It's so good to see you Liz, Nicholas said.
He kissed the back of her hand. A waiter came by with a tray of champagne and he grabbed two of them, handing one to her.
Me too. I mean you too, Elizabeth giggled. I think I've had too many of these, she looked up at him, struck at how good his aftershave smelled.
When I first spotted you this afternoon, I thought it as a mirage in the desert. A California girl I remember from so long ago right here in the snottiest town in Connecticut.
That would be the second snottiest, Elizabeth replied. Darien is worse from what I hear!
He laughed. Yeah, you're right. So how long have you been out here anyway?
Since March. And you?
Well after I graduated I moved to the city. My aunt lives out here in Greenwich. In fact, I stay with her whenever I' m in town. I actually live in Greenpoint.
Greenpoint? Elizabeth said.
In Brooklyn? She laughed out loud. You're kidding! I live in Williamsburg!
You're joking, Nicholas said, widening his eyes.
No really. I can't believe we live so close to each other, she smiled. Of course Nicholas Morrow, I live in the better neighborhood, she giggled, mirth in her eyes.
Ha,! he bantered. Are you serious? Last time I was in Williamsburg I saw a rat as big as a cat and he had a gun too. So don't try to show me up Miss Wakefield.
Oh? So says the guy who is stuck living along the G train, Elizabeth laughed. And where does it go exactly? Into Queens. When it's running that is. All four cars of it. It's no wonder I never see you. I never take the G train.
Nicholas twirled her around, as her head felt more giddy from the alcohol.
Well, I do take the water taxi to and from work, so there's no loss there.
Oh yeah, well, you know what? Elizabeth smirked. We're tired of all you people from Greenpoint coming over on the weekends to hog our bars, our shops, our restaurants and nightlife! So there!
He flashed a warm smile at her and she once again marveled at how his eyes sparkled in the subdued lighting. They were as green as emeralds, and fringed with thick black lashes.
So I thought you were going to work with your Dad, after graduating, Elizabeth stated, changing the subject.
That was the plan. But I wanted to make it on my own, you know? Not ride in on my father's coattails.
I know exactly what you mean. I had to leave home. I realized that I would never be able to have my own life and on my own terms unless I got away from Sweet Valley.
And have you?
Well, sort of. I mean, it's nice to be independent, but I do really miss my friends and family. Right now I live in an apartment with three, sometimes four other people.
What about you Nicholas,? she smiled curiously at him.
Well, I do have my own space. All three hundred and twenty five square feet of it. At least that's what my landlord claims. I needed to get away. My mother practically calls me every day, telling me to come back to California.
Mine too! Elizabeth laughed. Some day for sure. But not now. Old wounds are suddenly raw again, Elizabeth said, her expression pensive.
I know exactly what you mean, Nicholas agreed, his eyes serious.
So what have you been doing with yourself,? Nicholas asked. Let me guess. You write for the New York Times?
Ha! I wish, Elizabeth scoffed. I have a job at a magazine.
Oh yeah, Nicholas nodded. You did say you were with the press. So which is it?
Which magazine? Ummmmm, she hid her face in his jacket lapel. Now don't laugh.
I won't.
Promise?
I promise.
It's Cityscoop. Have you heard of it?
That tabloidy, gossipy, fashion, party scene drivel that can stand in for toilet paper,? Nicholas smirked.
Hey! She lightly punched him on the arm.
Better not insult my bread and butter!
Nicholas grinned at her indignation. I love Cityscoop I promise! I read it all the time. They have a new show on TV too don't they? On one of the local channels.
A ha! So you watch it huh,? she giggled.
Maybe I've seen a bit of it, but I've never seen you on there. I only watch to see the goings on in the city.
Liar! You just want the gossip,! she teased. I don't actually appear on camera. If you look closely at the credits at the end, you'll probably see my name somewhere.
I'll admit, Elizabeth continued, it's not the Daily News, or even the Post.
Well I don't know how much better the Post is, Nicholas eyed her thoughtfully.
I know… but it's a job right? I was pretty desperate when I took the position. The pay isn't great, but it's better than nothing. And the TV show is a lot more than silly gossip. We get to highlight all the beautiful sites and fun things to do in the city. I've also been writing on my own for a bit. A lot actually.
What are you working on,? Nicholas asked.
Elizabeth bit her lip. A series of stories. They're all on my computer somewhere.
About what?
