As always, dedicated to the I-C BH shippers……LOVE YOU GUYS !!!! Happy Secret Santa Day !! Special thanks to Elizabeth for talking me through this chapter, it made all the difference in how it turned out.
One of my reviewers suggested that Betty would surely have new glasses by now and I just want to say that I agree. Please be assured that Betty does indeed have new glasses by now but they still have her signature RED frame.
Enjoy !!
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Chapter 4Betty got to the office a little late the next day. She had called Ava from her apartment to let her know and her assistant had not been surprised. She had moved the only morning appointment Betty had to the afternoon.
Daniel called her when she got there to make sure she was okay. She had lied and said yes but she was determined to let last night be the only night she contemplated Henry's return and let her emotions get the best of her until he actually showed up in town.
She spent the rest of the week in meetings since the book had to be closed and to the printers on Friday afternoon and she had all the extra accounting meetings with Ruben to get everything in place for year-end closing. By the time Friday morning rolled around she was ready for the weekend.
Her phone rang around eleven.
"Betty Suarez."
"Betty, it's Christina, I have your dress ready. You want to come down and try it on one last time ?"
Betty looked at her watch and her calendar. She was free until two.
"Sure, and then lunch in the cafeteria ?"
"Sounds good."
"I'll be right down."
Betty closed up the book, put it in her drawer and locked her desk. She walked by Ava's desk and told her she would be back after lunch and available via cell phone if needed.
Christina was waiting for her. Her dress this year was all black, a fairly straight cut that fit snuggly to her body, and accentuated her rather healthy bust line that everyone forgot about until Christina insisted on showing it off at the ball every year. It always made Betty roll her eyes and yank on the top to try to cover herself up and it always made Christina laugh.
The dress had thin clear-jeweled encrusted straps. There were the same jewels around the bodice, the waist and the bottom of the dress. The dress was cut low in the back, too low for Betty, but Christina assured her it was tasteful and as she did every year, she trusted her. The clear jewels were also strung in three loosely hung rows across the missing back.
She had to admit that having a dress made specifically for you did make you feel more comfortable in it. As she slipped carefully into the dress, Christina began talking.
"So, no more phone calls from Henry ?"
"No, thank God. I swear Christina it was like the breath just left my body when I heard his voice."
"I'm sure. I can't believe he is coming back. What do you think will happen with the two of you ? Will you pick up where you left off ?"
"How can we ? It's been thirteen years."
"I know, but it's not like you were mad at each other when he left. You were totally and completely in love."
In some way, Betty was afraid she was right. They hadn't parted on bad terms other than the fact that they were parting. What if he expected things to just pick up where they left off ? What did she expect ? Oh God.
"Betty ?"
Betty realized Christina had been talking to her while she had been off in another world.
"Sorry, what ?"
"Are you okay ?"
"No. I should never have agreed to him coming back."
Betty turned around while Christina tugged at the dress.
"Betty, what do you want to happen ? Because I know Henry, and nothing is going to happen that you don't want to happen."
Betty smiled.
"You're right, he'll be looking to me for a sign."
Betty groaned.
"Do you still love him ?"
"I don't know….I mean……I loved him so much back then……I'm glad we had those five months but when he left, my heart was broken……"
Christina walked around and stood in front of her.
"Do you love him ?"
Betty nodded.
"I will always love him."
They finished the fitting on the dress and Christina promised to bring it up later for her to take home for the ball the next night. Betty got dressed back in her skirt, blouse and sweater and they headed to lunch.
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At five, Betty looked up at her clock and then at Ruben, who was sitting across from her.
"Ruben, I can't hear another number or listen to another statistic. Can we pick this up Monday ?"
Ruben smiled and looked at his watch.
"Of course, Ms. Suarez. We already have time set for Monday, so this can wait."
She sighed.
"Thank you."
Ruben gathered the papers he had brought from her desk and put them haphazardly in folders so he could get out of her office as soon as possible. He was grateful to be working with her, she was one of the few editors that understood year-end accounting issues and processing and she was always well prepared.
