Chapter 14
Angela, Tony and Mona reached the Hotel Château in high spirits. The elevator brought them to the penthouse where they were lodged in an exclusive suite with several rooms and separate bathrooms. A bottle of Champagne had been arranged for them and Tony went over to open it. He filled three glasses and the trio crossed over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. The height of the building gave them an impressive bird's eye perspective over Paris. Mona was especially beside herself with joy; not only because of the gained victory over Jim Peterson, but also because of her date with Louis Pechet that they had arranged during lunch.
"I'm so glad we dumped the scumbag," Tony sighed joyfully, "now we can go back to normal. The Bower Agency will survive and you can explore new horizons, Angela. When we left Geneviève she whispered something in my ear, she will call you soon because she has something for you."
"The first thing I'll do with every surplus bit of money is pay you back, Tony," Angela replied, "I still don't agree with the capital you loaned me. It gives me sleepless nights."
"Don't be silly, Angela. If you marry Tony you'll get half of his million and he'll get half of your wealth," Mona teased her, "why is everything you do so complicated?"
"Mother, what gives you the idea we're getting married? That's not up for debate! You're so… so embarrassing. Isn't she, Tony?'' Angela turned to Tony who obviously didn't find anything embarrassing.
"Well, Angela, you know her, just ignore her."
"Don't babble, Tony, let's have the Champagne," Mona lifted her glass, "to Paris, the City of Love."
They clinked glasses and sipped the dainty fizzy wine, everyone lost in his own thoughts.
"I'm going to change my clothes, Louis will pick me up soon," Mona swept from the room.
"So Angela, what are we going to do? It's date time. Let's hit Paris and visit the Eiffel Tower," Tony suggested, rubbing his hands in gleeful anticipation. He was eager to see more of the city and couldn't wait to explore it with Angela at his side.
"As soon as I change into something more comfortable," Angela paused, "well not that comfortable, but …. uuhm more casual. It's true that Paris is an elegant city, but I don't want to cross it in my high heels." Angela set her glass on the table and entered the room she thought was her bedroom. She opened a few doors of her wardrobe only to find Tony's and her clothes mixed therein. "Tony," she called, "they forgot to put our things in different rooms."
"Oh, come on, Angela, don't waste our time with tidying. We can do that later. Wait, I need my things, too."
Tony came over and grabbed a pair of black jeans and a light blue shirt along with the vintage style black leather jacket Angela had given him for his last birthday. He left her behind and went back to the large living room. Without thinking he jumped out of his suit which gave Angela a great view of his muscular body. She had to swallow hard and could barely keep her eyes away from him. He turned around, clothes in his hands, and met her gaze. Suddenly he became aware of his almost nakedness which despite everything felt not that wrong.
Angela looked away, finding herself in the awkward situation of having been caught gazing at him, she tried to find something interesting in the pattern of the elegant carpet. With this unbelievably attractive man she had a date tonight! After Tony closed the door between them, she quickly slipped into her jeans and a pink blouse, knowing very well. Tony liked her in casual gear. She brushed her hair which cascaded in long wavy strands over her shoulders. A short glance in the mirror made her smile. After conquering the Peterson affair she felt powerful and excited, ready to capture Paris with Tony.
When she came into the living room again he crossed the room and took her hand.
"Angela, you are beautiful, "Tony whispered almost awestruck, "I'm a happy man tonight."
"Thank you. So let's get out of here and try to be even happier. After all, it's our second date."
Both shouted good bye to Mona and left the penthouse.
They strolled hand in hand through the avenues, enthusiastic about everything they saw. The heavy weight which had persisted on their shoulders the past weeks was gone and made everything easy and comfortable now. Neither wanted a big dinner after the opulent lunch they had before and decided, after passing L'arc de Triomphe, to haunt a small café on the Champs Elyseé. They watched the passing people, enjoying each other's company and were pleased by the ability to make each other laugh and feel good. They had never been so close and that made this halcyon evening adding to an unforgettable day. After café au lait and croissants Tony led them towards the Eiffel Tower. They used the elevator to get on the platform where they were charmed by an incredible outlook over the night lights of Paris and the illuminated boats on the Seine.
