~~~
Drew’s family was waiting for us at the restaurant, an upscale Italian place in Midtown. I was excited to see Kayla and she greeted me with a warm hug. I was relieved not to see Christina though. We hadn’t had any contact since she showed up at the apartment that day and I didn’t know how much contact Drew had had with her. She hadn’t been a part of our life and after the way she’d treated me, that’s the way I liked it. I was determined tonight was going to be the turnaround I needed and having her around, regardless if she was on her best behavior or not, her presence would not help.
I relaxed too soon though because just as we were giving our drink orders to the waiter, she came striding in, looking striking in a bright pink dress, her jet black hair lying flawlessly straight down her back. She went around kissing everyone on the cheek, but gave me a curt nod before sitting down next to Janice.
“I wasn’t sure you were going to make it,” Drew said once she was settled.
“You think I’d miss another one of my perfect brother’s accomplishments? I wouldn’t miss the chance to show mom and dad yet again what a disappointment I am.” She laughed as she said it, but no one else did.
“Well, I for one, am so excited to see this new building,” Janice spoke up.
“I don’t think I told you, but Natalie helped design this one,” he said, eyeing me with a smile.
“I didn’t know you dabbled in architecture,” his father chimed in.
“I don’t. Drew is being generous. I gave some ideas, that’s all.”
“She’s being too modest. I was about to get thrown off the project until I listened to her advice,” he said, reaching over and covering his hand with mine.
“While you were still working for him, right? As his assistant?” Christina added, but I’d have to be deaf not to pick up on how snide her voice was.
“Yes,” I answered simply.
“I didn’t think your assistants held that kind of influence on you, Andrew.”
“My assistants help me with many things at the office.”
“Natalie got you much more than your coffee though, didn’t she?” Christina laughed and I could feel myself tensing up, trying not to react. She was upping her game though. She’d been discreet in the past. She’d been emboldened now and decided to start belittling me publicly.
“Christina,” Kayla said quickly. “That’s enough.”
“C’mon. Lighten up. I’m only having a little fun. It’s no secret they hooked up while she still worked for him. Why do we have to pretend?”
“Because it’s called having class,” Kayla jumped in. I glanced over to Drew while my stomach started to knot. He was glaring at Christina across the table and when her eyes met his, I could’ve sworn I saw daggers flying between them.
“I’ll not have you upsetting the whole evening, Chris,” he said, his voice deep with warning.
“I was simply making conversation.”
“I’m serious, Christina. Not another word. Natalie is in no condition to listen to your remarks and frankly, I’m sick of them too. I’ve already spoken to you about your behavior towards my fiancée. I won’t have it.”
“You’re always trying to protect everyone, aren’t you?” she said, staring directly at Drew with a harsh glare. “You’ve never been very good at it though.”
Silence settled between them. They exchanged an icy stare as I held onto Drew’s hand tightly, but he didn’t seem aware of my presence at all.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave, Christina.”
“Why? What’d I do?”
“Seriously, Chris,” Kayla jumped in. “You’re acting like a complete cow.”
Christina shot a glare to her sister and then she moved it to me. Her stare was cold and I willed myself to stay strong. I couldn’t appear weak even though I was a mess inside.
“Perhaps it is best if you go,” Kent said softly and Christina whipped her head towards her father.
“Perhaps it is. I wouldn’t want to intrude on the golden boy’s big night,” she said curtly, standing up. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
She turned on her heel and headed towards the door, Drew standing up quickly and following her outside. He looked as if his head was going to explode as he went after her and then I was left awkwardly with his family.
“I am so sorry for Christina’s behavior, Natalie,” Kayla said, remorsefully as she reached across the table and rested her hand on mine.
“Yes, dear. Our apologies as well,” Janice said softly, shaking her head. “Truly.”
“I’m worried about her,” Kent added and I saw his wife and daughter nod in agreement and then it was quiet until Drew returned a few minutes later. He still looked angry when he got back, but he sat down and took a long drink of water before taking my hand.
“Are you okay?” I asked softly.
“I’m fine,” he said, kissing me on the cheek and taking another drink of water.
“Is Christina all right?” Janice asked cautiously.
“Something’s got to be done about her. I won’t have anything more to do with her until she’s got herself under control.”
“That’s going a little far, don’t you think?” Janice added nervously. I could only imagine what it felt like to have her children fighting.
“It’s not, Mom. I’ve tried helping her. You know I have. She’s been nothing but horrible to Natalie and I’ve tried telling myself she’s harmless, but she’s far from harmless and she will not insult Natalie, especially now, not with everything that’s happened.”
I’d never seen him so upset, but in true Drew fashion, he’d been in total control, or so I thought until his last comment.
“What’s happened, dear?” Janice prodded and I could feel my nerves kicking in. No one knew about the baby aside from Court and my mom. That’s how I’d wanted it. I didn’t think I’d want to talk about it, but then my eyes drifted to my bracelet and I knew part of remembering our child was to talk about it. The baby couldn’t be remembered if no one knew about it.
“Nothing, Mom. Stress at work. That’s all,” he lied, looking over at me apologetically.
