Interview with Love (25 page)

Rising to her feet, Sienna stared at Vaughn as though he were an apparition.

“How are you?”

“Just fine,” she snapped out of her reverie. “Thanks for asking. You?”

 

He shrugged. “I'm hanging in there.”

It took a few moments for Sienna to speak again. “So um, what brings you to Chicago? Are you here on business?”

“You could say that. How was your interview?”

“It went well. I had a very animated group. That always makes for great sessions.” Realizing she was still holding her notebook, she set it down on the table. “I have to admit that I'm really shocked to see you. How did you know where I would be, or that I was even in town for that matter?”

“Your client told me.”

Sienna looked baffled. “Excuse me?”

“I know them. Some of the managers are friends of mine. Occasionally we go on excursions.”

“Of course you do,” she said, dryly.

“Anyway, one of my buddies told me they hired you to conduct a focus group. I told him you and I were…well acquainted and the rest is history.”

A frown line creased her forehead. “You told him we were how well acquainted?”

Vaughn expelled a harsh breath. “I told him the truth, Sienna. I told him that you mean the world to me. I might have mentioned how important you are in my life, that you and I had a major fight, and I may have touched on desperately needing to find a way to make things right.”

Sienna sagged against the table. “You told him all that?”

Vaughn nodded. “I kind of paraphrased.”

Quiet overtook the room again. Vaughn observed her studying her shoes with avid interest. “Sienna, what would you say to thirty seconds of total honesty?”

She glanced up at him. “I'd say at this point we have nothing to lose.”

“Great. Ready?”

She took a deep breath and stood up to her full height. “Let's do it.”

Vaughn went first. “I have missed you more than I ever thought possible.”

“I look at my cell phone every day to see if you've called.”

“Every room in my house reminds me of you.”

“Sasha and Vivian think I was crazy for not hearing your side of the story—so do I.”

“Natalia Simone is a fashion mogul worth millions of dollars to the agency. My making partner was dependent upon landing her as a client. Sienna, I am so sorry I walked away from you that night. I thought I would be able to explain myself later—it didn't work out that way.”

Her eyes grew moist. “No, it didn't. You hurt me, Vaughn,”

“I know,” he said in a low voice. “I'm sorry, Doc.”

“I'm sorry I didn't trust you.”

“I can't lie, Sienna. You immediately assuming the worst bothered the hell out of me.”

Before she could retort he stopped her.

“Hang on a minute.” Vaughn turned and strode out of the room. Sienna stood there baffled. When he returned, it was with his redhead in tow.

Sienna looked at him questioningly.

“Sienna, this is Natalia Simone. Natalia, this is Dr. Sienna Lambert.”

Natalia briefly pressed her fingers against Sienna's hand.

“Charmed, darling. Vaughn has been telling me about your problems. I'm sorry if you misconstrued my involvement with your boyfriend as something sexual in nature,” Natalia eyed Sienna very nonchalantly. “That happens a lot. What can I say? I'm very desirable and it is in my nature to flirt, but we aren't lovers,” Natalia slid an approving gaze over Vaughn. Her eyes smoldered. “Not that I wouldn't mind—if things were different. He and Pierce are amazing to look at, aren't they? Like Adonis himself.”

Sienna tried not to smile.

“You have nothing to worry about dear girl. My affections are otherwise occupied. Though I must tell you, she tends to be somewhat jealous. I can't help but admire that. Women want me, men find me irresistible, but trust me darling; I never sleep where I work. I have extremely high expectations from everyone around me. Their vision, their creativity, their ability to give me what I want has to remain the priority. Once they have indulged in the fantasy I can assure you, it would alter the reality. They would want to remain at my side like forlorn puppies,” she laughed. “Horrendous for my bottom line.”

“I can see your point,” Sienna agreed.

“Anyway, what can I say? It's a hazard in my life that can't be avoided. Anyway, I've got to go, darling. I have reservations at Charlie Trotters. Vaughn, I will call you later. Sienna, you really should work on your hair. That bun is just hideous. Try something a little fuller around your face. You are too statuesque to be so severe. You need to embrace your inner beauty.” She turned to Vaughn. “Darling, see to it that she gets a complimentary gift set. Ciao.”

Vaughn kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you, Natalia.”

“No need. I do charity work all the time, darling.” She winked, and then sailed past them in a blur of stilettos and fur.

