August 1920
Kurt
Mrs Murphy knocks on the bedroom door. "Mr Hummel… Sir Anderson is here. I'll have him wait in the drawing room."
"Thank you. Tell him I'll be down in a couple of minutes."
Kurt looks in the mirror to inspect his outfit. He had found a high-quality striped fabric remnant in the markets, and made a new suit in record time. The sewing machine Blaine bought for him has been a real godsend. All his spare waking hours have been spent finding fabrics and turning them into curtains, throw pillows, and clothing. It's filled the hours when Blaine hasn't been around, of which there have been many lately.
Kurt misses Blaine.
Since the summer showcase, Blaine has been working double shifts at Healy's Tavern. Kurt knows that it hasn't been strictly necessary, because both Gordon and Beiste can easily manage the morning prep work without Blaine. If Blaine isn't at Healy's Tavern, he spends time at the tennis club. With the number of hours that he's there, he should be ready for Wimbledon by now. Even on his last day off, Blaine cancelled a date, claiming the need to help Rachel learn a new song.
Kurt can't really complain. After all, it was he who had suggested to Blaine that he pursues his hobbies, and not spend all his spare time with him. However, it's one thing to say that, but it's an entirely different matter to experience it. He should take his own advice and find some new hobbies, too. He might even find that ideal job while he's at it.
However, today will be the first day in a month that they have time together, and Kurt doesn't want to spoil it. He'll find a way to let Blaine know that he misses him and that they both need to make more of an effort.
Kurt grabs his hat and makes for the drawing room. When he sees Blaine, he's shocked to see him wearing a new outfit. The deep red blazer has a classic cut, but the fabric includes the now popular white and blue stripes. He's wearing white trousers, a simple but perfectly tailored white shirt, and a blue and white polka dot bow tie. Blaine is even wearing a brand-new pair of white loafers. His hair is slicked back, and he looks even more handsome than the swoon-worthy Rudolph Valentino.
Kurt raises one eyebrow. "I see someone has been shopping at Brooks Brothers without me."
Blaine slowly spins around. "Do you like what you see?"
"I certainly do. That outfit looks remarkable on you."
Blaine takes Kurt's hand and slowly spins him around. "I see that you've been busy, too. Did you make the outfit? I love how the light blue plaid material picks up on the color of your eyes."
Kurt smiles, knowing that Blaine's compliment is sincere. "I saw something like this in Vogue, and decided I could make it myself for a fraction of the cost. It looks like we both planned to surprise each other today with new outfits."
Blaine throws his head back in laughter. "We're definitely the best dressed dandies in New York City today. I hope you haven't had lunch yet."
"You told me we were going to start the day with a meal, so I haven't."
"Jolly good. Our first stop is at a restaurant I've recently discovered."
Kurt isn't sure that he likes the idea that Blaine has been out discovering new restaurants without him, or even going clothes shopping at Brooks Brothers. However, he's not going to ruin the day by scolding Blaine about how little time they have spent together over the past month.
When they leave the boarding house, Kurt is surprised to see the Berry's car and James opening the back door.
"After you, my good sir," Blaine says.
"It must be a very special day to have James here."
"It's a very special day indeed," Blaine confirms. "James will take us to our first destination, and then we'll be on our own."
When James pulls the car away from the curb, Kurt can see Blaine's body thrumming with excitement. He can't imagine what Blaine has up his sleeve for today's outing. After ten minutes, the car stops at Washington Square North.
"Thank you, James. That's all for today."
When they get out of the car, Kurt looks around to get his bearings. "Are we in Greenwich Village?"
"Yes, we are. Follow me."
They arrive at Antonio's Taverna and are seated at a booth. Blaine picks up both menus. "I'll order for us both."
Kurt is surprised when a young lady comes over to take their order. It's not every day that you see a woman waiting on tables.
"Sir Anderson, you weren't kidding when you said you would be back soon. What can I get for you today?"
"May we please have two margherita pizza pies and two lemon sodas?"
"Absolutely."
When the waitress leaves, Kurt leans in and says, "I've heard of a pizza pie, but I've never had one before."
"You're going to love it. They have a coal-fired oven specially to bake pizzas. Can you imagine that? I had to see it with my own eyes."
Kurt stews at the thought that Blaine has not only eaten here, but has had a tour of the kitchen. "How did you find this place?"
