These Things Take Time/CH 2
After a twenty-minute lecture from his uncle, DJ convinced Daniel not to 'rat him out' to Alexis, if he managed to help him somehow get Betty to at least agree to come to his mother's wedding.
As they got out to refuel, and take a break before Daniel took over driving, DJ smiled and shook the 'senior Daniel's hand, "So...we're agreed, as far as mama knows, you were surprised that Valerie was in London.
I'll admit to her I knew about it and that I tricked you, so you don't get in trouble. But not till AFTER I get back to Paris."
"Fine. Agreed. And not UNLESS you can actually help me get Betty to be my date for your mom's wedding. Do we have a gentlemen's agreement between senior and junior Daniel Meade's?"
"Very well." DJ tried to show Daniel how to bump hands in a pattern as he did with his friends, but his uncle got confused and held his hand up to 'high five', "Here, let's keep it simple."
DJ made a face, "Dude, that's so lame! That's what like five year old's do! Nobody does that anymore. When did anybody ever do that? Back in the stone ages? I forget sometimes how old you and mama are!"
Daniel rolled his eyes, "Humor me, paduan."
"Huh? I swear, sometimes it's like you old people are speaking a foreign language."
"You mean like when you and your mom speak French and I'm clueless? Yeah, join the club! It's annoying, isn't it? You speak English really well now, DJ. So...don't you think you could do it around me more so I know what the heck you're saying?"
DJ shook his head, "Mon dieu, Daniel, you have absolutely no ear!
Daniel just laughed, putting up his hand, "Okay, okay, calm down, buddy. I'll get the gas, while you go get more food."
"Yes, I'm starving!"
Daniel grinned, "I'm sure. It's been over two whole hours since you've eaten. And we've got another two and a half before we get to London. Mon Duh! Sacra bluh!"
DJ laughed, shaking his head, "You win, Daniel. I'll speak only English around you. It hurts my ears to hear you murder la langue française!"
After getting back on the motorway, Daniel and DJ argued good-naturedly over the song choices on the radio.
"I seriously hope you're not planning on trying to sweet talk this Valerie's aunt or mom or whoever is responsible for her into letting you two drive back to Paris by yourselves, DJ!
Please do NOT put me in the middle of that with your mom, she'll kill me if you end up shacked up all weekend with some sixteen year old in a hotel halfway between here and Paris!
Oh, shit, what am I saying? I'm probably putting ideas in your horny little teenage brain! Forget I said that! Erase it from your mind!"
DJ smirked, "Mmm...you pose an interesting idea. Good suggestion, Uncle Daniel!"
"DJ! NO! Not happening. I swear to God, I'll call your mom right here, right now and tell her the whole deal. I don't care if it means I'm totally on my own with Betty or not. I care too much about you to let you do something that stupid!"
DJ rolled his eyes, "I'm not YOU at my age, Daniel. Don't have a crazy fit, please! You'll give yourself a stroke or something. It's fine.
I couldn't do that, if she and I wanted to; she's meeting her father here, and won't be back to Paris for two weeks, just in time for the wedding. That's why I have no time. I don't know how much she'll be able to answer her phone or check texts or email while she's with her dad."
"Oh, okay, so...what is her dad English or something?"
"Yes. He works in London and lives here,so she only gets to see him once or perhaps twice a month. She comes to him here, or often, he comes to visit her in Paris."
"So, have you decided what you're going to say to her exactly when you ask her to come to your mom's wedding?"
He looked at Daniel like he was a moron, "Probably something like, 'Valerie, are you free on the twenty-third? I would like very much for you to come to my mother's wedding with me. It's not...how you say….the operation on the mind."
"You mean brain surgery?"
"Oui! You make it so difficult. I still don't understand why it is so much for you to tell Betty how you feel. You were friends for a very long time, no?"
"No...I mean, yes! Four years. But that's exactly WHY it's so hard for me to say, DJ. I know her so well. And she knows me. And all the totally stupid things I've done. She's seen me act like a complete moron.
And now...I'm supposed to just walk up to her and randomly say,'oh, hey, by the way, Betty. I know we've always just been friends, but...I think I'm in love with you. What do you think? Do you like me, too? Would you like to start dating?"
DJ rolled his eyes, "Not in that tone, perhaps. You sound like a mental patient. But first, you take her hand and look into her eyes, deeply."
