* * *
Tess was grateful for Sebastian’s silence. Actually, she was stunned. Sebastian was acting out of character and she wondered if Sigourney had spilled the details to him about her wedding dress. He was scribbling away in his notebook with the most blissful look on his face: his sapphire colored eyes dancing with delight, his square jaw relaxed, lips upturned. What was he thinking about? As much as she enjoyed watching him, she had to get back to work. The paper due by the end of the week wasn’t going to write itself, so Tess reluctantly averted her gaze and continued her work.
When they stepped out of the library, snow had begun to fall. The iridescent flakes covering Washington Square made it look like a picture-perfect post card. The snow was always pretty when it first fell. It wasn’t until later, after salt, cinders, and footprints made it dirty and slushy, that the beauty lost its appeal.
“I’m hungry. Can we grab dinner before we catch the ferry back?” Tess asked.
“Let me guess—McDonald's?”
She gave him a big toothy grin. He really must have had a great day if he so readily agreed to the fast food joint.
“You’re in luck. There’s one on the next corner. Imagine that!” Sebastian ribbed with jest.
Tess wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, darling,” he replied as they reached their destination and he held open the door.
They sat at a table in front of the window, watching New Yorkers pass by while they ate their cheeseburgers.
“I was thinking we need to buy you some luggage for Europe,” Sebastian said as he sipped his coffee.
“How much luggage could I possibly need? If we’re going from city to city, I don’t want to drag around a lot of bags. Don’t you have something I can use?”
“You’ll need a few nice outfits for when we go out to dinner. I love you, but I’m not traipsing through Europe and only eating at McDonald's,” he replied, taking her hand in his.
Tess’ eyes lit with excitement. “I love that idea. I could write a travel log of the McDonald's throughout Europe—talk about the different items on the menu that pertain to the locale.”
“Give out Michelin stars,” he playfully interrupted. “Yes, I’m sure it will be a best seller,” Sebastian replied, deadpan.
Tess loved provoking him, especially about fast food restaurants. It felt so good to be with him like this—carefree and lighthearted. Finally, they were falling back into their old habits. It was a relief and Tess was so thankful that they were able to get over her indiscretion with Dan Miller. She would honestly give Sebastian anything he desired because she wanted to prove to him that she was committed to their relationship.
“Where would you like to go to buy me luggage?” she asked.
“Macy’s?”
Tess was pleased with his response: maybe her thriftiness was wearing off on Sebastian. No—who was she trying to kid? Sebastian would never be thrifty. He was most likely just learning to pick and choose his battles. Tess did need the luggage, so it seemed like a good idea.
“Okay, Macy’s it is. Do you want to stop and look before we head back home?”
“Perfect,” Sebastian agreed.
Chapter 10 - Art for Art’s Sake
Sebastian was watching the early morning news while Tess was in the bathroom getting ready for class. Breaking news came across the bottom of the screen, and he read it with great interest.
When Tess joined him in the living room, he was staring at the painting above the fireplace, lost in thought.
“Hey, are you okay?” Tess asked gingerly, stepping up behind him.
“Andy Warhol just died this morning in New York Hospital,” he whispered in disbelief.
“Why was he in the hospital?”
“Gallbladder surgery.”
“You shouldn’t die from routine surgery.”
“No, you shouldn’t,” he agreed. “That painting just increased its value tenfold,” Sebastian said in a subdued voice, pointing to the oxidation painting.
Tess chuckled until she realized he wasn’t joking. “Seriously? That much?”
“I never joke about art. I told you it would pay for our children’s college education one day. I just didn’t think it would be so soon.”
“I’m sorry this makes you so sad,” Tess said.
“The world lost a great artist today.” He looked down at his watch. They had to be leaving if they wanted to catch the ferry. “We need to get going.”
They rode on the ferry in silence, and then switched over to the subway to get to NYU. “I’ve got to meet with Sigourney today after class, and then I have work at the gallery. Are you okay to make it home on your own? I don’t know how late I’ll be.” Sebastian always escorted Tess, but today he was out of sorts.
“I can take care of myself, Sebastian. I don’t need a bodyguard,” Tess reassured him. “Go do what you need to do.”
“Thank you. Ring me at the gallery when you arrive home safe, so I don’t worry.”
Tess kissed him goodbye. “I will.”
After his class, Sebastian met Sigourney at Bloomingdale's for lunch. They were meeting to discuss a bridal shower for Tess. Even though their ceremony wouldn’t be traditional, Sebastian wanted Tess to experience everything a normal bride got to experience.
Sigourney had her planner and pen at the ready, while Sebastian perused the notes he had jotted down in his notebook. “I think we should have it at the brownstone. You can tell Tess I’ve invited you both to dinner.”
“That will work. I need to check with Kate to make sure she can get off work.”
“I’ll take care of the invites, just give me the info. I know this is a small affair, but is there anyone else you want to invite? Any old school chums that Tess might have?”
