Thanks again guys. I appreciate the suggestion NikMik, hope you like how I've incorporated your inspired idea. You make a good point Ms Cyanide about the presents but let's just call it a Christmas miracle, that or the fact that Liz is always super organised and would never raid Goodwill!
I'm almost up to date on TVD now, only one episode behind. I totally agree with you au courant about it being better than season 5 (that's probably not too difficult, with the exception of episode 11 for obvious reasons.) I'm glad I persevered even though there's no Klaus; I still get my Caroline, Matt, Alaric and Stefan fix at least.
I watched about half the first season of the Originals NikMik, I didn't mind it in the beginning but there's nothing to keep me watching; Rebekah left, Camille is boring and don't get me started on Halijah (just writing that makes me feel ill). Anyway enough about that now onto the next chapter.
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 13: Blue Christmas
December 25 2014 10:03pm Chicago, Illinois
"We're actually thinking of doing a feature spread for a future edition of Vogue on the best movie costuming of all time." Caroline told Rachel who was a member of the Christie's board.
"I think you'd struggle fitting that into one spread Caroline." Jen commented. They'd finished dinner and were grazing over the dessert buffet set up in the grand dining room.
"I was about to say the same thing." Rachel agreed. "It's difficult to put a number on something like that."
"I totally understand." Caroline said. "If it were me I'd nominate that backless green dress Keira Knightley wore in…"
"Atonement." Jen finished. "I couldn't agree more. How about Audrey Hepburn's black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's? "
"That was iconic, just like Marilyn Monroe's white dress from the Seven Year Itch." Rachel added. "Wow I haven't thought about this in years."
"Well maybe you could come out of retirement and advise us on that, my editor would be very excited to have a professional on the judging panel."
"You should definitely do that Rachel." Jen said sitting down and taking a bite of her lemon curd tart. "Your life can't be all boring Christie's Board meetings."
"And school drop-offs, soccer practice and don't forget the Wiggles."
"Hey I don't mind a bit of the Wiggles." Caroline chuckled.
"You would if you had to watch it five times a day." Rachel laughed. "Any time you want to babysit Caroline just let me know."
"Well she's pretty good, she managed to impress my three and that's no mean feat." Jen said. "I think you and Klaus would make good parents." Caroline blushed immediately not expecting that comment.
"Oh you know it's still um early…" She stuttered.
"Don't embarrass the poor girl Jen." Caroline was trying to keep calm but for some reason the thought of having children with the guy she'd just met wasn't an entirely foreign concept, something that scared the hell out of her. He'd been surprisingly cute with their kids and she'd be lying if it hadn't turned her insides slightly mushy.
Becoming the best fake girlfriend and doing all that research had momentarily distracted her from her growing feelings but being in this situation, acting like the perfect couple, was bringing it all back to the surface. Caroline was in trouble and she knew it.
"Sorry I guess I'm just a little excited. Ben and I have known Klaus for a while now and we hold him in very high regard. To be honest we thought he'd never settle down."
"That's the truth." Rachel smiled. Caroline was starting to wonder just what a womaniser he must have been in the past. Although given their relationship wasn't real he probably still was, something she had to keep in mind when everything went back to normal.
"The fact he's with someone like you is just an added bonus Caroline." Jen smiled sincerely. "We seem to have a lot in common which makes the thought of future boring work functions that much better." Caroline thought about how much she liked Jen and her family.
"Well I'm glad I can help break up the boredom." She replied then changed the subject before things got too personal. "I'm so full; at least this type of feasting only happens once a year."
"Yes it's the only time you can put on weight, and I've definitely exceeded my quota this year." Rachel groaned.
"What weight gain?" A male voice interrupted their conversation. Caroline looked up to see her husband Paul approach their side of the table.
"What do you want?" Rachel asked suspiciously.
"Hey can't a guy be nice to his wife without raising suspicion?"
"Not at all, there's always a motive." Caroline joked before feeling someone standing behind her chair his arm grazing her shoulder. She shivered, his touch evoking so many feelings.