It's a secret for now, she teased, smiling brashly at him. It's still my dream to get published one day. And, well between that….I decided to go back to school, sharpen my skills. I've been taking classes at NYU.
Doing what?
Well, I'm working on an MBA.
Really?
Yes. I'm going part time. I never thought it was something I would be interested in. But I am learning all about finances, investing, business statistics, media management, and all how they tie in to the publishing industry. She focused her eyes on his.
I'll probably never be a magnate like William Randolph Hearst, but I think it's important to understand the commercial side of journalism.
Elizabeth glanced away, focusing on a server carrying a tray of champagne glasses.
You want another,? Nicholas said, as the waiter approached them.
Why not,? Elizabeth accepted as Nicholas handed her a glass, ignoring how many she already had.
School has always been something I was good at, she continued. With all the madness going on, at least I could always depend on academics for some kind of normalcy. And some parts of my job are so frivolous, that I thought I needed something scholarly to balance it out. I don't want to be writing and editing society gossip forever.
I've always liked that about you Elizabeth, Nicholas said admiringly. You've never been content to sit around looking pretty and expect to be rewarded for it, he stroked her cheek. So what about your social life?
Social life? What's that? Aside from going out with my roommates, and sometimes they have to drag me kicking and screaming, I just don't have the time.
So no boyfriends?
No, she said shyly.
The last time I saw you, you were practically married to Todd Wilkins.
Elizabeth was happy that the lights were dimmed. She didn't want him to see the shame on her face, the embarrassment that still rambled it's way through her heart.
Todd and I are through, she said simply, without elaborating. She didn't want him to know her humiliation. Nor did she want to come off as a victim. She did not want his pity, or anyone's for that matter.
I have friends, acquaintances, but no one special, she admitted.
What about Lance?
What about him?
He seems to be into you.
Trying to get into me you mean!
They both stared at each other for a split second and burst out laughing.
Why Elizabeth Wakefield. What kind of insinuation is that?
Well he's made it obvious that he wants to sleep with me. And probably every other girl.
Do you want to,? he said, leaning closer towards her.
No, not with him, she answered, looking him straight in the eye.
With who then,? he asked her suggestively.
With no one, she replied, averting her eyes. I think I am done with relationships, she replied, her face solemn.
He placed his fingers under her chin and tilted her face up to him. She looked into his eyes, darkened by the dim lighting and wanted to confess to him. Confess it all. But she held back. She didn't want anyone to know how much this still affected her.
You know, I have given up on relationships too, he said, interrupting her thoughts.
Why,? Elizabeth queried, thinking about what she heard earlier from his aunt. That he was divorced, and had a son.
It's a long story. Let's just say, I haven't had much luck in that department myself. And I don't have the time either. I work for a hedge fund manager in lower Manhattan.
Elizabeth cocked her head. I'm glad I went back to school. If you told me the term hedge fund manager a year ago, I'd probably have no clue as to what you're talking about.
We ought to talk shop sometime then. Run my ideas by you. Soon you'll probably be managing me.
They moved around the massive room, oblivious to the stares they were receiving from curious onlookers. The two of them made a very attractive pair, the beautiful blonde girl that no one knew, dancing with Skye and Kurt Morrow's recently divorced son.
So how has it been for you,? Elizabeth asked Nicholas. Success in every corner? The future king of Wall Street?
Hardly, Nicholas laughed. I wouldn't still be living in Greenpoint if I was doing that well. Of course, my family's name helps, so do my father's numerous associates and contacts. I realize I have a huge advantage because of who my father is. But I want to prove myself you know? Prove that I am worthy of all that I am intended for. Try to make a name for myself.
Let's take a breather, Nicholas said, as the musicians put their instruments down for a rest. Elizabeth nodded, as he led her out to the wide balcony. Let's go out on the deck, he suggested.
Cold,? Nicholas asked her, as Elizabeth rubbed her hands together.
A little, she responded. But you know what? I don't mind it. I think I'm getting used to this east coast weather. There's something so beautiful about the turnover of the seasons here. Our leaves change in Southern California, but nothing like this. It's magical, Elizabeth stated.
Nicholas looked at her face. There was a freshness and warmth about her, especially when she was talking about something she loved. He looked deep into her eyes. That hint of shyness, of vulnerability that he had recognized so many years ago was still there. She was as irresistible to him now as she was back then.
Come here, he said, drawing her close, I'll keep you warm.