He left her office with a wave and a goodbye. She smiled.
"Have a good weekend, Ruben."
As he left, Christina walked in carrying a dress bag.
"Here you go, Ms. Editor in Chief."
Betty laughed.
"Thank you. Now, you are coming over tomorrow afternoon to get me into this ensemble, right ?"
"Yes, ma'am, I'll be there around five. Justin is taking you as always, right ?"
Betty smiled. Justin had been Betty's standing date for the ball for the last three years once he had graduated from college. At his current position at Ralph Lauren he probably would not have had the opportunity and since Betty believed in networking, etc. she had started bringing him with her. Plus, it gave her a date and kept everyone from bugging her about bringing someone.
"Yes, he is. Poor kid."
"Oh, no, he loves it."
Betty smiled.
"Actually, he does. Alright, I'm getting out of here as soon as I drop the book downstairs for the printer. See you tomorrow."
Christina left and Betty cleared off her desk and grabbed her purse and coat. She picked up the book and headed out.
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Henry's week had been equally busy. He had sent two of his favorite tuxes to be cleaned and pressed because he couldn't decide which one he would wear to the ball. He had stopped by the costume shop and picked up his mask. It was a full-face mask that would cover his entire face. It was made with all natural colored feathers and the effect was that of a tiger, or as he preferred to think of it, a jungle cat.
He and Daniel had played a game of basketball on Wednesday night at his and Lindsay's house and then had dinner. Daniel had won the game, but he had been impressed with Henry's skill and promised to continue to pick up games with him when he could. Henry had really liked Lindsay and could see Daniel had changed a lot in the last thirteen years. He was clearly devoted to his new family. Their little boy, Bradford was also very cute and personable. Henry had held him and talked to him after dinner while they sat in the living room. Lindsay watched him with her son and smiled and then asked the one question that had been hanging in the air all night.
"So, Henry, are you nervous about seeing Betty tomorrow night ?"
Before Henry had a chance to answer, Bradford started clapping.
"Betty ! Betty !"
He looked at Henry and grinned. Henry laughed and smiled back at him.
"You know Betty ?"
Daniel replied for his son.
"He loves Betty."
Henry smiled and then looked up at Daniel more seriously.
"What's not to love ?"
Bradford started playing with Henry's glasses and Henry looked at Lindsay.
"Back to your question, yes, I am nervous. It's been a long time and I don't know what to expect as far as a reaction from her."
"Well, even though you haven't spoken in all this time, when you left, were things bad ?"
Henry smiled weakly.
"Only because I had to leave. We were very much in love."
Lindsay looked at Daniel who nodded and then back to Henry.
"And now ?"
"I'm back in New York for good. I have no plans to go back to Tucson. When Will finishes school here he will be off to college and the rest of his life. My life will somewhat be my own again. I plan to spend the rest of it here."
"Does Betty know this ?"
"No, but she will."
Henry looked determined.
"And how do you feel about her now ?"
Daniel looked at Lindsay.
"Linds, he may not want to share with us."
Lindsay looked at Henry.
"I'm sorry, I have a tendency to get carried away with adult conversations when I've been spending a lot of time with Bradford. You don't have to answer."
Henry laughed and this caused Bradford to laugh. He finally tugged Henry's glasses from his face and tried to put them on himself.
"I'm Betty."
Everyone laughed. Henry put his nose to Bradford's.
"Hi Betty, you look beautiful. Now let me have those back so I can see. Can you put them back on me, please ?"
Bradford smiled and put the glasses back on Henry, well, almost.
"You, Betty."
Everyone laughed. Henry turned to Lindsay.
"I will always love her."
Lindsay smiled.
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Betty stood in front of the mirror while Hilda tried to finish putting her hair up on her head. She had put rollers in earlier to give it big curls and then piled it all on her head with what Betty thought had to be at least a thousand bobby pins and a full can of hairspray. Hilda had pulled a few strands loose to rest on her shoulders. She was certain the hairdo was not going anywhere.
