Chapter 8: Life as a couple

The days following the start of their relationship were very happy. They had found a balance. When she needed to work late, he waited for her at her house. The rest of the time, she was at his house. They both had a picture of each other on their work desk. During the weekends, they visited London and England. However, about a week after the "official first date" at her apartment, they were caught by a photographer while they were enjoying a lover's stroll through Hyde Park. Soon, all the fashion who had previously ignored where Daniel Meade was, knew that he was now living in London and was in a new relationship with his former assistant.

The day after, Betty saw the front page of every fashion and trash newspaper showing a picture of them kissing. She was furious, not being used to have her privacy invaded. Daniel, who had seen as well as her the newspapers, came to her apartment. They discussed it. Betty understood that his last name and former actions allowed the press to have a wonderful subject. On the other hand, Betty who has worked long enough in the fashion media industry knew how fickle and subject to whims of the moment this world was.

They both decided to have a joint interview to appease the press appetite. They chose an English tv show who was both highly regarded for its reputation of intelligent but not intrusive questions.

The interview began by the host asking them questions about their work. Then he asked:

"From what I understand, Miss Suarez, you were Mr Meade's assistant for many years?"

"Yes." She replied. "It is all thanks to him that I have gotten as far as I am. He had always encouraged me to take risks and follow my dreams."

"But Betty, if you got where you are now, it is thanks to your own merit and talent. I did not do much" Daniel protested.

"You didn't do much? Who gave me the job as a junior features editor at Mode? You helped more than you know."

"How did your relationship began?"

"Very badly at first." Replied Daniel. "I was so blind and shallow when we first began to work together. I tried everything to make her quit. I gave her tasks well below her intelligence level."

"Is that true, Miss Suarez?"

"Oh yes. He was horrible at first but I soon saw that he had enormous potential and that he was a good man and I tried to help him as much as I could."

"She didn't just help me. She made me to change for the better. Without her, I would've not lasted longer than a day in the job as an editor in chief. She is my savior, in more ways than one." Daniel added while kissing her hand. She smiled at him with a loving expression.

"And then you became friends?"

"Yes, we became a real team each helping and encouraging each other if needed. We had our arguments but we soon made up." Betty replied.

"She has been kinder and more patient than I really deserve." Said Daniel kissing her cheek.

"So when did you fell in love?" asked the journalist.

"For me, it was her sister Hilda's speech at her wedding that made me realize that I l have fallen in love with her."

"Really? It was at that moment?" asked Betty.

"Yes."

"Wow!"

"And for you Miss Suarez?"

"Well after Daniel moved to London, he told me of his feelings. I told him I needed to think about him. It was a huge step to transition from best friends to lovers and I wanted to make sure we were not doing a big mistake. So he left me enough space to think things through and about a month later, I finally could tell him that I loved him. We have been together ever since."

"But I imagine the press hounding your every move must have been difficult?" asked the interviewer.

"Yes. I know my former reputation and my family name have put me under scrutiny. I have accepted it. But I would not want for Betty to be hurt by nasty rumors. She deserves the very best."

"I know Daniel and I appreciate you caring not to see me hurt in any way. But I have been in the media industry for over four years now. I understand how it works."

The journalist asked Betty and Daniel a few more questions about their visits to London and England. Then he concluded the interview. They shook hands and parted. With the cameras off, the journalist congratulated them for their strong relationship and that he was happy to have known them.

While walking back to Betty's apartment arm in arm, they discussed the interview which went well. They both agreed that this journalist seemed like a nice guy. In fact, this journalist Henry Treybar and his wife Anne became one of their closest friends. Three weeks after this interview, they gradually ceased to interest the press and could go back to their normal life.

Finally came the day of the launch party of Betty's new magazine. Of course, Daniel was going as her plus one. The night in question, he came to Betty's apartment. She wanted to surprise him with her dress. She only said she will wear green. He bought her an emerald necklace. And he was so much surprised that he was speechless. She was wearing a most becoming gown with matching heels. His mouth hung open while his eyes swept caressingly over her whole body.

"WOW! Betty, you look… you look… WOW!"

Betty smiled teasingly and replied: "I take it you like it."

"Like it! I love it! Do we really have to go to this party?"

"Yes, Daniel."

"This is for you." He handed her the jewelry case. She opened it and she was the one to be struck speechless. This was an exquisite diamond and emerald necklace.

"I hope you like it."

"I love it. Can you put it on me?"

"Of course." He put the necklace and could not resist bending over and kissing her neck. She whirled around and kissed him passionately. He knew this is one of her most erogenous zone. After several minutes, they separated and though their eyes betrayed that they would both like to skip this party, they composed themselves and headed out.

Daniel never felt prouder when he stepped into the building with Betty on his arm. She was finally on the limelight where she deserved to be. He felt honored that he had the privilege to share the life of such an amazing woman. He watched Betty mingle and chat with other guests. They danced together and he loved that she nestled tenderly against him. She had closed her eyes and was smiling while her head was resting on his chest. She raised her eyes to his and he kissed her. They resumed dancing looking into each other's eyes.

Then they introduced a salsa and he asked her to dance with him. Without telling her, this last month he has taken twice a week a salsa lesson and now he was eager to show her his new moves. Betty was very much surprised but soon could match him step for step. The dancers stopped to watch them and applauded when they finished. They laughed then Betty asked him: "Where did you learn to dance? You made quite a lot of progress."

"I took a class twice a week. My teacher Helena really helped as well as her girlfriend Mary."

"Well then, they did a great job. I am ready to leave. Are you?"

"So am I?"

"I need to tell goodbye to Mr Dunne and few friends. Then we will go." They said goodbye and went back to his apartment where they made love all night long. Daniel wondered if he would ever stop marveling to wake up with her in his arms. He really hoped not.