William’s thoughts turned to his new boss and closed his eyes; he sat in the men’s room still wearing the denim jump-suit. He was no stranger to polishing furniture, having done so to the pieces he built, occasionally. A whole floor of hundreds of pieces was a different matter, however. He felt very tired, sore and sweaty, and yet content in that he’d worked hard. William wasn’t about to give his half-mad employer the satisfaction of firing him over poorly-polished desk chairs.
“My new boss is insane.”
“Insane?” Michelle repeated, not sure if she’d heard him right. William sighed.
“Mildly, but definitely off his rocker.” He briefly described the scene in the man’s office. There was silence on the other line for a moment.
“A watermelon,” Michelle said, quietly. “… On his desk? That’s so… weird.” William chuckled. At least someone else found it odd. He wasn’t sure if his fiancée would even believe him; William almost didn’t believe it himself and he’d been standing right there. “Doesn’t that violate some OSHA regulation?” Michelle continued. Laughing tiredly, William ran his hand through his hair.
“Possibly,” he said, smiling. “But, I think the man can do as he likes in his own office. As I walked away from his door, I could hear him singing along to ‘Copa Cabana’...” Michelle laughed; the sweet sound of her merriment washed over him like balm.
“Wow, what a nut,” she said, smiling. “I hope he didn’t threaten to fire you or anything.” William smirked, leaning back against the chair; it was actually comfortable seat and he was enjoying sitting in it before attempting to wash away some of the grime adhering to him.
“Oh, he definitely inferred it as a real possibility,” William said, yawning. The prior evening’s lack of sleep appeared to be fast descending upon him. “He had me polish furniture on the renovated floor, all day.”
“You’re kidding,” Michelle said; her voice sounded incredulous.
“No, I am not,” William said, still smiling; he rested his head back on the seat and closed his eyes. “I think it was some kind of test, you know... as if to see if I’d balk at the idea of manual labor.”
Michelle laughed, softly.
“He obviously doesn’t know you very well,” she said, amused. “I've only known you a short while and I know you're far too stubborn a person to resist a challenge like that.” William chuckled, liking the teasing tone of Michelle’s voice.
“One knows another, you little minx,” he said.
“You sound really beat,” Michelle said, sympathetically. “You probably want to go home and sleep on your comfy couch.”
At this, William opened his eyes and sat forward a little.
“Oh, no you don’t...” he said with a grin. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing you all day. I would have to be half dead to put you off; even then you’d have a time convincing me to stay away.”
“If you were half dead, I’d be there taking care of you,” Michelle returned, earnestly. “Alfred couldn’t keep me from helping, either, even with all the lifts of his disapproving eyebrow.” William laughed.
“Sweet girl,” he said, chuckling. “I’m lucky to have you. Let me clean up a bit then I’ll swing by and get you.” Michelle thought a moment.
“Do you want to eat here?” she inquired. “Then we wouldn’t have to go anywhere else. I’ve heard the restaurant here is very good.”
William blinked.
“You’ve never eaten there?” he asked, surprised. Michelle smiled.
“Nope,” she said. “We could go somewhere else, if you don’t like it. There’s a great Chinese take-out window not far from here that I go to all the time; they really have great food. They actually use fresh ginger.”
“The Waldorf has excellent food my dear,” William said, shaking his head in mild astonishment. Two years living at the Waldorf hotel, and she’d never partaken of the food. It occurred to him that Michelle was not the type of person to take full advantage of her situation; instead of milking her connections for all they were worth, she was content with apples and take-out. “Not that I’d mind Chinese, but I think you should eat at the hotel in which you reside… at least once. I went there for a business lunch and with my mother again for tea. You’ll like it very much.”
“Well, alright then,” Michelle said cheerfully. “I’ll get dressed in something other than my robe and bare feet.” Chuckling, William smiled.
“Silly minx,” he said, sighing again. “I shall meet you in the hotel lobby, in about forty minutes.”