"This is much better than the view from the billboard over Fairfield, but the wind is much the same," Tony had to admit, looking at Angela, whose hair whirled wildly around her face, "oops, sorry I forgot your vertigo." Tony pulled her closer in memory of Angela's fear of heights.
"I'm trying to get over it and here with all the iron around I feel safer than on a billboard without railing. Although I felt better after finding a place in that sleeping bag with you… I mean… that's not…" she stuttered.
"I know what you mean," Tony laughed, "and I found that night very special. I could imagine repeating it anytime."
He shook his head and found it somewhat unbelievable that two people as different as Angela and himself had found themselves together in a sleeping bag. They walked hand in hand around the platform, enjoying what they had together. "We should go, they are closing in a few minutes." Tony turned to the exit but felt Angela's hand holding him back.
"Tony, there is something I want to tell you and I don't know whether you'll like it or not. Which news do you want to hear first, the good or the bad?" Angela questioned him.
"I'll go for the worse. There can't be anything that can make this night bad. So what happened?"
"I got a call yesterday and was told that Eddie and Diana are separated. She left him and took all the baby stuff you bought with her. It turned out that Eddie isn't the father of her baby. It's a former boyfriend." Angela explained carefully, but surprisingly Tony wasn't freaking out.
"Oh no, the poor guy always has bad luck. He attracts misfortune wherever he goes. When I'm back I'll have some beers with him to cheer him up. So what, at least the baby is provided for."
"I guess you don't have to cheer him up. There is someone around who did that already."
"Who? I don't understand and wait a minute, how did you know about all this?" Tony wanted to know further details.
"Emily told me, Tony. She and Eddie are a couple now. She called him at the right time. Both were miserable last year and they gave themselves a shot despite all their differences."
"They used the right chemistry and now oil and water can be mixed?"
"Maybe they have to use a shaker sometimes." Angela smiled.
"This is very good news. The course of true love never did run smooth." Tony declaimed. They laughed, remembering the moment Angela had taught him the right words of Shakespeare.
"Let's go, otherwise we'll have to stay here the whole night and there is no sleeping bag in sight," Tony led her to the elevator.
Reaching the bottom they went over to a small bench where they sat down. Both were in thoughts about their friends who seemingly got over their difficulties although they came from two different worlds. Minutes of silence were passing, but it wasn't an embarrassing silence. It was a contented silence. A silence between two people who were satisfied being together without talking because there were no words needed. Finally Tony took her hand and he glanced up to the big iron frame in front of him.
"Angela, I stood under the impression that you couldn't climb such high things, but you managed it."
"I'm learning, Tony. It's a sort of therapy to face my fears."
"And you're doing well."
"Well, not always. There are many times I… ," she couldn't keep talking for a moment, "I'm always uncertain about a lot of things. Sometimes I don't know where I stand and what life has up its sleeve for me. These unpleasant events in my agency have shown me how risky everything is and how much I depend on stability. The stability I find with my family and… in you. Well, most of the time." She looked to the ground, astonished at herself.
Tony wondered about her sudden change of mood. She seemed thoughtful and contemplative, but maybe it wasn't so sudden. The last few hours and events of the past weeks had turned her world upside down. There was no talk of stability, that much was sure, and he had not even contributed to make her feel more certain. After he had won the money he was distracted by other things. He had never even explained to her about that day in Brooklyn when Frankie made advances to him and he had promised her he would. Maybe he should take the opportunity to tell her right now; but he had no clue how to begin. He put his finger under her chin and his dark eyes were lost in her chocolate colored enquiring ones.
"Angela, I'm sorry. I guess, I let you down. I spent so much time in Brooklyn with the guys and on my new project coaching the boys at my old High school. I should have stayed at home more often. You needed more support from me. I owed you that. You are always so uncomplaining and patient with me, especially that Wednesday when you joined me at the game," Tony started to explain, "I was so happy that you came with me. I just wished Frankie hadn't showed up in that way." Reluctantly, he took his hand away and looked to the ground.
"Tony, you don't owe me an explanation and you didn't let me down," Angela sought his eyes and when they met she saw a small hint of regret, "but if you have any feelings for her you should tell me."
"I told you once that I don't love her and that will never change. Frankie is a very extroverted person and she likes to play little games with me. When she jumped on me I…, well I told her never to do that again. She was assuming something."
"What did she assume?" Angela asked him.
