Chapter 21-The last suppers
Thanksgiving
"How long are you going to use the stove" Neal asked looking at the time.
"I'm finished my stuff is in the oven" Vicky said closing the oven door she holds her hands up.
"Thank you" Neal said as Vicky walked pass him.
"I will cook at my place next time" Vicky said.
"We're both masters at this domain" Neal said.
"Unfortunately" Vicky said trying to see what Neal was making.
"What" Neal said.
"What are you making besides the squash soup and mashed potatoes" Vicky asked.
"That's all I'm making" Neal said.
"What are you up to?" Vicky said.
"Victoria" Neal said seriously.
"I need to get in the shower anyway" Vicky said walking to the bathroom, Neal grinned he looks to see if she is still watching him.
"For later" he thought taking out a bowl of raspberries.
Peter and Elizabeth's house
"Dear this is the biggest Thanksgiving dinner you planned, I'm glad you came to your senses to have everyone bring a dish" Peter said as they started to clean up.
"Well it's a big occasion for our big announcement" Elizabeth said smiling as they kissed.
4 hours later-
"Happy Thanksgiving Mr. and Mrs. Suit" Mozzie said as him, Tempest, Neal and Vicky entered the home.
"There's he is" Tina exclaimed giving Mozzie a hug.
"Vicky made apple pie I have mashed potatoes" Neal said as Agent Hughes entered.
"Reese" Vicky said greeting Agent Hughes.
"Happy Thanksgiving Victoria, Caffery, Mozzie" Hughes said as Neal gulped.
"How's Ellen" Elizabeth said breaking the awkwardness as Mozzie opened a bottle of red wine.
"Good we had a nice brunch with her before coming here" Neal said.
"We'll be eating all day" Vicky said.
"It's your favorite brand Mrs. Suit" Mozzie said as Elizabeth paused.
"Thank you but I can't drink it" As Peter put this arm around her, Neal and Vicky looked at them strangely.
"We have been keeping it a secret for a while" Peter said.
"2 ½ months" Elizabeth said.
"Elizabeth and I are expecting" Peter said.
"Oh wow" Vicky said smiling.
"I'm going to be a grandfather!" Robert Mitchell said.
"Congrats Peter" Neal said giving him a hug.
"Elizabeth this is amazing news" Vicky said hugging her friend.
"So we will have a baby suit" Mozzie said.
"I'm glad I didn't put wine in the apple pie" Vicky joked as Hughes shook Peter's hand.
"So the lunches were doctor's appointments" Neal asked.
"You guessed it" Peter said, Neal nodded.
"We have been trying and Elizabeth miscarried twice, so we went to a specialist last year" Peter said.
"I'm happy for the both of you" Neal said seriously, they walk to the dining room.
"A toast" Peter said as Elizabeth poured herself a glass of apple cider.
"We thank you all for coming and celebrating in our good news, happy Thanksgiving to each of you" he said.
"Cheers" the group said.
2 hours later
"Tempest that ham was everything" Elizabeth said as Vicky helped her clean up.
"My grandmother gave me the recipe" Tempest said walking over to Mozzie.
Elizabeth glanced at Vicky who smiled at her, "What's up" she said.
"It's nothing, this is the first Thanksgiving in a long time where I wasn't alone" Vicky said.
"You had RJ" Elizabeth said.
"Yea who would go back to his family in California, I would just have a TV dinner, a glass of wine and watch marathon's all day" Vicky said.
"I like this better" she said smiling.
"I would hope so" Elizabeth said.
"You are so calm, I wouldn't know what I would do if I was pregnant" Vicky said.
"I'm happy, nervous, more happy this was a long time coming" Elizabeth said.
"Your father's reaction was priceless, it made me think about what my dad's reaction would be" Vicky said she takes a deep breath drying the dishes.
"He would have been as happy as he is" Elizabeth said rubbing her shoulder, Vicky looks at the time.
"We should get going soon uncle Jack's house is the next stop" Vicky said.
"Caffery" Hughes said holding two beers.
"Yes Sir" Neal said.
"Let's talk outside" Hughes said as they walked to the backyard.
Neal followed him he knew this talk was coming.
"Sir I have the best intentions for Victoria" Neal started to say.
"I know that" Hughes said.
"You do" Neal said as Hughes took a sip of his beer.
"I'll reword it, I know it now a few months ago I will be honest I had my reservations. I promised Victor I would take care of Victoria and he made a promise to me about taking care of my children as well. I didn't do a good job at that after she graduated college" Hughes said.
"I have sons not a daughter I didn't know how to approach her and it was hard seeing her and on think about Victor" he said.
"I want to and plan to make up for that time and be part of Victoria's life. I haven't seen her more happy or at ease than she is now and to not give you credit would make me a bullshitter" Hughes said.
"Thank you sir" Neal said.
"You're a good man Caffrey I knew that before you dealt with Victoria. Victor FYI would have warmed up to you {he chuckles} eventually" Hughes said as Neal chuckled.
