by Marie Astor
“And you said yes.”
“Well, I could not very well say no. Not after the admirable guts you’d shown. In my book, if you’re a go-getter, sooner or later, you’ll get what’s yours.”
“Those were the days. The sky was the limit.”
“How’s the magazine doing, Maury?”
“Not so hot, actually. Who wants to buy a tabloid magazine when you can read gossip for free on the Internet any time you want? Well, serves me right for selling out. The way things are going, I would have done better if I had stuck with documentaries. I really banked on a story on you and David to boost our ratings, but now…”
“I’m sorry, Maury.”
“That’s all right. I’ll just have to catch someone else smooching. Someone I don’t owe a start in the business to.”
Back in her bedroom, Claudia crawled into her bed and pulled the covers over her head. If only she could stay like this forever… Come to think of it, there was no reason why she could not. It was not as if anyone was looking for her, waiting for her. Claudia Block was yesterday’s news, and she had just broken the heart of her last admirer.
After he watched Claudia climb up the stairs of her townhouse, Maury Wysotsky headed straight for Flashlight magazine headquarters on Twenty-Third Street and Eighth Avenue. Technically, the meager floor that Maury rented for the magazine staff in the rickety office building could hardly qualify as “headquarters,” especially given the fact it was the only office location for Flashlight, but that was the way Maury used to think of it when he first started the magazine ten years ago, when he still hoped for success. The habit had stuck.
Well, now, there was finally light at the end of the tunnel. It might only be a brief spark, but Maury was more than happy to take it. Claudia’s pictures would bring a fortune. Her fans were the old timers who still bought papers, and Maury was certain that the image of Claudia Block in that lavender silk number she had on would sell hundreds of copies. He could already see the magazine issue in his mind: a close-up of Claudia’s and David’s kiss on the front cover, followed by a juicy exclusive story on Claudia Block’s new romance with real estate heir David Lawson.
The publicity would be good for Claudia too. Poor old girl had turned soft in her age. It was not as though she could afford to be ethical. Maury could not remember the last time Claudia had had a worthwhile role, just like he could not remember the last time he had not been pressed for cash. Maury patted his jeans pocket that contained the second flash drive he had removed before handling the camera over for inspection to that dumb brute Claudia had been boinking. Tomorrow, Claudia Block and David Lawson would be front page news.
Chapter 20
Monday morning started ordinarily enough for David Lawson. He woke up at the usual hour of six a.m. and headed out for his morning daily jog. Passing the newsstand on the corner of his street, David felt a vague unease. At the time, he could not put his finger on it. Later on, he realized that his peripheral vision had caught a glimpse of the tabloid cover with images of him and Claudia.
Still unsuspecting of the blow that was to come, David paused by the kiosk to purchase a bottle of water. He was parched, and, despite the early hour, it was already incredibly humid out, so hydration was in order before he could commence his three-mile jog. What David saw next made him abandon all thoughts of exercise.
As he stared at the image of him holding Claudia in his arms, their lips passionately locked together, the insides of David’s mind resembled the vortex of a tornado. His first emotions were those of anger and hurt. How spiteful of Claudia, how incredibly wicked, and how incredibly stupid of him to have believed her assurances of calling off the paparazzi. David’s hands clenched into fists. If Claudia were standing near him, he would have gladly wrung her gorgeous, long neck.
But the magazine cover also stirred other feelings in David besides rage. The photo had captured with unmerciful candidness the passion that Claudia aroused in him. In spite of himself, David felt regret trailing from his heart all the way to the pit of his stomach. He would never hold Claudia in his arms again.
Still, now was not the time to lament his broken heart. With what felt like an incredible effort of will, David picked up his cell phone and dialed his publicity agent. Amber was a genius, and he was certain that she would get him out of this mess.
“I see. I’m already on it,” Amber’s clipped voice rang in the receiver after David had relayed his predicament.
“Thank you, Amber. You’re a godsend.”
“No sweat, David. That’s what I’m here for, but next time, try not to get caught on camera. I’ll call you once this mess is cleaned up. I’m sending my people as we speak to buy out all copies of Flashlight magazine, and I’m gonna have a word with their publisher about a retraction, but I’ve gotta warn you – it will not be cheap.”
“Whatever it is, I’ll pay it,” David assured her. Money was not an issue at this point. “Amber?”
“Yes?”
“Do you think you could put in a good word for me to Claire?”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line. “Sure, David. I’ll do what I can. It may take her a while, but I think Claire will understand.”
There was an extra spring in Claire’s step as she walked to the office on Monday morning. How could she have doubted David? Claire’s lips formed a dreamy smile as she remembered David standing by her door with a giant bouquet of white roses. He had shown up at her doorstep on Friday night after the message she left him. The sight of David holding that enormous bouquet of roses was all Claire needed to have her doubts cast away. As she looked at the puppyish grin on David’s face, which was made even more disarming by the look in his eyes, she knew that there was nothing David could do that she would not forgive him.
