The Critic (32 page)

“Sounds great. Thanks for everything.” I pulled her in for a hug.

I pulled up to Bentley’s office building, and he was standing outside. He waved when he saw me and gave me his brightest smile. He was happy, so I was happy for him. He walked over to the driver’s door and opened it for me.

I hopped out. “Thanks. I wanted you to drive.”

“That’s what I figured.” He winked and pulled me into a searing kiss.

It didn’t matter that we were on a city street and horns were blaring—we needed every stolen moment possible. Once I was buckled up, he pulled away from the curb.

“So what happened in your meeting?” I asked.

“Well, Mr. Chatfield gave me the contract, which I signed after consulting with my attorney. I’ll be there for a minimum of three months. Then I’ll need to return at least four to six times over the course of the year, unless something happens. Then it could be more. He gave me a key to my apartment, or flat as they say there, and my airline ticket. I guess it was all standard stuff really.”

“Sounds like everything is taken care of then.” I smiled and looked out the window until we stopped in front of his brownstone.

He opened the front door and handed me the key. “Here, you’re going to need this.”

“Thanks. I guess I will.”

I had my duffle slung over my shoulder, and Bentley carried my small box of shoes. We set everything down, and he pulled me onto his lap.

“I have something for you,” he said.

“You do?”

He reached into his backpack and handed me an airline ticket. It had my information, and my flight date was tomorrow from JFK to Heathrow.

“Bentley?”

“Look, I know you said you weren’t going with me, but when they told me my flight information, I decided to buy you one too. It’s refundable or the date can be changed, and I’ll cover whatever fee they charge you.” He placed his hands on my arms and looked into my eyes.

I inhaled his cologne and tried to memorize the scent. “Thank you.” Yeah, that was all I had. Just thank you. I leaned into him and held him around his waist.

“So Brett invited us to the club tonight. I’d like to go. Is that okay?” He kissed the top of my head.

“That sounds like fun. I’ll tell Gina to meet us.” I knew he wanted to see his brother, and a night out would be fun, but it was our last night together. I would have preferred us to be alone, but it wasn’t about me.

He picked up the small box and looked at my duffle. “Is this all you brought over?”

“I’ll get more stuff tomorrow. I just wanted to get back to you.”

“How about we find a place for these?” He winked, and I followed him into the bedroom.

I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The way he moved with such confidence, I envied that.

“I want you to make yourself at home and feel free to take whatever space you need,” he said as he set my box beside the closet.

I took off my clothes while his back was to me. “Right now, all I need is you.”

He pivoted, and his eyes went wide when he took in my black lace bra and panties. The way he looked at me from head to toe made me melt. “Man, am I going to miss you.”

“No talking. Just make love to me.” I lay on the bed and held my hand out to him.

The mattress dipped as he lay down. “I can’t not talk to you. I won’t talk about tomorrow, but I need to tell you that you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever known and I’m going to love you forever.” In no time at all, he was naked and on top of me. His hands caressed the sides of my face as we stared at each other. He pushed my hair off my face. “I’ve always loved your eyes.” He gently kissed each lid.

I opened my eyes and watched the man I loved make his way down my body, one kiss at a time. His head was between my legs, and I felt his tongue graze my inner thigh. My legs fell open as he moved to my most sensitive spot. His breath was warm on me, making my hips buck. He looked up at me and smiled as he tasted me. He moved up my body the same way he’d gone down, kissing every inch of me. When our lips met, I could taste myself.

“You taste great.” His tongue plunged in my mouth as he entered me. His movements were slow. “I need to savor you, Andi.”

All I could do was nod. The feeling of fullness overwhelmed me, and it wasn’t from connecting physically but because we were connected emotionally. My hands trailed down his muscular back as he picked up his pace.

“I love you, Andi.” He grunted, and we came in unison.

I looked into his deep blue eyes. “I love you too.”

The club was hopping, and Brett was busy pouring drinks. He motioned to Bentley to head up to the VIP room. Gina and Seth walked in as we were heading up the stairs, and I waved at them to follow. We turned the corner and saw a “good luck” banner hanging on the wall. Bentley stopped in his tracks and put his hand on his chest.

I snaked my hand around his arm. “This is amazing.”

Everyone was there, including his parents, Alex, Aubrey, and Lyn. We walked in hand-in-hand and said hello to everyone. The only time he released me was when he hugged someone. Otherwise, our fingers were interwoven.

Brett came charging up the stairs and slung his arm around Bentley’s neck.

“Brett, no trips to the ER tonight,” Madeline scolded.

“Yeah, Brett. You don’t want to hurt Mom’s favorite son.” Bentley winked at his mom.

“You mean the one that’s leaving her? That number one son?” Brett sauntered over to his mom and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Mom, I won’t leave you.” He kissed her cheek, earning an eye roll from Bentley.

His father laughed. “Those boys will never change.” But his smile told me he was happy about that.

We spent the rest of the evening sharing great wine and food while the DJ played retro dance tunes. Brett had really outdone himself.

He tapped the side of his glass with his fork. “Excuse me.” Everyone turned their attention to Brett. “I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight to give my brother a send-off as he leaves for London tomorrow.” He turned his attention to Bentley. “I love you, bro, and I’m proud of you.” He raised his glass. “To Bentley.”

