Hurricane Watch 2010
I wrote this story two years ago when Hurricane Earl was heading up the eastern seaboard toward the Hamptons. Given that Hurricane Sandy – the "Frankentorm" – is now heading up the eastern seaboard toward the Hamptons, I decided to tweak it and post it. It takes place earlier in Boris and Annabelle's relationship.
Annabelle is a character I created back in the first season of "Royal Pains". If you want to check out the very beginnings of Boris and Annabelle's romance, check out "Boris & the First Invitation".
Enjoy!
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Disclaimer: I don't own Boris or any of the "Royal Pains" characters.
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He looked up in surprise when she walked into the library.
"Annabelle! How delightful! I thought you were working at your beach house this week on the galley proofs for your new novel? What brings you here to Shadow Pond?"
Boris stood and stepped out from behind his desk. Clasping Annabelle's hands, he kissed her on both cheeks, then stood back and looked at her, head to toe.
"You look lovely, Prinzessin – as usual!" She was dressed casually – for Annabelle! – in a black jersey maxi dress and a blue denim vest. Boris smiled when he saw her bright yellow shoes – a happy little accent!
"Thank you!"
Boris gestured at the white leather chairs facing his desk. "Please – sit!"
She sat down in one of the chairs, and dropped herfavorite Michael Kors totebag onto the other chair. "So. . .Boris. . .I WAS working on my galley proofs! BUT – all work and no play make Annabelle a VERY dull girl!"
The corner of his mouth quirked into a subtle half-smile. "So. . .you are here to play, ja?"
Reluctantly, Annabelle shook her head. "Alas, no!" Annabelle hesitated, then continued. "Actually – this is an official visit. . .so to speak. . ."
He was immediately suspicious. "Official visit? How so?"
Annabelle gave Boris a sheepish look. "Well. . .I need a favor!"
"A favor?!" Boris sat back in his chair, stretched his arms out to the side, then crossed them over his chest. "Well – you have piqued my curiosity, Prinzessin! What can I do for you today?"
Hesitating, Annabelle took a deep breath. "Hmmmm. . .well. . .you know how you always get your knickers in a knot when you want to do things for me and I won't let you?"
"Annabelle. . .I am not familiar with that particular idiom. . .but I am fairly certain that I have never had my knickers in a knot?!"
"Oh. . .trust me, Sweet Pea. . .you have! But. . .not my point?! Boris. . .I am here to offer you a golden opportunity! One could even say it's a once in a lifetime opportunity!"
He was growing more suspicious by the minute. "Pray, tell me more!"
"Well. . .you know. . .there's a hurricane. . .a HUGE hurricane. . .moving up the eastern seaboard!"
"Yes, Annabelle. . .I am well aware of the approaching hurricane. But I fail to see how Earl's arrival is going to benefit me in any way?!" He actually WAS beginning to see where this conversation was heading. . .but he was NOT going to make this easy for her!
"Boris. . .you're being obtuse on purpose!" She saw the corner of his mouth quirk again. "Boris. . .I NEED your help! There's a hurricane heading right for my house. . .and I don't have a clue what I'm supposed to be doing. For God's sake – we never had hurricanes in London!!"
"Well. . .what exactly do you need, Annabelle?"
"I don't know?! Some plywood. . .and a guy with a hammer, maybe? Boris. . .PLEASE?! Could you get someone to secure my house?"
"I could. . .but this must be quid pro quo, Annabelle!"
Now it was HER turn to be suspicious. "OK. . .what exactly do you want?"
"Hmmmmm. . .you must come here to Shadow Pond and STAY. . .until the threat from the hurricane has passed!"
"That's it? Just stay here at Shadow Pond. . .with you. . .until the storm is over?"
"Ja! Those are my terms."
She tapped her fingers on the arm of the chair for a moment. . .and then made her decision. "Done!"
"Done? No argument?"
"Nope. . .no argument!"
Boris was skeptical. "Well. . .I must be honest, Prinzessin – I am surprised?! I was not expecting you to capitulate quite so easily!"
"Ha?! I can only imagine! But. . .as young Evan Lawson is so fond of saying. . .I am constantly evolving!"
"Very good! I willmake the arrangements to secure your house. Go home and pack a bag. I will expect you back here for dinner!"
She stood up to leave. "Thank you, Boris! I really do appreciate this!"
"You are welcome, Prinzessin – now go!"
When she reached the library door, she turned around. "Oh, Boris. . .one more thing?"
"Ja. . .what is it?!"
"Do you want me to pack the ruby and diamond bracelet?" His grin answered her question. "That's what I thought!"
He could still hear her laughing as he picked up the phone.
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There are at least two more chapters coming. If you enjoyed the first chapter – I would really appreciate some feedback!