Sebastian pondered the idea. Tess hadn’t kept in touch with Jordan or Courtney. All of her time had been devoted to NYU and Sebastian. He had to admit he liked it that way, even if he had to vie for attention with her class work. “She has an Aunt that lives in Florida. You can ask Kate about that. I’ve never met her.”
The waiter brought the siblings’ soup and salad and placed it on the table. Sebastian picked up his spoon and took a sip of the asparagus soup. “Oh, and add Penny Stanton to the list. If she can fly in, I know Tess would like that.”
“Tess knows Penny?” Sigourney inquired, then took a bite of her salad.
“Yes, they met last year when Penny visited Edgewood.”
“Wonderful, consider it done! It will be so nice to see her again.” They continued eating lunch while each one of them individually made additional notes in their books. “What about the trousseau?”
“I have a list. I thought we could purchase what Tess needs after lunch.”
“Let me see your list.”
They passed each other their respective notes. It was the odd brother/sister dynamic they shared. Sebastian appreciated that Sigourney was on the same wavelength: it kept her quiet. God knows she was chatty, and he really enjoyed when they could spend time together without talking.
When they had finished their meal, Sigourney placed thirty dollars on the table and they made their way to the women’s clothing floor and spent the next hour shopping for all the items on Sebastian’s list. He had Bloomingdale's deliver the items to Sigourney’s address, since they were bridal shower gifts for Tess. He knew it was unusual for the groom to buy his bride a shower gift, but Tess didn’t have many friends or extended family, so he was determined to do this for her.
Fiona was on the phone when Sebastian stepped foot in the gallery. She gave a little wave as he made his way to the back room to hang up his coat and scarf.
“How are things today?” Sebastian inquired, stepping onto the sales floor.
“Crazy—I’ve been fielding calls from clients looking to get their hands on a Warhol.”
“It was sad news.”
“Yes, and the sharks are circling and they ha
ven’t even buried the poor man yet,” Fiona agreed.
“They’re just looking for a good investment. I know this is a business, but if I were you, I’d sell to the collector that loved his work, not the person looking to make a quick buck.”
Fiona gave Sebastian a long, hard look, her lips curving up into a smile. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do. You’re a brilliant protégé.”
“I have an excellent teacher.”
“Always the charmer—don’t ever change. Business is up since you joined me.”
“So who’s on the short list for the silkscreen?” Sebastian asked, walking over the desk.
Fiona pointed to a list of three names: the first was Evan Bloomfield, the second was Abigail Archibald, and the third was Alexander Kilmoore.
“I like Mrs. Archibald. She’s always so pleasant when she comes in.”
“That’s because she treats you as if you were her favorite grandchild!”
“There’s nothing wrong with that!”
“Especially when you sell her paintings and make me a profit.”
“Bloomfield is too full of himself. He may be a true art lover, but he’ll be a pompous arse if you sell it to him.”
“True,” Fiona conceded. “What about Kilmoore?”
“I like Kilmoore, but pop art really isn’t his thing. Give it to Mrs. Archibald. It will look great next to her Liechtenstein.”
“A wise choice. You keep this up, Irons, and you could be running this gallery in ten years.”
“Oh, I hope it won’t take that long,” Sebastian joked.
Fiona patted him on the back. “I have a phone call to make. Mind the shop.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Sebastian made his way home around eight o’clock. Tess was up in the loft, seated at the desk, studying. He climbed the steps and greeted her with a kiss. “How was your day?”
“Good. How was yours?”
“Very busy, but I got a lot accomplished,” Sebastian said. “The gallery was swarming with phone calls.”
“Everybody wants a Warhol, huh?”
“Yes, and Fiona only had one to sell.”
“So did it go to the highest bidder?” Tess asked.
“No,” Sebastian said with pride. “Fiona sold it to the person who would appreciate it the most.”
“Well, then all is right in the world.” Tess smiled as she closed her book and stood from the desk, giving him a hug. “Should I even ask what you and Sigourney are up to?”
“Secret plans, can’t say.”
Tess shook her head. “When the two of you get together, I need to watch out. Something extravagant is bound to happen.”
“Oh please, you love my surprises!” he playfully exclaimed.
“Correction—I love you. I tolerate the surprises because you get so excited planning them.”
“Not true —you loved the birthday dinner here at home.”
“Okay, let me rephrase: I love when the surprises are inexpensive and homemade. But then you did pull out a Cartier diamond at the end, so technically, it really wasn’t an inexpensive surprise.”
Sebastian took her hand in his and examined the diamond ring. “I watch you sometimes. You look down at that ring and move it around so it catches the light and sparkles. Then those gorgeous lips curl up into a smile and I know you could never be angry with me for buying it.”
“You’re right,” she blushed. “Come downstairs, I’ll make you a sandwich. You must be hungry.”
Chapter 11 - You’re The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me
Sebastian placed a Diet Coke in front of Tess. She’d been sitting at the table for the past three hours, studying for her finals. She needed a break and he didn’t know how to get her out of the cocoon she had created around herself. He cracked the tab on the soda can and the familiar sound of fizzing bubbles caught her attention.
“Take a break.”
“Too much to do,” she said, briefly looking up at him.
“You work too hard.”