"So if I told you how beautiful you are what would be my motive?" Klaus asked his breath tickling her neck. She turned around slowly almost afraid to meet his gaze because she knew it was that intense.
"You would be trying to show off to your work colleagues."
"Or trying to show us up Mikaelson." Ben muttered placing his hands on his wife's neck. "Now how about some brandy in the study?"
They all left the large dining room and moved down the hall. Caroline looked up at the grand vaulted ceilings and couldn't believe how impressive their house was. She looked on as Ben and Klaus walked side by side joking about something.
There was no denying they all really liked Klaus. She had been watching his interactions all night and there wasn't one person he didn't get along with. If the night continued the same way there was every chance he could be the next Chief Executive Officer of Christies. For some reason Caroline felt proud of him, and hoped that her contribution had helped in part to make it happen.
She shook her head trying to remove all the feelings, reminding herself by this time tomorrow she'd be back in New York and back to her old life. Not that she hated her old life, she just realised there was something that could enrich it.
"Okay love?" He whispered as they made their way into the study almost sensing her unease.
"More than okay, you've got some great work colleagues."
"They are but not nearly as great as what they think of you."
"What do you mean?"
"Well judging by the number of people who've told me how wonderful you are, if this was high school I'd say you'd be captain of the cheerleaders."
"Well what a coincidence because I was head cheerleader."
"Why does that not surprise me?" He grinned. "You've been so good Caroline, I really can't thank you enough."
"Just doing my job." She stuttered immediately feeling bad. She swore she noticed a dark shadow cross his face momentarily but was probably imaging it given her emotions were all over the place.
"Well you deserve a raise." He murmured collecting himself before they were joined by one of his board members.
"So it's nice to see a fellow journalist here tonight, I always get such a hard time from these vultures." Justin drawled.
"We're the vultures? I thought that was how we referred to your profession mate?" Klaus asked earning a whack from Caroline.
"Why? Oh that's right because we are immoral, duplicitous and will do anything for our next story?"
"Pretty much." He shot back and she poked her tongue in his direction. "Mature Caroline."
"You two are so cute." Justin teased. "I suppose given you write for Vogue you don't need to do anything too underhanded."
"Oh I get my fair share of poison emails from disgruntled wannabe fashionistas who think they know something about style." Caroline said knowingly. "Although nothing like what you would have dealt with in politics."
"You have no idea." He rolled his eyes. "Some of those politicians are worse than children; at least it's given me experience in dealing with my own kids."
"Well that's something. How are the kids anyway?" Caroline was trying hard to contain her shock at Klaus asking Justin about his family.
"Well Curtis and Danielle are back at the hotel with my wife Lydia. She really wanted to come but Curtis has a high fever and we thought it was best to keep him in bed."
"Of course the poor little thing, there's nothing worse than being sick on Christmas."
"Trust me he got more than enough presents to make up for it." He said. "Something for you two to look forward to someday." Caroline could feel a blush crossing her cheeks again, what was it with these people and asking them about having children? Talk about pressure.
"Yes it's something to look forward to Justin." Klaus smiled pulling her closer and rubbing her shoulder affectionately without even flinching. He was obviously better at this acting thing than her.
"Caroline?" Jen gestured for her to come over.
"Excuse me." She walked over and taking a deep breath in the process, glad to have a distraction from her rollercoaster of emotions.
"This is Alexandra Myers."
"One of the best entertainment lawyers in Los Angeles if I'm not mistaken?" She was glad she'd done her homework before the party.
"I see my reputation precedes me." She laughed. "Given you're from New York I'm impressed you know anything about my work."
"I am but my flatmate is a lawyer and studied a lot of your cases during college. I think I even have some of them memorised she talked about them so much."
"Well that's flattering to hear, who does your friend work for now?"
"Sullivan and Cromwell, Katherine specialises in divorce law." Caroline said proudly.
"That's one of the best firms in New York City. I've known John Sullivan for years and trust me he wouldn't hire just anyone, she must be talented."
"Well I think so but then again I'm biased. She'd probably be jealous that I met you."
"Next time I'm in New York maybe we can arrange a meeting." Katherine and Bonnie would both be indebted to her after this night she thought.
