Up for Love in London (9 page)

I’m travelling
solo again so I’m up for anything. After the dinner service is
complete, we discuss our ideas for the night. I don’t want to tell
Richard about my latest romantic debacle. He’s having so much fun
spoiling Gordon.

Some have
already booked dinner at the Greek restaurant, an easy choice. A
few pubs will be open for anyone while more upscale clubs demand
advance bookings. Others might free range, dropping in on fireworks
at the London Eye or on the Thames. Of course, some will just
slam-click their door and watch it all on TV, if they’re still
awake.

The bus ride to
the hotel takes longer than usual this morning, as we get stuck
behind the Queen’s horses as they promenade through the city. It’s
not a sight I’ve ever witnessed before, so it lifts my spirits to
see them, making me feel glad to be a flight attendant.

As the bus
creeps to a halt waiting for them to pass, everyone wakes up,
providing a chance to firm up their plans. I leave my options open,
and promise to meet at the bar at the usual six p.m.

Charles had
been texting for the first part of the week, but stopped after I
didn’t reply. Well, I actually did reply once but my response was
very straightforward. I apologized for my outburst, admitting that
I could have been more understanding but I requested that he
apologize too. All he did was defend his actions, which wasn’t good
enough for me. So I wished him a Happy New Year, happy life and set
my mental attitude to “ignore.”

In the lobby,
the clerk barely glances at me when she calls my name so I am
surprised to receive one of the penthouse suites again. I wait to
see if others have fancy rooms as well and it seems a few do. This
sometimes happens when the standard rooms are occupied during
special events.

My knees weaken
when I open the door, half-expecting to see flowers, my red dress
or some other evidence that Charles still wants me. Though he had
really disappointed me, I felt we had connected on more than just a
sexual level. I knew even before my affair with Brad that I wanted
to settle down with a man who respected and loved me and shared the
notion we were both on the same path to commitment.

The room,
beautiful as it is, seems sterile without the personal touches
Charles had placed there only last week and my stomach sinks to my
feet. I bravely channel my inner Scarlet O’Hara, reminding myself
tomorrow would be another day. Indeed, it would be a brand new
year.

The long ride
in, courtesy of the horses, made me extra tired, so I slip off my
uniform, wash my face and climb into bed. Too lazy to even hang up
my clothes, I simply drape the skirt and jacket over a chair. I
could iron a fresh blouse before the flight tomorrow though the
high polyester content would probably make that unnecessary.

I had set my
alarm for 3 p.m., to allow for a bit of shopping before the high
street stores closed. I didn’t want to face the frenzy of downtown
London, so a brisk walk to St. John’s Wood would revitalize me and
I could also have a quick snack at the local Starbucks.

Now showered
and fully awake, I open the closet to hang up my clothes. I’m
overwhelmed to find a gorgeous black sequined dress along with
strappy black pumps. An envelope dangles from the hanger and my
hands tremble as I peel it open. Inside, a plain white card
embossed with the initials CPS reads, “Will you see me tonight?
Charles,” and his cell phone number.

I remove the
dress from the hanger and carefully wiggle into it, engaging in
some gymnastics to close the zipper. I stand before the full length
mirror and run my hands down my hips, smoothing the front of the
gown. It’s a perfect fit, of course, and the shoes are a striking
complement. Even jetlagged, without makeup, I look fabulous. But
what does my heart have to say?

Some women
might be tempted by his fortune, but not me. Though I adore all the
treats Charles has given me, I’d be just as happy with a walk
through the park and a bouquet of tulips from the greengrocers.

My heart thumps
wildly in my chest and it’s hard to catch my breath. I have to sit
on the edge of the bed while deciding what to do. If I say yes, on
whose terms will it be? He’s so charming and so much fun but do I
want to risk another heartbreak so soon? Still in the dress, I dial
his number once, then hang up before it rings.

My body
trembling, I dial again, afraid my voice will crack. But all I get
is his voice mail. I’m relieved and disappointed, and quickly try
to sound nonchalant. “Hello, Charles, it’s Lauren. I’m here in
London, and yes, I’d like to see you tonight. Text me. Bye for
now.”