"There's this chap, Mario, who I met at the tennis club. His uncle owns this place and he told me all about it. He brought me here to check it out."
Kurt folds his arms across his chest. "You've been going out with other men?"
Blaine chuckles. "It's not like that at all. Mario is stepping out with a girl. We were doubles partners at the club's competition. When we won the finals, we went out with some of the others to celebrate."
Kurt wants to wipe that silly grin off of Blaine's face. He can't hold it in any longer. "No wonder you haven't had any time to spend with me."
Blaine's foot finds his ankle, but Kurt is having none of that. He jerks his foot away.
"Don't be mad at me, Kurt. You were the one encouraging me to find new hobbies and make new friends. I've also been working hard on the surprise I mentioned to you last month. You'll find out all about it after lunch."
Their conversation is interrupted when the waitress serves the two pizza pies. Kurt inspects the dish, containing a thin bread crust and tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and torn basil leaves. Each ingredient has a delicious scent, and his stomach starts rumbling. He picks up a knife and fork and cuts a piece. The texture is a mix of hard and crusty base with gooey cheese, and the different flavors blend well together. "This tastes like heaven."
"It really does taste like heaven. You can eat it with your hands if you want to," Blaine replies, and demonstrates for Kurt.
"I don't think our fathers would approve of us eating like this," Kurt jokes as he picks up a pizza slice.
"I think that there is a lot we do that our fathers wouldn't approve of," Blaine smirks.
They eat their pizza pies in silence, each lost in the heavenly taste. When Kurt finishes, he wipes his mouth with his napkin, and finishes his lemon soda. "So, are you going to tell me what the surprise is?"
"I'm not going to tell you, but I'll show you, once I've paid the bill."
Kurt snaps his fingers for the waitress to bring over the bill. He doesn't want to wait any longer than he has to; his curiosity is piqued.
When they leave the Italian taverna, Blaine walks confidently down the street. "Where are we going?" Kurt asks.
"You'll see soon enough," Blaine replies. They turn onto MacDougal Street, and Kurt looks at fashionable brownstones interspersed with many small businesses, cafes and theaters. Blaine stops when they get to a cul-de-sac signposted MacDougal Alley.
"These buildings look different," Kurt says.
The cobbled street looks like it's from a different era with its gas light fixtures. There are large two- or three-story buildings on either side, but they have none of the grandeur of the brownstones on the main street.
"They used to be carriage houses and stables for the brownstones on Washington Square North. They have since been sold and converted to artist studios or homes. Even Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney lives here and has an artist studio. Come, let's take a look."
As they walk down the alley, Kurt wonders how Blaine is so knowledgeable about an alley in Greenwich Village. Has he been here before with Mario or one of the other chaps from the tennis club? What does all this mean?
Blaine stops at a large three-story building in the middle of the street, and takes a key out of his pocket. "We're here. Welcome to my new home."
"What? You live here?"
"Not yet, but I soon will. The legal papers were signed yesterday. Come inside and let me give you a tour."
They step inside the foyer, and Kurt doesn't know what to say. He has never considered that Blaine might buy a house in New York City. "I had no idea that you were planning to buy a place."
"That's why it's called a surprise, silly. I can't live in Uncle Hiram's townhouse forever. I need to establish roots of my own. When we visited Greenwich Village in June, we both liked the area. It felt like somewhere we could happily live together for a very long time."
Kurt crosses his arms tightly across his chest. "Woah, you're going too fast. I'm not ready to live with you yet."
Blaine sighs. "Kurt, I know you're not. I'm not suggesting that you move in tomorrow. You tell me when you're ready. Okay? But I need you to know that I'm very serious about us having a life together, and this is one step in that direction." Blaine looks down at his fidgeting fingers. "Hopefully, one day you'll be living here with me."
Kurt lets his arms dangle at his sides and looks away. He knows that living together is what they are working towards. Although he wants that, too, he's afraid that he'll lose his own identity if he's not an independent man before he moves in. He's now in the land of opportunity, and he needs to figure out where he fits in before he can consider combining their lives together. His sweet Blaine is doing everything in his power to make that happen sooner rather than later, and Kurt doesn't want Blaine to give up on him.
