These Things Take Time/CH 8
Daniel headed out of Betty's office, with a huge smile on his face. He couldn't believe Betty had actually said she loved him!
Granted, he was fairly sure she had only let it slip it out of excitement that he had been able to find her a new caterer on the spur of the moment.
It helped that Alexis was one of the owners of an up and coming new French caterer looking to branch out and get its foot in the door in the UK, of course.
He had called Claude when he had been unable to sleep. Now, if Daniel could only figure out a way to make DJ not so angry with him for 'selling him out' to his mother.
He called his own mother for advice, but she had merely reminded him that teens often were sullen and moody and sometimes you just have to wait it out.
Even if it took till they were in their late thirties before they listened to an adult such as their mother's advice. Sometimes his mom really annoyed him with her sarcasm.
He tried once again to reach DJ. The boy snapped at him, "What is it? I'm on the other line with Valerie, Daniel. What do you want?"
"Oh, that's good, I guess. So...her dad is letting her talk to you? That's a good sign."
"No, he doesn't know who she's talking to. But as usual, he's too busy with his work to really care. Where the hell are you? I'm getting dressed now. Hang on, I'll let her know I'll call her back."
Daniel waited for a moment till DJ came back on the line, while he rode back to the hotel.
"It's me. Valerie's afraid to try and sneak out. And she said I can forget about taking her to mom's wedding. I'm not going alone. I guess I just won't go!"
"DJ...just wait for me there at the hotel, okay? I'll be back there in about ten minutes. I just left Betty's office."
"Oh, great! What are you there for a morning quickie? Must be nice! I'm so glad I could help you with your non-existent love life! Dust off your old, fossil man parts. Meanwhile, I'm dead in the water now, thanks to you."
"I'm sorry, but I fail to see how you taking Valerie's bra off like that when you knew damn well you shouldn't is my fault, DJ.
We've already discussed this. Just...promise you'll wait there for me, and we'll go get some breakfast. You're easier to talk to when you've been fed."
"Oh ha ha, very funny! Fine, I am hungry. I'll be dressed by the time you get here. But I can guarantee I still won't have magically forgiven you just because you give me food."
"DJ...you do know I'm going to miss you when you go back to Paris, right?"
"You're...what are you talking about? You won't need me. You'll have Betty, now."
"Yeah, maybe. But if I do, it'll be thanks to you. I know that I wouldn't have stood a chance with her without your help. You think I don't realize that? That I'm not going to forever be grateful for your help? I'm going to want you to be my best man."
"I think you'd better get to second base before you start picking out your best man."
"You forget who you're talking to. I may be an 'old man' to you, but...I do have a reputation for a reason, kid."
"No way! You and Betty...you're lying! In the kitchen? Or...this morning? Is that why you got up to early?"
Daniel laughed, "DJ, I'm joking. But I had you going there for a minute, didn't I? You totally believed me. Besides, unlike you, I've learned to respect women more than that, finally. Betty's a lady. I would never try to make her do anything she wasn't comfortable doing."
"If this is your stupid idea of a 'lesson' or a sex talk, you can forget it, Mister stud. I tried to tell you, Valerie pushed me, not the other way around.
She's sort of...well, trying to make her father notice her, I think. So she talked me into doing that to get his attention. Now, suddenly to everyone I'm the pervert?
Because I let her...entice me? Women are sneaky. It's like Eve with the apple. I'm an innocent Adam here. I tried to reason with her, but she got me all...confused with her kisses and whispering and touching me. I couldn't think straight anymore. I was tired of being the sensible one.
If a girl tells me...no challenges me to take off her bra, what am I going to say? No, I respect you too much to do that? I'm not an idiot! Put yourself in my place. If you were my age and a girl said that to you, what would you have done?"
Daniel thought a minute, "Fine. I concede your point, DJ. But I'm not the one you have to convince. Number one would be your mom. And don't start giving me grief for 'telling on you' again.
