TCOT Long Range Repercussions Chapter 6
Della sat across from Nina at a corner table in Carver's restaurant. The eatery, whose claim to fame was its diverse menu and fresh baked bread, and crowded with lunchtime patrons, was a perfect place to go on the June day. As the women sat at their table looking over the menus, Della noticed Nina's face. While still lovely, Della thought she looked somewhat pale and tired, more so when she had seen her the week prior. She also noticed something else: Nina had dark circles under her eyes. After ordering their meals and glasses of iced coffee, Della began to tactfully broach the subject that was uppermost on her mind.
"Nina dear, I was so glad you said you could have lunch with me today. I was afraid that when I called yesterday, you had already made other plans. By the way, how is my handsome, brilliant godson and more importantly, who is watching him?
"I'm glad you called Della. Believe it or not I haven't been in the mood to go anywhere lately, and I think this is exactly what I need. Thank you for asking me. Now, to answer your questions, P.J. is fine, he's absolutely fine", Nina laughed. "My Mom is watching him, or should I say he's watching her. Did I tell you that he started to walk so now we really have to watch him. He started two weeks ago, right after his birthday party. It's been a little crazy around our house so I didn't get a chance to tell you. Anyway, he's getting into everything and I mean everything! The other day he toddled over to the desk in the office and decided the ink looked really inviting. He had seen me use it not an hour before so he thought he would color the blotter. Needless to say, there was ink everywhere—all over the desk, the rug, and on him. He was covered, and I do mean covered. All you could see were his four little teeth and the whites of his baby blue eyes. I took some pictures before cleaning him up, which took hours, not to mention the office. I had just gotten him cleaned up when Paul..." Nina stopped in mid-sentence and Della saw tears well up in her eyes.
"Nina, is there anything I can do?"
"I guess you know, don't you?"
"Yes sweetie, I know. Perry told me and I saw Paul yesterday."
Nina suddenly pelted Della with questions. "How did he look…did he say anything…did he tell you that he might move out next week…did he tell you he wants shared custody?" The only reason Nina stopped was because she had to come up for air.
"Nina, I won't lie. Paul is devastated. Perry and I are too, but this isn't about us. We love the both of you and we love the baby. All we want is for you and Paul to be happy. Paul looked tired and drained and he did mention something about custody but didn't go into much detail." As always, Della was the epitome of tact, being careful not to divulge any confidences discussed in the office the day before.
"Oh Della, I just don't know what to do. When we got married I thought that Paul would cut back a little, especially after the baby came. He did for a while then he went right back to his old habits. I would make dinner and he would call and say he was going to be late or he would be home and have to leave. I can't tell you how many times I've asked him to give up smoking, especially around P.J., but he won't even try. I guess I finally had it and last week we had the biggest argument yet. I want to be fair and try to understand but it's just so hard sometimes. I guess my nerves were shot and I really gave him what-for."
"Nina, Paul is a wonderful man. He's honest and sincere and would do anything for you, but with that having been said, sometimes he can be a bit annoying. He has the worst timing of anyone I know, but he has a heart of gold and his motives are nothing if not heart-felt. True, he always had a way with the ladies and a roving eye but when he met you that all changed. I may not know many things but I do know this: Paul Drake is one of the finest human beings I know and I am proud to call him my friend. He's been there for Perry from day one and for me from the moment I met him. He loves you and that baby more than his own life—and truthfully, more than I ever thought he could. My only advice to you is to think everything over really carefully before you make any decisions. I'm not telling you these things because I'm taking sides, but so you will understand Paul a little better. Even if you know someone really well, sometimes you need to look at them objectively from someone else's viewpoint. All I'm trying to do is give you that chance. And Nina, no matter what happens between you and Paul, Perry and I will always be here for you—for all of you."
"Thank you Della, thank you for being so honest with me and thank you for being my friend." Nina smiled slightly then looked at her watch. "I know this must be hard on you and Perry and I wouldn't blame you if you both sided with Paul. I mean, you've known him longer and..."
"There are no sides in this Nina. There is only thinking about and doing what is best for P.J."
"Della, promise me that no matter what happens, please don't let it affect your relationship with Perry. You made so many plans, and I would hate to see something so right get turned around. I would feel so guilty and I know Paul would feel awful as well."
Della smiled warmly at her friend before answering her. "You're the third person that has told me that. I think I should probably take the advice. Look Nina, I won't lie and tell you that when I found out I wasn't shocked and scared, because I was. But Perry and I talked it through and I can honestly say that I won't let what's happening to you and Paul color any decisions that Perry and I make. Perry and I will be fine. You just concentrate on your situation with Paul and that handsome Mr. Drake Jr. and I have a feeling that it will all work out." Della smiled inwardly and sighed as a realization came to her. She wasn't worried any longer. She knew that she and Perry would be fine. They could handle whatever came their way. They were deeply in love and that love would see them through. Della was brought out of her reverie by hearing Nina's voice.
"I'm not that hungry but I wonder where our order is."