They had spent Friday night and most of Saturday together. David had to leave Saturday night for an early Sunday golf outing with clients, but Claire did not mind. Their time together more than made up for the lost Sunday. From the moment their lips touched, everything became a blur. There was no room for words as their bodies sought each other’s hungrily, anxious to make up for all the lost time. It was as though David had become a different man and Claire a different woman. In all the time they had been together, she could not remember David wanting her so intensely.
This new intensity had scared her at first, as she caught a glimpse of David’s face with his eyes closed. For a moment, Claire had a funny feeling that David himself was not there with her, but was making love to someone else.
“David, look at me,” Claire had murmured, terrified by the thought.
“I am looking at you.” David’s eyes were hazy, but Claire had attributed the faraway look to his desire. “I love you, Claire.” David gasped, burrowing his face in her neck.
The sound of David’s voice was like a soothing balm. To know that he loved her, to know that he cared was all that Claire needed.
Afterwards they snuggled over coffee in Claire’s kitchen.
“I’ve missed you so much, baby.” David stroked her hair between his long fingers. Claire had never noticed how delicate David’s hands were. With his long fingers and almond-shaped nails, David had the hands of a musician. “I’m so sorry for neglecting you. I don’t know how you put up with me.”
“I guess you’re just lucky to have such a considerate fiancée.” Claire smiled. She could endure countless lonely weekends as long as she knew that she was the only one in David’s thoughts.
“I’m going to take much better care of you from now on.” David tightened his arms around her. “I promise.”
“You’d better.” Claire snuggled closer to David. God, she had missed him – his smell, his voice, the feel of his arms around her. “Or the next time your meetings go on for an entire weekend, I’m barging in, and I don’t care if your father disapproves.”
“Oh, that reminds me.” David sighed. “What did you think about mother’s wedding invitation?”
“I thought
it was a lovely gesture.” Claire hoped that her smile did not look forced. “But it would have been nice to get a heads up from you first.”
“I know. I’m sorry, I dropped the ball on that one. You and Mother should have lunch. She really adores you. Oh, and invite Stephanie too. I know she’d love to participate in the wedding plans.”
“Maybe you could also come.”
“I’ll try, baby, but it’s really tough for me right now. I’ve got a lot hanging in the balance at work. My old man is driving me crazy. Tell you what. Why don’t you girls sort out the details, and I’ll be there once you’ve finalized things.”
“Okay, fine. I’ll deal with the invitations, but don’t think that you’re going to get off the hook so easily for the rest of the wedding. I do expect you to be there for the wedding cake tasting.”
Claire made a mental note to call Stephanie to set up a lunch date with her and Mrs. Lawson. Clearly, David was too overwhelmed to help out with the wedding, but Claire refused to let it bother her. If this were the only disagreement she and David were to ever have, she was the luckiest woman on earth. After all, how many guys were enthusiastic about wedding plans? At least David did have a good excuse. He had his hands full at the office.
“Well, you look like a cat that just swallowed a canary.” Jake cocked an eyebrow, eying Claire expectantly at the office.
“I had an excellent weekend.” Claire stretched out her arms, settling behind her desk. The memory of her Friday and Saturday with David was still in her mind, and she did not want to let go of it just yet. “You’re looking swell yourself.” Claire studied Jake. “Any new conquests I should know about?”
“A gentleman never tells.” Jake winked.
“Oh, then she must be really special.” This was a new one for Jake. Usually he never shied away from glorifying his escapades.
“Mum’s the word.” Jake grinned.
“Well, I’d better get to work then.” Claire turned on her computer.
As much as she would have liked to chat with Jake, she simply did not have the time. The deadline for the Gaudi project or the “hidden building,” as she had come to refer to the project that had been consuming her entirely for almost a month, was approaching, and she still did not have the evidence she needed.
Claire noticed a new email in her mailbox and bit her lip in anticipation at the sight of the sender’s address. She opened the email, hoping it would have the answer she was looking for.
Dear Claire,
I have finally managed to obtain copies of the letters that you were looking for. The package should arrive this week. I cannot wait to hear the results of your research and wish you great success in the process.
Warm regards,
Professor Barnardo
Professor Barnardo had been Claire’s professor when she did her study abroad in Catalonia, and he had been a great ally in helping Claire gain access to the most exclusive reference sources. Now, Professor Barnardo had worked his magic again by getting his hands on the missing piece of the puzzle that Claire needed desperately to substantiate her hypothesis. All that was left to do now was wait and hope that she had been right.
An hour later, Claire received a call from the reception desk downstairs, notifying her of a flower delivery that was on the way.
“Ms. Chatfield? Would you sign please?” The delivery man placed a gigantic basket of white roses on Claire’s desk.
Claire scribbled her name on the pad and burrowed her face in the luscious scent. David sure knew how to spoil a girl when he wanted to. There was no card, but Claire knew that the flowers had to be from him.
Jake whistled. “David Lawson sure knows how to make an impression.”
“David doesn’t need to impress me,” Claire murmured. “I’d be just as happy with a bunch of daisies.”
At a quarter to twelve, Claire got up from her desk and grabbed her purse.
“Has the earth turned on its head that you are actually going out to lunch?” Jake’s needling never ceased.