"I did that and she…"
"Please! Do not interupt! Do you want my help or not?"
"Fine, you don't have to get so snippy about it! I'm helping you out with this Valerie girl, too."
"Not really. Unlike you, I am not a scared little baby and can speak for myself to the girl I love...I mean like very much. You're just my traveling partner."
Daniel narrowed his eyes, then smiled, "Did you just say 'love'? You think you love Valerie, too?"
DJ turned to look out the window, "It was a slip of the mouth."
"Tongue."
"Excusez-moi? Tongue? As in kiss?"
"Well...yeah. French kiss, I guess. I just meant, that's the expression. When you say what you really mean, but you didn't mean to say it.
Because you were trying to...pretend you're not in love with a girl you really are in love with."
"You should know all about that, I suppose, no?"
"Yeah, exactly. I still don't know what I'M going to say. But, go ahead, continue with your suggestion. Now that we both have the cards on the table. You know that expression?"
"Yes, it means we are being honest with each other."
"Right. And with ourselves. No bullsh...no lying. I...admit, I'm in love with my best friend. I love Betty." He took a deep breath, "God, it feels good to finally say that out loud. I've been fighting it for so long. But it's true.
I honestly don't know why I can't tell her, DJ. I know you and your mom and my mom are all right in telling me I'm a coward. I know I am. I just don't know if I can handle...well, the idea of rejection."
DJ looked at his uncle sympathetically, putting his hand on his arm, "Yes, I heard about the woman you first proposed to and she was very heartless to you, giving you back your ring on the television show?"
Daniel winced, "Yeah, not my finest hour! That one hurt. I felt like such an idiot, believing her lies. I think that set me back quite a bit in the 'romance department'."
"Then the woman you said was jealous of Betty, but turned out to be insane."
"Yeah. Renee Slater. She set my place on fire. With Betty inside. That was some scary shit! Sorry, stuff."
"And of course, your wife, Molly. Who died far too soon. Also breaking your heart. So...three failed times to give your heart. But...I have read your letter that speaks of Betty leaving and how you feel about her.
I think this...is a very good way to approach her. You find a way to see that she has read this. You have not heard that she saw the article? It came out a few months ago, no?"
Daniel nodded, "Yeah. Well, in the US three months ago. I'm not sure when it hit the newsstands here in the UK. It's been six months, so...it should have by now. I thought about just emailing it to her so many times, but always chickened out.
I thought about maybe making a little joke about asking her to 'edit it' for me after the fact. Tell her I forgot to ask her if she could check it over for mistakes or something...I don't know. Does that sound lame?"
"No. That is a good idea, actually. Very good, Daniel. How about I send it for you? I will be your man on the wings to help you with Betty."
Daniel laughed, "You mean, my wing man?"
DJ shrugged, "Yes, if that is what you call it. Betty likes me. She is starting to become annoyed with you, I believe because you have not shown your intentions clearly to her.
In fact, if you continue to wait on the sides, and do not declare your love for her, I think she will likely find another lover very soon if she has not already done so."
Daniel nodded, looking concerned, "Yeah, I know. I'm scared about that, too. I mean, she may have already met somebody for all I know. Betty and I haven't exactly kept in touch. But since I went to Paris, everytime I try to call her, she's always telling me she's too busy and can't talk."
"Perhaps because she is launching her first magazine next week? Why are you not using that to your advantage? She will need a date to her launch. You are staying here, and following up on your job interviews.
And if you don't get hired, you must go knocking on Betty's door and ask her to let you stay with her till you are no longer homeless and jobless.
Tell her you threw away your job, and left your home in New York for her. Because you are in love with her and you would swim the ocean gladly to sit on her doorstep, just waiting to catch a glimpse of her smile, to see her beautiful...um she has no longer the devices, right?"
"Devices? Oh...you mean...braces. No. She got them off. She has a really great smile, now. Well, she always did, really. Even when she did have the braces. I love Betty's smile.
It lights up a room. Wait, can you say some of that stuff you said before, into my phone, so I can remember it? That's good stuff, DJ!"
"I'm just saying the things you did for her. I think you have to impress her with something very dramatic, like mama said. Let her know the things you have done and WHY you did them. For her. To prove your love for her."