"Well I'm starving. In fact I can hear my tummy rumbling." The girls laughed and looked in the direction of their waiter hoping to attract his attention. He caught their eye and came over to see what they needed. Asked about the order, he smiled and said he would check on it immediately. Walking to the back he, was just about to go into the kitchen when a woman in a plain grey dress and a white apron met him at the entrance of the swinging double doors.
"I came to check on table eight's order. What the devil were you doing? When Charley hired you to sub for Maureen, you told him you were good and quick. Twenty five minutes for two simple dishes like these is way too long. And what was the deal about giving me their table? You're supposed to have it. That's one of Maureen's stations."
"I'm sorry," the woman replied in a whiny nasal twang. "Blame the chef. He put the food on the plates but it looked awful so I rearranged everything. I wanted to make sure everything was perfect. You know what they say, it's all about the presentation and making sure everything is right. And as for giving you their table, just do me this one favor will you, Walt?" Take these plates out to them. I have an emergency…a woman's thing. Now run off like a good little boy and make sure the blonde gets the dish with the paprika."
"Why is that? There's nothing written down that says she wants paprika on her food. It doesn't even look like paprika. It's brown, paprika is red."
"I know that Mr.-Know-It-All, but paprika on what she ordered gives it a little color and zing, so I added it. And my paprika definitely has zing."
"Yeah, Yeah, whatever you say, Alice." The waiter took the luncheon plates from the woman and walked away to deliver them. "Smart ass dame," he muttered under his breath. "I wonder if her panties are too tight. And that voice…ugh, it's God awful."
As Walter the waiter was placing Della's and Nina's plates in front of them, 'Alice' the waitress divested herself of her apron while making sure no one saw her. Hastily, she put on her coat and grabbed her large black carry all. She made a beeline for the back entrance, slamming the metal door shut just as Walter came back into the kitchen.
Meanwhile, the girls were beginning to eat when Nina excused herself to go to the ladies room.
"Della, you simply have to taste my fish and coleslaw. I've never had anything like it."
"But you hardly had any, a tiny drop on your fork doesn't pass for lunch in my book."
"We just started and I promise to eat a little more when I come back. I want to call Mom anyway and check on the ink bandit."
The women shared a laugh and Della said, "Tell your Mom to give the bandit a hug and kiss from me."
"I'll definitely do that. I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Take your time," the secretary replied. "I don't have to rush to get back to the office. I have an 'in' with my boss."
As Nina left the table, Della moved her plate closer and so it would be easier to taste the food the blonde had raved over. Della thought it was good for the most part, but a little too sweet for her liking. It also had a definite after taste that she couldn't discern. By the time the women finished lunch, said good-bye, and went their separate ways, Nina Drake wasn't the only one who looked somewhat pale.
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At three o'clock Perry walked off the elevator and down the hall to the private entrance to his office. He had grabbed a quick lunch downstairs at Clay's and although his meal was excellent as always, he missed Della. He always missed her when she was away from him but never more so than now, mostly because of what was happening with Paul. The attorney looked at his watch and knowing that Della and Nina were together and he had a bit of free time decided to stop by Hamilton Burger's office to speak with him. Even though they were on opposite sides in the courtroom, Perry liked and respected the District Attorney and knew the feeling was mutual. He wanted to get some advice on the suit he was handling for Mr. Nelson and although Perry was a brilliant litigator, having another opinion never hurt. Hamilton did indeed have time to see him, so the attorney called Gertie and left a message with her for Della. Having spent the greater part of two hours with the esteemed prosecutor and appreciating his time and help he was still anxious to return to his own office and the woman he loved. It had been an emotional few days and although Della had appeared to take the bad news about Paul and Nina in stride, Perry was still worried about her. Turning the knob on the door, he found it locked and had to fish for his keys. Once inside, he found it eerily quiet, which disturbed him. He was about to see if he could track down Della or Gertie when he heard anguished moans coming from the law library. In three long strides he reached the door and threw it opened. His face lost its color and he began to shake at the sight before him. Della, his beautiful girl, was half and on-half off the sofa, doubled over, and it was immediately clear to Perry that she was in excruciating pain. Knowing he had to be calm for her sake, he sucked in a deep breath and quickly went to her. Bending down, he spoke clearly but softly.
"Della, what is it baby…can you tell me what's wrong?"
"Per…Per…Perry…"
"Yes darling, I'm here. Just take your time honey. Take a nice slow easy breath and tell me what's wrong so I can help you."
"Hurts…stomach…hurts so….so ba…bad. C…can't breathe…too…too mu…much pain."
Della could hardly get the words out and when Perry gently raised her face to his, he saw that she was very pale and sweating profusely.
"Baby, where's Gertie?"
"Not…not here…sent…sent her to…ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh…"
"All right, Della listen to me. I have to get you help. I'm going to get you a blanket then I'm taking you to the hospital."
"No…no…hos…hospital."
"Della, you need help sweetheart, and the only place I can get it for you is the hospital. I'll be right there all the time, I won't leave I promise. I'm going to call Marv and tell him to meet us there, okay?
"O…okay"
As Perry ran first to the phone to call Marv Kramer, then to the closet to get a blanket, he was almost knocked down by Della, who moved past him with lightning speed, still doubled over. Perry stood by and watched helplessly as Della made her way to the bathroom and was violently ill.