"You are meeting Jack today, good luck with that" he said as Vicky entered.
"Am I interrupting" Vicky said.
"Not at all my dear" Hughes said as Vicky put her arms around Neal.
"We should head over to Jack's soon, I just called a cab" Vicky said.
Thompson Condo 2 hours later
"Neal you came" Justine said as Neal and Vicky entered the condo.
"Hey Justine" Neal said giving her a hug.
"Hi Leticia" Vicky said to the maid.
"Mr. Thompson is on his way down" Leticia started to say as the buzzer rang.
"Yes" she answered.
"Ms. Maribel Spencer has arrived" the doorman said.
"Send her up" Leticia said.
"Who's Maribel" Vicky said as Justine rolled her eyes.
"Dad's girlfriend" Justine said as Vicky and Neal's mouth's dropped.
"The plot thickens" Neal joked as Vicky laughed.
"What's so funny" Jack said walking down.
"Nothing important" Vicky said giving her uncle a hug.
"You look lovely" Jack said as he saw Neal holding a bottle of wine.
"Nice of you to join us Caffery and I see you brought Henri Jayer Richebourg Grand Cru" Jack said shaking Neal's hand.
"Thank you for inviting me Mr. Thompson" Neal said as the doorbell rang, Leticia opens it.
"Oh my god" Vicky said looking at a blonde hair women in her mid-40's wearing a rabbit fur coat, her lips were filled with collagen.
Neal sees Justine roll her eyes, "Victoria I want you to meet a friend of mine, Nicole Crane meet my niece Victoria Thompson curator at the New Museum of Contemporary Art" he said.
"You are so much beautiful in person darling just like Justine here" Nicole said giving Vicky a tight hug.
"Great to meet you" Vicky said flashing a fake smile she glances at Neal grinning.
"I have coffee prepared in the study dinner is almost finished" Jack said he took Vicky's arm.
"I'm glad you guys are here" Justine said to Neal.
"How's dancing" Neal said.
"Good I have a recital in a few weeks, maybe you and Vicky can go" Justine said.
"I'll see I'm sure Vicky will go, what about your dad" Neal said.
"He never really has the time, I don't bother asking him anymore" Justine said, Neal looked at her sadly.
"Coming you two" Nicole said putting her arms around Neal and Justine.
3 hours later
"When is the new exhibit? Justine said.
"In 2 weeks, we are working with Jaguar they want to tap into a younger market so we are doing a technology, meets art, meets fashion to introduce the launch of their new car which is eco friendly" Vicky said.
"You should go bring a friend" she said.
"Awesome" Justine exclaimed.
"Outstanding work you have been doing Victoria" Jack said seriously, Neal smiled at Vicky.
"Thank you" Vicky said.
"Vicky I would love to talk to you I have a fashion line maybe there is a way I can put this art thing you do into it" Nicole said, as Justine rolled her eyes.
"She's kind of busy" Justine said.
"Mr. Thompson, I saw that feature on Thompson industries in the wall street journal congrats" Neal said changing the subject.
"They were bothersome about doing that feature and it was a mere 3 paragraphs" Jack said shaking his head.
"Nevertheless good exposure your competitor Gladstone was on their list for companies downsizing in creativity. Your stock has gone up after the article was published" Neal said, Vicky smiled to herself.
"He holds his own in anything" Vicky thought as Nicole looked at the time.
"Jack we have an 9:00 at Lincoln Center" Nicole said.
"Huh" Vicky said looking at the time.
"I wanted to surprise you" Nicole said smiling, Vicky glanced over at Justine who shook her head.
"How nice of you" Jack said smiling, Vicky sighed.
"Dinner is over anyway but I know there is a twilight zone marathon with our names on it" Vicky said to Justine.
"Perfect" Nicole said.
"Leticia please get the car ready Nicole and I are going to Lincoln Center" Jack said.
"Have a great time, and maybe Nicole will get a ticket for Justine" Vicky said glancing at Nicole.
"I need to freshen up, excuse me" Nicole said.
"I am so happy you came" Jack said giving Vicky a hug.
"Me too" Vicky said.
"Caffrey you select great wine, it is great to finally have time to speak to you" Jack said.
"Likewise sir" Neal said.
"Justine I will see you later, your cranberry sauce again was good" Jack said giving his daughter a kiss on the top of her forehead.
The trio walk to the living room as Jack and Nicole leave.
"Ugh I don't get it" Justine said as Leticia laughed.
"She picked great timing are you sure she is a socialite" Neal said.
"They all look like that" Vicky said.
"I pretended to be one remember?" Neal said as Vicky's eyes widened.
"I'll check her out on Monday" Neal said.
"I just don't get it" Justine said as Vicky put one arm around her.
"She is different from what your dad goes for, I never really seen him so perky" Vicky said.
"He's getting some" Neal joked, Vicky hit his shoulder.
"I'm 17 Vicky, trust me I get it and I don't want to think about my dad doing that" Justine said.
"We can't do anything about it now until I run the background check" Neal said as Justine turned on the TV.
