I'll probably have another chapter up tomorrow. Next chapter we'll have some Daniel/Betty interaction.
Betty made her way back to work, from her Optometrist. She ordered a new pair of sleek black rimmed glasses and contacts. When she got back to her office, Claire was sitting at her desk, waiting for you.
"Betty, so nice to see you." Claire stood to embrace her
"You too, Mrs. Meade."
Both ladies sat down.
"How are you doing? I heard you and Cal ended things." Betty asked
"I'm fine, just fine. What about you? Miss Matt? Those Hartley men sure know how to disappear quickly." Claire said with some amusement.
"I do miss him, but what he's doing is wonderful." Betty said.
"Well... I came here for reasons concerning something other than Hartley's. However I'm sure you figured that out. Truth is Betty, I need your help." Claire looked very serious.
"Mrs. Meade, please don't tell me your shop lifting again."
"Call me Claire, no, I'm not shop lifting. My do you forget anything? My problem is a bit larger, but first I need you to do something. Promise me, no matter what, you wont tell Daniel. I plan to tell him, myself; eventually." Claire looked at her pleadingly
Sighing "OK, I wont say anything. But you promise me what ever it is, you tell him, soon or deal is off." She said sternly.
"I will, I promise. Now here is the thing... Years ago I had an affair, with Cal. We were both married, it was a mistake, one that last for three years. At the end of our affair, I found myself pregnant. I knew it was Cal's because Bradford had already started his affair with Fay, and we went a long time with out intimacy. When I found out, I didn't tell anyone. Instead I told everyone I was going to a rehab, in Wyoming. I went had the baby and gave him up for adoption. It was the hardest things I've ever done. A couple months ago, I went looking for him, I saw him, spoke to him, but I never told him who I was. I accidentally left and envelope with my name on it, well he showed up here yesterday. We are getting to know each other, I need to spend time with him before telling Daniel or Alexis. So what I'm asking is, can you occupy Daniels time? Just for about a week, just so I can get to know Tyler, my son."
Betty was in a state of pure shock.
"Wow, yes of course. You should get to know him and after he's met his family, I would love to meet him. I'll keep Daniel off your back, don't worry. It'll actually be pretty easy." She gave her a full smile.
"Oh, Thank you, Betty. I knew I could count on you, your practically like a daughter to me. And I would love for you to meet Tyler. What did you mean it would be easy to keep Daniel at bay?" Her interest finally piqued.
"Oh, well you see Daniel's a little worried, because Becks and I are friends. So he's been somewhat over protective."
"You and Becks are friends? As in two people of the opposite sex, who don't have sex?" Claire was surprised and she knew Daniel wasn't just being overly protective, he was being possessive. Oh she looked forward to this next week.
"Yes, we're just friends, that's all. He's actually very nice." Betty tried to sound totally dis-interested.
"I'm sure he is, in a way he's a lot like Daniel. I can see how you would like him, friend or otherwise." Claire got up
"Well I must get going, I'm spending the day with Tyler. Thank you, you don't know how much I appreciate this." Claire hugged her and walked out.
"So what were you and mom talking about? I saw you guys hugging, everything OK?"
Daniel asked standing in the door way.
"Daniel! You startled me, where did you come from?" She asked nervously, she was never any good at lying.
"I came by to see how your appointment went, and I saw you guys hugging. So whats going on?" He made his way to her desk and sat across from her.
Betty's mind started racing, what to tell him, she finally settled on a half truth.
"Hartley's." she said.
"What?" he was obviously confused.
"We were talking about Matt and Cal, and how we felt about their departures." She felt better, she hadn't lied, she just omitted.
"Oh, how is that going? Are you OK?" he shuffled uncomfortable. He didn't want her to miss Matt.
"I'm fine, like I told your mom. He's doing a good thing, I'm proud of him." She really was, it hurt at first but she was OK now.
"So... how was your appointment?" He couldn't think of anything else to say.
"Good, I ordered new glasses and finally gave in and ordered contacts." She was happy.
"Wow, big changes and tomorrow no braces. Excited?" He knew she was.
" You have no idea, its been four years, I'm ready."
"Do you have plans tomorrow night?" He held his breath.
