Thanks guys! Glad you liked the chapter and where the story is heading. NatGirl93 I've never seen Fifty First Dates or the Proposal but hopefully they're good if my story is like them. Now onto Chapter 15.
Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 15: Happy Christmas (War is Over)
27 December 2014 8:01pm: New York City, New York
"Okay so let me get this straight." Bonnie murmured taking the tooth pick from her martini and eating the olives one by one. "You have this crazy two days together and now you've just gone your separate ways?"
"Well yes, it was an arrangement after all Bon." She replied taking a sip from her drink. The girls were at Lea Wine Bar on Park Avenue, it was one of their favourite places and it didn't hurt that it was just around the corner from the Vogue offices on Madison.
She'd told Katherine everything when she returned home the night before but was catching Bonnie up while they waited for her to arrive.
"Sorry I'm late." Katherine said rushing over to their table. "I need a drink."
"Wow someone's had a bad day."
"You have no idea." She groaned. "It's this new case I'm working on which isn't going exactly to plan."
"I know how much you hate not getting your own way Kitty Kat." Caroline sympathised. "Let me guess another nightmare client?"
"Well that's just the norm but this time I have a nightmare opposing counsel to go with it. He won't budge and if this continues we'll probably have to go to court."
"Sounds frustrating."
"Mmmmm anyway enough about that. Is Caroline still in denial about it being just an arrangement?" She asked Bonnie and gestured to the waiter for a drink.
"Oh yes and it's all over now."
"You make it sound so formal Care." Katherine said rolling her eyes. "You're telling me that there isn't a little part of you that doesn't miss him?"
"Don't be silly." She spluttered.
"You're right her voice really does get high pitched when she's lying." Bonnie said to Katherine.
"You're both hilarious." She drawled. "Anyway I told you about how he acted at the party."
"Yes you did but I thought we decided he was just being a jealous idiot, and you did say he apologised a few times."
"Yeah well he's an idiot that's for sure."
"Look we're just trying to make you realise it is okay to like Klaus, I mean you spent two whole days in such close proximity pretending to be a couple and didn't sleep together, no wonder you're frustrated." Katherine said knowingly.
"Yeah all that pent up sexual tension can't be good to hold onto Caroline."
"There is no sexual tension."
"Sure thing Care." Katherine rubbed her arm. "So you're telling me that you didn't have any untoward thoughts when you were lying in bed together." She blushed self-consciously knowing she'd had many of those.
"Busted." They said in unison watching her face go from light pink to bright red.
"Okay I may have some residual feelings but we agreed it was ending. I'm hardly going to track him down so we can sleep together."
"I don't know from what you told us about his work function, I think it's the least he owes you."
Caroline shook her head. Of course she wanted to sleep with him, she'd imagined it many times but she knew it would never be enough for her. She liked Klaus, really liked him, and her hopes were far more long term than he could give her.
"Yes well excuse me if I don't want to be just another one of his conquests."
When she'd returned to New York she'd looked up everything she could about his past. She could pretty much memorise his entire resume but unfortunately there wasn't much else except for some photos, each with a different girl on his arm. Caroline had felt almost sick realising she was just another girl, and the worst part was she wasn't even a real fling, only a fake girlfriend.
Caroline thought back to their last day together and the final mind-blowing kiss they'd shared. Afterwards she'd found it difficult to get it out of her head on the way to the airport. At least nanna provided some much needed distraction.
December 26 2014 8:41am: Chicago, Illinois
"Like A Virgin, touched for the very first time…" Nanna sang loudly making the other car occupants groan.
"Aren't you glad you hitched a ride with us?" Caroline asked sarcastically trying to drown out her grandma with little luck.
"Very." He shook his head. "Putting aside the fact that nanna can't sing, why exactly are we listening to the worst hits of the 80s?"
"Trust me if I turn it off she'll just keep singing without the music." Liz muttered.
"You realise I can still hear you right?" Nanna finally finished her terrible rendition of Madonna.
"Yes amazingly enough your hearing is still well intact."
"Heard that too."
"I can't believe Christmas has been and gone already." Liz said changing the subject.
"Yeah time to start organising for next year Mrs F." Stefan laughed winking at Caroline knowing she was probably doing just that.
"Maybe when your nanna goes back to the retirement village in a few days." She smiled obviously looking forward to that time.
"Not before New Year's Eve, I've been trying to convince your mother to have a party, but she's being boring as usual." Nanna complained.