Betty was still wearing her glasses, trying to keep an eye on what Hilda was doing to her while Justin paced around handing his mother stuff on demand.
"You see, Hilda, I could never do this every day, it takes way to long to be this Betty. I'm perfectly happy with the one that takes less than thirty minutes to get ready. This is like a Broadway production."
"Aye, Betty, be still, I'm almost done."
Betty sighed and tried to sit still. After another ten minutes Hilda stood back and surveyed her work.
"There, done, you look fantastic. Well, your hair does."
Betty turned around and looked in the mirror. Wow. She really did look different, but she could see the real Betty peaking through slightly.
"Thank you, Hilda, as always."
"You are welcome."
The doorbell rang.
"Justin, can you get that, it will be Christina."
A few minutes later Christina and Justin came back in the bedroom.
"Okay, everyone out but Christina, so she can get me into the rest of this getup and then we'll be ready to go."
Justin and Hilda moaned.
"Alright, we'll be in the living room waiting."
Betty groaned.
"Alright. Out, out….."
Hilda and Justin left.
"Christina, you look great."
Christina did a little twirl and smiled.
"Thank you very much. Okay, let's get you dressed."
Betty put her contacts in first and then slipped from her robe so Christina could help her get dressed. In another twenty minutes she was ready. She walked out into the living room where Hilda and Justin were arguing about something to do with the upcoming wedding.
Christina whistled to get their attention. They were silenced not by the whistle but by the sight of Betty when they turned their heads. Hilda stood up, her mouth open.
"My God, Betty, you look, I don't know, amazing, fantastic, gorgeous. Have you lost weight, been working out, what ?"
Betty laughed.
"I'm the same person you see every Sunday if not more often, please close your mouth. If I've lost weight it's just because I am busy but I think it is just the dress."
Justin got up and walked around her surveying the dress. He looked at Christina.
"Is this yours ?"
Christina smiled proudly.
"It is, I always make her dress for the ball."
He smiled.
"It is your best work ever. I don't know why you stay at MODE. You should go to work for one of the big name designers, get your own line."
Betty frowned and smacked Justin in the arm.
"Owww….."
"Quit trying to steal my creative director."
"I'm sorry, but this dress is amazing."
Betty turned to Christina.
"Looks like you've performed another annual miracle."
"The miracle is getting you to step out of your comfort zone one night a year."
Betty smiled.
"Justin, you ready ?"
"Yes, Aunt Betty, I am."
Betty grabbed her mask, her wrap and her small purse and she, Christina and Justin left. Hilda stayed behind to clean up the destruction in the bedroom and bathroom. Christina and Stuart went in their own limo and Betty in Justin in another.
They arrived at the hotel where the ball was being held at about six-thirty. Betty liked to arrive a little early to avoid some of the paparazzi but there were always so many there already it never seemed to matter. When they pulled up, she secured her red mask to her face and looked at Justin.
"I hate this part."
"I know, just stay with me and we'll get in as soon as possible."
Betty smiled.
"Thank you, Justin and if I didn't already tell you, you look very handsome tonight."
Justin smiled.
"You already did, but thank you again."
The doorman opened the door of the limo and Justin stepped out first. As he reached in to take Betty's hand, the lights started flashing. She stepped from the limo gracefully with her smile that lit the night. Justin put his arm through hers and they walked into the hotel without incident. When they got into the elevator, Justin let go of her arm.
"There, the hardest part is over."
If only.
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The evening was enjoyable. Betty danced with most everyone on the Executive staff including Daniel and she was really enjoying herself, she had needed this night. She hadn't thought about Henry all night, until Daniel took his leave from her to go get ready to make the announcement.
She looked for Justin who was over talking to someone from Ralph Lauren but when he saw her look at him, he quickly excused himself and came to her side.
"Did Daniel abandon you ?"
Betty laughed.
"No, he had to go get ready for the announcement."
The band started playing another song. Justin held out his hand.