Somehow Vaughn beat her to the door and opened it. He followed her into the hallway. When he returned, he glanced at his watch. He grinned. I think we have another ten seconds.”

Sienna was awed. “I can't believe you brought her here.”

“I wasn't taking any chances. There was no way I was leaving until you and I were copacetic.”

Her face reddened. “I apologize for not believing in you—in us.”

“I'm as much to blame for this, Doc. I was stubborn and refused to tell you about the details surrounding Natalia. I guess my pride ran amuck.”

“I didn't want to hear the truth, Vaughn. I was scared and wanted a reason to run from you.”

“Is that your professional opinion?”

“I'm embarrassed to say it, but yes.”

Vaughn went to her. He tilted her face upward with his finger. “Sweetheart, our first weekend at my house…do you remember it?”

She looked aghast. “Of course I do.”

He leaned closer. “You bared your soul to me. I promised you then that I would never let anyone hurt you again. I meant it.”

“I know you did.”

“Then you have to know that you and I coming together afterwards…what we shared was…,” he grasped her head in his hands and rested his forehead on hers. When he released her his eyes brimmed with emotion. “I was right there with you, Doc. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

Tears cascaded down her face in earnest.

He lowered his head and kissed her solemly. “So, am I forgiven?”

“That would depend. Am I?”

He kissed the bridge of her nose. “Yes. I forgive you for being stupid enough to think that I would ever disrespect you or what we have by lying and being unfaithful.”

Sienna wrapped her arms around his neck. “That's good to know, because I forgive you for not telling me sooner that Natalia was your client.”

“Fair enough.”

“Did you make partner?”

He moved his hands around behind her and undid the bun. He fluffed her hair out around her shoulders. “Yes, I did, but I really miss my old partner. The problem is I love her, and I want her back.”

Sienna didn't know she had been holding her breath until she gasped. “You love her?”

“Yes, I do. I've never stopped.”

“So what you were trying to tell me about that weekend was that I…I didn't fall alone.”

“No sweetheart, you didn't.”

They hugged each other tightly, each allowing themselves to finally relax.

“One final question for you, Doc.”

Her hand glided up his shoulder. “I'm ready.”

“When are you going to admit you love me?”

She beamed with happiness. “I love you, Vaughn Deveraux. I have for quite some time. How could I not be in love with you, darling?” she mimicked Natalia. “You're a living Adonis.”

They returned to her hotel room where Vaughn helped her pack up. They caught an afternoon flight back to Raleigh. After they landed, Vaughn decided to take Sienna out to dinner. By the time they arrived at Vaughn's house it was late evening.

When they entered his house, Vaughn sat their luggage in the mud room. Sienna was about to grab her overnight bag to take it upstairs but he staid her hand. “Uh-uh. Later,” he told her. He took her hand in his and kissed it. “Follow me.”

They went upstairs and Vaughn pulled her toward the bathroom. He turned the water in the shower on. As it warmed, he helped relieve Sienna of all her clothes. When he was done he removed his.

“Are we taking a shower in the Mini Cooper again?” she teased.

“Yes,” he said, lasciviously nudging her under the warm rain shower. The water cascaded down the both of them. He hugged her to him. “You don't know how much I've missed this.”

Sienna exhaled a pent up breath from deep within her chest. She returned his hug with equal reverence. “Yes, I do.”

Vaughn outlined her lips with his thumb. “I love you, Doc.”

“I love you, Vaughn.”

 

It was a while later before either wanted to exit the shower. Vaughn retrieved a fluffy beach towel and dried them both off.

She glanced at her fingers and laughed. “My skin is all pruney.”

“I still love you—wrinkles and all.”

“You say that now. Just wait till I'm all old and have the ones that last twenty-four hours a day.”

He wrapped the towel around her using it to guide her towards him. He kissed her neck. “I'd still think you are hot.”

Vaughn picked her up and took her out of the bathroom. When he passed the bed Sienna raised an eyebrow. “Where are we going?”

“You'll see.”

He took them out onto his covered deck.

Sienna looked up at the star studded sky. “I truly think the observatory is my favorite place in your house.”

“After what transpired the last time we were out here I'm going to agree with you.”

He sat her down. Meet you in the middle?”

“You're on.”

They worked on either side of the outdoor room lighting the candles. They ran into each other at the foot of the canopied lounger.

Vaughn relieved her of her portable lighter and sat it on a nearby table. When he returned, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hello beautiful.”

Sienna leaned up to kiss him. “Howdy stranger.”