"Yeah, papi is cooking dinner. Wanna join us?" A part of her wanted to spend time alone with her family. But she promised Claire she'd keep him occupied.
"I'd love to, if your family doesn't mind." One less chance for you to be with Becks.
"They wont mind, they love you."
Daniel smiled at her and got up and left.
One for Becks, one for Daniel, he thought as he walked to his office. I get her Thursday night and Saturday. Now if he could only figure out how to get her Friday night, after their lunch date, with out it looking weird.
Betty hung the photo Becks gave her when she got home, it looked as if it were there all along. She sat down at her TV and started watching another film, for the interview. Half way through Becks called her and they chatted a while. He confirmed lunch for Friday and told her he'd pass by tomorrow, after her appointment, to say hi.
Betty waltzed to work with a big smile on her face, she just had her braces removed. She felt totally different, liberated. She went straight into Daniels office.
"Surprise!" She said smiling wide.
"My, what straight and white teeth you have." He was excited for her, he walked to her and gave her a hug. Pulling back and looking at her, he says
"You know, I kinda miss them." Betty punched him in the arm.
"Well I don't, I've been dreaming of this day." she was in a great mood "Dinner is at 7:00 don't be late."
"I wont, want me to pick you up?"
"No I'm going straight there after work."
"OK, ill take you home then." It wasn't a question.
"OK, Thanks. See you later." she walked out.
A quarter to five, she started collecting her things to leave. She completely forgot Becks said he was going to pass by. So she was startled when she saw him standing by the door.
"Leaving already?" he asked
"Yeah, I'm going to queens to see my family for dinner." She smiled
"I like the new look, I bet it feels good." she knew what he was talking about.
"You have no idea."
"Actually I do, I had them all through middle school. Really messed up my game." He was grinning "I was gonna ask if you wanted to get a drink, but another time. You have fun with your family and I will see you tomorrow at 1." Becks winked at her and walked out.
"Papi, Hilda, Justin... I'm home." she yelled
"Oh my god, lets see." Hilda ran down to see her, Justin at her heels.
Ignacio cam out of the kitchen, they all stood around her looking at her teeth.
"Aye, mi amor, so worth the way." Ignacio said
"Yeah, aunt Betty. Now all we need to do is raise the hem line and lower the neck line."
"Justin, leave her alone. Although, lowering the neckline wouldn't hurt, you know.''
"Right." Justin added
"I forgot to tell you, Daniel is coming for dinner." she told her father.
"Well there is more than enough."
Daniel was prompt, for once. He brought a bottle of wine and a box of chocolate caramel truffles for Betty.
"I thought you'd enjoy these, now that you don't have your braces."
Hilda raised her eyebrows at Betty, she had an isn't that interesting look on her face.
At the end of night when they were leaving, Hilda pulled Betty aside.
"Is there something going on with you and Daniel? Cause girl ,he's been giving you the look all night."
"No, nothing is going on. Your imagining things." Hilda knew she was lying.
"We will talk about this, later." she told Betty.
They drove home in comfortable silence. When they got to her building, Daniel insisted on walking her up.
"Well, Thanks for the ride and the chocolates."
"Your welcome, I'll see you tomorrow." She closed her door, he stood there for a second.
"Oh, now I get it. You got it bad, I knew it would happen eventually. So what are you gonna do about Gorgeous photo dude? Cause if Betty's done with him I'll take him."
Amanda stood with her legs crossed and her hand on her hip.
"Betty isn't dating Becks, you can have him. They're just friends, that's all." there was an edge to his voice.
"Right, I'm sure you don't buy that. You know they're going to lunch tomorrow, I could spy. I mean if you want, it would be on mode time, of course."
"I have no need to spy, Betty and I are friends. Anyhow, she isn't interested in him that way. She knows a relationship with him wouldn't work." He really tried to convince himself.
Amanda expected to feel hurt and angry again. She prepared herself for those feelings, but they never came. She was surprised to learn, she was truly over him. So she decided to be helpful.
"I don't know if you've noticed, but underneath all the drag, Betty's a woman. She may not want a relationship with Becks, but that doesn't mean she wont take what he offers. Lets face it, he'll be offering something, if not everything. It doesn't hurt that he's sexy as hell, either. Think about it." She walked back into her apartment.