"That sounds great." Jen said. "I'm planning on doing the same thing with one of Caroline's photographer friends so we should do something together, you know a bit of a girl's night maybe?"
Caroline smiled broadly before realising how difficult this was to manoeuvre. She wasn't supposed to see Klaus after tonight and that probably included seeing his colleagues and their wives, but she couldn't stop it now.
"I haven't had one of those in years, what with my work and the family."
"Tell me about it." Jen agreed. "Actually now you mention work and family." She looked around nodding at her husband cryptically.
"Everyone, can I have your attention." Ben said as the room descended into silence. "I think I'm one of the few people in life lucky enough to love my job. Every day brings a new adventure, a new challenge and I'm just honoured to have such talented people around me. This will be my last Christmas with Christies and as sad as retirement seems right now it is also timely because I will get to spend more time with my family, something I'm looking forward to."
"I know many of you have your own families and that work can be very hectic and what time you do get with your kids and partners is precious. So that's why I wanted to arrange some photos with you and your loved ones tonight to keep as a memento from my family to yours."
"The photographer has set up in the other room so you can all go in one by one." Jen told the happy group.
"That's lovely." Caroline murmured to Jen. "Let me guess this was your idea?"
"Maybe."
"I hope you'll be taking the photos then Jen."
"No way, I'm on holidays." She chuckled. "I have brought in a highly recommended photographer though. How about you and Klaus go in first while we herd up the children from the playroom? That's the only reason I let them stay up so late, well that and I doubt the sugar high is going to wear off anytime soon."
Caroline felt a little uncomfortable having a photo with Klaus when they weren't really a couple, but it was all part of the act. She nodded at Klaus and he walked over.
"You summonsed me sweetie?" He asked placing a chaste kiss on her temple, a move she wasn't expecting, that threw her off slightly.
"Awww." Jen cooed. "I suggested you and Caroline get your photo taken before the child madness starts. It's the next door on the left."
Caroline and Klaus left the study knowing they had no choice but to participate. Caroline suddenly felt nervous, almost like she was worried the camera could tell they were lying. "I hope this is uh okay."
"Well it would look a little strange if we didn't have our photo taken Klaus."
"Yes that's true. Plus the camera loves me so it would be a complete waste not to get a photo taken.
"Oh puh-lease!" She groaned.
"Hey at least you'll have a memento of me. You can keep me in a frame by your bed and kiss my face every night before you fall asleep."
"You wish." She replied rolling her eyes. "Let's just get this over and done with."
"There's that Christmas cheer I love."
"Hi guys I'm Dylan, nice to meet you." The photographer said his eyes trained on Caroline for a second longer than necessary. He was cute that was for sure but for some reason he had no effect on her whatsoever. No doubt because of the arrogant Brit who was standing so close to her his aftershave was making her dizzy. He signalled for them to go to the window where his equipment was set up.
"I'm Klaus and this is Caroline."
"This won't hurt don't worry." He promised looking at their anxious faces. "And given how photogenic you are it shouldn't take long."
"See even Dylan thinks I'm photogenic." Klaus boasted.
"Well I was actually talking about Caroline." Dylan quipped making her blush. Was this guy flirting with her in front of Klaus? Surely she was imagining it given they were supposedly a couple.
"Yes I'm aware of how photogenic my girlfriend is mate." Klaus said placing his arm securely around her shoulders and emphasising the word girlfriend for extra effect. Caroline had never seen him like this before, he seemed almost territorial.
"Good to hear." Caroline was secretly enjoying his discomfort.
"Are you a model by chance?"
"Uh no, she's not a model." Klaus growled through gritted teeth sending him a dirty look. Caroline wasn't expecting that response, was it possible he was jealous? "Now let's get his photo taken."
"Of course." Dylan agreed knowing he'd probably gone too far. They prepared to pose but she noticed he was still in a mood glowering down the lense at their photographer. "You might want to stand a little closer together for the shot."
"Klaus." She murmured steeping forward and attempting to break him out of his trance. He was unmoved so she reached up running her hand along his arm and to his face. Cupping his cheek with her palm she drew invisible circles on his skin with her thumb. "Hey it's me."