“I’ll be there!” Michelle said, happily. She bit her lip and decided to say what she’d wanted to all day. “I love you.” Just saying it made her eyes a little moist. William closed his eyes, a small smile decorating his face. His fiancée's words and gentle voice revitalized his tired brain and body.
“And I love you, Michelle,” he said, meaning every word. Michelle swallowed and bit her lip, smiling wide.
“See you in forty,” she said.
“Yes, you will love.”
Shutting his phone William sat, enjoying the moment for a few seconds. He felt lighter, a little more able to move and function now that Michelle was waiting for him to show. He could imagine the sweet, excited look on her face as she prepared for dinner with him. Unconsciously, William whistled a tune as he got up and ran the hot water. He stripped to his waist and spent a few minutes washing.
“No good showing up smelling of ‘Old English’,” he thought, chuckling; he scrubbed away at his arms and hands with the liquid soap, unaware of his own happy expression.
THIRTY-SIX minutes later Michelle sat on one of the lobby chairs, with a clear view of the door; she wore her gray suit-dress and garnet scarf once more. William seemed to like that particular outfit very well and it wasn’t too dressy; she’d considered wearing the pink gown, but thought it a little much. It was so nice to once again have clothes to look at and ponder which to wear. A little makeup adorned her face; her hair down in her usual manner.
Michelle made a sweet picture sitting so on the beige damask divan, especially with such a happy look of anticipation her face. For once, she didn’t care about how she looked or seeming too eager; she wanted to see William more than anything in the world. Besides, she had a small surprise for him after dinner and wondered if he’d like it; before coming to the lobby she'd paid for a short massage session for William at the hotel’s spa. On the phone, he’d sounded so tired and sore; Michelle hoped he’d like that sort of thing. On the spa brochure she’d seen the masseuse available was touted to be one of the best in the city. She’d been lucky to get a slot, even it was only for thirty minutes.
The door opened and William walked in; his presence made Michelle's face light up. He spotted her immediately; ambling over he returned her smile. Michelle stood up as he came closer. Catching his fiancée in a fond embrace, William stood still for several seconds, inhaling the sweet smell of her hair. He hoped he didn’t smell too bad; if he did, Michelle didn’t notice. She rested her head against his chest and sighed contentedly. Drawing back from her, William looked down into her pretty face and leaned down for a quick kiss.
“You’re a sight for sore eyes,” he told her. From the look in his eyes, Michelle had no doubt he meant it.
“You don’t look half bad yourself,” she said, softly, her tone teasing.
“Minx,” William said, smiling. “I called ahead for a reservation; we can go in now, I think. You’re really going to like the food.” Michelle smiled up at him.
“If you were with me, I’d like anything... even if they served SPAM,” Michelle said; her eyes were bright with amusement. William laughed and offered her his arm.
“I had to eat a whole can of that stuff at university,” he admitted as they walked towards the restaurant. “I lost a poker hand and we were betting dares.” Imagining the scene, Michelle laughed softly.
“I can think of worse dares,” she said, looking up at her fiancé.
“Yes, well, one of t
he lads had to strip off and run through the halls,” William told her, smiling. “Wouldn’t have been bad if he hadn’t run into the dean; we were roommates with the Dean’s son, so we all got chastised for that one.” Michelle laughed at the notion. She wanted to ask if William had ever had to do anything similar but courage failed her.
The reservation appeared good and a very arrogant Maitre’ D led them to a small, cozy table close to a dais, on which a string quartet played. The room seemed nearly full of patrons; the décor seemed both relaxing and intimidating in its luxury. Michelle found she liked ‘Marie’s’ look better, being more intimate and comfortable, however, she was grateful just to be out with William. Finally seated, she let her fiancé order for them, since he knew what the menu looked like.
“Do you like steak, Milady?” William asked her, smiling. Michelle sat up a little straighter.
“Who doesn’t?” she asked, pretending to look askance. Chuckling, William ordered the fillet mignon with mushroom sauce and a green salad for both of them. Inhaling various scents of good food floating around the room, Michelle looked forward to eating despite the haughty surroundings.