Daniel knew she was right, he'd have to up his game. But how was he going to do it with out without coming on too strong? Maybe having Amanda spy wouldn't be so bad, as long an Betty never found out.
Betty felt kind of silly, she had actually dressed up. Well, dressed less, she took Hilda and Justin's advice to heart. She was wearing a fitted strapless purple printed corset like top, with a high waisted skirt, even though she was wearing a cardigan, she felt naked. She hoped no one would notice the change, but they did. Amanda and Marc asked her when she got the boobs and Daniel, well he asked if she lost the rest of her top. He looked annoyed at her lack of clothing. "Are you trying to freeze?" he had asked.
Becks was right on time, five minutes early actually.
"Wow, you look great. Did you get all gussied up for me?" he gave her a sexy smile.
"Nope, sure didn't. Well, I'm ready of you are." she put on her coat.
"Ah, you hurt me, how will my ego survive."
"Please, you have enough ego for all of New York."
"I never was one for abuse, till I met you." he batted his eyelashes like a girl at her.
Betty couldn't help but laugh "Let get going."
When Daniel saw becks, he walked straight to Amanda.
"Follow them, let me know everything. Oh, and what ever you do, don't let them see you."
"Yes sir, by the way, I'm taking Marc." She didn;t wait for a reply, just walked away.
Amanda found Marc in the reception area.
"Marc, we are off to lunch now." she whispered as she grabbed his arm and led him to the elevator.
"Wait I need my coat." he ran to his office to get it, where Becks and Betty were getting ready to leave.
"Yuck, gorgeous and hairy are going on their date." He made gagging noises.
"Yeah, I know, so are we. We are on a mission, we are to spy on them and report to Daniel." She was way too excited.
"What? Why are we spying on them? Why does Daniel care? Oh, I know he's secretly in love with Becks." Marc said hopefully.
"Not Becks. He's in love with Betty."
"Mandy, are you OK with this? I mean, you guys are kind of having sex."
"That was so yesterday, anyways it doesn't bother me. I thought it would, guess I'm over it. Now let the fun begin."
They made it to the lobby before Betty and Becks. They waited by security until they saw them exit the elevators. Putting on their sunglasses they followed behind them.
While Becks hailed a cab, Amanda told Marc she ordered the town car.
"We are on Mode time, so the town car was necessary." she said.
Marc and Amanda got in the town car and waited, once Becks got a cab she told the driver to follow. They stopped in Nolita, in front of a restaurant called Cafe Habana.
"Oh my god, what a dump. Mandy there is no way we can go in there and not be seen. The place is the size of our bathroom." Amanda was confused.
"why would her bring her here? I mean doesn't he want to hit that. Oh look, crack the window. She looks like she likes it."
Inside the small restaurant was busy, they didn't take reservations and it would be an hour for a table.
"Betty, I'm sorry I didn't think they'd be this packed. This place has the best corn on the cob. I came last night to try it out, I was amazed. Hey, how about we order, take it to go, and eat at my place."
Betty gave him a skeptical look. Did he plan this? Did he think she'd sleep with him?
"Don't give me that look. No funny business, I promise." He smiled and hoped she would trust him. Surprisingly enough she felt at ease with him.
"OK, well eat at your place."
They ordered their food and headed out.
"Mandy, look they're on the move. They ordered to go but where are they eating."
Marc and Amanda, once again followed behind them. They stopped at Wooster street, Becks and Betty entered the building.
"Shit, this must be where he lives. How are we gonna spy now?" Amanda wasn't sure what to do, she didn't want to let Daniel down.
"Mandy, call Daniel ask if he has the building code and what floor he lives on."
"Oh good idea, but what are we going to do about seeing inside?" she asked
"I don't know yet, lets wait till we get there."
Amanda called Daniel. She knew he was gonna freak.
"Amanda, hows it going?" Daniel answered, there was a desperate tone to his voice.
"Good, I was calling cause I need to know, do you know the building code to Becks Building?"
"What? Why? They went to his place? I'm coming right now." Daniel was frantic.
"No! You stay there, let us handle this. Now, do you know the code?" she asked
"Yeah, it's 691569. Don't laugh, each loft has its own code, he picked it."