Daniel nodded, "Yeah. I guess you're right. The time for being subtle is over. I need to be bold. Take a chance. Speak up for myself. Put myself out there. You know, we're really close to her office now.
It should be...oh, crap! There she is!" Daniel ducked down and drove past a bus to try and block Betty's view of the car as he saw her walking away from her office building.
DJ sat up on the back of the seat and whistled, then smiled, seeing Betty turn her head in their direction, and stop walking.
Daniel grabbed DJ's leg, and pulled him down, "Stop it! What the hell are you doing? I'm not ready to talk to her right this second, DJ!
Give me time to figure out what I'm going to say, or...do...oh, holy hell, she saw us! I swear, you are so dead, Mister!"
"Daniel? DJ? What are you doing in London? Nice car!" Betty rushed to the car, seeing they had pulled over to the side and parked.
DJ raised his eyes, and smiled, elbowing Daniel, "She has changed! I'm not sure you have a chance with her now. I wasn't aware how incredibly beautiful she has become."
"Gee, thanks for the pep talk, DJ! Hey, Betty! Yeah, DJ has a little girlfriend who's here, visiting her dad and he wanted some driving time. Besides, I've got some job interviews lined up here next Monday and Tuesday.
I figured it's time I start working on that 'starting over' stuff."
"That's good, Daniel. I thought you had decided to become a permanent French resident. It's been ages.
Oh, my goodness, DJ! You look so handsome! Get out here and give me a hug, young man!"
DJ grinned, and hugged Betty warmly, smirking at Daniel, who made a face back at his nephew for 'rubbing it in'.
"So you have a girlfriend, now? I can't believe how tall you've gotten. I think you're even taller than Justin now! I guess you take after your ...uh...mom."
"Oui. So...Betty, would you...like a ride somewhere? I think you should come eat with us. Please, Betty? I owe you dessert after the silly string incident."
She laughed, seeing both 'men' were trying to use their 'puppy dog eyes' on her.
"Oh my goodness, you two together are just ridiculous with those puppy dog eyes! Fine! I guess...you're right; I have to eat. You can drop me off at my place if you want, before you get your hotel. I'm only about half a mile away.
It's not exactly the Shangri-la, but the closeness to my office is why I got it. Thanks! I take it this is your mom's car, DJ?"
DJ hopped in the back and Daniel opened the door for Betty to sit in the front, next to him.
"Yes, I have my license, but I must get more practice. I want very much to drive to Germany onto the Auto Bahn to see what this car can do. It is too much traffic in Paris. Here, too."
"Well, New York was just as bad. I don't think I've ever see you drive, Daniel."
He shrugged, trying to hide how nervous he was, and to think of what to say to her, now that he was in front of her. "Yeah. I actually don't mind driving. But, like you said, there wasn't much chance in New York.
So...how have things been going? You launch...next week, right?"
She nodded, "Yeah. I can hardly believe it's been six months already!
You missed Justin. He was here for a few weeks during his summer break.
We should have had this launch two months ago, but what with the economy what it is, we've been developing all our online publication sites simultaneously with the magazine's paper issues. So, of course that took a while longer."
"You seem...really happy, Betty. It's good to see you. I missed you."
She glanced back at DJ, who had put in his headphones and seemed to not be paying attention to the adults.
"Really? I thought you must have met someone in Paris. I barely heard from you."
He narrowed his eyes, "What are you talking about? I called all the time! I kept leaving messages at your work, and on your cell phone. You never got back to me."
"I was busy, Daniel! Really busy. You have no idea how much work this has been! It would have been nice to have someone I could ask for advice.
Someone who knew the business a little. Somebody I could count on. But you just showed up here, then you disappeared!"
"Disappeared? I was here...for two weeks, Betty. I tried to get interviews and it got...so depressing. No one was hiring. And if they were, they didn't even want to talk to some entitled rich guy who only got his job through nepotism!"
"Well, boo hoo, welcome to the real world, Daniel! Did you really think it was going to be that easy? That you would just declare to the world, hey, I want to finally earn my own job and people would just run up to you and offer you one?"
"No, of course not!"
"Yes, you did."
He made a face, "Stop that. You don't know me nearly as well as you think you do, Betty. No, I didn't think it would be easy. I didn't think anyone would come and offer me a job, like Dunne did you! I'm not that talented."