A few people at a nearby table looked their way and leaned among themselves whispered.
“They are trying to figure out who you are...” William whispered in Michelle’s ear as she studied the strangers. “I bet they think you’re a celebrity.” Turning her head quickly towards him, Michelle blushed; she rubbed her ear, biting her lip a little.
“You have to stop doing that,” she said, smiling. “It makes me feel... odd.” William raised an eyebrow at her, giving her a rather seductive grin.
“Really?” he murmured. He lifted his water glass to her. “Here’s to feeling odd.” Michelle smiled and clinked her glass lightly against his.
“I have to come up with a name for you, to favor you with when you tease me,” she said, smiling at him. “A title which embodies the male counterpart of ‘minx’.” At this, William gave a hearty laugh.
“Silly girl,” he said, kissing the top of her head affectionately. “You enrich my life with humor. I’m serious… when you’re near me, I want for no entertainment.” Michelle kissed William’s cheek, her eyes shining with his compliments.
“I have a present for you,” she said, smiling; she fetched a small card out of her pocket and gave it to William.
Flipping it over, her fiancé’s face creased in a slow grin.
“You’re an angel...” he said, looking down into her eyes.
“From what you said on the phone I figured you’d be sore,” she said, encouraged by William’s reaction. “The masseuse is supposed to be pretty good and they had a slot for 8:30. I figured you’d be mostly done digesting dinner by then.” William hugged her to him, touched by the thoughtful gesture. His back and shoulder muscles ached considerably; he’d taken some aspirins but it only dulled the pain a little. How nice it would be to have some of the acids worked out.
“If only I could have her massage me...” William thought before he could stop himself. Wincing, he cleared his throat. “Soon,” he thought, looking down at his lovely Michelle; he kept his arm around her shoulders.
“So, your uncle’s going to assist you with our little ceremony?” he said, trying to clear his mind with another subject. Michelle eye’s glowed with a sort of tempered excitement.
“Yes,” she said, letting out a small sigh. “His help was unexpected but I’m glad, now that he offered.” William smiled.
“I am glad he did as well,” he said, leaning over; he smelled Michelle’s hair again. “Now I won’t have to follow through with my plans to tie you down and make you agree to let me help with the wedding finances.” Her eyebrows fully raised, Michele regarded William closely. He looked halfway serious.
“I would never have agreed,” she said, lifting her chin a little. Grinning, William took advantage of her upturned face and kissed her.
“I doubt that very much,” he said, knowingly. Michelle blushed quite red and drank some of her water.
“Gorgeous, desirable man...” she thought, feeling completely outmaneuvered.
Their dinner was as pleasant as any Michelle had experienced yet; the food was amazing. William, with no small amount of humor, schooled Michelle in the art of cutting a fillet steak properly; she cut one piece wrong just to tease him. Encountering her feigned innocent look, William gave her a rather sultry gaze to which she had no reply. After diner they say in the spa lounge while they waited for William’s slot to come up. An attendant silently deposited a folded white robe and towel on the chair next to William and informed him that the wait was only ten more minutes.
“Well, I should go get undressed,” William said, smiling at Michelle. His fiancées cheeks grew a little pink.
“I should probably go to my room now,” she said, biting her lip. “I have some calls to make anyway.” William grinned; it was so fun to tease his girl. He loved watching that rosy color steal over her fair skin.
“What… you don’t want to stand by, jealously watching the masseuse work on me?” he asked, smiling. Michelle blushed even redder.
“I’m sure it’s not that kind of massage place...” she said, quietly. William laughed, hard; Michelle’s expression was priceless. He hugged her to him and kissed her face several times, landing one on her soft lips.
“I’m teasing you, love,” he said, warmly. “You’re adorable when you blush.” Michelle sighed.
“I suppose you’re entitled to tease me, then,” she intoned softly. William nodded, his eyes sparkling with mirth.
“Absolutely,” he returned. Michelle stood up and smoothed her long skirt.