Everyone said in unison, “To Bentley.”

Brett walked up to us. “Andi, if you need anything while he’s gone, I want you to call me. You got it?”

I nodded as words evaded me.

Brett hugged Bentley. “I’m gonna miss you man.”

“I’ll miss you too, little brother.”

I really didn’t want the night to end, but Bentley had a morning flight, so we headed out, went home, and laid in each other’s arms until the sun rose.

When I woke, the air in the apartment felt different—almost heavy. Bentley was already in the shower, and I rubbed my hand over his side of the bed. This was what it would be like waking up alone in his bed. What hurts was that it was my choice. I heard the water turn off in the bathroom, so I decided to get up and make some coffee. I promised myself that I wouldn’t be a basket case. That would just make him feel bad, and I didn’t want to do that to him.

“Hey, babe, having your morning caffeine?” He kissed the top of my head.

I noticed his suitcases by the door. “Are you leaving already?” My voice hitched.

“In a few minutes.” He poured a glass of orange juice.

“But you have a while until your flight.” I felt as though I would suffocate. How could I say good-bye to him? I wasn’t prepared. I’d avoided this moment for so long that I didn’t know what to do. I stood and took a breath. “I’ll be right back.”

I walked into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. The mirror didn’t lie—my hair was a disaster. I smoothed it with a brush and washed my face. I needed to get something for Bentley before he left, so I opened the small box I’d brought over and took out a candid picture Gina had taken of us. She’d texted it to me, and I’d printed it out for him. Back in the family room, Bentley was looking out the window.

I slyly put the picture in his backpack. “Bentley?”

He turned and came to me. “Babe, are you okay?” His thumb grazed my cheek.

I leaned into his hand and shrugged. “I’ll be okay. Do you have everything? Your passport? Ticket? ID?”

“Yeah, I have everything. Andi, I don’t want a drawn-out good-bye. I can’t—” He held me close and rested his forehead on my shoulder.

My hands were on his back, which had begun to tremble. I gently rubbed his back as my tears fell.

He looked at me with tear-soaked cheeks, grabbed my face, and pulled me into a searing kiss. Our tongues moved, and I savored his taste, knowing I wouldn’t feel his lips for a long time.

He broke the kiss and put his forehead against mine. “I’m going to miss you so much.” His warm breath caressed my face. “I love you.” He grabbed his suitcases and backpack and gave me a smile. “I’ll call you when I land.”

I tried to smile and hide my sadness, but it was a lost cause. I gingerly nodded, and when the door closed behind him, I sobbed. I went to the window and watched him get in his car. My hand went to the glass, and I said, “I love you too.”

I walked around Bentley’s place, trying to absorb the fact it would be mine and Gina’s home while he was away. The pictures were sparse, and aside from a few books and literary awards, his built-in bookshelf was bare. I knew I could fill them with some of my favorite books, which I kept in a box at my place. I didn’t have beautiful bookcases to showcase them, but I would here. I picked up one of his framed reviews. A gold-and-black ribbon hung from the bottom: “2012 Award Winner.” I smiled and felt a sense of pride. He really was the best critic in the city, and he deserved awards. Three others had the same adornment, as well as a few other awards from different agencies. My heart swelled at his accomplishments. It was no wonder the owners of the
Edge
wanted his help.

I opened the drawers in the credenza below the shelving, and my heart stopped. He had programs from the shows I’d been in over the past five years. He had some from other shows too, but mine were banded together. I pulled them out, crossed my legs, and sat on the floor to look through them. I honestly couldn’t believe he’d kept these, even some I didn’t have. I flipped through the pages and noticed yellow sticky notes on some of them. He’d written what stood out and what didn’t. Most of the notes about me weren’t wonderful, but I wasn’t shocked. I knew he didn’t like how I’d performed in those shows.

The last program was for
Together Again,
and there were multiple notes stuck in it. My hands trembled as I opened it, remembering his review. I didn’t know why I needed to read his notes, but skipping them wasn’t an option.

“Andrea Jordan makes me feel things I’ve never felt. I can’t stop staring at her, and like the very first time I saw her, I knew she was someone special. Just like the first time I critiqued her, many years ago, I knew she could do better. What I wouldn’t give to have the chance to meet her. Her eyes are captivating and staring into them wouldn’t be a chore but a delight. Maybe someday I’ll have that chance.”

My eyes filled. This wasn’t the review for the paper—this was for him. He’d thought about me for years, just like he’d always told me, and there was the proof in his handwriting. I replaced the programs in the drawer and pushed it closed. Memories flooded me. We’d moved past the bad ones, and I was a better person for it.

My phone chimed, and I instantly grabbed it. I prayed it was Bentley so I could tell him I loved him, but it was Gina.

Gina:
Hey, I’m on my way over. I want to thank Bentley for letting me stay there and give him a farewell hug.

Me:
He left.

About five minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Gina walked in the unlocked door and stared at me sitting on the floor, holding the note Bentley had written.

She came and sat next to me. “Oh, Andi, are you okay?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think I am.” I handed her the note and watched her brows go from low to high.

“Wow,” she said.

“Yeah, wow.” I stood, and Gina followed.

“What are you doing, Andi?”

“I was just looking around. That’s all.”