"Well, then may I have this dance ?"
She smiled.
"Of course."
As they danced he told her all the designers in the room had been asking about her dress. She was pleased that Christina's work was getting praised. They talked about his next trip and she talked about the next issue of MODE. When the song ended, they turned and clapped for the band and then the bandleader spoke.
"And, now we're going to try something a little different, for this next song, I want everyone to find a partner that they have not danced with tonight."
There was a murmur across the dance floor as everyone mulled around. Justin looked at his aunt and smiled.
"Well, I guess you are on your own."
Betty frowned.
"Great."
But, just as she spoke she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around. A man stood before her in a very well fitting black tux, his mask was a full facial mask that looked like a tiger. He bowed before her and held out his hand.
Behind her, Justin whispered in her ear.
"Have fun."
She looked at the man and smiled. As the music began to play, she put her hand in his and he pulled her toward him to dance, resting his hand on her waist and holding her other hand to the side in his. They began to dance.
"Thank you for saving me, I think I have danced with everyone here tonight."
He merely nodded.
"Ah, the silent type, a quiet dance it is then, I will enjoy that."
And, with that, the man let his arm slip around her waist and pulled her closer. She supposed she should have resisted but he seemed harmless, after all, it had to be someone she knew if he was here. She let herself be pulled in and she rested her head on his chest. He was tall, maybe six feet or more. He pulled their hands in and rested them on the lapel of his tux and she let the music and his lead move her around the dance floor.
Her mind drifted as she relaxed and her eyes closed. She could hear his heart beating and it soothed her. She started remembering, remembering dancing in Henry's arms like this. Of course, it wasn't at the ball, it was just in his apartment but it was wonderful. She had felt so safe and loved in his arms.
This man was slender but athletic, he was a good dancer and she was enjoying the dance. Soon, she could tell the music was ending and she leaned up, pulling away slightly and looked at the man before her.
As the music ended, their hands dropped and he moved his hand from her waist.
"Thank you, that was fun, you are a great dancer."
The man took her hand and bowed. He looked to the stage and disappeared into the crowd.
"Wait……"
As the man made his way toward the stage, he passed Justin and put his hand on the his shoulder. He leaned in and whispered.
"Your Aunt is going to need you in a minute."
He walked off before Justin could reply. The voice sounded oddly familiar but he couldn't place it. He walked toward Betty who was standing talking to Lindsay.
"So, who was that ?"
Betty turned to him.
"I don't know, he ran off before I could ask him. He was a great dancer though."
Betty noticed attention turning toward the front of the room and Daniel made his way to a stage area and a microphone, presumably for the CFO announcement. Amanda stood in the back of the stage area.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please."
The crowd quieted and the press moved to the front near Daniel with cameras ready.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as you know from press releases sent out last week, long time CFO James Collins will be retiring at the end of the year."
As Daniel spoke, Betty saw another man walk onto the stage, it was the man Betty had just been dancing with and he walked toward Amanda. With his back to the audience, Betty saw him remove his mask and hand it to Amanda.
"Oh my God, no."
"Aunt Betty, what is it ?"
Betty removed her own mask as the man turned around. Justin gasped.
"At this time, I would like to announce, that we have extended an offer to the former CFO of Maldonado Publishing and he has graciously accepted. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you'll join me in welcoming our newest member to the Meade family, the next CFO of Meade Publishing, Henry Grubstick."
Lights flickered and cameras flashed. Henry slowly walked to the microphone and shook Daniel's hand. While the camera's flashed he scanned the crowd looking for her red mask, looking for any sign of her reaction but he could not find her.
Daniel leaned over to him.
"You might want to say a few words."
Just as he moved toward the microphone, he spotted her. She had taken off her mask and was looking at him is utter disbelief. As soon as their eyes met, she turned and headed to the back of the room where doors led out to a terrace. He watched her disappear outside.
He spoke to the press and answered one or two questions before begging off to let the ball continue promising to give a more lengthy statement once he was on board after the first of the year. He turned one last time and shook Daniel's hand and then leaned over to whisper to him.
