Tripped Up Love

by Farley, Julie

  “It is part of your charm, and I love it. I want to do more with you. I’d love to do more things with your kids. I’d like to get to know them better.”

  “Well, here’s the thing. I don’t want them to lose anyone again. I’m not sure I want them to get too close to you. Henry already asked you if you were going to be his dad.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “That is what I can’t understand.”

  “You don’t have to understand. I’ll just show you and prove to you that I want to spend time with you - with all of you.”

  Peter kissed Heather, and she asked for a tour of the apartment.

  He got each of them a robe and began the tour. Heather wondered why he had two robes. He must entertain the women a lot in his New York apartment. As if he could read her mind, Peter said, “I had a robe delivered here so you could wear it while they do your make up.”

  “Ahhh….” This guy truly thought of everything.

  The apartment had two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The kitchen was small but probably pretty typical for a New York apartment, and there was a dining room and separate living room/media room. In addition, it had an office/study/library. The walls were lined with bookcases and more first editions. Heather could spend hours in there, especially with Peter on the faux tiger rug that was on the floor.

  “This place is amazing, Peter. ”

  “Thanks. I’ve had it for quite a while. I bought it after my first book became a movie. It was my present to myself.”

  “Nice present.”

  “I don’t have kids or a lot of other things that I need to spend money on. So I can afford it.” Peter was brutally honest about money. He knew he was in a different stratosphere than many other authors in the world. Once his books were optioned into movies, the big money started rolling in.

  “I want to introduce you to my publisher and my agent tonight. They’ll be at our table, so you’ll have plenty of time to charm them.”

  “Or embarrass myself. Don’t you think you should read some of my book before you do that?”

  “If you’ll let me, I’d be happy to read it. They’ll be at our table anyway, so I’m going to introduce you regardless.”

  Oops, maybe Peter didn’t mean he would introduce her as a writer. “When we get home I’ll let you read it. What kind of gala is this anyway?”

  “It’s at the New York Public Library. I’m being honored for the charity work I do”

  “And what kind of charity work do you do?”

  “I have a literacy center in Richmond.”

  Heather felt forever out of the loop. She hadn’t heard about his literacy center. She’d been in her own little world over the last year and a half so that may have been why.

  “That’s amazing.”

  “It is. You should come down and check it out. It’s down in Church Hill. We do a lot of after school and summer programs.”

  “I’d love to visit sometime.”

  “So, my lady. What do you think about a shower? That way you can be all cleaned up for the make up/hair person who’s coming to take care of you.”

  “You don’t trust me to do my own makeup?”

  “Of course I do,” Shit, Peter had never thought of it that way. “I just wanted to make it special for you.”

  Heather was smiling. She knew Peter wasn’t insulting her, but when she could, she thought it was fun to get under his skin. Peter led the way to the shower. It was nothing in comparison to his shower in Richmond, but it was much better than the shower Heather had at her house so she was not about to complain. And plus, Peter was in it with her. There was no need to complain about anything.

  After the shower and more shower sex, Heather was ready for a nap. With all this sex, she didn’t really have to worry about her muffin top anymore. But she made a mental note to go to the doctor and get on the pill. Condoms were a bit of a pain, although Peter never complained.

  With thirty minutes till the makeup lady arrived, Heather vowed to close her eyes and curl up on Peter’s bed.

  Chapter 22

  Peter woke Heather up when the stylist arrived. Heather took a seat at one of the kitchen barstools and was made up. She even had her hair blown out. The stylist put it in a half up-do style similar to Kate’s hair at the Royal Wedding. Peter forced a slice of pizza and a beer into Heather as she was getting ready. Heather called the kids quickly to make sure all was well on the home front. Gracie sounded a little sad, but Heather promised to get her a present in the hopes that would cheer her up a bit.

  Just before she was about to slip into her gown, Aiden appeared. Aiden looked gorgeous and every bit the glamorous young New Yorker. She had a fitted black gown that emphasized her well-defined shoulders and arms. Her hair was swept up, and she wore huge diamond studs in her ears. Aiden looked right through Heather and complimented Peter in his tux. Heather agreed, Peter deserved lots of compliments. He looked positively delectable. Heather slipped into the bedroom to finish getting dressed. She could hear Peter and Aiden talking, probably discussing Peter’s speech.

  Peter walked into the bedroom as Heather was about to slip on her shoe.

  “Breathtaking. You took my breath away just like when I saw you fall in front of my car.”

  “With any luck, I won’t fall tonight.”

  “You won’t because I will be holding you all night.” That prospect made Heather smile. “Are you ready?” asked Peter.

  “Just give me one more second to throw my things in this bag, and I’ll be all set.”

  As Heather went to stick her phone in her new purse, she noticed she had a text from Jenny.

  6:00 Jenny: Have fun and be good.

  Heather sent a quick text back with a simple smiley face.

  “Peter, we’ve really got to get going,” said an impatient Aiden.

  “We’re fine. They can’t start without me when they’re honoring me.”