“It’s okay,” I said, softly to him and he looked at me quizzically. “You can tell them.”
Again, his eyebrow arched, but I nodded and he squeezed my hand.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I said, nodding my approval and Drew gave me a supportive smile, leaning over and kissing me on the temple, pausing for a few seconds before he spoke. I was nervous as I looked around at their curious faces.
“Natalie suffered a miscarriage a few weeks ago,” he said quietly and I saw Janice and Kayla’s hands fly to their mouths, silence settling in as they absorbed his words.
“I’m so sorry, dear,” Janice said a few moments later. “I had no idea you were even pregnant.”
“We were waiting until after the wedding to announce it,” I said.
“How’re you doing?” Kayla asked.
“I’m all right. It’s been hard, but I’ll be okay.”
Janice stood up, walking around the table until she was behind me and then wrapped her arms around me.
“I’m so terribly sorry,” she said quietly into my ear. I heard her voice crack and I felt badly for not telling her sooner. I knew how much Janice wanted grandchildren and I’d nearly denied her the chance to grieve her first one. Even though I’d lost our baby, it didn’t mean it hadn’t existed. Our baby had existed and I wanted our baby to be remembered.
“Thank you,” I said softly and she squeezed me again before turning to her seat when an awkward silence settled in. “I hope the evening’s not ruined because of all of this. I want to celebrate Drew’s accomplishment tonight. I need something positive in my life at the moment.”
I held up my glass of wine in a toast to him and it took a moment, but everyone did the same. I wasn’t going to let this night be spoiled. Drew had worked too hard for this and when we set our glasses down, the conve
rsation resumed to normal and I was proud of myself for not letting Christina get the best of me. She had issues I couldn’t begin to understand, but Drew had stood up for me and his family knew where I stood. Tonight was a good night, despite Christina’s best efforts to derail it.
~~~
When I stepped out of the car, my eyes gazed upwards at the building before me. It was a sight like no other I’d seen before. I’d seen the sketch on paper so many times, but I wasn’t prepared to see it now. It was more beautiful than I could’ve imagined and I held Drew’s hand tightly as we stood in front of it. As people made their way inside, no one knew the man they were passing was the brains behind the stunning building. I turned my head to see him gazing up at it. I knew it wasn’t the first time he’d seen it, but it was the first time seeing it since it was truly done and being used. He looked proud and I gave him a moment to take it all in.
“I think it’s your best work yet, son,” his father said, coming up behind us and slapping Drew on the back.
“I think so too,” Drew said, keeping his eyes on the building before turning to look at me. “Again, thank you, Natalie.”
“I take no credit for this. I may have given you some suggestions, but you created this.”
“Not without your help or those two,” he said and I saw where his eyes had drifted to. Court and Anna Beth were approaching us. Court in a gray suit and Anna Beth in a simple red dress.
“Looks pretty good, doesn’t it?” Court grinned as he stood beside Drew.
“Looks damn good,” Anna Beth chimed in and we all laughed. The four of us stood side by side for a few for moments taking in our accomplishment and my mind drifted to the time it was being created. I thought about how stressed Drew had been and I couldn’t stop my mind from thinking back to Tokyo when the project had really taken flight along with my feelings for Drew. I missed being a part of our little team, but as I stared up at the building, I was grateful I’d been a part of it for even a little while.
“Natalie!”
I turned to see Kara coming towards us, looking elegant in a long black gown, her hair tied up in a stylish bun. Mitch was behind her, camera in tow. We hugged briefly and then Kara’s attention turned to Drew.
“Is it time for the interview?” Drew asked, sliding his arm around me, while Court and Anna Beth stood on either side of us.
“If it’s a good time for you,” she said and even though she was a professional, and one who was engaged at that, I could tell she was nervous around him. He had a way of doing that.
“It’s a fine time,” he said and then Kara gestured to Mitch.
“Thank you so much for doing this,” Kara began as Mitch set up. “I want to make sure we get a good shot of the building behind Mr. Saben. It’s gorgeous, by the way,” she said, smiling over to Drew.
“Thank you. And call me Drew please,” he said.
“All right…Drew,” she said, hesitating before saying his name. “Should we get started?”
Kara looked over to me and I took that as my cue to slide from his embrace so they could begin the interview. Court and Anna Beth followed and we stood off to the side as Kara began asking Drew questions.
“Do you think he’s nervous?” Anna Beth asked.
“Probably,” I said truthfully, even though he was masking it.
“He’s good at hiding it, but I think he may be crapping his pants right now,” Court laughed and I swatted him on the arm. “Seriously! He’s not used to this…to attention like this.”
I knew Court was right. Drew was a confident man, but he was also a humble man, despite the way he presented himself publicly. He loved what he did and he was excellent at it. Magazine and newspaper articles were one thing, but receiving such outward praise like a TV interview was not something he was used to.
Drew and Kara talked for a few minutes and I could see Drew turning and pointing out different features of the building and then I saw Mitch turn the camera onto us. He made a gesture that we should wave, which all three of us did. It was over a few minutes later and when Mitch lowered the camera, I knew it was safe for us come back.