"Your whole life is a party nanna, I doubt that will stop you." Stefan said raising his eyebrows.
"She doesn't need any more encouragement Stefan." Liz drawled. "You're going home at least."
"Yes home."
"Why don't you sound so excited Stef?" Caroline asked.
"Everything in that house reminds me of Tessa. At least I could escape it for Christmas but not for much longer."
"You are better off without that hussy Stefan." Nanna nodded.
"Yeah I'm with Nanna." Caroline added. "Look just put everything in a garbage bin and burn it, that's what I did with Tyler, it was surprisingly quite therapeutic."
"And if it doesn't work?"
"You could always just hop on the flight to New York City with me and never go back to San Francisco." She suggested hopefully realising how much she'd miss Stefan after having him around the past few days.
"If only it were that easy."
"So you're telling me there's no work for a physiotherapist in the whole of New York City?" Liz asked incredulously.
"There's always work but my whole life is in San Fran."
"Yes you've got your business there but what else?"
"Way to make me feel good Care." He growled. "I feel too old to start all over again; I'd need to work out what to do with my practice not to mention my whole living situation. If you hadn't noticed there isn't much available on the NYC rental market. "
"Didn't Klaus offer you a place to stay before?" Nanna asked.
"Well um yes he did but I couldn't put him out." He said awkwardly looking to Caroline for assistance.
"He is Caroline's boyfriend Stefan I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem." Nanna pushed.
"Well as much as I appreciate everyone trying to plan my life I'll work something out." He said hurriedly trying to change the subject.
"Well if there's anything you need Stefan let us know. I have to say it would be nice to know that both you and Klaus are looking out for Caroline."
"Hey I don't need anyone to look after me mum." She replied defensively. "Anyway I have Katherine."
"Mmmm I don't know who needs more looking after you or her." Liz shook her head.
"Well as pretty as she is I'm much prefer that gorgeous Brit looking after me."
"Nanna." Caroline cried mortified.
"Hey there's nothing to be ashamed of darling. You two were so hot before I thought you were going to start a fire on the front lawn. I wouldn't be surprised if we heard wedding bells soon."
"Oh nanna I think you're getting a little bit ahead of yourself." She spluttered.
"So do you think I'd need to fight off Katherine for Maid of Honour, because I'm up for that challenge." Stefan chuckled.
"Enough everyone." She said her face turning crimson. Stefan was obviously enjoying making her squirm.
"Here we are." Liz pulled up outside O'Hare. Caroline sighed in relief that it was over and followed her mum taking her luggage from the boot.
"Bye Mrs F, thanks for the amazing feed as usual." Stefan pulled her in for a hug.
"Anytime Stefan, especially when you help keep my mother company."
"I heard that too." Nanna snapped giving Stefan a kiss on the cheek. "Now you behave yourself."
"I think I should be telling you to behave yourself nanna." He laughed waiting while Caroline said her goodbyes.
"Bye mum, love you." She said squeezing her tightly feeling tears spring to her eyes. She always got like this at the end of the holidays. Although given how eventful everything had been Caroline was more than happy to get back to normal life.
"You too sweetie, I'll come and visit soon."
"Count me in on that, I could really party in New York City." Nanna said enveloping her granddaughter.
"How about I get Katherine to take you out for a night on the town?"
"Don't you encourage her as well." Liz just shook her head. "Call me when you arrive."
"Will do, love you both." They walked off, Caroline waved then turned away brushing away a few stray tears.
"Toughen up princess." Stefan joked nudging her playfully as they made their way into the terminal.
"I saw you tear up when you were hugging my mother."
"Okay you got me; I'll admit it I really love her turkey stuffing."
"Trust you to think about the food. I'm going to miss having you around even if you do annoy me most of the time Salvatore."
"Well gee thanks Caroline." He muttered sarcastically. "Are you going to miss Klaus too?"
"I was waiting to see how long it would take before you mentioned him." She groaned. "Oh and thanks for making us kiss in front of everyone before."
"I was doing you a favour, it was clear you both wanted to make out."
"I did not."
"There's that high pitched giveaway Forbes."
"It doesn't matter anyway, our arrangement is over." She huffed walking ahead to the check-in counter before he grabbed her arm spinning her around. "What?"
"It doesn't have to be over Care." He implored.
"Well it is, Klaus and I are two very different people Stefan it would never work."
"Why? What's happened since I last saw you?" He asked looking at her closely. "How did his dinner go?"