"I have to find her."
"Go on, I've got it from here."
Henry quickly left the stage and headed to the terrace where he had seen Betty disappear and Justin follow. As he walked outside, he saw her standing on the far side with her back to the door. Justin approached him and Henry held out his hand. Justin hesitantly took it in a firm handshake.
"It's nice to see you, Justin. I've followed your career, very impressive."
"Thank you."
He looked toward his aunt and back to Henry. Henry smiled.
"It's okay, I need to talk to her. We'll be fine."
For some reason, Justin believed him and nodded. He turned and left the terrace. Henry tried to not be distracted by the back of Betty's dress as he approached her, or lack of it. When he stood just a couple of feet away, she shivered.
He quickly removed his tux jacket and gently laid it around her shoulders. She took a deep breath and pulled it close to warm her. He stepped back.
"Betty. Betty, I'm so sorry about the phone call this week, I know it was a shock. I know I promised that I would stay away and let you live your life. This was just an opportunity that I could not pass up. When Will started junior high, he got involved in photography and then filmmaking. He went to a camp last year in Arizona and entered a contest with a film he had made. He won the contest. He was the youngest to ever win it."
She could hear the pride in his voice and continued to listen.
"The prize, ironically, was a full four year scholarship to a private high school here in New York for aspiring film makers. It includes tuition, room and board. Charlie and I talked about it and we agreed that he had worked hard for it and we wanted him to have the opportunity even though he would be so far away from home. So he accepted the scholarship."
So this was why he had wanted to come to New York.
"I didn't seek out a job here, I still wanted to keep my promise to you but when Daniel and Alexis called me, I had to reconsider. Being close to Will while he went to school just seemed like the right thing to do. It made me feel better and it also made Charlie feel better knowing I would be close to him if he needed me."
It warmed Betty's heart to hear in Henry's voice just how much he loved his son.
"So, here I am. Will is still in Tucson to finish his 8th grade year. He'll go to camp next summer here in New York and then start school next fall. He'll live on campus but now, because of you, I will be nearby. Betty, I just want the chance to do my job, be here for Will and maybe reconnect in some way to you. Do you think we could try that ?"
She listened to him, to this man, that she admittedly loved who was standing two feet behind her and whom she hadn't seen in thirteen years until a few minutes ago. She wanted to turn around, she wanted to look at him, she wanted thirteen years to melt away in a minute.
Slowly, she turned around. He smiled at her. She took a step forward and reached up to touch his face. She wanted to know he was real, that he was really standing there. When she touched him, he closed his eyes and relished the contact. She brushed his hair into place and she ran her hand down his cheek.
"Your hair is longer."
He opened his eyes and smiled.
"A little. Your braces are gone."
She smiled. He had missed that smile and it was more radiant than ever without her braces. In fact, she was breathtaking. He put his hand to her cheek and she leaned into the touch.
"And, you aren't wearing your glasses."
She smiled.
"I still do, just contacts on nights like this. Christina gets to play and is in charge of this Betty on this night."
He looked into her eyes and she into his. He wanted a sign, any sign from her that would tell him there was a chance this could happen, again. She blinked and looked up at him.
"Betty…."
He saw hope and it made his heart skip a beat, but he also saw apprehension and uncertainty. He leaned his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. He wanted to kiss her so badly. They stood that way for a couple of minutes and then he pulled back. She looked at him confused. He stepped backward and held out his hand.
"Come dance with me."
She smiled and nodded putting her hand in his and they walked hand in hand to the ballroom door. When they stepped inside she shrugged his jacket from her shoulders and handed it back to him. He put the jacket on and they walked side by side to the dance floor.
Many eyes were on them when they walked in from the terrace; Daniel, Lindsay, Christina and Justin. They all watched for a sign that they were okay. Betty and Henry however had eyes only for each other. They walked to the center of the dance floor and Henry pulled her into arms and they began to dance. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
--- to be continued ---