Chapter Seven: My Time with Jeremy
I've been in London for about two months and it's been fantastic. It's been so busy here between unpacking, helping Jeremy and sight-seeing that I've barely had any time to think about Billy. The only time he enters my thoughts is when I'm sleeping or talking to Ben. Like I am now, "Hey Ben, how are things going?"
"Everything here is great. I finally asked Rita to marry me and she has accepted. We are planning to have the wedding next summer. She wanted me to ask you if you would do her the honor of making her dress," he tells me and I know he's got a giant smile on his face.
"Ben that's amazing, congratulations! Let her know that I would love to make her dress for her I'll just need her measurements," I squeal with excitement.
"Thanks Jane she'll be so pleased when I tell her," he says.
We are silent for a moment as I contemplate if I should ask about Billy. My love for him gets the best of me and I ask, "So how is he?"
"He's okay Jane. Working a lot though since he wants to buy a motorcycle for some crazy reason," he answers.
"What that's so dangerous," I reply taken back by this news.
"Yeah he has gone a little crazy since you won't take his calls. Him and Zoe go out and party a lot together now. Why won't you just talk to him Jane," he asks.
"I just don't think I can handle it Ben, I'm so scared," I say biting my lips so I won't cry.
"He's headed down a bad path and Zoe doesn't seem to mind that much. I would say that she's enjoying his wild side a little too much, but that's your choice. You should really think about talking to him though," he tells me.
"I will," I lie.
"Well I need to get going Rita and I are going to meet up and book a place to hold the wedding and reception. I'll talk to you in a few days okay," he says and bids me farewell.
"Bye Ben," I say and hang-up my phone.
Poor Billy, maybe I'm being selfish and didn't even realize it. I thought that he would be happy with Zoe and that she would take care of him. I guess I was wrong about her. Maybe I should call him and try to talk some sense into him. But what if he's mad at me for staying silent for so long, what if he hates me now? All these horrible thoughts are running through my head when I receive a call from Jeremy.
"Helo Jane I need you to meet me at the office in about twenty minutes okay," he starts before I have a chance to say hello.
"Okay," I reply softly fearing my voice would give away the hurt and worry that I'm feeling. It didn't work, he knows something's wrong.
"What's going on Jane are you alright," he sounds worried.
"I'm fine Jeremy just a little tired I didn't sleep well last night," I lie hoping he wouldn't see through me.
"Oh okay then, I'll see you in a bit," he says and hangs up the phone.
I leave my apartment as soon as I get off the phone with him wanting to pick-up some coffee before I have to go into work. I arrive exactly twenty minutes later with coffee in hand, plastering a fake smile on my face as I enter the office. Jeremy is the only one here and my smile changes to confusion. "Where's everyone else," I wonder out loud.
"Oh sorry I forget to tell you that it's just going to be you and me today, everyone else has other things to tend to outside of the office. I hope that's okay," he says looking up from the design he's sketching.
"Um… no that's fine I was just curious," I answer back. "So what are we working on today," I asking wanting to get started immediately so I can stop thinking about Billy.
"Right, so I thought we could start on the new evening dress today that we've been talking about," say showing me what he has designed so fare.
"Wow Jeremy it's looks amazing," I say pushing the thoughts of Billy to the back of my mind as I walk closer to Jeremy's drawing.
"Thanks, but I think it's missing something. What would you do to make this better," he asks my opinion as he places his hand on my arm.
I'm use to this kind of friendly gesture from him so I pay no attention. "Well I would add some lace along here," I begin showing him the few minor details that I would add to it.
"That's perfect Jane; you really are a fantastic designer. You have a keen eye for such little details and it always turns the designs into master pieces. I thought it would take at least until lunch to hash everything out with you, but you just make it so easy for me. Well, the only thing we can do now is wait for everyone to get back with the right material so we can bring this dress to life. How about you and me go grab a bit of breakfast while we wait," he asks cheerily.
He's paid me so many compliments in such a short time that I find it hard to refuse him. "Sounds good to me," I answer as he takes my arm and we walk out of the building. We don't go very far when we reach our destination. I can't help, but relax when I'm with him. I mean he's no Billy, but he's such a wonderful friend to me.
We have a seat at our usual table and he says, "So Jane I was wondering if you would like to join me for dinner this evening at my place."
"Sure," I answer not thinking twice about it. We've had dinner with friends almost every weekend so I just expected it to happen as usual.
"Great," he smiles.
We finish our meal and head back to the office along with everyone else. It takes us about six hours to complete the dress and send it off to be sewn together. We're sitting in the office admiring our work when Jeremy says, "You know I don't think this would have been the same without you here."
"Aw thanks Jeremy, it has been pretty wonderful these past few months. I love all the freedom I have here with the designs. You're such an easy person to get along with which makes it even better," I answer truthfully.
We go to our apartment building and head our separate ways. "I'll come and get you went dinner is ready Christian and Rebecca will be joining us as well, see you shortly," Jeremy says as he walks into his apartment across the hall from me.
