Page 38 of Second Chances
“Well, I wish there was more I could do…” she trailed off.
“You’ve done more than enough, Beth. God, putting up with me the way that I am, all the secrets, and now this. I don’t know why you would do it.”
“Oh, I think that you do,” she said softly, letting her love for him show in her gaze.
He returned her small smile.
“I feel so fucking terrible about last night. Our first night out together, in public, and I ruined it. Please tell me there is something I can do to make it up to you.”
“Darcy, please, I’ve forgiven you. I understand what the situation was; it’s ok.”
“I want to go with you to your next event. Please.”
Beth sighed, “Well, I don’t know when that is doing to be. Actually, I might have one coming up that you would enjoy. It’s an art gallery opening,” Beth began, but before she could continue, her phone began to buzz and she immediately recognized the number as Renée’s.
“Hello?” Beth answered, watching Darcy’s eyes narrow on her, wondering who was on the other line.
Beth! How are you feeling?
“Much better this morning, thank you. How was the rest of your party? I hope everything was to your liking. I’m so sorry I had to leave; I felt terrible, but I didn’t want to spoil your night,” Beth apologized, her statement giving Darcy the information to deduce that it was Renée on the other end and nothing to be concerned about.
“Oh, please, don’t even think that! The party was wonderful. You always do a fabulous job and last night was no exception! Everything was perfect even though I sprung the bigger party on you this year; thank you so much! You know, I was feeling a bit under the weather earlier this week, I hope I didn’t pass anything on to you. I just wanted to call and make sure that you were ok.”
Beth watched Darcy walk into the closet to change as she listened to Renée babble on.
“Don’t worry about me. I’m feeling much better this morning, thank you. And thanks for calling. I’m relieved to know that everything went off without a hitch.”
Beth was trying to end the call efficiently so she could continue her conversation with Darcy but Renée was making that a little difficult. She watched with frustration as Darcy came out of the closet, dressed, and walked out towards his office.
“Yes, you did an excellent job! Although Patrick was sorry to see you leave so soon. I would expect a call from him in the next few days!”
“Yes, I was really upset that I had to leave, but I didn’t want to ruin the party by getting everyone sick. Thank you for calling to check in with me! I was going to call you Monday and not bother you over the weekend, but at least I can recuperate relieved, knowing everything went smoothly.”
“Of course! Well, feel better and I’ll be in touch sometime soon to reserve your services for next year.”
“Thanks Renée! Happy birthday and congratulations again! Talk to you soon.”
Beth ended the call with a sigh of relief, because the party went well, but also because she was finally off the phone and could go searching for Darcy. She hopped out of bed and ran into the closet, pulling out a new red thong and an oversized white t-shirt. Just as she began to walk past the bed, she saw her phone begin to buzz; it was Jane calling. She almost ignored the call, but then thought better of it when she began to wonder who could have possibly told Darcy’s ex about their relationship. Hoping Jane might be able to provide a clue, she answered.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Beth. What are you up to?”
“Umm.”Trying to pry information out of my sometimes-intolerable boyfriend.“Not much, what’s up?”
“Well, I know it’s kind of last minute but I was out with mom and Caro who suggested stopping at Kleinfeld’s and trying on dresses; not really to buy something today – just to try different styles and see what I like. Anyway, Caro called and they have an open appointment if we head over right now, but I wanted to call and see if you could come because I don’t want you to not be there.”
Great.If she didn’t know how big of a deal trying on wedding dresses was before, the tone of Jane’s voice made it abundantly clear how important it was for her to have her sister there.
“Um, sure, yeah, of course I can be there,” Beth stuttered out as she tried to organize her thoughts. “I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll just change and meet you guys there probably in like 20 minutes.”
“Great!” Jane said, the relief she felt transmitting crystal clear through her voice.
Beth hung up her cell phone and tossed it on the bed in frustration. She wanted to be there for Jane,she really did,but Darcy and she had just broached new territory last night that wasn’t fully explored as yet.
Well, not as fully explored as some other things last night.
Beth blushed at the recollection; she had let someone draw her naked. She had letDarcydraw her naked. Never in a million years could she have pictured herself feeling comfortable doing that.