You know damn well Valerie's dad is likely to have told your mother about this and then what do you think would have happened, huh? You think your mom would have appreciated getting blindsided about something like this, just before her wedding?
Is this...whole thing so you have a reason not to go to your mom and Lucien's wedding? Are you looking for an excuse to get out of it or something? I thought you liked this Luc guy? Now you don't all of a sudden?"
No. It's not that. I like him. He's fine. But he's not my father. He's just my mother who's biologically my father's new husband. Try explaining that to someone!"
"Yeah, I know, buddy. It's not something you have to share with the class, though. It's nobody's business, really."
"Well, honestly, while you were in Paris, I told some people you were my 'real dad', but...that got weird, when they found out you were also my uncle. Then they thought ...well, who knows what they thought.
Valerie at least is very understanding about my situation. She's kind and sweet and funny. I know she's very immature sometimes and it makes me very angry that she thinks you're so great.
But honestly, I think it's because she has problems with her father. She is always trying to get him to spend time with her. So, she's using you as a substitute father. But she's also very flirty. Which normally, I like very much about her.
But all she knows to do is flirt with you. I told her it made you uncomfortable. And I don't really like it, either. But, also thanks to you, she now thinks I have a crush on Betty, so she was perhaps trying to get back at me a little bit."
"Hey, I'm sorry, but you did act like you were sort of…."
"I was not flirting with your precious Betty! I merely complimented her. There is a difference. I respect Betty and think she is a kind, and yes very beautiful older woman who I know is in love with you. And after hearing you moan about her, believe me I understand how much you love her!
So why on earth would you think I would ever do anything to get in the way of either of you? I want what you have with her someday with a woman I am so madly in love with as you are with each other."
"Okay, DJ. Thank you. That was...very nice and very mature of you to say. I'm in the lobby now. Are you dressed yet?"
"Yes. But I don't have a stupid tie on. Are we having breakfast with the Queen? Do I need one? I could borrow one of your idiotic ugly purple ones if so."
Daniel laughed, "No. I promise. No ties needed for breakfast. How about we just go hang out wherever you want today, okay? I'd really like to spend the day with my...son. Just you and me."
DJ opened the door to the elevator, and Daniel, greeted him, smiling as he got off. He walked to him and gave him a hug, "So...does this mean you're not pissed at me anymore?"
DJ shrugged, smiling slightly, "I never really was. I think maybe I thought if I got mad at you it wouldn't hurt so much when I didn't get to see you anymore. But honestly, I'm really going to miss your mopey face. I sort of was getting used to having you around."
Daniel shook his head, "Dammit, if Betty wasn't right again! I hate it when she knows everything. She told me you were getting mad at me because it would make it easier for us when we don't get to see each other anymore. But you know, DJ. It isn't that long a drive. And you do need driving time.
Not to mention a plane. And you know Valerie's going to want to spend time with her dad, and your mom and Luc will want you out of their hair while they're newlyweds...so, you might as well just plan on spending a lot of time here. You're not rid of me just yet, you know."
DJ nodded, "Oui. Je suppose. You're right. There's also Skype. But it still won't be the same. I want all the details of your progress with Betty. I'd say you have to name your first child after me, but…since I'm already named after you, I'm not sure how that would work."
They both laughed, and Daniel shoved him, "Come on, let's feed you, before you starve to death, kid. I know you teenagers are on a two hour feeding schedule, just like newborns!"
"You know about newborn babies, eh? Are you planning to have one already with Betty?" he made kissy noises.
Daniel rolled his eyes, "Don't be an idiot! Not hardly! We have to have a first date before...anything else, DJ.
That dinner...fiasco we had could hardly be construed as a date. And evidently the first time I asked her out, she just thought was another one of our 'friend' dates, so it didn't count, either.
No, I've got to just help her out with her launch this week, take her to the launch as her date and then, do something really amazing for our actual date.
Something that will totally be a surprise. That she won't expect, but will make her really happy...wait...planes! That's it!
Oh my God! I'm a genius! I know what's going to make her love me more than anything. You know she actually told me she loved me, by the way."