"It went well until he accused me of wanting to flirt with the party photographer."
"He didn't?"
"He did. I mean he did try and apologise later but it still hurt. I mean all I was trying to do was help and he threw it back in my face."
"It seems out of character."
"Maybe it is the real Klaus, you forget we've only known him a few days." She said shrugging her shoulders.
"I'm still not convinced, if you ask me someone was jealous."
"Oh no his excuse was he was nervous about impressing his boss."
"Coming from another guy I'm almost certain it was the green eyed monster." He said knowingly. "It's obvious he likes you Care."
"Oh really?"
"Yes really. If you ask me you two should stop being so stubborn and just admit it."
"Well thank you Mr Expert."
"Yes I suppose given my disastrous love life I shouldn't be giving advice."
"Well you and me both buddy." She smiled despite everything else. "Who am I going to moan about my love life with now?"
"I'm sure Kat would be willing to oblige. I'll come and visit you soon though."
"You better." She grinned jumping into his arms and hugging him with everything she had. "I'm going to miss you Stef."
"Me too Care Bear." He put her back on the ground and ruffled her hair affectionately. She shot him one last dirty look about his use of that nickname then broke into a smile, walking away bound for her flight, and already missing him.
Her phone beeped breaking her from her memories, indicating a new email. She was glad to have an excuse to stop thinking about Klaus. He'd been on her mind since they said goodbye and the only thing keeping her sane at the moment was work. Seeing the name Jen Taylor caught her off guard, she didn't even know Jen had her email address, had Klaus given it to her?
"You look a little shocked honey." Katherine was clearly concerned. "Is everything okay?"
"It's um from Jen Taylor."
"Oh just Jen Taylor." Bonnie teased. "Is this about our girl's night?" Ever since she'd mentioned to Bonnie about them catching up she'd been so excited to meet her professional hero.
"She's um invited Klaus and me to a New Year's Eve Party on the Upper East side." She murmured reading her message in disbelief.
"Wow you really did make a good impression." Katherine joked. Caroline's finger was hovering over the email wondering whether she wanted to see their photos worried they'd stir up her feelings again. "What's wrong?"
She finally clicked on the link watching a photo of them appear making her inhale sharply. It was beautiful; she closed her eyes remembering that exact moment. It was when he placed his hand over hers and they were looking deeply into each other's eyes. Her skin tingled as she relived the experience all over again.
"Wow." Bonnie murmured looking over her shoulder.
"You're telling me." Katherine agreed taking the phone from Caroline. "Are we missing something?"
"What do you mean?" She bit out after eventually finding her voice.
"Even the best photographer can't create that chemistry Caroline." Bonnie said knowingly.
"Or fake a kiss like that." Katherine squealed and Caroline figured she'd looked through the other photos. She held out the phone showing them with their lips locked, she shivered the memories still so fresh.
"Look I'm…" She stuttered.
"You're a really bad liar Forbes." Katherine deduced. "Anyway by the looks of this photo Klaus is harbouring some of his own feelings."
"If he felt the same way, why didn't he say anything? Why did he just leave?"
"Oh come on what did you expect? Your whole family was there and we all know how intimidating nanna can be."
"Maybe this invitation is a sign." Bonnie suggested.
"A sign of what exactly? That this was a completely stupid idea and now our lies are catching up with us? I really like Jen and her family, I never meant for it to go this far….."
"A sign that you need to work things out." She interrupted her rambling.
"There's nothing to work out it's supposed to be over Bonnie."
"Well it's not sweetie, look the way I see it you've got two options. Either keep up the act and go to this party…" Katherine started.
"I don't really think pretending to be a couple is a good idea given it got me into this mess in the first place." She growled.
"Or you leave it up to him to break the news that you've split up, which would raise suspicion that you weren't telling the truth in the first place."
"Is there a third option?" She asked weakly.
"How about you call Klaus and work out a cover story, maybe you can say you're busy, I mean it is pretty short notice." Bonnie suggested.
"Okay is there any option that involves me not having to speak to Klaus?"
"None." Katherine shot back. "Putting him aside I think you need to look at this from a professional perspective."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning, you have to look at how this arrangement can benefit your career as well as his." She said logically. "You've made some good contacts from this including Jen Taylor, Alexandra Myers and Rachel Lawson to name a few."
"It's not about that."
"No it wasn't to begin with but if you are going to be stuck in this situation you might as well get something out of it yourself."