"Daniel…"
"It's fine, Betty. I finally got a couple possibilities here, so...yeah. I'm back. I'm done sleeping on my sister's couch. I'll see how things go here, job-wise. I'm going to give myself at least six months here to see if I can get something.
Make it work here. That much time goes by...fast. Well, in some cases.
Although, I thought about you a lot. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I guess...I felt like I would just be in your way.
But, you know, the phone works both ways, Betty. If you were having a hard time, you should have called. You could have. I would have been here if you needed my help. You know that."
"Do I? Things are...different, now, Daniel."
"I know. But, that's not always a bad thing, is it? You always hate change. Yet...here you are, starting your own magazine, just like you always wanted and you're living in London.
You're getting all your dreams come true, Betty. You should be on top of the world right now!"
"Should I? Then why does it feel so...empty? So alone? I guess...I just miss my family. I feel like there's nobody who really cares about me to share all this with, so...why am I working so hard? I don't know. I guess I just thought it would feel...different, somehow."
"Your family...are they all okay?"
She nodded, looking as if she was fighting back a tear. "Yeah. They're fine. Hilda just found out she's pregnant. And Papi and Elena are engaged. Justin's...well, you know all about how well he's doing at Mode, I guess.
He's interning for Marc. I can't believe he's a senior. Hilda's due date is around the time he graduates, so ...that would be fantastic if I get to be there when she has the baby."
He glanced over at her, "If I didn't know better, I'd say you sounded ...homesick for New York."
She shrugged, "Not New York necessarily, as much as just missing my family. I don't get to see Christina as much as I hoped I would. When she is in London, she's really busy, too.
We talk a lot more now. But...I even miss Amanda and Marc. And...you."
"You miss me?"
She rolled her eyes, "Yes, Meade. I miss you. I thought you said you were going to stay around here for a while, see what you could find! Then you just...took off! Next thing I know you're living in Paris, and you grew that crazy beard…"
Daniel winced, "I thought you didn't mind my beard. You sound like Alexis. She drove me crazy till I shaved it."
"Well, you at least trimmed it before. I'm glad you didn't have any beads this time."
He shot her a look, "I didn't join any cults in Paris, I promise, Betty. No drugs, either. I didn't even drink all that much, really.
Just...hanging out with DJ and Alexis, mostly. It took me a while to adjust to not working every day. But looking for a new job is...a full time job, too!"
"No kidding."
"I know. I know. I'm spoiled. I'm a grown man and I've never had to look, like you did at half my age. I get it. I know I need to pay my dues."
DJ shook his head, and tapped Daniel on the shoulder, "Daniel...stop talking about everything but what you came here for. Just ask Betty if she will come to mama's wedding with you!"
Betty's eyes widened, "Wedding? Alexis is getting married? She met someone?"
Daniel looked back at DJ, somewhat annoyed and in a slight panic, but tried to focus on the facts, "Uh, yeah. That's one reason I've been hanging out with DJ so much. Alexis met a guy named Lucien.
He's French, but his family moved to the US when he was younger. He grew up in California. He's one of those smart, tech guys and he just moved back to Paris last year when his grandfather died. He's sort of semi-retired, even though he's only forty-five.
He's fixing up his family's vineyard he inherited, and then they want to travel. He and Alexis met at a charity thing and really hit it off. He seems like an okay guy, I guess."
"You guess? DJ, do you like him?"
"Oui. I think Daniel is how you say...overprotective of his sister."
"Yes, well, he tends to be that way. I don't suppose you heard about my adventures on Broadway, all because your Uncle Daniel threatened to fire my boyfriend!"
Daniel rolled his eyes, "It wasn't my bright idea for you to start kissing stupid Henry onstage at Wicked, Betty! Don't blame me if you couldn't wait to go running after a guy who kept breaking your heart! Forgive me for not wanting to see you get hurt again!"
"Sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up. So...you want me to go to your sister's wedding? That's why you're really here? I wondered about talking to you on the phone this morning, then all of a sudden, you're back in London this afternoon! Why didn't you just tell me?"
"I'm not here just for you. Get over yourself! I told you, DJ's girlfriend is here and he wants to ask her to his mom's wedding, too. Then, he's driving back himself.
I really do have three interviews next week. I'm sorry if that messes up your itinerary.