“It's been a while hasn't it?”

“Yes, a long, exhausting, arduous, lonely while, Vaughn. Let's not do that again.” Her eyes glistened with candlelight-hued tears. “Ever.”

He took her hand in his again. Easing the canopied curtain back, he motioned for her to lie down. While she got comfortable he tied the curtains on either side before joining her on the bed. He gathered Sienna in his arms. Silently, they observed the night sky. They were content just to be with each other and stare at the constellations.

Sienna's hand entwined with his. “Is this where you say this is pretty amazing?”

Vaughn leaned down and kissed her lips. He gave her a big bear hug, and then whispered into her ear, “Not yet.” When he leaned back, there was a large diamond engagement ring between his thumb and index finger.

Sienna stared at the ring and then at him. She bolted up into a sitting position. He followed her. “Vaughn?”

“Sienna, I love you. You make me happier than anyone I've ever met. You're smart, sexy as hell, you're compassionate, funny and you are addictive. The more I'm around you, the more I realize how essential you are to my life. His voice shook with emotion. “I know how hard it's been for you to trust enough to open your heart to me—to anyone, after what happened years ago. I swear I wish I could have saved you from having to suffer through it. You have to know that I'm here now, and that I promise to protect you. Nobody will ever harm you like that again. You believe that don't you?”

She raised a shaking hand up to his face. She rested it on his cheek. “Of course I do.”

“Then Dr. Sienna Lambert, will you marry me?”

 

“Vaughn, you mean everything to me. You are my Adonis—shiny red cape and all.”

Vaughn looked baffled. “Red cape?”

She couldn't contain her glee. “I'll tell you that one later.”

He tweaked her nose. “Who would have ever thought one silly company outing could have turned my life upside down?”

“I never thought we would end up here,” she cried. “I convinced myself it would never happen, that I'd never experience what my parents felt. My father was blessed enough to find love twice in a lifetime. I believed I wouldn't find it once, that somehow I didn't deserve it, that nobody would ever touch my soul, but…you did, Vaughn. You saw behind the camouflage to the real me.”

“Sweetheart, I hate to tell you this, but that so-called camouflage wasn't even that good.”

They both dissolved into laughter. Tears of joy rolled down her face. She hugged him tightly. “I love you, Vaughn Deveraux.”

“Is it enough to marry me? Because I'm still waiting for an answer on that one.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” she cried. “It is way more than enough to marry you.”

He visibly relaxed. “Good. I was getting worried.” He took her left hand in his and slipped her ring onto her third finger. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “A perfect fit.”

She touched his face lovingly. “Just like us.”

He nodded. His eyes were as moist as hers. “Now this is pretty amazing.”

Gordon was pacing the floor. He glanced impatiently at his watch for the fourth time. “Are we ready?”

“Everything is a go. Vaughn called and he's on his way, and Sienna said she would be here shortly,” Carlton assured him.

“Dad, are you sure you parked far enough away? One look at that tank you drive and we're busted.”

“I planned for every contingency, sweetheart. We brought your mother's car. It's a perfectly non-descript car that will blend in.”

Cassandra cleared her throat.

“Sorry sweetheart, your car is very beautiful—just like its owner.”

She blew a kiss to her husband. Sasha shot a glance at her father. He winked.

The doorbell rang. Everyone jumped.

“Okay Showtime,” Gordon whispered. “Cue Angella. All non-essential personnel report to the guest room PDQ.”

Everyone but Carlton and Angella filed out of the room.

Angella glanced at her father. “What's PDQ, daddy?”

“Pretty…darn quick,” he replied quickly.

When he opened the door, Sienna walked in carrying a small bag. “Hi Angella. How are you?”

“Great now that you're here.”

“Don't worry, Ange. I've got you covered. I have curling irons, hair accessories, lip gloss, and even a sewing kit should we have any last-minute emergencies.”

“You've thought of everything,” Angella giggled.

Just then Gordon, Sasha, Cassandra, Vivian and Pierce came into the room. Sienna jumped in surprise.

“What are you guys doing here? What in the world is going on?”

Carlton called us last minute. He wanted everyone to be here to see Angella off to her first dance,” Cassandra lied, smoothly.

Sienna went to hug her family. “Well that was sweet. I'll be right back I need to run to the bathroom.”

The doorbell rang again. This time Angella went to answer the door. “Uncle Vaughn,” she said, excitedly.