Aw, I love those two. I just wish they weren't so touchy feely with each other all the time it's uncomfortable and make me think about Billy. I mean I understand they're in love and all, but there's a time and a place to suck each others faces off and it's not a dinner. I think to myself as I recall the last meal we shared with them. About an hour later there is a knock at my door. "Dinner is ready. Let's eat. I just hope those two can manage to keeps their hands to themselves tonight," Jeremy says as if he was reading my mind. We enjoy our meal as we laugh and joke over a bottle of wine. Thank goodness they're being so tame tonight. I think to myself as I smile knowingly at Jeremy trying to suppress my giggles at their cost. I said my good nights to everyone and went across the hall tired from work. I dress myself in Billy's clothes and drift off to my dreams of me and him.
I wake-up the next morning dreading the fact that it's Saturday. The weekend is my least favorite part of the week since I'm always alone, which means plenty of time to think about Billy. I wish I could tell him about everything that's going on here. I think he would be really proud of me if we weren't on bad terms. I think to myself as I make breakfast. I wish things weren't so complicated between us. I wish things would just go back to normal. While I'm in the middle of eating my phone rings.
"Good morning Jeremy," I answer.
"Helo sunshine how's your morning going," he greets.
"It's going I guess, just another lonely day at the apartment. What about you? The usual hoard of meetings and what-not," I ask making my gloomy mood clear.
"No actually I have the entire day to myself. That's the reason I'm calling you. I wanted to see if you would like to spend it with me. You know sight-seeing, shopping and so on," he replies.
Shopping therapy I'm so on. That will defiantly get my mind off of Billy. "You had me at shopping. What time do you want to go," I happily answer.
"Lovely! Just pop over when you're ready. See you soon," he ends the call.
I scarf down the rest of my breakfast and head off to the shower. Within a half an hour I'm ready to go. That must be a record for me. I think as I smile to myself walking out the door and knocking on Jeremy's. He answers it looking fantastic as usual. "You ready to go," I ask.
"I sure am. I figured we could head to the Inverness Street Market first. You'll love it there. There are so many interesting shops. Shall we," he says offering me his arm.
We arrive at the market after a short ride. This is wonderful. I hope I don't go into shopper overload. "Jeremy this is great I've never seen anything like it, thank you," I exclaim with utter happiness.
"I knew you'd love this. Come on let's do some shopping," he says taking my hand and escorts me to a shop.
We spend a few hours shopping. I found so many unique things to buy. We enter one last shop and I immediately think of Billy and my good mood vanishes. Every single item in this store is something I can see him in. I see a t-shirt hanging on a back wall that I can't help but buy it for him. Maybe if I send this to him he'll know that I still think about and miss him.
We leave the market and as we do Jeremy asks, "Are you alright darling?"
"Yeah sorry, that shop just made me a little home sick," I reply sulkily.
"Well I have something planned that should take your mind off of home," he tells me.
We arrive at The London Eye. I mentioned wanting to go here about a month ago to him. I can't believe he remembered. I think to myself as my smile returns. "Jeremy you remembered," I say looking over at him.
"Of course I did. I remember everything you say Jane. Let's go it's about time to board. I've done something a little special for you on this stop," he replies.
"What do you mean, on this stop," I ask wondering what else he has planned.
"Well I have a few other things planned out for us, but let's enjoy this for now," he answers giving nothing away.
We walk past the line of people waiting to board and I ask, "Aren't we getting in line?"
"No Jane I reserved us a private capsule. I hope you don't mind," he says sounding a little concerned.
"It's fine," is all I can manage to say. We board the capsule and I find that there is champagne and food waiting for us.
"I thought it would be nice to do lunch with a view," he smiles. We sit and talk as he pours us both a flute of champagne. I take a drink and it's delicious. "So what do you think," he asks as we start to move.
"It's…," I don't know what to say so I shove some food in my mouth and nod. It's romantic that's what it is. We sit in silence eating our lunch as our capsule climbs to its peak. I look out and see the beauty of London. There's Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. "It's beautiful," I find myself saying.
"It sure is," he says as I look over at him noticing that he's not looking at the view of London, but at me.
I look back out at the scenery and think to myself. Oh great I hope he doesn't think this is a date. I mean Jeremy is a wonderful man, but I could never fell about him the way that I do about Billy. On the other hand maybe this is a good thing. Maybe Jeremy is the one man who could help me get over Billy. I mean he's back home enjoying his girlfriend so why shouldn't I try to do the same with some that cares about me? Our ride ends and we jump in a taxi. "Where to now," I ask.
"I can't tell you it's a surprise. As a matter of fact I want to put this over your eyes," he answers while taking his tie off. "You trust me right," he asks with hesitation.
"Of course I do," I answer reassuringly. I turn away from him allowing him to cover my eyes.
"Good I'm glade you feel that way," he whispers in my ear sending chills down my spine.