“It’s not unwelcome,” she said. William beamed.
“I’ll stow that piece of information away for later use,” he replied. Blushing again, Michelle felt she must flee and soon, before her knees gave out. The man could render her speechless with a single glance.
“Thank you for dinner,” she managed to say. “I had a lovely time with you, as always.” William stood up as well, holding the white robe and towel.
“And, thank you for the massage,” he said, smiling down at her. “It’s really a thoughtful gesture and will be much appreciated.” He leaned down and kissed her fondly on her cheek. “Now off with you, or I’ll make you come with me and get a massage as well. It might be fun to see you on table next to me without your shirt on...” Clearing her throat, Michelle looked down at her feet.
“Goodnight William,” she said, giving her fiancé an upward glance.
“Goodnight,” he said, softly. He watched Michelle’s every step as she left the lounge and disappeared from sight towards the elevators.
“Mr. Montgomery?” a polite voice came from the direction of the spa desk. “They’re ready for you, now.” Ambling towards the waiting staff, William smiled, toying with the idea of taking Michelle for a spa massage on their honeymoon. He thought the idea of them having one together had merit, though he may end up kicked the staff out of the room for a little while. The thought pleased him greatly; a wide grin stayed on his face as he traversed the hotel spa’s corridor.
Up in her room, Michelle hugged herself and softly giggled.
“I sound like a schoolgirl,” she thought, smiling. She hoped William had not guessed how much she had wanted to take him up on his offer; the massage sounded rather seductive the way he’d described it. Even more than before, Michelle knew her life with William would not be boring; she could always look back on these days of wondering and mystery to renew feelings for her future husband.
Comforted by this thought Michelle began her nightly routine, a dreamy smile on her face. Tomorrow, she hoped, would begin the events that would culminate at the day she’d dreamed of having for so long… her wedding. Later, Michelle lay in bed thinking sweet thoughts of the man who had brought brevity and companionship to her once-lonely life.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Michelle awoke to the sounds of someone knocking, loudly, on her d
oor. Blinking, she sat up and rubbed her eyes.
“Just a moment,” she called out, sleepily. Slipping on her robe, Michelle looked out of the peephole. On the other side of her door stood Laurel, her uncle’s assistant; the blond woman wore a huge smile on her face. Michelle glanced up at her clock; it was 6:15am. Unlocking her door, she opened it.
“Hello!” Laurel sang out in a jubilant tone. In spite of early hour Michelle smiled back. The blond woman’s infectious exuberance rapidly evaporated any lingering drowsiness. Laurel assistant was wore a brown pinstriped skirt, brown leggings, slender boots and sage green turtleneck sweater with an auburn and sage paisley scarf; her good taste in clothes was re-confirmed in Michelle’s mind.
“Good morning,” she said, smiling; she yawned, and hid it behind her hand. “Not to be obvious, or anything, but I believe it is six-fifteen in the morning.”
“Yes, it is,” Laurel said, cheerfully. “We get to eat breakfast downstairs and then we have an early appointment with the folks over at Vera Wang.”
Michelle jaw dropped.
“Vera Wang?” she said, eyes wide. “Whatever for?” Laurel rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“To pick out your wedding gown, silly,” she said, highly amused. “It’s not a tattoo parlor…” She looked closely at Michelle’s stunned expression. “Unless, you prefer another designer?” Michelle managed to get over her initial shock quickly.
“I am certain I can find less expensive places to shop for my wedding things,” she said, quietly, favoring with Laurel an odd look. Did this woman think that money grew on trees? She wasn’t about to treat her uncle’s kindness with such disregard. Laurel’s smile did not fade.
“Mr. Maclane thought you’d say that,” she said, shaking her head; her eyes glinted with a victorious look. “He gave me carte blanche with his personal credit line, which is really enormous...” Laurel’s eyebrows rose for emphasis as she spoke. “He gave me specific instructions that whatever we buy we’re to get the best, but to make it just the way you want.”
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