Kurt pulls Blaine into an embrace, and he can feel Blaine's tense muscles relax. "I do want a life with you, but I'm still finding my footing in this city. You just need to give me some more time." When he feels Blaine nod in agreement, he kisses him on his forehead. "Now, how about a tour? I can't wait to see the place."
Blaine takes Kurt by the hand and leads him into a large living room with a raised brick hearth wood-burning fireplace. There is no furniture yet, but there are so many possibilities for this room.
"This place must have cost a pretty penny. Did you use your trust fund?"
Blaine nods. "I used almost half my trust fund to buy this place. Cousin Rachel assures me that it's a good use of the money that she gave me. I've been working extra shifts to buy furniture and things like paint to fix it up."
Kurt now understands why Blaine has been working all hours that the Healy brothers will give him. From the living room, they enter a cozy dining room and then head into a basic but large kitchen.
"At some stage, I'll redo the kitchen to my exact specifications. I might knock out the wall to the dining room and turn them into one large room. I'd like to talk to my guests as I cook for them.
"It would certainly make dinner parties more intimate. Or perhaps you can build a sunroom off the kitchen and we could eat there instead."
"I haven't thought of that. I knew you would have some great ideas for this place."
They climb up the stairs to the next floor. The first room they enter is the master bedroom. Kurt smirks when he sees that it already has a bed made up.
"Uncle Hiram gave me an old bed to sleep in until I've bought furniture. I went to W. & J. Sloane as he suggested, but I was overwhelmed by the choices. I was hoping you would help me out. You have such a good eye for design and color. Pretty please?" Blaine asks, giving his best puppy dog eyes.
"You know I can't say no to that look. I'd be happy to help you. I could even make up the curtains and soft furnishings with the new sewing machine you bought me."
"I'd love that. You have a way of making even a room in a boarding house look homey. I want that kind of ambiance here, too."
After Kurt has inspected the huge en suite bathroom, they explore the rest of the floor. There are two more bedrooms and a bathroom.
Blaine opens a door that leads to another staircase. "I'm saving the best for last. Follow me."
They climb up the stairs to the top floor. It's one huge space that hasn't been used before. The walls expose the old bricks of the carriage house, and there are wooden beams running the length of the ceiling. There are large windows that allow plenty of sunlight in.
"I've been told that a lot of people use this space as an artist studio."
"I can certainly understand why. The natural light is brilliant. What are you planning for this floor?"
"I'd like this space to be somewhere we could hang out. On this wall, I'd love to have shelves for my books, and a comfortable chair where I could read."
Kurt walks over to a window and notices that there is a small overgrown garden below. "Have you thought of building a window seat in the recess of this window? I could make a comfy cushions and pillows to make it feel really special and inviting for reading."
Blaine kisses his cheek. "I'd like that very much."
"What would you do with the rest of the space? It's enormous."
"I think that depends a lot on you and what you might like. There will be plenty of time to think about that later. I'm going to focus on the ground floor and the master bedroom first. I'd like to have them finished before we leave for the Hamptons."
"That's only four weeks away. Do you think that is realistic?"
Blaine nods. "Finn has a lot of spare time now that he's no longer performing in the Vaudeville show. He has agreed to help with the painting and the other little things that need doing around the place."
"I'm sure that Finn has learned a lot after tinkering with cars for all those years."
"Finn is quite handy and is a natural at fixing things. I was hoping that you would come with me tomorrow morning to W. & J. Sloane to pick out some furniture."
"Of course I will. We're not due at Healy's Tavern until the late afternoon. I saw a stationery shop around the corner. Why don't we buy some paper, pen and a measuring tape? We should come up with a floor plan of what goes where, and then figure out the essential furniture you need. We can always go back and buy the other stuff later."
"You always know how to approach things like this."
"Do you have any ideas about colors or style?" Kurt asks.
"I haven't really thought about it that much. I don't want it to look as traditional as Westerville Abbey, with antique furniture, silver, and whatnot. It's not like I'll be handing the place down to the next generations. I'd like it to be more of a reflection of my...our new lives."
Kurt thinks of the furnishing fabrics he's seen recently in the markets, and his mind is whirling at how they could use the new-style geometric patterns.
Blaine interrupts his thoughts. "You're not mad that I bought this place without telling you?"
Blaine looks so nervous to hear the verdict. He's desperate for reassurance that he made a wise decision.