I feel the car stop and hear Jeremy exit. He opens my door and helps me out leading me to our next destination. "Can I take this thing off yet," I ask reaching to my eyes.
"No not yet just a little longer," he answers grabbing my hands. He leads me on to something metal and tells me to sit. I comply as we start to move. After a few minutes we come to a stop. He helps my down and puts his hands on my shoulders. "Okay now we can take it off," he says in my ear as he unties my blindfold.
The sun is blinding as I try to blink away the darkness. After a few moments I am able to focus and what a beautiful sight I behold. We are about a hundred feet above London in an enchanting garden. I've never seen anything like it before in my life. "Oh Jeremy this is absolutely breath taking," I whisper in awe. There are dozens of trees with a stream that leads to a small pond. In the pond I notice flamingos and ducks swimming around lazily. I feel Jeremy's hands rest on my shoulders from behind me. I turn to face him and ask, "Why are you doing all of this for me?"
A nervous look spreads across his face as he replies, "Well I really don't know how to explain it."
"Come on Jeremy this is me you're talking to. You know you can tell me anything," I tell him.
He looks into my eyes and says, "To be completely honest Jane when I look into you eyes it's like watching the night sky or a beautiful sunrise. There's so much they hold and it seems to me that I'm falling for you."
My mouth drops in surprise as I think to myself. Oh boy, that is not the answer I was expecting. I don't know what to say to that. I'm not in love with him, but maybe I could come to one day. I look up at him seeing that he's waiting for me to say something. "Jeremy I don't know what to say. You are a wonderful man intelligent, creative, sweet and handsome the list goes on. Everything a woman could ask for in a man, but I need time. I mean I really do like you but right now I don't think I can return your feelings maybe one day. As for right now it's just not the right time for me," I tell him softly as I watch his face fall.
"Well, just know that I won't give up on us Jane. I will do everything in my power to win you over," he replies with a smile and a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes. When he realizes I have nothing to say in return he takes my hand and we stroll around the garden in silence enjoying the beauty of it. The sun was starting to set as we end our walk. "I'm a bit hungry, would you like to have some dinner before we head home," he asks hopefully.
"That would be nice," is all I say in return. There are too many thoughts running through my mind to hold a conversation with him. I could love him one day maybe. I know he would do anything to make me happy I can see that much in his eyes. But right now my heart belongs to Billy I don't know if it could ever belong to anyone like it does to him. Yet his belongs to Zoe and I can't deny him that. I guess I'll just have to try and move on. Try to forget about my feelings for him. I look over at Jeremy as I try to picture what life would be like with him. I finally come to a decision as we pull up to a boat docked letting on passengers. Yes I think I will give Jeremy a chance what's the worse that could happen? "I thought you said we were going to have dinner," I ask him as we exit the taxi and head towards the boat.
"Yes that's why we're here. I thought it would be nice to enjoy a meal on the water," he answers.
"I believe it will be," I reply. We take our seats at a candle light table and Jeremy orders a bottle of wine. We browse our menus in silence and I notice him stealing glances at me every few minutes. After we place our orders I decide to ask, "So is this our first date?"
He quickly looks up with surprise on his face. "If you want it to be, I know I would like that very much," he says with a smile.
"Okay then a toast to our first date," I say as we bring our glasses together.
"May it be the first of many, so tell me Jane how did I do planning it," he asks with a broad smile.
I answer, "As far as first dates go I believe you went above and beyond the usual. It most defiantly is the best date I've ever been on that's for certain." His smile widens as our food arrives and we enjoy our meal talking like normal people on a first date.
"Well that was one of the best days I think I've ever had," Jeremy says smiling down at me standing at my apartment door.
I look down and blush as I reply, "Yeah it was pretty fantastic."
He puts his finger under my chin and tilts my head up so that I'm looking at him. He say, "And I hope there are many more to come." With those words he leans down and kisses me gentle.
A slight spark ignites in my heart which surprises me to the core and makes me pull away from him. "Jeremy I…," is all I can say.
"To soon wasn't it? I'm sorry I shouldn't have done that, but frankly I couldn't help myself," he says taking a step back.
"Yeah just a little too soon," I answer.
"Well then I bid you goodnight Ms. Quimby," he says bowing low at me.
I giggle at his comical gesture and curtsy in return saying, "Mr. Jones." We both laugh and say goodnight heading into our separate apartments. I close my door and lean against it bringing my fingers up to my lips. What the hell was that? I didn't expect to feel like that when he kissed me. Still he's no Billy, but maybe there is hope for us to work. We'll just have to take it one day at a time. With those thoughts I head off to bed and even with all that has happened today I still dream of Billy.
Authors Note: Sorry to all my readers out there I know it's been awhile since my last post, but I've had a lot of family drama going on. So I hope you enjoyed this chapter and there will be much more to come. Please review and let me know what you think or you could just vent about how pissed you are that they canceled a great show like Jane by Design. Much love to you all!