  The car was waiting out front. Peter sat up front with the driver, and Aiden and Heather were in the back together.

  “You look nice. Stinks you can’t wear heels.”

  “I’m not much of a heels girl anyway. I don’t really mind. You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks. You nervous about meeting all these people? Walking the red carpet?”

  Shit! The red carpet? Heather had never thought about a red carpet. She felt as pretty as she had on her wedding day but had never done anything like this before. The most glamorous party she had been to in the last 10 years was Hank’s office party at the Science Museum, and that was in a tent over a railroad track in December. Heather was not used to this kind of fancy. Aiden sat next to her looking like a Cheshire cat. She could see the fear in Heather’s eyes.

  “I’m sure they’ll have lots of questions for you. You are a bit of a surprise.”

  They pulled up to the library, and Peter opened her door before Heather could figure out what Aiden meant by surprise. The driver opened Aiden’s door. There was a red carpet and a few reporters and photographers, but it wasn’t like the red carpet she saw on television during the Golden Globe coverage. Heather breathed a small sigh of relief and held onto Peter’s arm.

  “Mr. Adamson, I’m with the Daily News, who are you with tonight?” yelled a reporter right away.

  “My date is Heather Meadows.”

  “How do you know her?”

  “She’s from Richmond.”

  “Are you a couple?”

  “Yes.” They moved on. Heather could only imagine the pictures would show her looking a bit shell-shocked. She didn’t think anyone would ask about her.

  “You really wanted to tell them you were a couple?” asked Aiden.

  “We are, and you know I don’t lie or fabricate stories,” said Peter.

  Aiden had been about five feet behind them the whole time. Heather wasn’t really sure why she was even there. She didn’t seem to be any use to Peter other than checking them in when they got to the airport.

  When they got i
nto the library, they were led to their seats by someone whose sole job was to make sure Mr. Adamson was in the right spot. They had a table up front.

  “Hope this table meets your specifications, sir. We tried our best to accommodate the addition to your party.”

  “This is perfect. Thank you.”

  Heather heard the man and realized she was the late addition, a bit of a surprise as Aiden so kindly put it. Aiden must have been Peter’s date until he asked Heather. That would explain her bitchiness. Peter must have felt guilty and offered to bring Aiden anyway. Everyone at the table was already seated and stood as soon as Peter, Heather and Aiden arrived. Peter made the necessary introductions.

  “Richard, this is my date Heather Meadows. Heather, this is my agent Richard Andrews. I’d love for you to sit down and talk to Heather about her book in the next few weeks. She’s written a memoir, and I think you’ll find her voice refreshing.”

  “Heather, I’m pleased to meet you. High praise from someone like Peter.”

  Yes, high praise but he hasn’t read my work, thought Heather. “Thank you. Pleased to meet you.”

  Peter knew in his heart that if Heather was able to capture a small percentage of her personality and voice in the book it would be a riveting read. He wasn’t afraid to show her off.

  “Heather, this is George, my editor at the publishing house.”

  “Nice to meet you, George.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Heather. I haven’t seen a smile like that on Peter’s face in quite awhile. Refreshing!”

  Aiden stood behind Heather with a pout on her face. Obviously, Aiden’s mom hadn’t told her her face might freeze that way. Pouty lips had become a norm for Aiden when Heather was around. Heather knew Aiden would want to be introduced in a similar way to both men and was probably fuming because she wasn’t. They all sat down at the table, and wine and salad were served immediately. Heather had a shaky feeling like all eyes were on her. Peter rested his hand on her thigh. Then she had a shaky feeling because she really wanted him to touch her - all over.

  The main course was served. Small talk ensued across the table. Peter’s award was presented after dinner. The accolades were flowing, and so was the applause. Peter stood, kissed Heather on the cheek, and made his way to the podium. He thanked the appropriate people and began telling a story about why he had built the literacy center.

  “When I was in college, I was arrested for sneaking into a bar with a fake ID. It turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. I was sentenced to 100 hours of community service along with dozens of classmates. Most people vowed to do the work at home on summer break, hoping a parent’s friend would sign the service sheet and help them get off the hook. My parents were clear that would not happen. I had to pick a place to do the service and complete my hours or their punishment would be worse. I decided to work at the South Bend Homeless Shelter in the kids’ room helping them with their homework. I went there every Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the semester. I realized that the ability to read separated families. I had never given much thought to adults not being able to read or that kids could go through school and not learn to read. But it happens all too frequently. I ended up teaching several young kids to read and one older woman. She was a grandma and wanted desperately to read to her grandchildren. That summer, I researched the literacy problem in America and vowed to myself that someday I would do something to help. The literacy center in Richmond focuses on helping children but also offers classes on Saturday mornings for adults. The staff does amazing work, and I teach classes each week. Together we are determined to raise the literacy rate in Richmond, Virginia.”

  Everyone clapped and Peter was ushered into a back room. Heather looked over at Richard and said, “That was amazing.”

  “He’s a pretty amazing man. I suspect you are finding that out. Especially if he’s singing your praises.”