"I well look at this a honeymooners marathon on" Vicky said.
"Leticia can we get hot chocolate please" Justine said.
"That's the spirit" Vicky said smiling.
"I wouldn't have survived that dinner if you guys didn't come" Justine said.
1am
"Goodness I am so tired!" Vicky said as her and Neal entered his apartment, she kicks her heels off.
"I don't think I ever ate so much in my life" Neal joked.
"A good day" Vicky said.
"Peter and Elizabeth having a kid" Neal said.
"Uncle Neal" Vicky joked.
"I'm glad we were there for Justine tonight, this Nicole person" Vicky said walking to the bathroom as Neal walked to the fireplace.
"I'll do the check on Monday" Neal said taking off his v-neck sweater just wearing a white t-shirt, he takes the cut up raspberries out of the fridge, roasting sticks, marshmallows, and graham crackers out on a large platter plate.
"It got nippy in there" Vicky yelled washing her face as Neal opened the window
"I'm starting a fire" Neal said seeing the fire starting.
"Oh really" Vicky said changing into a blue v neck t-shirt sleep dress, she wraps a white cashmere blanket around herself.
"Yes really, now come on out" Neal said.
"Well if you say it that way" Vicky said coming out, Neal smiled she looked simple no designer dress, smoky eye, curly hair it was the Vicky he knew: natural, humble, and sweet.
"What's this" she said looking at the platter.
"You mentioned that when you burnt the apple pie for your dad you and him had smores instead and had it for dessert since, and the last time you had it was the Thanksgiving before he died. I thought you would like it" Neal said.
"I told you that when the Drake thing happened months ago" Vicky said, Neal shrugged.
"I love it" she said smiling she comes up to him giving him a kiss.
"Sit" Neal said handing Vicky a stick.
"You held your own today with Jack" Vicky said preparing a smore.
"I expected he was going to be rough in the beginning" Neal said.
"He does that when he is nervous or doesn't know" Vicky said starting to eat.
"He warmed up towards the end" Neal said.
"I was telling Elizabeth this is the first Thanksgiving in years where I wasn't or didn't feel completely alone" Vicky said seriously as Neal turned to her.
"I feel the same way, I'm tired but it was a lot of fun" Neal said smiling, Vicky laughed.
"Even the flirting Nicole was doing with Jack" Vicky asked.
"Like I said he's getting some" Neal said as they both laughed.
Vicky threw herself on the pillow, "I'm blind, I can't think about that, I'm blind" she said as Neal tickled her feet.
"Stop" Vicky said laughing, as Neal pulled her up, they kissed again.
"I love you" Neal said as Vicky put his arms around her.
"What" Vicky said.
Neal took a deep breath, "I love you Victoria" he said touching her face, Vicky felt tears come down her face she turns away.
"Shh, what" Neal said.
"I love you too Neal, I don't want to lose you" Vicky managed to say wiping her tears.
"You are not going to lose me" Neal said.
"I lost dad, RJ" Vicky said.
"That was different" Neal started to say.
"I'm scared, I never been so happy what if something happens" Vicky said.
"I'm scared too baby but I can't pretend this is casual or it's something short lived. I think about you all the time, I like seeing you smile, I like making you smile, your laugh, your kindness, your beauty" Neal said touching her face.
"I love you" Vicky said quietly their faces touched as she felt a tear come from Neal's eye, they kiss, with Vicky wrapping her arms around Neal's neck. Each kiss was intense and passionate as the next. Their tongues darted deep, exploring each other's mouths, devouring each other.
Neal lays Vicky on her back both feeling the heat of the fireplace, he rips off his shirt throwing it furiously on the floor. Vicky holds his face {he takes a deep breath at her soft hands} pulling him in. He puts his hands underneath her dress lifting it revealing her nude body.
As his lips grazed between her breasts. "Hmm" Vicky said feeling Neal's lips, her moans were music to him.
With one hand, he slipped his hand on her right thigh and slowly worked on her warmth. Vicky starts moaning in delight. Neal begins to position himself between her, feeling her stomach against his. He placed his tip just in front of her entrance, readying himself. He felt a hand clutch his chin, bringing his eyes to meet hers. Her eyes, Neal saw, held the vulnerability that she exposed to him.
Neal had never felt this much passion and emotion with another person. He could feel their chemistry, their intensity, their bodies almost molding together. The love and lust filled the air. Neal enters her, both of them gasping out in delight. He picks up the pace, never letting Max's eyes wander from his.
The intensity between them grew with each of Neal's deliberate strokes. They both met at the height of their orgasms, almost frozen in utterly pure joy. He slowly fell, and remained in her as their breaths filled the room. Neal slowly rested on his arms extracts himself from her, falling onto his side. Vicky turns her body towards him as a bead of sweat fell off her temple. Neal catching his breath pulls Vicky closer to him holding her close as she rested on her chest. Vicky grabs the cashmere shawl putting it around them.
"I love you" Vicky said as Neal kissed the top her head, they stare at the fire.