So weren't we supposed to be mingling,? she asked him, as he put his arms around her. Elizabeth looked through the large doors and into the ballroom to see Lance and the other polo players surrounded by a bevy of eager, admiring women, oohing and ahhing at their collective words.
You were supposed to be mingling, he laughed. You were busy mingling with Lance when I walked in. And I think he wants to mingle with you again.
Elizabeth giggled, sipping more champagne. He brought his lips closer to hers. Kiss me, she thought. She felt his warm breath on her cheek.
Why don't you come to my aunt's house with me,? he asked, stroking her chin.
I'd like to, she said suddenly nervous. But, well…..I'm Mrs. Wexford's guest. What would she think if I just took off with you at your aunt's?
You're not trying to avoid me are you Liz?
Not at all,! Elizabeth insisted. Well, maybe a little, she said, giggling with giddiness. I think I'm a little buzzed. I don't want you to see me make a fool of myself. If I'm alone with you well…. she insinuated, alarmed by her own boldness.
Her pulse increased as she eyed his lips, still wondering what it would be like to feel them on hers.
You played really well today Nicholas. I really liked the horses. I mean, you and the other players were great, but the horses were the star of the show, she teased.
And here I was thinking I was the best thing on the field. You've ridden before haven't you?
A horse? A few times, she replied. It's something I wish I had more access too. For now, the only horses I see are the ones near the park.
I have an idea, Nicholas said, as he smoothed a lock of blonde hair away from Elizabeth's cheek. What time do you have to be back in the city?
In the evening, Elizabeth replied. There's no rush. Why do you ask?
How about I bring you to the stables tomorrow and show you the horses? Maybe we can ride?
Really? Elizabeth's eyes sparkled in excitement. Nicholas, that would be awesome. But I don't have anything to wear. Nothing good for being around horses I mean.
I'll bring you something of mine then. I think it will fit you, he said, looking her up and down. So, I'll pick you up?
Around eleven maybe?
I'll make it twelve. I think someone will need to sleep off her tipsiness.
I'm am not drunk,! she insisted, laughing at herself. I don't do this often you know, she said more seriously.
Do what,? Nicholas queried.
Well, drink like this. Especially when I'm supposed to be working.
Nicholas tilted her chin and examined her eyes. You're not working now by talking to me? Are you?
Of course not. I only had to write about the match, and talk about what some of the ladies were wearing earlier. You know, all the very important stuff, she joked. My business is done for the night. Now it's all about pleasure, she smiled, holding his hand in hers. I think it's all this fresh clean air, away from the city. It made me drink all that bubbly. See, it's the air's fault, not mine!
Sure blame it on the atmosphere, Nicholas said mockingly. It's OK to kick back an enjoy things, once in a while. I haven't been properly drunk since my college days.
Did you drink a lot at Yale?
Nicholas shook his head. Not too much. I guess part of the excitement is being under aged. When I finally went to Yale, I was almost legal, so the thrill just wasn't there. I did have some fun drunken nights with my buddies, but not to the point where we were hungover for the rest of the week.
They walked closer to the edge of the terrace, and looked at the numerous yachts, bobbing up and down in the water. Elizabeth inhaled the cool air deeply.
This is beautiful, she said. You know, this place reminds me a little of home. The building for one thing, she said referring to the red Spanish tiles that were common in her neighborhood. And the water. I miss being near the ocean. The East River is my ocean now. She twirled around and Nicholas admired the way the moonlight settled on her soft skin. His eyes ran up and down as he focused on her svelte figure, the black dress that exposed just the right amount of skin was still modest. She was every bit that nymph he remembered from the first time he laid his eyes on her.
No more champagne for me, she said, as she almost lost her balance and fell into his arms. She looked up into his eyes, embarrassed by her clumsiness.
How many glasses did you have,? he grinned.
I don't know, five, six? No more for me, or Mrs Wexford will put me in the doghouse. But then again, Chi Chi's bed is much nicer than the one I have at home. Her little dog has a pink princess bed. Can you believe that?
Yes, Nicholas laughed. I've seen it. She's had that dog for as long as I can remember. I rather you sleep with Chi Chi than anywhere near Lance, he whispered in her ear as several party goers walked past them on the wooden planks of the patio. The feeling of his warm breath on her neck sent shivers of delight down her spine. She faced him, watching as his lips came closer to hers...