"Well, she…, Angela, can we go back to the hotel?" Tony quibbled. He stood up and reached out for her.
She was caught off guard by his sudden nervousness, but took his hand. They walked a few steps when Tony put his arm around her shoulders and pressed her toward him. Maybe this second date would not be a disappointment. She placed her arm around his back and felt his heated body close to hers. It was a short walk back to the hotel and both enjoyed the warmth and proximity of their bodies. When Tony wanted to get the key for their room at the registration desk he was stopped by a night receptionist who handed Angela a piece of paper.
"Mrs. Micelli, I have a message for you."
"Thank you," Angela smiled and looked at the scribble, then sighed, "it's from mother."
I'm with Louis at his country house outside of Paris. I'll be back tomorrow. Have fun tonight.
"Oh, no, will she ever stop?" Angela shook her head and suddenly she blushed. The man had called her 'Mrs. Micelli' and she had accepted it in an instant without clearing this misapprehension. To be honest she hadn't minded it. It sounded so... right. Had Tony noticed the faux pas?
"I guess, it's only the two of us tonight. Can think of worse things." Tony guided her to the elevator.
The door closed. They were alone. The electric tension was palpable.
''Tony, you didn't answer my question about Frankie. What did she assume?'' Angela now wanted to have an answer.
''Well, Mrs. Micelli, she assumed that I'm your lover, more precisely that I'm in love with you.'' Tony looked in her eyes, ''what do you think? Could this be true?
'' I don't know, Tony, only you have the answer to this question,'' Angela breathed heavily. He had noticed! Why are elevators always so slow and stuffy? She felt embarrassed because he didn't answer his own question. His eyes were dark, filled with something she couldn't explain. Something unknown. The elevator stopped when they reached the penthouse suite. Tony laid his hand on her back and led her through the open door. They walked through the dark living room. Tony turned on a small light.
''That was a day! I have to get off my feet, "Angela pushed her shoes away and collapsed on the couch, "I can't believe what happened. My mother has a new fervent admirer, I probably got more orders from Pechet Fragrances, we won the battle and not to forget: we had our second date."
"Yeah, well and who says the night has to end?" Tony rejoiced, throwing his leather jacket on a chair.
"What about watching a movie and having this nice bottle of French wine I've discovered." Angela suggested.
"Let's change into something more comfortable and enjoy the rest of the night." She rose from the couch and walked over to her dark bedroom. She couldn't find a light switch but there was enough brightness from the living room to pull sweat pants and a top with spaghetti straps out of her wardrobe and slip them on. She noticed Tony's clothes again.
"Tony, your things are here, remember," she called, "come over."
Tony had opened the bottle and filled two glasses. With the shimmering crystal glasses in his hand he went over to her bedroom.
"First let us toast to a successful day."
They sat down on the edge of her bed and were about to clink their glasses when a soft crackling was heard. Angela noticed something hard under her leg. She grabbed it and held a remote control in her hand. For what was this? There was no TV in the bedroom. She pressed one of the buttons and a slight noise started. It came from above. The ceiling opened and revealed a huge window.
"Tony, isn't that wonderful? It's the most beautiful window I've ever seen." Angela was speechless when faced with the gigantic skylight. The stars twinkled in the night sky of Paris.
"Whoa, that's terrific." Tony took the glass out of her hand and deposited them on a small table near the bed.
"Come on, let's look at the stars, it's much better than a movie," he drew her on the bed, "this is really romantic, Angela."
Both were resting on their backs and staring at the sparkling stars. Tony put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer. Angela was suddenly aware of the fact she was in bed with Tony, and not as an emergency like that night in that creepy motel so long ago. They were in this bed of their own free will.
"Look, Angela is that the Big Dipper?" Tony asked, "and on the right hand the North Star."
"I wish we could see the stars like this in Connecticut."
"We can, Ang, we only have to make time for it and speaking about time, it's past midnight. Happy Anniversary."
"Oh Tony, I had completely forgotten, it's September the twentieth. I'm so sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about. We are here together on our special day, that's all that counts."