He finally averted his gaze, his dark blue eyes boring holes into hers. She was completely overwhelmed by his gaze unable to look away even if she tried. He placed his hand over hers and she felt her skin tingle from his simple touch.
"Now that's much better." Dylan said snapping away not that she had even noticed. It was like there was no one else in the room except them, something that happened every time he was near. She felt his other hand snake around her waist pulling her flush against his body. She inhaled sharply the ripples of desire reverberating throughout her body.
Caroline could feel herself being drawn into him like a magnet and she knew she couldn't stop herself. Klaus leaned in brushing his lips against hers softly, they were as supple as she remembered and Caroline knew she wanted more. He slowly explored her mouth and he tasted just as good she remembered, the chocolate replaced by a heady mixture of brandy and apples.
She pushed into him, greedy for his touch and all the amazing feelings it evoked within her. Caroline felt a wave of desire envelop her as his tongue discovered her warmth, making her moan against his lips.
"Now I know why it's taking so long." Ben quipped from his position at the door. "And there's not even mistletoe."
They broke apart guiltily after being caught in such a compromising position by his boss, Caroline felt flustered to say the least and knew her face would be flushed it felt that hot, in fact if she was being honest her whole body was on fire. She looked away unable to meet his gaze.
"Sorry about that Ben, we obviously got a little distracted." He explained feebly.
"Is that what the kids call it these days." Jen laughed peeking out from behind her husband. "Why don't you ever kiss me like that honey?"
"Oh you really are trying to show me up Klaus."
"I'm assuming you managed to get a good photo Dylan?" Jen asked slyly.
"Well if I got anything it was more than I bargained for." He joked. "But yeah quite a few good ones actually."
"Great thanks. Dylan will send them to you." She followed him out sheepishly still embarrassed by their impromptu public display of affection.
"So that was, um."
"Yeah." He replied. "Um at least we can put any suspicions to rest now."
"What do you mean?" She asked curiously, thinking why their kiss was a necessary part of their act, not that she was complaining at all. Their previous kisses involved mistletoe and gift giving but there wasn't any logical need for this one as far as she could tell.
"Well it was obvious that photographer doubted our story by the way he was acting." He said pulling her aside so they could talk.
"Acting how exactly?"
"You were in the room too Caroline." He spluttered.
"I was." She smiled revelling in what seemed like a case of the green eyed monster.
"His pathetic attempt at flirting with you, it was painfully obvious. "
"Okay maybe he was a little bit." She said before adding. "Call me crazy but I think someone is a little jealous."
"I am not, crazy."
"Oh so that kiss was all part of the act to throw him off, not you trying to mark your property?"
"Mark my property." He scoffed. "Last time I checked you didn't belong to me."
"Exactly so why do you care?"
"I don't, I told you Caroline it was all part of the act." She searched his face hoping for some admission but he wasn't giving anything away. Caroline was wondering why she was so desperate to prove him wrong and hear him confess he was jealous.
"Okay whatever." She said dismissively feeling frustrated. "Anyway it was all pretty harmless."
"Caroline you forget what we're doing here obviously." He hissed then smiled as a few guests walked past. "We can't let my boss know this is all an act."
"Of course not, I have no intention of doing that but I hardly see how Dylan flirting with me would ruin the plan."
"Oh I know what this is." He said in realisation. "You're upset because I interrupted you getting to know lover boy."
"I'm what now?" The nerve of Klaus accusing her of putting another guy ahead of their plan. She was far too preoccupied by Klaus to even think about Dylan. Right now though she was questioning the sanity of that decision.
"Well it makes sense I suppose."
"How dare you." She growled. "All I've done is help you Klaus why would I jeopardise that?" He seemed to falter his face softening slightly. Before he could speak they heard a voice call out to them.
"There you are." Rachel said from down the hallway. "I was just about to leave but wanted to say goodbye." Caroline closed her eyes momentarily trying to regain her composure. She turned around and pasted a fake smile on her face.
"I'm glad you did. I need to get your details for that Vogue spread." She smiled sweetly wondering how that would work if they were broken up but she had promised and Caroline knew her editor would be thrilled.