"Mad? I'm delighted. As much as I would have enjoyed house hunting, it's probably best that you did it by yourself. I would definitely have felt pressured to move in with you. But now that I've seen the place, it makes sense that you would want to move from the Berry's and strike out on your own."
Blaine's eyes crinkle as he smiles. "Thank goodness you understand why I went house hunting on my own. I don't want to do anything that would cause you to be angry at me. I love you, and I want you to be happy with me."
"I love you too, my darling." When Kurt's stomach rumbles, he adds, "Does your new kitchen have anything in stock?"
"I've got everything to make tea, and I bought some cheesecake from the bakery around the corner," Blaine informs him.
Kurt gives Blaine a gentle kiss. "I can't think of anyone more perfect for me."
Blaine takes Kurt's hand and leads him down the stairs. While Blaine gets things ready for afternoon tea in the kitchen, Kurt takes another look around the ground floor, mentally creating the best floor layouts. The house is simply fabulous, with so much potential. It certainly is tempting to move in with Blaine sooner rather than later. There is so much to love about the place, but most importantly, he wants that happily ever after with the owner.
Three weeks later
Kurt opens the door to the house with the key that Blaine had given him earlier and sets down his latest purchase. He has found some blue upholstery fabric that is perfect for Blaine's armchair.
"Is that you, Kurt? I'm in the living room."
He walks into living room, which they have already painted, and discovers Blaine up on a ladder trying to install curtain rods. Blaine's wearing old gym shorts that fit snug around his buttocks and leave nothing to the imagination. His white T-shirt clings to his muscular biceps, and when Blaine reaches higher, a sliver of skin around his trim waist is revealed. Kurt walks over, wanting to get a taste of that skin and pull down those sinfully tiny gym shorts.
The front door slams, and Kurt pulls back when he hears heavy footsteps. Finn and James enter the living room with arms laden with equipment and parcels.
"Hi guys. Kurt, we picked up your sewing machine and stuff. Where do you want them?" Finn asks.
"I think on the top floor. I want decent light when I make up the curtains. Leave the iron and board downstairs in the living room. I'll press the curtains just before they are hung."
Blaine steps down from the ladder. "I've already set up Uncle Hiram's old kitchen table up there. You can use it for the sewing machine. Finn, could you install the curtain rods for me? Even with a ladder, I'm not tall enough to reach the top of the windows."
"Sure thing, Blaine."
Blaine walks over, and gives Kurt a hug and a kiss. "I don't think we've said good morning yet."
Kurt wraps his arms around Blaine's neck and gives him a lingering kiss. "Good morning to you, too."
"Umm… Do you want me to leave?" Finn asks.
Kurt pulls away quickly. "No, we better get to work. I'll help James with the stuff, and you can help Blaine with the curtain rods."
Kurt makes several journeys with James upstairs to bring up the equipment and materials. After saying goodbye to James, Kurt sets up his sewing machine and gets to work. Kurt lays out the material on the floor to measure and cut the lengths, then guides the material on the machine to stitch them together. Before he knows it, several hours have passed and the curtains are ready.
He gathers the curtains in his arms and heads down the stairs. Blaine is nowhere to be seen, and Finn is cleaning the newly refurbished hardwood floors. Kurt is grateful that Finn sanded and varnished on days when they were working at Healy's Tavern. It was both a noisy and smelly job, but the results are very impressive.
"Where's Blaine?"
"He went to the hardware store to buy the paint for the bedroom."
Kurt sets up the ironing board and lays out the first curtain length for pressing.
"I haven't seen curtains like these before," Finn comments.
"Well, Blaine wanted something less traditional for his house. Geometric patterns are all the rage at the moment. I think that this design is bold, yet at the same time understated, and will last the test of time."
While Kurt irons the curtains, Finn cleans the brick front of the fireplace. Kurt laughs at the memory of Finn climbing down the roof, coated with black soot after sweeping the chimney.
"How is Rachel? I haven't seen her since she stopped coming to the tavern. Does her stomach still get queasy at the sight and smell of food?"
Finn sets down his rag and wipes his brow. "No, she's past that. Now she's eating like a horse. It's almost six months now, and her belly is getting huge."
Kurt gives Finn a curtain panel to hang. "How does Rachel pass her time now that she's not in a Vaudeville show?"