There was a long break and neither of them said a word. Both let the last years pass in review. Tony felt her hair tickling on his face and rolled on his side to look at her. He stroked her hair and all of sudden he felt that the time had come. The time to be open. Angela gazed into his eyes feeling his shift in mood. Her heartbeat quickened at his penetrating gaze. He leaned down and kissed her, at first tenderly and slowly then with all the passion, desire and love he felt. And she felt it, too, there was no denying anymore. She put her arms around his neck, let her hands run through his soft dark hair while her thoughts were racing like a whirlwind through her head.
"Angela, before I reach the point of no return I need to tell you…," he was almost breathless, "I want to tell you that she was right, Frankie was right."
"What?"
"I love you, Angela. I loved you from the first day we met. I was lost since you pulled that towel off your hair on that September morning. I should have told you earlier but I always felt so unequal… I know, money should not be a reason for feeling more confident but I can't deny the fact. It does. Do we still have a chance?
"Oh god, Tony, I've waited so long to hear these words and I… I love you, too, and I will do everything to make this work."
"Baby, I love you so much and I want to marry… " he was interrupted by the changing expression of her eyes. She was on internal retreat. Of course she was. He remembered her talking of "never being dependent on a man again". Tony reconsidered his thoughts and cleared his throat. "No, let me try to say this again. Angela, we've been through a lot recently, if you want me to hold off until you feel you are back on your feet, I will. I don't care about the money, you are not obligated to pay me back because everything I have is yours; my heart, my soul, any materiel object that strikes your fancy. Just tell me if there is hope for a yes some time," he asked her tenderly.
"Some time, but don't expect me to be home very often for a while. I need more accounts than ever. I want you to pay back everything as quickly as possible, "she smiled, relieved by his in depth explanation.
"So you are that eager to become Mrs. Micelli ?
"Sounded good to me when the receptionist said it." Angela admitted quietly, stroking his face.
"That means we shouldn't waste any time?" Tony asked hoarsely, then kissed her again. His hands travelled over her body and came to rest on her bare waist between pants and top. His thumbs slid under the waistband of her pants, his fingers caressing her smooth milky skin.
"Time with you is never a waste," she whispered, almost paralyzed by the sensation of his touch. She looked deeply into his eyes, grasped at his shirt slowly and pushed it easily over his head. Only a second later it landed on the floor. Her hands were sliding carefully from his shoulders to his stomach with its dark curls, over to his jeans. His eyes became dark and now it was he who had to hold his breath when she started to open his belt and the buttons of his 501 Levi's with slow moves. They started to slide down their unwanted barriers at the same time, never breaking eye contact. Both garments were sent out of the bed, finding a place near his shirt.
"Angela, are you ok with this?" he whispered in her ear, then kissing her neck and her throat, "if you're not… you must say it now."
"Tony, I've never been more ok with anything. Do you know how long I dreamed about this? About us, about you?" Angela stopped his kissing when she cupped his face with her hands, "I've wanted this for so long."
"And tonight is the right night?" Tony asked, his deep voice filled with emotion.
"It's the perfect night after a perfect day," she murmured and kissed him again, slowly and passionately, taking her hands from his face to let them make their way to explore his firm body.
"I need you to come out of this," Tony murmured and pulled the top over her head, throwing it on the bunch of clothes. He placed kisses on her shoulder, slowly travelling to her breasts, hands on her hips. "I want you so much, " he moaned, stroking her inner thighs up to her small panties.
"And I want you, I always wanted you," she pressed herself to him, putting her hands under the waistband of his boxers. She had waited; she had waited so long for him, for this.
When the last physical obstacles were removed Tony turned her on her back and leaned over to her. Seeing her eyes wide open and filled with desire made his own longing hardly bearable. He stroked away one of her long hair strands. "Angela, you do know this is forever, don't you?" he asked
She pressed her hand on his cheek. "Forever and always," she whispered, "I never want it any other way." She cupped his face again and pulled him towards her. The sensation she felt when their bodies finally touched elicited moans of pleasure from her. "Oh god, Tony, I need you, I need you now."
"I know, baby, I know. I need you too… I love you, I always have and I always will," he sighed softly. For a moment the world stopped spinning. "It's you and me, baby, I'll never want anything else."
When they brought each other over the edge the stars in the sky of Paris sparkled even brighter.
Thank you, dear reader for hanging so long with me. I hope you enjoyed it. Reviews are welcome like always.
Many, many thanks, VioletStella, for helping out with phrases and giving me great advices.