"Well we're just about to leave anyway given how late it is, so we can walk out with you." Klaus suggested consulting his watch. Caroline figured he was probably worried she'd make a scene after their argument.
"Great idea." She said the fake smile still well and truly etched across her face. They walked down the hall, Caroline quite relieved their act was coming to an end.
Caroline couldn't believe how wrong she got it. She had spent the past day or so interpreting everything he did; including all his support, their mind-blowing kisses, not to mention his beautiful gift and actually thought he liked her. Caroline was so swept up in their act she hadn't realised how little she knew about him and his life before they met. How could someone be so insensitive when all she was doing was helping him?
"Caroline?" Jen said breaking her from her trance, Lucy in her arms. "We wanted to say good bye before bed."
"Good night Lucy, I hope you got everything you wanted for Christmas." She nodded struggling to stop the yawn that escaped her mouth.
"Can you stay and play with Barbie?" She asked her eyelids drooping. Caroline looked at the little girl with messy blonde pigtails and big brown eyes and just wanted to hug her she was that adorable.
"Caroline has to go but maybe another time okay sweetie." She nodded slowly before Jen leaned across and gave her a brief peck on the cheek. "It was such a pleasure meeting you; we'll catch up soon, okay?" Caroline's heart sank knowing they wouldn't be catching up again. Klaus would have to tell her they'd broken up, but that didn't stop her from feeling bad, she genuinely liked these people.
"Definitely, thanks so much for having us tonight, it's all been wonderful." Ben passed her the black coat she'd worn and she put it on imaging just how cold it would be outside. She looked between her and Ben one last time and then left with Rachel and Paul while Klaus said his final goodbyes.
"I'm sure Klaus could get me your details but how about I give you my card." Rachel smiled placing it between her open fingers. She'd definitely need that given Klaus wouldn't have that information.
"Great, I'll be in touch." She smiled. "Merry Christmas."
"You too Caroline, have a good one." She walked towards her car. Caroline felt Klaus behind her and closed her eyes thinking about the time when he was no longer playing havoc with her emotions.
"Caroline." He started before she walked towards the car door.
"There's nothing to say Klaus. Let's just get in the car before I freeze to death." He unlocked the door then she bundled herself inside rubbing her hands and trying to create some warmth.
He jumped in shivering slightly and started the engine, turning up the heat as high as it could go. After a few moments Caroline felt her body slowly beginning to defrost, her feelings towards Klaus not so much though.
"I'm sorry Caroline." He finally murmured. She kept her glance firmly on the road ahead refusing to look at him. "I didn't mean it."
"Well why would you say it if you didn't mean it?" She asked eventually. Even though she was annoyed she needed to know why.
"I don't know, I guess it must be the pressure."
"You don't strike me as the type to feel pressure."
"Well looks can be deceiving. This job is just so important to me; I suppose I didn't want to screw it up."
"Well that isn't good enough. All I've ever done is help you, I mean I learned everything about those people just for you."
"I know you've been amazing, not that I'm surprised at all given how caring and thoughtful you are Caroline."
"So you think by complimenting me I'll just forgive you?"
"Well I thought it couldn't hurt."
"I'm not that easy." She answered shortly. "Look tomorrow we'll go our separate ways so it really doesn't matter anymore Klaus."
"I suppose so." He conceded. "But that's not the point. I was an idiot and I'm really sorry Caroline."
"Yes you were an idiot and a few other adjectives I could mention, but I'm above such things."
"Oh come one you know you want to." He challenged. "How about I give you a free shot." He teased temporarily taking his hands off the steering wheel and pretending to let her hit his chest.
"Well only if you don't lose control of the car and makes us crash." She drawled watching him put his hands safely back on the wheel. "Okay how about insensitive, careless, immature…"
"Hey I said one shot."
"Sorry once I was on a role I couldn't help myself. What can I say you bring it out in me."
"Well not much longer, I can't believe it's almost over." He murmured like he was reading her mind.
"You and me both." She said looking out the window and suddenly feeling very depressed.