“How's my little dancer?” Vaughn hugged Angella to him. “All ready, Angel?”

“Um, not yet.”

Vaughn looked up to see his brother and Sienna's family standing off to the side.

He was surprised. “Is there a party I didn't know about?”

Gordon stepped forward. “This is an intervention.”

“An intervention?” Vaughn remarked. “Why exactly?”

“We're sorry son, but we've given you and Sienna ample time to get things patched up. Nothing's happened thus far, and time is running out. You two have to get past your differences. There is nothing to be had by holding grudges and letting your pride get in the way of your happiness, and everyone else's for that matter.”

“Gordon, I appreciate this whole…maneuver, but really it isn't necessary. Sienna and I—”

“Need help,” her father continued. “Both of you are all screwed up. You need guidance. That's where we come in. We're here to set you on the path. You two belong together. It's time you faced it.”

Vaughn tried not to laugh, but it was hard, especially when Sienna came back into the room. Baffled, she looked around. When she saw Vaughn, she ran right to him. He gathered her in his arms and kissed her soundly on the lips. The room got so quiet they were able to hear the distinctive ticking of Carlton's old Grandfather clock.

“Damn, that was fast,” Pierce said, dryly.

Gordon gaped at the scene before him. “What's going on?”

Sienna turned to face the dumbfounded crowd. “Isn't it obvious, Daddy? Vaughn and I are…we're back together.”

“Back together? When? How?”

“He came to me when I was in Chicago,” Sienna looked up at Vaughn. “He surprised me with declarations of love and Natalia.”

Her father looked deflated. “So all is back to normal?”

“Yes sir,” Vaughn spoke up encircling her waist with his arm, “for good this time too. No more lack of communication between us.”

“Now there's just an engagement between us,” Sienna informed them holding her ring up for everyone to see.

Cassandra practically screamed and ran over to her daughter. She threw her arms around her. Vivian was next in line and then Sasha.

“This is such joyous news,” her mother said, tearfully. “Gordon, isn't it wonderful?”

He shook his head. “You mean we executed this big elaborate plan for nothing?”

“Congratulations, man,” Carlton said, patting his friend on the back.

Angella moved in to hug Sienna. “You're going to be my Aunt now. I'm so excited.”

Sienna's eyes were bright with tears of joy. “Thanks, sweetie,” she kneeled down in front of her. “Did you really have a dance tonight?”

“Of course not, that was part of our elaborate scheme to get you and Uncle Vaughn back together.”

“One that backfired,” Gordon added.

Sienna kissed her on her cheek. “I guess since you're all dressed up we'll have to have a party here.”

Pierce came over to his brother. He punched is arm. “You did good.”

“Thanks, little brother.”

“By the looks of that ring and her smile I'd say you Dazzled her big time.”

Vaughn and Sienna made eye contact from across the room. He winked at her. “Yep, I dazzled her,” he let out a hearty laugh. “Seriously, Sienna and I appreciate everyone showing an interest in our happiness.” He hugged his brother. “Thanks.”

“This calls for a toast,” Vivian announced coming out of the kitchen with a tray full of juice boxes. “And since Carlton didn't have any Champagne, we're going to Plan B. She handed everyone a juice box.

Sasha sidled up to Pierce. “I suppose if you asked nicely Vivian could find you some milk.”

He flashed a signature grin.

Sasha covered her eyes, and then faked a swoon. “Oh somebody help me, I've been dazzled.”

Despite himself he burst out laughing. “I like you. You're just twisted enough to be allowed to hang with me.”

When everyone had received a juice box Gordon stepped forward. “A toast to Sienna and Vaughn. True love is a special gift from God. It isn't to be taking lightly, or without respect. We are all glad you two finally realized what we all could see: That you two are each a half of the one thing. Brought together by chance, but bound together by love. Congratulations on your engagement, kiddo,” his voice was gruff with emotion. “We wish you and Vaughn all the best.”

Loud thuds from carton hitting carton echoed around the room. After that they all sat down on Carlton's couch and chairs. Gordon glanced over at the happy couple. His chest puffed out with parental pride. “You know I never had a doubt that things would work out. I was telling Cassie that just last week. It took a solid plan and I must say everyone came together to get the job done. Even if you two hadn't kissed and made up I think we still would've been victorious. You know my instincts told me that you two would be back together in no time. And you know my instincts are never wrong.”

“We know.” the entire crowd said, in unison

 

THE END