“Aren’t you worried about your finals?”
“No, I have more important things to think about.”
That comment certainly gained her attention. Tess closed the book and studied him with intensity. “What could possibly be more important?”
Sebastian held his mouth shut, attempting not to laugh, but his smiling eyes gave him away. “Gee, I don’t know. Our wedding is only a week away.”
“You said you would take care of everything, and all I had to do was show up,” she remarked, slightly annoyed at his interruption.
“I have taken care of everything but Sigourney rang and asked if we could come for lunch on Saturday. What shall I tell her?”
Tess opened the text book on the table and refocused her attention on it. “Fine, we can go, but please tell me we’re not going to the Russian Tea Room.”
“No, it’s just a luncheon at the brownstone.”
“Good, I can pick up my wedding dress at that time.”
That was the most they had conversed over the past few days, and Sebastian felt lucky to get that much time from her. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “I’m going to bed. Don’t stay up too late.”
“Love you,” she absentmindedly replied as she continued to read.
Sebastian backed away, watching Tess as she sipped her Coke and read in deep concentration. He turned off the main light and quietly closed the bedroom door. In a week’s time she would be his bride, and he couldn’t wait.
* * *
With her last exam finally over, Tess felt she could breathe a little easier—just a little. Sebastian had been so wonderful to her over the past week: leaving her alone to study, not pestering her about the wedding. She’d been so focused on school, the wedding fell to the back of her mind. She was happy to be marrying him, she just didn’t get excited over all the pomp and circumstance like he did. That was something that definitely made their relationship different.
She was glad to get out of the condo and have lunch with Sigourney, even though the conversation would surely turn to wedding talk. That was okay—she could just sit back and enjoy her meal while Sebastian and Sigourney debated which chairs to rent or what type of flowers should be purchased. Tess was so grateful it hadn’t become the overblown affair Sebastian had initially wanted. She just let him run the plans within the confines of a small, intimate ceremony.
Sebastian opened the door to the brownstone and let Tess enter first. The sitting room doors were closed, which was unusual because Sigourney spent so much time in that room playing the piano.
“Sigourney, we’re here,” he yelled up the stairs. Sigourney didn’t respond. “Maybe she’s in here,” Sebastian said, opening the double doors to the sitting room.
“Surprise!”
Tess stopped breathing for a moment when she looked inside the room. Her mom, Sigourney, Alice, and Penny were standing to welcome her. She looked at Sebastian, “What’s all this?”
“Your bridal shower. You don’t think Sigourney would let you get away without one.”
“I’ve been too busy to even think about it,” Tess admitted.
“That’s why it was so easy to plan!” Sigourney explained, coming forward to hug Tess.
Tess greeted everyone and took a seat in the place of honor. There were gifts piled high on the coffee table—far more gifts than people in attendance. The siblings were being extravagant after all, and there was nothing Tess could do about it, so she let them have their fun.
“Penny, it’s so good to see you. How long are you in town?” Tess asked.
“I flew in for the wedding. Sebastian is the first of our group to tie the knot. I couldn’t miss it.”
“I’m glad you’re here. I can’t wait to see what other surprises my fiancé has planned for me,” she said, grinning at Sebastian, who sat on the arm of her chair.
“Are you pleased?” he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
“Yes, this was a lovely surprise.”
“Okay, you two love birds. Time for gifts!” Sigourney handed Tess a small long box.
Inside Tess found an ivory lace garter trimmed with blue satin ribbon, and a note from her mom.
I wore this on my wedding day to your father. I wish you and Sebastian all the happiness and love in the world. Love, Mom
Tess stood up and hugged her mom. “This means so much to me. I love you.”
Next, Sigourney handed Tess an envelope. She opened the card to find another handwritten note.
Sebastian told me how much you loved London. Please accept this gift and enjoy a week’s stay at the Savoy during your honeymoon trip, since I know how much you both love the accommodations. Best wishes, Penny
“That’s brilliant, Pen. Thank you,” Sebastian said, kissing her on the cheek.
Tess was happy. She was fully prepared to backpack across Europe, so this was an unexpected and welcome surprise. “Penny, it’s too much, but we really will enjoy this. I can’t thank you enough.”
* * *
Sebastian heard the front door of the brownstone open. He wondered who else Sigourney may have invited, because he wasn’t expecting anyone else. Who would just let themselves in unannounced? He turned to look in the direction of the front door as Tess continued opening her gifts.
There, standing in the open doorway, was Lady Irons. Sebastian felt his heart drop to the bottom of his stomach. He frantically looked at Sigourney. This couldn’t be happening.
“Excuse me, please,” Sigourney announced to the her guests as she stood and quickly headed for her mother, pushing her back into the hall and closing the double doors behind them.
“What’s going on?” Tess asked, the look on her face intense and confused.
Sebastian shook his head. “I don’t know. This wasn’t planned.” He tapped his foot on the floor in irritation. “I have to go. Sigourney can’t take the blame for this.” He stood and bolted toward the doors.
Love This Life: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2: Love's Great Adventure Series Book 2 Page 7