“Can’t a girl take a break? I’m meeting Amber and Lindsay.”
“Tell Lindsay I said hi.” Jake’s voice sounded strangely thick as he coughed in a sudden fit of awkwardness.
Claire eyed Jake suspiciously. “I will.”
There was a cab by the curb right outside of her office building, and Claire quickly climbed inside. She gave the driver the address for Matisse restaurant, where she was to meet with Lindsay and Amber for lunch. Then she leaned back against the seat.
At exactly twelve o’clock, Claire arrived at her destination.
She gave her name to the hostess and took a seat at the table that Amber had reserved for them. As usual, Amber had gotten the best table in the restaurant.
As she waited for her friends to arrive, Claire fiddled with a breadstick, an absent-minded smile spreading over her face. She certainly had many reasons to smile: not only was her love life back on track, but so was her professional life. She was literally on the brink of a career-making discovery. In a few days, the package from Professor Barnardo would arrive, finally giving Claire the evidence she needed. Her heart raced with anticipation. Her discovery would create a stir in architectural circles world-wide. David would be so proud of her. She could not wait to tell him the big news.
“Looks like someone had a good weekend.”
In her reverie, Claire had not noticed Lindsay make her way to the table.
“Hey!” Claire rose from her chair to hug her friend. “You’re positively glowing yourself. Anything you want to tell me about?”
“Oh, I met someone…” Lindsay lowered her eyes coyly.
“Yeah? That’s great. I told you you’d meet a great guy. Now, tell me all about him.”
“It’s Jake,” Lindsay blurted out, her face reddening.
For a moment, Claire was too stunned to speak. Not that she had anything against Jake and Lindsay being together, it was just that Jake did not exactly have a stellar dating record.
“But if you’re not comfortable with us seeing each other, I’m going to break the whole thing off.”
“No! That’s not it at all. I think Jake is great. It’s just that he can be a little…” Claire paused searching for the right word.
“Flirtatious,” Lindsay finished for her. “But I’m going to take my chances.” Lindsay smiled dreamily. “That is of course, if it doesn’t make you feel weird.”
“Why would it make me feel weird? You’re my best friend. I want you to be happy.”
“I am your best friend.” Lindsay preened at Claire’s words. The unspoken rivalry between her and Amber never ended. “Thanks, Claire. I know that I might regret it later, but I decided to take my chances. Normally, I’d run in the opposite direction from a guy like Jake. He’s gorgeous and can have his pick of women, but he chose to spend the entire evening with me, even though there were hotter girls eyeing him at the bar.”
“You’re hot.” With her red hair, lanky body, and blue-green eyes, Lindsay was the spitting image of Emma Stone.
Lindsay wrinkled her forehead. “I’m cute, and I’ve got personality. For the longest time I’ve picked average-looking guys, thinking that they were a safe bet - that because I was better looking than them, they would not cheat on me. But look at what happened with Matthew. He went ahead and married another girl a month after we broke up. It did not matter that he was shorter than me by three inches and had a bald spot. The way I see it, if I’m going to get dumped, I might as well enjoy the ride with a hottie like Jake while it lasts.”
“You won’t get dumped.” Somehow Claire knew that she was right. Jake was not only a good friend, he was her colleague, and she was certain that he would not have asked Lindsay out unless he really liked her. “I think the two of you make a great couple.”
“Thanks.” Lindsay blushed again. “We spent the whole weekend together, and I can’t wait to see him again. Hey, maybe the four of us could double date? But look at me babbling away… How are things be
tween you and David? Are they still working him hard at the office?”
“He’s fine. He’s under a lot of pressure at work, but we spent most of Friday and Saturday together, and I feel much better now. He’s so romantic. He sent me flowers this morning.”
“Who’s romantic? Sorry I’m late!” Amber panted, making her way to take a seat next to Claire.
“David, of course. I was just telling Lindsay about the flowers he sent me this morning.”
For a moment Amber’s face reddened, but then assumed its usual color. “So you liked them?”
“How could anyone not like roses that gorgeous?”
“Was there a card?” Amber prodded.
“No, there was no card, but I’m sure they were from David. It’s not like I have secret admirers sending me flowers.”
“Yes, of course.” Amber fiddled with her necklace. “Should we order then? I could really use a drink. Apple martini anyone?”
“I’ve got to get back to work after this, so I’ll pass.” Claire took a sip of her water.
“I’ve got a deadline, so I’ll get an Arnold Palmer,” said Lindsay.
“That sounds good. I’ll have the same,” said Claire.
Amber signaled for the waiter and ordered drinks for the table.
“Excuse me a moment.” Amber reached for her Blackberry, her face filled with concentration as she typed an email.
Lindsay cast an inquiring glance at Amber. “Are you all right?”
“Just had a small client emergency, but everything is under control now.” Amber’s face relaxed as she put her Blackberry back into her purse.
The waiter came back with two Arnold Palmers and three apple martinis, compliments of the chef. As usual, Amber was getting the star treatment.
“But I have to go back to the office,” Lindsay started.
“Oh, don’t be such a killjoy,” Amber snapped. “Let’s drink to Claire’s engagement.”