Chapter 6: Reunion and first unofficial date
The day after, Daniel went to Trafalgar Square and waited impatiently for her to appear. THERE SHE IS! He would recognize her signature wide smile anywhere. He recognized at that moment that he had been wrong to try to keep her at Mode. She was clearly thriving in this new town. She looked like a new woman: Confident, self assured and happy. And the beauty he always saw in her was now obvious. She was wearing her hot pink coat, a blue and black striped shirt, black skirt and white with black polka dots heels. Her glasses have been changed to a more classic black that highlighted her brown eyes. Her hair was flowing in beautiful brown curls all around her face. He planted himself directly into her path.
She was so absorbed in her phone call that she almost ran into him. She apologized but stopped talking when she finally saw who was standing in front of her. He asked her if she had two minutes to talk. She nodded and they sat on the steps leading to the National Gallery. He told her of his decision to leave Mode. She was very much surprised and asked if it was a difficult decision. He told her of his resolution to try things for himself. She once again told him her belief in his abilities.
He apologized for his behavior before her departure and saw that he was forgiven. She asked him if he would now come back to New York. No way! I am staying here with you. I will not let you go again!
He took a deep breath and finally asked her out to dinner. He could feel his heartbeat as he waited nervously for her reply. She smiled, blushed and replied: "I would love that."
SHE SAID YES! He felt relieved. She needed to go back to her work so she hugged him. Daniel let himself enjoy the feel of her body next to his, her lovely smell of apricot washed over him. He had difficulty letting her go but he knew he had to.
She began to walk away then turned and teasingly made him the offer of being her assistant. He felt his smile stretch on his lips as he remembered when he told her that in twenty years, he'll probably be her assistant. He replied on the same tone that he will submit his resumé. She giggled and walked away. He watched until he could not discern her through the crowd then went back to his hotel. He asked to the receptionist if he knew a nice restaurant not too pricey but with originality. The receptionist counseled him who was near the Thames. Daniel called Betty at her work and told her if he could meet there. She agreed and said she will be here around 8.
The rest of the afternoon passed very slowly. Daniel has written an e-mail to his mother to let her know of his safe arrival. He even wrote to Alexis and DJ. Then he spent time to decide what to wear finally deciding on a nice pair of jeans and a blue shirt.
Since the restaurant was not far away, he walked there and sat himself at his reserved seat while waiting for Betty. All right, Daniel, you need to calm down and proceed slowly. She deserves to be "courted".
Betty arrived not long after him and scanned the restaurant to look for him. He raised his hand and grinned as he got up to welcome her. She smiled back and gave her coat. She was wearing a very flattering blue and black dress with blue heels and her B necklace.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you. You look handsome too."
They sat and ordered. He asked her about her job and she launched into an enthusiastic rendition of what she has done so far. For the moment, they were still working on the first issue that will come out in about two months. He listened to her with a smile as he always did. He felt content just being close to her and hearing once again her beloved voice.
She said she was rambling too much and asked him if he had news about his family. He told her the e-mails he sent. Then the conversation flowed on between them. But this time, it had not his previous "friends only" vibe. There was definitively some flirting going on and Daniel loved it.
They were so immersed in their conversation that the waiter had to come to tell them they were closing soon. Daniel proposed that they should walk down the Thames. He was not ready to say goodbye to her yet. She accepted.
While they were admiring the view, he remembered when they had done the same on Brooklyn Bridge. Even at that time, it felt right. She really helped get over his depression that night. And now she was the one he wanted but she was the polar opposite of Sofia: Intelligent, sensitive, modest, sensible, compassionate, and so beautiful both inside and out.
They spent quite a few hours just chatting. It got very late and he knew he had to let her go because she was beginning to feel tired. He said that he has not visited London and if she would agree to visit the town with him. She agreed saying that she didn't have much time to visit also and that it would be great to do it in his company. She added she will call him tomorrow to tell him when she will be available.
She hugged him and he treasured it because she caught a cab and drove home. He went to his hotel with a spring on his step. It has gone better than he expected: She was obviously delighted to see him but to what extent he was not sure. He will let her set her own pace.
He knew he was not very patient when it came to love but she was too important for him to screw up. She needed to see him as a respectful and reliable guy. A man whom she could actually consider dating. He will not push her too fast, too soon.
Betty called him to tell him that she will be available around 2 p.m and they could meet in front of the steps of the National Gallery. He very eagerly accepted and waited impatiently to leave for Trafalgar Square.
He saw her arrive. This time, she has changed into a comfortable black shirt, jeans and tennis shoes. They hugged and she proposed to explore the neighborhood around Trafalgar Square and if they had the time go to Hyde Park. He was up to everything that would allow him to stay in her company a long time.
The time they spent together was one of the most delightful he ever spent. Betty had the gift to see the beauty in everything and remark the small details that escaped him. He was looking at her with a smile. Time with her was never boring. He knew he has always been a bit cynical but her enthusiasm was contagious. He silently thanked his late father for having picked her.
Betty looked at him, delighted to see the hapiness painted on his face : «What are you thinking about?» she asked him.
He replied that he was thanking his father and complimented her on her outlook of life saying that she made everything so beautiful and interesting, that he sometimes felt like an boring old man next to her.
"You are not old and certainly not boring. You made my work at Mode a pleasure from beginning to end. You became someone I can trust and confide in, someone that helped me when I needed it."
«But I acted like a jerk so many times.»
«You're only human. You made mistakes but you always redeemed yourself. Do you believe I would have stayed to work with you for so long if I have not seen your qualities? Don't lower yourself so much, Daniel. I think you are wonderful."
«Thank you Betty.»
«As we're being honest, can I ask you something ? You don't have to anwer if you'd rather not.»
«Go on.»
«The dinner we had yesterday…» She was nibbling on her lower lip and was looking away, a clear proof of her unease.
«Yes?» Daniel knew what she was about to ask. He had to be honest with her and risk losing her.
«Was it a friendly dinner or…»
«Betty.» He interrupted. «May I be honest with you ? I am going to tell you the truth but if you don't want to, I will understand.»
He took a deep breath and added: «If I came to London, it was not only to pursue a career for myself, this was my second reason. If I came, it was to see you. When I told you I couldn't live without you it was not only as a friend. In fact, I am in love with you and didn't know how to tell you. I have to tell you that I will not force you into anything. If you don't wish to see me, I will understand and go away right away. I do not wish to make you unhappy.»
Betty stayed silent processing what she had just heard. She remembered the hint Claire Meade has given her about Daniel's feeling for her at her going away party. So she was right! She couldn't believe it. She, who was so normal and from a modest background has made one of New York's most influential men fall in love with her. And so much in love with her that he had left his work and life in New York to follow her in a foreign country.
She noticed Daniel's anxious look and replied : «Daniel, it is a surprise for me as you can see. However, I will not deny that I am very much flattered by it. Can you give me time to get to know you in another way than being a friend? You are a wonderful man and I can't believe you have feelings for someone as ordinary as myself."
«You are not ordinary, Betty. You are the one who is wonderful.»
«Daniel!» she protested.
«I assure you it is quite true. So, will you agree that we keep seeing each other? I will wait as long as you want me to.»
«I agree. I am relieved that we had that talk.»
«Me too. I didn't know how to tell this kind of things. At least now, you know.»
And it was true. The uncertain feeling has resolved itself. Daniel knew she was not ready yet to move to the next step. He will wait patiently and "court" her properly until she will be sure of herself. It will not be easy for him but she deserved the very best.
They continued their walk in comfortable silence. They bought take out and ate in Hyde Park chatting. Then they had to leave. They hugged and left.