to him.
“Thank you.”
Gabby quickly fixed her cup.
“We were so sorry to see all this fuss in the paper about Alicia,” Bunny said. “It’s complete rubbish, we know.”
“I know, Mother. Alicia’s still recovering from her attack and now she’s got all this to deal with.”
“It’s a shame.” Mr. Blanchard shook his head.
“She’s worked so hard to get where she is and to have people smear her name without knowing the facts is unfathomable to me.” Gabby sipped her tea.
“Alicia’s a smart girl. She’s going to come out on top,” Mr. Blanchard said confidently.
“I’m sure you’re right, Daddy.”
“However, we’re here to talk about another smear job. The smear job this Ivana is doing to you and the gallery.”
“I’m glad you finally said it, Mother. It was killing me waiting for you to drop the other shoe.”
“Now princess, we’re not hear to judge you or attack your decisions. Are we, Bunny?”
“No, we’re not.”
“You’re not? Because I deserve it. You told me this could happen and I went ahead with it anyway.” Gabby hung her head.
“It’s all right, princess. We’re here to help.”
“You are?”
“Yes. Tell her, Bunny.”
“Someone bought Nigel’s painting Friday, right?”
“Yes. It was one of the highest bids of the night.”
“Bernice Lawson was the buyer.”
“How do you know that?”
“Bernice is married to Thomas DiGregorio.”
“The Times’ art critic?”
Thomas DiGregorio was the premier critic in every art circle. His word could make or break careers and galleries.
“One and the same,” Mr. Blanchard said.
“She was so taken with the painting, she snapped a picture with her phone and sent it to him. The camera quality wasn’t that great, he said, but the painting was.”
“Oh, that’s fantastic.”
“He wants to do an article about the gallery’s exhibit.”
“Oh, my God.” Gabby was floored. “How did this happen?”
“It happened because you’re a talented gallery owner with a real gift for finding the city’s best undiscovered artists,” Bunny said proudly.
“Do you mean that, Mother?”
“Of course I do.”
Gabby felt a tear roll down her face. She wiped it away. “I’m so glad to hear you’re proud of me. I was beginning to think I couldn’t do anything right to you.”
“Gabrielle, we might have our differences, but I love you. You’re my daughter.”
Gabby got up and hugged Bunny. “I love you, too, Mother.”
“Now this is what I like to see,” Mr. Blanchard said.
“Your Mr. Clark will be pleased, I’m sure,” Bunny said.
Thomas DiGregorio is a very big deal. I don’t think, though, Nigel will be leaving his day job anytime soon.”
“He’s a smart man,” Mr. Blanchard interjected.
Bunny brushed the hair out of Gabby’s face. “This article will also silence that Ivana woman. Didn’t you say she isn’t very good?”
No, Mother, she isn’t good, I’m sad to say.”
“It’s sad if this is the only way she can get attention.” Bunny shook her head.
“She certainly won’t have it much longer, once word of the article gets out,” Mr. Blanchard said.
“Mother and Daddy, I don’t know what you did, but I’m grateful.”
“We told you we didn’t do anything. It was all you.” Bunny smiled. “Now please tell me Rosie has made some of Alicia’s scones.”
“Yes, she has, Mother. Rosie?”
Rosie brought a tray over.
“Richard, these scones are amazing. You must try them.” She put one on a plate and passed it to him.
“Thank you, my love.”
Gabby watched her parents with complete joy. Deep down she hoped to have the same kind of relationship. With the whole exhibit scandal behind them, she realized she and Nigel had a chance at it.
* * *
Even with his gym clothes on, Dr. Stuart still managed to give Alicia that scolding look of his. He wasn’t much older than Alicia, but he already had a full head of white hair and the bluest eyes she’d ever seen, even behind his spectacles.
”You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?”
“I need to get a tape recorder. That way I will save us both some time.”
“I’m not kidding with you, Alicia. I got the reports from Dr. Hubert in my office yesterday. You had a close call.”
“I know.”
“You keep saying that, but you never change. Running around from Westchester to Long Island to the heart of New York City in three days is hard on people without a chronic condition.”
“Okay, I won’t do it again.”
“Where have I heard that before?”
“I mean it this time.”
“I’ve heard that one, too.”
“Is there nothing I can say to satisfy you?”
“I’ll believe you’ve slowed down when I see it for myself.”
“Okay.”
“Any other symptoms I should know about?”
“Just the usual suspects, numbness, tingling, creepy crawlies and walking around like a drunk.”
“That’s not funny, Alicia.”
“Who’s laughing?” She sighed. “How did you manage to get through the press barricade?”
“I parked at Nate’s place and walked over through the backyard.”
“Good plan.”
“I thought so, too.” He took her pulse.
There was a knock. “Can I come in?” Nathaniel asked.
“Do you mind?”
“No.”
<
br /> “Come on in, Nate.”
He walked up beside Dr. Stuart. “What’s the verdict?”
“She’s doing pretty well, in spite of what happened.”
“I told you I was okay.”
“To be safe, I wanted to hear it from a neurologist.”
“You heard him. You heard him, too, didn’t you, Harrison?”
“How did you know I was there?”
“I have a sixth sense.”
“Thanks, Barry. I appreciate your coming by in all this madness.”
“Not a problem, Nate. Now if you gentlemen will excuse me, I have to get home.”
“Thank you, Dr. Stuart.”
“Try to be good.”
“I will.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Harrison said.
Nathaniel closed the door behind them. He had a serious look on his face.
“What’s the matter?” Alicia asked.
“I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“Okay.”
He sat down. “I know you’re going to have the press conference and I think that you should.”
“But?”
“Don’t you think you’re doing too much? I mean you’re the CEO of Archer Omnimedia, editor-in-chief of Everyday Elegance, the host of a daily syndicated lifestyle show and you’re a part of running the foundation. I think you can afford to step back from something.”
Alicia looked completely taken aback. “What? Are you saying you think I should let them push me out of my own company?”
“No.”
“Then you need to explain your statement a little more clearly, because that’s what it sounds like.”
“All I’m saying is you don’t have to wear so many hats. You have to take time out.”
“What would you do if someone told you that you needed to drop one of your jobs?”
“That’s not fair, Alicia. You know it’s not the same thing.”
“Isn’t it? You love working with Doctors Without Borders on your missions to Africa. How would you decide between that and the work you do at the clinic?”
“You know about the clinic?”
“You’re not the only one who does their homework. I know you provide free care to all five boroughs several times a month.”
“It’s not the same thing, Alicia. I don’t…”
“What? You don’t have MS. Isn’t that what you were going to say?”
Waiting for Mr. Darcy Page 28