"When?"
"This morning. After I told her I got her a caterer. But I just thought of the most brilliant idea, DJ! She's absolutely going to love me for this!"
"So you say. What did you think of? I hope you do remember how to have sex, when it gets to that, by the way. I mean, it's been so long. I hope you haven't forgotten.
It's not really like they say in your stupid American expression, like 'riding a bicycle.' That's completely untrue. You have to do a lot more than simply...ride."
Daniel shook his head as he took out his phone, and rolled his eyes, "DJ… sometimes...you remind me way too much of myself as a kid! Hello? Hey, Mr. Suarez! Oh, God...I'm so sorry! It's Daniel. Daniel Meade. I totally forgot about the time difference for a minute.
I didn't mean to wake you, sir. I just wanted to ask...if I set it up for you and your family to come to Betty's launch on a private plane, do you think you could all get off work? I know she really misses you all very much and I'm sure she'd love for you to be there to support her.
Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm here, now. I...well, actually, I sort of told her...I...well, I'm in love with her, sir. I am totally and completely in love with your daughter. You did?
No, I guess I was pretty obvious. You really think so? She hasn't said...well, kind of this morning, but she was just excited, so I'm not sure it counts. No...not like that.
I found a new caterer for her launch, so...yeah. Yeah, that sounds like a great idea! I'll meet you guys and we'll coordinate the surprise.
I will, sir. Thank you. I'll see you all soon, then. I'll send a car for you on the tenth. Yeah, three days. Great! Again, sorry I woke you. No problem. My pleasure. Bye. Goodnight!"
He smiled as he got off the phone. DJ nodded, looking impressed, "That was Betty's papa?"
"Yeah."
"Good idea, Daniel! Very good idea. She will be so happy you brought her family here for her launch, you will definitely win her love! I'm proud of you. That was an extremely thoughtful thing. It'll get you in her 'panties', too, no doubt!"
Daniel rolled his eyes, "DJ, buddy. We need to have a serious talk!"
"I was kidding! You can't take a joke? You have no sense of humor about these things!"
Betty managed to get Clark to stop pestering her about what was going on between her and Daniel, only after she gave him an article to work on to get rid of him.
As she headed out later to meet with Mr. Dunne for lunch, Betty tried to avoid Samantha's questions about Daniel, as well. "Are you really going to keep from telling me about that divine man that Clark said is none other than Daniel Meade? Your former boss and evidently current lover? Betty...where do you think you're off to?"
"Lunch, Samantha. You scheduled it for me, remember? I'm meeting Mr. Dunne, to let him know how things are moving forward for the launch. And...thanks to Daniel, I also have a caterer to replace the one we lost. He emailed me the name of the company just now.
He's an old friend. I told you that before. I've really got to go, though. I don't want to keep Mr. Dunne waiting."
Samantha put her hand up to stop Betty, "Wait! An old friend that you are kissing?"
"You saw us?"
"Aha! No, but Clark did. And obviously you just admitted you were."
"You know, you sort of remind me of Amanda, but...you're a lot smarter than she is."
"Must be because I'm English. And she's a blonde, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, there you are."
"Samantha...that's a stereotype and you know it. Not all blonde's are dumb. And not all brunettes are smart."
"They're at least smart enough not to bleach their hair."
"Some brunettes dye their hair, too, though."
"Are you trying to be clever and distract me from asking you more questions about this Daniel fellow?"
"Maybe. Is it working?" Betty asked and smiled as she hurried onto the elevator. "Gotta go, sorry! Bye!" She grinned as the doors closed in front of Samantha's face.
As Betty arrived at the restaurant where she was scheduled to meet her boss, she caught a glimpse of Valerie's father at another table, lunching with a business associate she assumed.
Once she was seated and had ordered a coffee, she got up and greeted him, "Mr. Ryles? I'm sorry to disturb you, but I just wanted to have a quick word."
Brian looked at Betty with a combination of anger and curiosity, as he excused himself, and walked out of earshot of his friend.