Suddenly calmed
by my decision, I change into casual clothes, and go for a walk.
The temperature has dropped and fog hangs in the air. As it the day
grows darker, the fog grows denser. By five, I’m back in my hotel
room, where TV announcers are moaning that tonight’s fireworks
display could be a total waste of time.

By 5:45, I
still haven’t heard from Charles and my mood turns blue. I check my
phone and the hotel phone, both are working. At six I go downstairs
to meet the crew. After 45 minutes of drinks and chatting, I
consider joining some of the gang for dinner at the Greek’s. Hannah
assures they’ll find an extra chair for me. The captain, a
handsome, middle-aged man recently divorced, says I can sit on his
lap. That brings a roar of laughter from everyone including me.
“I’ve had my fill of pilots for a while, thank you,” I reply and
more laughter ensues.

Richard is at
the bar, looking dashing in a tuxedo. He’s sipping a glass of lager
when he catches my eye. He walks over and puts his arm around me.
“No plans tonight, Lauren? Would you like to come to the embassy
party with Gordon and me? It will be formal dress, though.”

The party
sounds like fun and I’m seriously tempted. I don’t want to be all
alone tonight, like I was last week. “What time are you
leaving?”

“Gordon ordered
a limo for 7:30.” He notices my hesitation and his eyebrows rise
with concern. “Is something wrong?”

I update him on
the Charles situation and end with a teary question, “What should I
do?”

“Girlfriend,
it’s up to you. But if you haven’t heard from him by now, it’s only
because he didn’t pick up the phone to call. Get dressed and meet
us here at 7:20.”

I sigh audibly,
and hug Richard. “Thanks sweetie, but I’d only rain on your parade.
Have fun and give Gordon a New Year’s kiss for me.”

“Lauren, I
can’t believe you’re letting another man get the best of you so
soon. If you don’t join us tonight, I’ll lose all confidence in my
considerable powers of persuasion. And you know what that will do
to my fragile ego.” He places his hands on his hips and gives me
his most serious “I’m in charge here” look. “Get dressed right
now.”

In spite of
myself, he makes me laugh. “Okay, you win, boss.” I look at my
watch – it’s now 6:55. “See you in 25,” and I dash to the
elevator.

CHAPTER 10 ~
A New Resolution

I’m in the suite’s living room,
in panties and bra, about to step into my dress when I hear the
click of the key card and the door handle turns. “Just a minute,” I
call out, assuming it’s housekeeping for turn down service.
Damn, they should knock first.

The door opens
anyway and I’m faced with Charles, looking as handsome as ever in a
midnight blue tuxedo. He brushes a hand through his thick hair and
takes two steps towards me. I pull the dress to my chest in an
attempt to cover up, but why bother? It’s not as though he hasn’t
seen me this way before.

I smile
seductively, slowly step into the dress and turn my back to him.
“Will you please?”

He says nothing
as he gently moves my hair away and with one warm hand on my waist,
carefully pulls the zipper shut. He inhales deeply before putting
his hands on my shoulders, turning me around.

“I’m sorry I
didn’t return your call. I wanted to dash over quickly, so we could
be together tonight.” His gaze meets mine directly but I’m still
feeling skeptical and slightly bruised.

“I know I said
that, Charles, but I’ve changed my mind I’m going out with my crew.
Don’t worry about your dress, I’ll take good care of it so you can
give it to your next girlfriend. Maybe you’ll keep her hidden in
this hotel or maybe you’ll take her out, but it won’t matter to
me.”

Inside, I’m
shaking but outside, I’m calm and cool. I can see the shock in his
eyes or is it hurt? Maybe none of his other conquests have spoken
to him like this.

“Lauren, forget
about the dress. Let’s talk about last week.” He stares at me
intently before looking down and taking my hand. His sapphire blue
eyes are hidden behind thick black lashes. I catch his scent, the
sexy inviting smell of citrus and leather and it makes my belly
tingle. I still want him but only on my terms.

He raises his
head to meet my gaze and continues. “I admit that I was being
selfish and somewhat deceptive. You see, we had just met and I was
quite overwhelmed with your charms. After we made love, I knew I
wanted to see you again but…”

“But what? If I
knew you had a wife, I might not agree?”