"So you think I should continue with our charade just to benefit my career?"
"Caroline I think Katherine has a point." Bonnie agreed. "Yes you can benefit from it but it also gives you a chance to work out what's happening with Klaus."
"Nothing is happening."
"Well it wouldn't hurt to investigate further."
"Or probably kill me in the meantime." She muttered.
"So are you going to call Klaus now?" Bonnie asked curiously.
"Remind me why I should do the calling exactly?" She baulked. "This is a favour for him; the least he could do is call and ask himself."
"Well he might, it's obvious he's just received the email too. You should wait and see but I don't think it would hurt to be the one in charge of the situation." Katherine replied knowingly.
"I don't want to come across desperate though." Caroline replied. "You're right I'll hold off for a bit then decide what to do, maybe make him sweat it out overnight. In the meantime I need another martini or maybe three."
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Caroline looked at the email from Jen Taylor for the hundredth time, it had haunted her all night and it was still doing it this morning. The photos had too. She's spent hours just looking at them tracing her finger over their figures remembering every touch and every feeling. She had eventually fallen asleep, waking up that morning and knowing the girls were right.
This wasn't about her advancing her career, but Bonnie had a point about using it to get to the bottom of the Klaus situation, and she could always use that as her cover. She was annoyed about his behaviour at the party but she was hoping there was something behind it.
The other thing plaguing her, something she'd been too afraid to raise with her friends, were his intentions. If she agreed to this crazy plan then what exactly were his motives? Was it because he wanted to get to know her or was it because he really wanted that promotion. She knew he wanted the promotion that was a given but she just hoped getting to know her was an added bonus for him, like it was for her.
Realising what she should do and making a call were two different things. She sat there watching her phone wondering why he hadn't called. It's not like he couldn't find her given he knew where she worked. She didn't have his cell number, they had stopped short of swapping numbers most probably afraid it would be too personal but she knew where he worked and may have looked up the number just in case.
Her office phone rang breaking her out of her thoughts.
"Caroline." Her personal assistant Luke said through the receiver.
"Yeah Luke."
"I have a Klaus Mikaelson on the phone for you." She was rendered silent, it was eerie that he called while she was thinking about him.
"Uh Caroline? Do you want me to take a message?" He uttered after a moment of silence.
"Um no that's okay, put him through." She murmured trying to calm down and take some deep breaths. Why did he have this stupid effect on her?
"Hi Caroline."
"Klaus." She said shortly by way of greeting. "I didn't expect to hear from you."
"Well I didn't think I'd be calling but I assume you got that email from Jen."
"I did." She said not wanting to go into the details about the intimate photos that were attached. "I was surprised actually, how did she get my email address?"
"I have no idea; she does have contacts at Vogue though so that might explain it."
"Yeah you're probably right." She murmured as the phone line descended into silence. It was usually so easy to talk to him but two days apart had made everything terribly awkward. It didn't help they were on the phone and not face to face either. He coughed nervously and she could tell he felt it too.
"So um I just wanted to tell you that I got back to Jen and said we had plans already." Caroline should have been happy he'd done that but in all honesty she felt disappointed she wouldn't get to see him again.
"Oh okay."
"I didn't want you to feel like you had to go after everything you've already done for me." He explained and she could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"That's good, you know it's um probably for the best." She stuttered not sure what to feel at the moment.
"Jen said she understood it was short notice but that if we did want to drop in we're more than welcome to bring a few friends. Something along the lines of the more the merrier. "
"She, uh, must really want to get you there."
"No it's probably all about you." He replied and she could tell he was smiling. "I know how much she liked you."
"Yeah I liked her too." She answered quietly. "Look I know how important this is to you and uh Jen so I'll go, especially if I can invite some of my friends, I know Bonnie wouldn't say no."
"Really?"
"Yeah why not, what's one extra night?"
"Well that would mean a lot to me Caroline." Suddenly the phone descended into silence again. Things had never been this awkward before maybe she'd made a mistake, but it was too late now.
"Great, I'll see what Kat and Bonnie are up to then."
"Okay I'll have a chat to my brothers and Rebekah if I'm completely desperate." She laughed knowing exactly what he felt about his sister.
"Right so I'll see you there I suppose?" She cringed realising just how weird this felt.
"Uh how about I get your number and we organise it closer to the time?"
"Yeah okay." She mumbled and began to recite her cell number, this was going to be interesting to say the least. She just hoped his intentions were as pure as hers.