"Rachel is working hard for the National Woman Suffrage Association. She was so excited when the amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified last week. Rachel claims that she'll be the first in line at the polling station in November."
"What plans does she have for after the baby is born?" Kurt asks, and he hands Finn the next curtain panel for hanging.
"Rachel wants to get back in shape as soon as possible and audition for parts on Broadway. She spends a lot of time practicing new songs and rehearsing scenes."
"Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do? Will you join her on Broadway?"
Finn climbs down the ladder and reaches for the next curtain. "I don't think there's room for two stars in the family. Honestly, Kurt, I don't have the big dreams that Rachel has. I'd be more than happy to help her rehearse, cheer from the sidelines, and help look after the baby."
"If your child is anything like Rachel, you'll have your hands full."
Finn shakes his head in laughter. "You can say that again. Part of me wants a baby girl that looks like Rachel, but then I think that I'll have two girls bossing me around. Kurt, I'm not ambitious like you and Blaine. Do you think it's weird that I want to spend my time taking care of my family?"
"There is nothing wrong with that, Finn, but I think you need to have some sort of life beyond Rachel, whether it's pursuing an interest or making new friends. It's not healthy for everything in your life to be wrapped up in one person."
"You're right, Kurt. I'm enjoying helping Blaine to fix up this place. I could also say that you should listen to your own advice."
"What do you mean?"
"You work with Blaine, and I'm sure that you'll be living with him soon. You need to have hobbies of your own as well."
Kurt lets out a sigh. "You're right. My life does revolve around Blaine. Last month, Blaine was busy finding this house and playing tennis, and we didn't really see each other outside of work. I was at a loose end, not knowing how to fill my days. I don't even know what I want to do with my life."
Finn chuckles. "We really are like brothers, both loving good people and trying to find our place in this new city."
"Like brothers," Kurt confirms.
Their conversation is interrupted when Blaine returns to the house, with buckets of paint for the bedroom. "You two have been busy. I absolutely love the curtains."
Kurt looks proudly at the curtains that are now hanging in the living room. "Just wait until the furniture is delivered next week. The room is coming together nicely."
When the telephone rings, Blaine rushes to the corner to pick it up. "Greenwich Village 4457."
"Yes, this is Sir Blaine Anderson."
"Cooper, how wonderful to hear from you!"
"That's marvelous news. And both the baby and Quinn are healthy?"
"Excellent. Do you have a name yet?"
"I love that name."
"Hardy har har. I don't sound like an American... Not yet, anyways."
"The house is coming along fine. The living room is ready for the furniture, which will be delivered next week. We're going to start painting the master bedroom this afternoon."
"Kurt is doing well. He's been an enormous help selecting everything. Finn is here most days, painting and refinishing the floors. Pregnancy suits Cousin Rachel - she's practically glowing."
"Yes, I understand. Give my love to everyone, and I'll call tomorrow just after your lunch time. Can you make sure that the Hummels are available? I'm sure that Kurt and Finn would like to talk to their parents."
Blaine hangs up the phone. "Quinn has given birth to a girl, Margaret Rose. They are both healthy. Cooper is busy telephoning people about the news, but we'll call tomorrow and catch up with everyone."
"That's great news," Kurt exclaims.
"Doesn't Quinn usually have her babies in September? I wonder why this one is a month earlier," Finn surmises.
Blaine tosses his head back and roars with laughter. "I think it has everything to do with them driving me to Southampton last November, and spending the night without children."
Author's notes
Trivia: Everything mentioned in this chapter about MacDougal Alley is factual. Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney did indeed live there and had an artist studio. In 1931, she founded the famous Whitney Art Museum.
Kurt's furnishing fabrics are influenced by the Art Deco movement that began in 1920. To see those, as well as Kurt's sewing machine, and their outfits, check out my Tumblr account (HKVoyage). From my home page, click on the 'Life in the Big Apple' button'. On the next page will have 'Chapter announcements with photos'. You will find the photos there.
Many thanks to my fantastic betas - Fearlessly, Lilyvandersteen, Dblmalfunction. I made the last-minute edits and performed the final proofreading by myself, so all mistakes are mine.
I'm HKVoyage on up: Blaine and Kurt take a well-deserved holiday in the Hamptons.