“A soon-to-be
ex-wife, but I suppose that’s neither here nor there. I was worried
that someone as bright and beautiful as you wouldn’t want to get
involved with a recently divorced man. You might think I only
wanted you for sex, or that I needed to play the field before
falling in love again.”

I focus on the
words “falling in love” and my heart starts to thaw.

“Even worse
than not spending Christmas with you was the fact that I was
miserable at the family gathering. I could only think about you.”
He wraps his arms around me and I melt into his embrace. But I need
more than just words if I’m to trust him again.

I start to cry
and he pulls me closer, kissing the tears from my face. “Why won’t
you take me out tonight?” I ask.

“Lauren, I’m
truly baffled. I left you on Christmas Eve because my ex was
signing the papers, her Christmas gift to me. It was also the last
time to see my stepson before they both leave the country. Even
though we were only married for a few years, I grew quite attached
to the boy. He’s only seven and Christmas is a big deal to him.

“And everyone
was mad at me because they had to wait for me to arrive. If I
hadn’t already made my own fortune, my father might have
disinherited me. But why do you think we’re not going out
tonight?”

“This dress,
these shoes, just like last time, that’s all you left for me. I
know you’re a perfectionist, Charles, you wouldn’t want me to wear
my uniform coat to a fancy ball. So you may as well have left a
negligee in the closet and a few condoms on the night table. The
message is the same.”

“My dearest
love, I’m so sorry. I think there is more than at issue here than a
coat.” He cups my chin in his hand and kisses me tenderly on the
mouth. “It seems my entire reputation is at stake. But if a coat
will help to prove my good intentions…” He opens the other side of
the closet to reveal a floor-length cape and dangling from the
hanger, a small beaded clutch.

“Oh God,
Charles, now I feel so silly. I thought you expected me to be your
mistress. That’s not the life I want at all.” I throw my arms
around his neck and kiss his cheek. “And it’s not really about the
coat. I thought you wanted to keep me hidden, that maybe you were
ashamed to be seen with me.” Now, I’ve done it, exposing my deepest
insecurities. But he’s not fazed by my revelation. Instead, he
holds me closer.

“You’re so
genuine, Lauren. That’s one of the many things I adore about you. I
was afraid too, afraid you’d think I was just a playboy. Now that
we both know the truth, we can start anew. So let’s get ready
because we’re going to the embassy party.”

“Oh damn,
Richard and Gordon are waiting downstairs for me! I have to let
them know.” I slip my shoes on, grab Charles’ hand and we run to
the elevator.

Heads turn as
my heels click click across the marble lobby floor. Richard looks a
bit stressed, “Darling the limo is here.”

I’m out of
breath as I make the introductions. “I’m sorry. Richard, this is
Charles Sterling. Charles, Richard.” The two men size each other up
while shaking hands. They both look so handsome, I feel like a
wallflower. But Richard is as gallant as ever.

“A rose between
two thorns, wouldn’t you say?”

Charles nods in
agreement. “My sentiments exactly.”

Just then,
Gordon pops out of the limo and taps his watch. “Shall we?”

“I’m not quite
ready – can you wait a few minutes?” I ask Richard.

“Our ride is
already here. And you two lovebirds have some catching up to do.
We’ll see you at the ball, darlings.”

Back upstairs,
Charles lays the cape across my shoulders and I tuck a few items
into my new beaded clutch. We stand together in front of the
mirror.

“We make a
lovely couple, don’t you think?” he says.

“Mindreader,” I
reply.

We embrace and
our longing and desire builds again. “Not now,” he whispers, “after
midnight.”

~

The rain has
stopped and the fog finally lifts. Cameras flash as we make our way
up the embassy steps. There would be no denying that we were truly
a couple.

The embassy is
decorated to the hilt, and the excitement is electric. Charles
embraces me lovingly as we twirl under the sparkling chandeliers.
With the sounds of New Year’s Eve in the background, the countdown,
the band, the noise makers and champagne corks popping, he whispers
in my ear, “My New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with
you.”

I don’t reveal
the resolution I made last week, when I was so angry at him.
Instead, I smile sweetly and wrap my arms tighter around his neck.
“Then I’m glad I bid for more flights to London.”