I was going to ask you if you needed a date for your launch, but you probably already have some British guy in mind to go with or already have a date."
"Would you like to go?"
"Of course, I want to be there, Betty! It's your launch!"
She shrugged, looking down at her lap, clearly hurt, "You wouldn't know it from my end. I didn't think you were even still aware of what was going on in my life, Daniel. I just figured, you had…"
"Moved on. Well, I haven't. I'm stuck. I missed my family, too. But, I miss you more, okay? So, if I take you to your launch, will you...come with me to Alexis' wedding? It's in two and a half weeks. I'll fly back with you and put you up in a nice hotel there. Have you been to Paris yet?"
"No. I want to, but...there's never been any time."
"Well then, uh...what do you say?"
"As your...date?"
He smiled, "Yeah, Betty. As my date. If you're not...too busy. It's on a Sunday, so we can fly there Friday and have you back by Monday if can't afford to miss any work."
"I could take a long weekend. The Friday and Monday off, I suppose. In Paris...that sounds, really nice, Daniel. Fine. I'll come with you. And to answer your question, I don't really have a date for my launch.
I've had some people ask me, but…I didn't say I would go with them. Because...well, to be honest, I sort of hoped you'd show up and take me."
DJ smiled, and smacked Daniel on the back of the head, "Now, tell Betty about your article. While you are being brave. Before you turn back into the small poultry."
Betty made a face, "What's he talking about? Poultry? Daniel? Oh, stop! I can get out here. That's my building, just around the corner."
Daniel glared at DJ in his rear-view mirror. "Not now, DJ! It's nothing, Betty. He's had too much sun. Listen, is there a place for us to park, so we can see you inside?"
She shook her head, "Not really. It's not that close. It's fine. I'll...meet you at the restaurant tonight. Just text me where and when, okay? It was great seeing you both again. Especially you, DJ! I can't get over how much you've changed!"
She smiled as he got out and hugged her again.
"You, too, Betty. Again, my deepest apologies for being so childish and spraying you with the silly string! I hope you will forgive a stupid boy! This is the only way I knew at the time to get attention."
She smiled as he kissed her hand, "It's fine, DJ. It actually was pretty funny! You were just a kid."
"Oui! So much has changed in just a few short years! You are now a very, very beautiful woman, Betty! Femme très belle!"
She blushed, and DJ hopped down into the front seat as Betty left. "Thanks, DJ. See you two Meade boys later! Bye!"
"Au Revoir, Betty!"
"Au Revoir, DJ. Bye, Daniel."
"Bye, Betty. See you later."
As soon as Betty went around the corner, Daniel stared at DJ, who had been watching Betty carefully.
Finally, Daniel hit his nephew on the back of the head, "OW! Why do you abuse me?"
"What the hell was that? You say you're here to help me with Betty and then you start hitting on her yourself? What about Valerie? Do you want me to start...never mind. She's like...what, fifteen or something, right?"
"No, she's my age."
"Whatever. Sixteen. I'm thirty seven. So that means, I'm way too old to even think about hitting on your girlfriend, right?"
"Oui. It would be...well, creepy. Even for you. Even for...a Frenchman. Well, most Frenchman, anyway."
"Right. So, Betty is too old for you. Hands off! Don't start your goofy little I'm Mr. cute little French kid flirting stuff around Betty again, okay, kid? Hands off my girlfriend."
"Calm down, Daniel! I was only ...noticing how lovely she is."
"Yeah, I saw you...noticing her alright. Betty's not one of your damn pinup girls! Eyes back in your head, teenager!"
DJ rolled his eyes, "Don't be rude! I was going to say, she is a very good person, too. I still remember how kind she was to me as a child. She yelled at you and I believe told you to man up and treat me like a son, act like a father. For whatever stupid reason, she clearly cares for you."
"You think so?"
"Yes, but...you hurt her by leaving. If you are so worried about me… perhaps you should make sure she is really your as you say, 'girlfriend'.
Then, I will leave her alone, Daniel. But until you have the courage to declare your love for her; to 'stake your claim', she's available to any man.
I'm not the one you should be worried about. Betty is a very beautiful, very desirable woman. And you have just deserted her here for the past six months, not telling her your feelings for her? You are a total nincompoop! Or as mama calls you a dumba..."
"DJ!"