Once they were standing away from the table, he looked away, "I'm sorry, Miss Suarez, but I don't believe we have anything to discuss."
"But, Brian...Mr. Ryles, believe me I completely understand how upset you must be at...well all of us. At DJ for taking advantage of your daughter like that and at Daniel and me for not chaperoning them better.
But in our defense, you did also leave them completely alone at the restaurant and they simply waited at the table for Daniel and I to return, which was not long after you left, by the way.
It's also my understanding that your daughter is angry with you. That's why she took off in the first place. That's why she was...well, acting inappropriately. Let's be fair to DJ, here, Brian. He didn't exactly rip off her clothes. She encouraged him and egged him on to do that.
I know it doesn't seem like it, but I've known DJ since he was a young boy. He's had a lot to deal with in his life. But he's a good kid at heart. He's very sorry that he stepped over the line.
I know he was acting out partially because he's having a hard time dealing with his mother's wedding. Just like I think Valerie was acting out to get your attention. Negative attention is still...attention.
She barely knows us and she already told us about your affair with your secretary. And complained about you not spending enough time with her. So, instead of blaming them and separating them, maybe we all need to show these kids some support and spend more time with them.
If we try and keep them apart, it will only make them possibly do something desperate to see one another. It becomes…"
"More intriguing because I forbid their 'love'?"
"Yes. Exactly."
"I know. I heard her already sneaking on the phone to talk to him this morning. And I cannot keep her from seeing him when they are both back in France, certainly. You're right, Miss...Betty. You're a very convincing person, aren't you?" he smiled at her and offered to have her join him and his friend, introducing her.
"John, this is a new...friend of mine, Betty Suarez. It seems she used to work for the uncle of my daughter's new boyfriend. Betty, this is Jonathan Sanders. A dear old friend from my Cambridge days. You're more than welcome to join us for lunch, Betty. You're a damn site prettier to look at that this old sod!"
John shook Betty's hand, standing to greet her and offering her a chair, but she shook her head.
"Thanks, but I'm meeting my boss for lunch. In fact, I see he's just arrived, now. Thank you for listening. Take care!"
Betty went to meet Mr. Dunne and gave him her progress report for the launch, and as they finished, and Betty headed off to follow up on some details at the venue, he rose and shook her hand, "I'm extremely impressed with your progress, Betty. I knew when I hired you what a go getter you were, but I think even I underestimated your capabilities!
I quite frankly didn't realize you had made so many connections in the UK so quickly! I'm greatly looking forward to your launch. Carry on!"
"Thank you, sir. I...really appreciate your faith in me. I did have help from an old friend, though."
"Do tell. Is is Brian Ryles? I saw you speaking to him earlier just as I arrived."
"Brian? Oh, no...I was talking about my former boss, Daniel. Daniel Meade. He just got back in London and he's already helped me get those last two advertisers and he's the one with the connection for the caterer."
Mr. Dunne smiled, "Yes, his glowing recommendation of you came rather late, since I had already hired you when I received it. But I was extremely impressed with how...personal his letter of reference was."
"Personal?"
"Yes, it seemed. Well, I don't mean to imply anything inappropriate, but...it seemed he might rather fancy you. But then...I heard that he had gone to France, and no longer kept his position in New York.
So...he's back in London? Not to try and entice you to return to the US, I hope? Am I going to have to offer you a raise to keep you here?"
"No! Sir, I love my job. This is my dream. Daniel...I mean...Mr. Meade is well, we're friends, but I don't think he even wants to return to the US. He's actually looking for a new position here himself. He's here now."
"For you?" He narrowed his eyes, and Betty blushed at his implications, "Sorry, none of my business, of course. I'd just hate to see your personal affairs interfere with your career with us, Betty. I've seen it far too often with bright young women like you.
Matters of the heart always seem to take precedence over your future at work. I've been a bit concerned of late about your perky spirit waning a tad. I know you do miss your family."