“How’d it go?” I asked, looking between Drew and Kara.
“Perfect,” Kara said, her smile beaming.
“What was with the wave?” Court asked.
“Drew said he couldn’t have done it without the help of his team,” Kara answered and I watched as Court and Anna Beth both smiled humbly. Drew slid his hand into mine and he kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you for taking the time to talk to me, Drew. Enjoy your night.”
“My pleasure,” Drew said, shaking both Kara and Mitch’s hands. Kara winked at me and then she and Mitch were gone.
“It went well then?” I asked and he nodded.
“I think so. She asked about the structure and the inspiration behind it.”
“And what’d you tell her?” Court asked.
“You’ll have to watch the interview. It airs at eleven.”
Drew smiled at me and then took my hand, leading me inside.
It was just as beautiful on the inside as it was on the outside. We found our seats and when the show was over, I decided while I could appreciate ballet, it wasn’t my cup of tea. That didn’t matter though. It’d been a wonderful night with Drew and my friends, despite the rough start to the evening. When we said goodbye to his family and to Anna Beth and Court, I was anxious to get home. It was late and I was looking forward to some quiet time with Drew.
The apartment was a welcome sight and Drew took off his tuxedo coat, hanging it on the back of a chair before sliding off his tie and unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt.
“Would you like a glass of wine?” he asked once I’d set my clutch down and turned on the TV.
“No, thank you,” I said, flipping it to channel five.
“What’re you doing?” he called from the kitchen.
“I don’t want to miss your interview,” I said, sitting down on the couch. It was just past eleven and I hoped we hadn’t missed it.
Drew came and sat down next to me, glass of wine in hand. The anchors were talking about the night’s main headlines, but a little while later I saw Kara’s smiling face, Drew’s building in the backdrop.
“And tonight we’re lucky enough to have the architect behind this incredible new building, Andrew Saben from the architectural firm Taylor and Saben. Thank you for joining us tonight.”
“My pleasure, Kara,” he said and Kara had been right. The camera loved him. He looked completely at ease as she began asking him about the building. He started talking about it, mentioning how vital his team was in getting it done and that’s when Mitch had panned over to us. We were only on the screen briefly before the focus was back on him. It was interesting hearing him describe it. I could tell he loved it by the look in his eyes. He was proud and I was proud of him.
“And where do you get your inspiration for your designs?” Kara asked and he took a moment, a smile slowly curling up on one side of his face as he looked into the camera.
“From lots of places, but this building came from my fiancée, Natalie. I tried to create something as beautiful as her, but I didn’t even come close.”
Kara thanked him again and then she signed off. I reached for the remote and turned it off before looking over at him. I could feel a lump in my throat and when his eyes met mine, there was that same look I’d just seen on the camera.
“You didn’t have to say that,” I said, reaching for his hand.
“I did because it’s the truth.”
It grew quiet for a few moments and I rested my head on his shoulder.
“Thank you, Drew,” I said softly. “I’m so proud of you.”
I smiled at him and I thought I saw a slight flush on his cheeks. Andrew Saben didn’t get flustered, but he was also modest when it came to praise.
“I’m just doing my job,” he grinned back.
“I had a wonderful time tonight. Really, I did.”
“Me to
o, but I’m sorry for what happened at dinner.”
“I’m over it.”
“I’ve been too dismissive of her, Natalie. I don’t know what else I can do for her though. I’ve done everything she’s asked. I just don’t know what she needs anymore.”
“I feel kind of sorry for her actually.”
“Me too,” he said softly. “I don’t know what else to do though. I’ve tried helping her. I’ve given her everything she’s needed. I’ve paid for her apartment at times, I’ve given her money when she was out of work, but it’s not enough. Nothing’s ever enough.”
“I think it’s quite admirable. You never cease to amaze me. You’re always thinking about others. I love that so much about you.”
I saw the red on his cheeks again and he looked away for a moment before meeting my eyes once more.
“You shouldn’t admire me too much. I’m not nearly as perfect as you think I am,” he said softly, looking away for a moment before turning back to me. “I’m sorry for slipping up about the miscarriage. I hadn’t intended to say anything. It was my frustration talking. I was furious with how my sister was treating you and it spilled out. I apologize.”
“I’m glad they know. Now they can love our baby too,” I said gently and Drew’s eyes softened as he looked down at my bracelet.
It grew quiet again as his eyes moved back to mine and then I saw the way he looked at me, his gaze moving over my body. I could feel him wanting to reach out to me, but he wouldn’t. He’d stay far away from me because that’s what I’d requested. I didn’t want that wall to build up anymore though. I wanted him to touch me. I wanted to feel him again, but I’d told him no and he’d do nothing more without my permission.
Slowly, I moved closer to him, resting my hand on his knee. I could see the way his breathing was quickening having me so close. I stood up, taking his hand and pulling him up so we were standing only inches from each other. I reached for his hand and placed it on my hip. I’d missed the feeling of him touching me and we stood like that for a moment, our eyes locked as he waited for my next move.
The Heart of Tomorrow (Book Two) (The Tomorrow Series 2) Page 24