  “Heather, has Peter actually read your book?” asked Aiden with a smirk on her face. Heather blushed. She didn’t want to make a fool of Peter or herself. A white lie was the only answer.

  “He perused it the day we met.” Not a total lie. He saw it on the table and probably perused the first page. Who wouldn’t?

  “Oh, you mean when he found you lying in a pothole in the street?” asked Aiden in an attempt to embarrass Heather further.

  Richard had a quizzical look on his face, as did everyone else at the table. Heather knew she had some explaining to do. With a little giggle, Heather started to explain.

  “I was out for a run, and I fell and broke my ankle. Peter happened to be driving by and saw it happen. He picked me up and helped me out.”

  All the wives were awwing, and the men were smiling. Aiden was not happy with Heather’s ability to make everything ok.

  “That was just three weeks ago,” said Aiden, trying to discredit their relationship to no avail.

  “And sometimes it takes a lot less time to fall in love,” said Peter, kissing Heather on the top of the head as he sat down at the table. Richard’s wife Melanie was beaming. She thought that was the most romantic thing she had ever heard.

  “Time is irrelevant with matters of the heart,” said Betty, George’s wife.

  “Wise words, Betty. Thank you,” said Peter. Heather sat smiling, happy to have won this battle with Aiden but knowing it was not over.

  Dessert was served, and everyone asked Heather more questions about her life. Peter kept his hand in her lap for the rest of the night. Aiden sat quietly. A little too quietly, as it looked to Heather like she might be plotting Heather’s demise. Heather could see her hands in her lap, and she looked like she was wringing them. After dessert, Peter told Aiden she was free to go. The driver would take her home, and they would get a cab. She left without saying goodbye. Heather was happy to be free of her until tomorrow.

  “You up for a little adventure?”

  “Sure, what do you have in mind?”

  “There’s a cupcake bar near my apartment. Thought we could get a nightcap.”

  “Sounds perfect.”

  They said their goodbyes to Richard, George and their wives. There was a cab waiting for them when they walked out front. Heather curled into Peter on their way to the next stop. She was a little cold, and he wrapped his jacket around her shoulders. The taxi stopped in front of a bar storefront, and they got out. Heather was in heaven. Sweet Revenge was her ultimate restaurant. Cupcakes and beer or wine. She was opting for beer. The restaurant even did pairings for you.

  “Oh my gosh! This is amazing! Why didn’t I think of this?” asked Heather.

  Peter loved that she was so excited. Her eyes had that twinkle instead of the deer in headlights look they’d had during different parts of dinner. “Maybe we’ll have to open one in Carytown in Richmond,” said Peter. “What did you think of the Gala?”

  “It was nice. I loved your speech and what they said about you before it. I also loved meeting your agent and publisher. They seem like good people.”

  “They are. They’ve become my friends after all these years. I think they liked you too.”

  “Well, I had to lie a bit.” Heather recounted Aiden’s line of questioning and told Peter how she glossed over the fact that he hadn’t read the book.

  “I’ll read it when we get home. I’ve never really seen Aiden act like this, but she is obviously jealous. She’s usually a hard worker and eager to please.”

  “Was she supposed to be your first date to the dinner?”

  “Not date really. She was going with me as my assistant. I offered to fly her up to New York so she could see her parents.”

  “I bet she was hoping to blur that line. I think she didn’t love the fact she became a third wheel. I can’t imagine any female not wanting to be your date. She wanted more out of this weekend, and then I showed up.” What young, beautiful aspiring writer wouldn’t want more from this gorgeous, older established writer?

  “She never would have gotten it. She’s almost a teenager. I pr
efer more mature women.”

  “Mature…you make me sound like I’m ready to sign up for AARP!”

  “Finish your cupcake so we can go home, Mrs. Meadows.”

  She did, and they took a cab back to the apartment. Sleep was far from either of their minds. Peter undressed Heather as quickly and seductively as he could, draping the dress over a chair and then doing the same with his tux. His hands were all over her. Heather was happy to be in his bed without a boot and was feeling a little feisty after her cupcake and beer. Peter was pleasantly surprised.

  She decided it was time for her to take control and have fun with Peter. She climbed on top of him and lavished his neck and chest with kisses. In her brazen mood, she even sucked his nipples, pleasantly surprising both of them. Heather could tell Peter was about to explode, so she grabbed a condom and not so deftly put it on for him. She positioned him inside of her. Heather moaned at the same time as Peter and felt like she was in heaven after an evening filled with cupcakes, beer and Peter.

  Afterwards, Heather was still not tired and was wishing Peter had a luxurious bathtub but settled for some television and cuddling. Reruns of Friends were on so they watched at least a half dozen episodes, transporting Heather back to the years right after college and early marriage. Peter hadn’t seen quite as many of the episodes as Heather had, but he enjoyed them just the same. Although, he would have enjoyed anything he watched if Heather was sitting next to him naked. Eventually, they grew tired of television and found other forms of entertainment.