She nodded, "I do. It's true. But, I honestly think that with my...friend here now, it should be a good...distraction for me missing them."
"Good! Glad to hear it. We'd hate to lose you for any reason. Great work, as usual, Miss Suarez! I'll speak to you tomorrow. Have a good night!"
"Yes, sir…" As she was hailing a cab, her phone rang, "Daniel! Hey! Listen, I've got good news. Great news, in fact…"
"Yeah? Me, too. It seems that my nephew's girlfriend was allowed to go out on a sort of 'date' with DJ, but only with her dad there.
He called a little while ago and is taking them both out to dinner, and he evidently said they'd better not count on him leaving them alone this time, that he wants to have a serious 'talk' with both of them.
So...that should be interesting. But, it means….I'm free tonight, if you're not too busy, that is. Which your probably are….but hey, can I at least help you somehow?"
She smiled, "You already have, Daniel."
"Oh yeah? How so? Oh, is this about that whole slip you made earlier in admitting how crazy you are about me?"
She stammered, blushing, "No...this has nothing to do with...that. I was just...excited."
She told him about her lunch meeting with Mr. Dunne and how pleased he was about her progress.
"I notice...you said you told him we were just 'friends', huh? Don't worry about it, Betty. I understand. You're just scared to put yourself out there. I totally get it. I know how shy you sometimes get with men you're attracted to. Hell, I remember how cute and nervous you were even around stupid Harry."
"Henry."
"Whatever. But Betty, we do know each other...pretty well after all this time. You don't have to be scared of me."
"Says the man who ran away and hid in another country for six months because I didn't jump into your arms on our first date...that I didn't even know for sure was a real date!"
"Well...you know now."
"Right. Only after your sixteen year old nephew encouraged you by reading your own love letter to me! So...don't go preaching to me that I'm some kind of a...chicken, Daniel."
"But you are sort of being a chicken now, Betty."
"How?"
"By not just telling me how you really feel about me. I told you."
"Finally! After six months. After running away...after not even saying goodbye when I left New York. Do you have any idea how upset that made me?
How much I wanted to just turn around and come back to New York because I couldn't stand the thought that I had hurt you that much that you wouldn't even speak to me? I was devastated!"
"You were?"
"Yes! I hated leaving you behind. I was afraid I'd never see you again."
"I'm sorry. How come you didn't say how upset you were when I first got here?"
"I don't know. I guess I was just so shocked to see you. Then when you first told me you weren't just going right back to New York...I was sort of...hopeful. It seemed like...you were asking me out. But, then you acted like everything was back to normal and we were just friends again...I was confused."
"I guess...everybody's right. I'm not the best communicator in the world, am I?"
"Not really. I mean, I usually can read you, just because I know you so well, and I guess so can…"
"Amanda! Oh my God, that's who it is...Amanda!"
"No. This is Betty, Daniel. Do you need to talk to your ex girlfriend? Last I heard, she and Tyler were pretty serious."
He laughed, hearing the obvious jealousy in her tone, "No...sorry, I know who I'm talking to, sweetie. I just realized who that assistant of yours reminds me of. Isn't she like...the spitting image of Amanda, only with a black wig and glasses and a British accent?"
She rolled her eyes, "Wow, you're really an SAS crack unit, there, Daniel. Very observant of you.
Especially since you slept with the girl enough, you'd think you'd recognize her doppelganger a bit quicker than that! Yes, I know. It's sort of comforting in a creepy kind of way to have her remind me of Amanda."
He smiled, "So...are you going to tell me where we can meet, Betty? Or do I have to find Austin Powers or someone to put a GPS on you? I want to see you, now. Right now. I started my day seeing that great smile of yours that always made my day back at Mode. I want to end the day with you, too
No more talk about ex's or nephews or jobs or anything except me and you the rest of the night. I don't even want to hear about your family tonight.
I just want to talk about the future of Betty and Daniel. As a couple. Hell, hopefully, we may not even talk that much if I'm lucky. Where are you?"