"Mm, my kinda man. Forget I said that, what floor is he on?"
"The last one, 17th . The elevator code is the same, it leads you straight into a small room, which is the entrance to his loft. Please whatever you do, don't get caught."
"We wont." she hung up.
"Markie, were so in."
"Wow, I didn't expect your place to look this way." she told him as they ate.
His loft had tin ceiling, roman windows, a brick wall, the decor was dark and masculine, the walls were filled with art and photographs. He actually had plants and flowers.
"What were you expecting?"
"Something more minimalistic, less personal."
"Like Daniel's." he stated.
"Yeah." she smiled
"Well, Daniel hired a decorator. I tried that, but I didn't like someone telling me what I could and couldn't do with my space. So I decided to get what I like. A lot of the extras are things, I picked up in my travels. Almost all the art I own, are from street vendors from all over the world. Only thing I ever bought at a gallery, was a photograph by an unknown artist."
"Where is it?" She didn't know why but she wanted to see it.
"In my room I'll show you when we're done."
"The food is excellent, by the way. The corn was great." She gave him a big smile.
They didn't know that Marc and Amanda were listening to everything. They had made it up to the loft door and discovered it wasn't locked. The door was just slightly cracked, they could hear them talking but couldn't see them.
"Seriously, if I were Betty I'd be all over that by now."
"Shh, shut up Marc, stop fantasizing. I'm trying to listen, I wish we could see them."
"OK, ready to see the bed... I mean photograph" He laughed
She knew he was just teasing her, she followed him to the room. He pointed to the picture on the wall. It was of a woman, sitting alone in an empty room, she seemed to be deep in thought. The photo wasn't sad or happy, it was serene.
"I wonder what she's thinking?" Betty said.
"I wonder that too, every time I look at it. It's why I bought it, it keeps me guessing."
"Thanks for showing me."
"My pleasure. So I guess we better get going, unless you wanna stay here?" She smacked him on the arm, it didn't feel weird with him.
"No, I better get back. I'm helping you clean up first." She said as she walked back to the living room and started picking up. Becks came and helped her.
"Mandy, we got to go, they're leaving soon." Marc said frantically.
"Damn, I wish I could have heard what was going on in the other room. Fine don't give me that look, lets go."
They closed the door and hurried back to Mode."
Becks walked Betty back to her desk, gave her a hug, promised to call her and left.
Betty spent the rest of her day smiling. There was a lot more to Becks, why he didn't show it people she didn't know. But she wanted to find out.
Amanda rushed into Daniels office and replayed the last hour to him.
"So, I'm sure they didn't have sex. Not enough time, they kept talking about all this boring stuff. Bad news is, I think Betty liked it. He was all deep and poetic and stuff, so what are you gonna do?"
"I don't know, I'm not as intellectual as he is. Damn, I hate him right now. A part of me is saying to give up, let her be happy. But I cant, there is no way that happening. If shes going to be happy, it'll be with me. What should I do?" He needed help, he knew it. He wasn't sure if Amanda could help him, but it was better than nothing.
"First off, your in the lead. Betty already loves you, if it isn't already a romantic kinda love, you can change that. I think you need to stop treating Betty like a girl. Like I said last night, she is a woman, she has needs, fulfill them. Cause if you don't someone will and it may be Becks."
"I cant just sleep with her, I don't want her to feel like another notch on the headboard."
"Your so stupid, if you make a move and she reciprocates, then do it. She's not gonna sleep with you if she doesn't want to, if she only see's you as a friend she'll turn you down. But if you get her in the sack, then you know she wants you."
"Saturday night I'm taking her out, that's when ill make my move." But what if she turns me down? He thought, well she did return his kiss...what the hell, he'd try.
"Where are you taking her?"
"Made reservations at STK." he said.
"Uh, cancel them, that place is loud and trendy. Today Becks took her to some dump in Nolita, she loved it. You could tell by her face, she was so impressed with the dump. You better get creative." Amanda walked out.
Daniel had a day to figure out something special. He needed help, but who could he turn to? He had and idea, he picked up the phone and called Justin. He would need some help with this and he was sure Justin wouldn't let it slip.