Keeping Up Appearances
Chapter 16: New Year's Resolution
31 December 2014 12:23pm: New York City, New York
"Maybe you should go home early and get ready." Lexi suggested watching him intently hunched over his computer.
"It's only midday Lexi; I don't think it's going to take me seven hours to get dressed. I'm not you after all."
"I don't take that long to get ready." She insisted. "I just think that maybe Caroline might appreciate it if you spent some time on your appearance."
"Why, what's wrong with my appearance?" He asked finally looking up from his screen.
"Well maybe you could think about a haircut and a shave wouldn't go astray." He felt his beard self –consciously. He had to admit his mind had been elsewhere the past few days and personal grooming was not high on his agenda.
Ever since he'd spoken to her Klaus had been distracted, counting down until they'd see each other again. What was she doing to him? He wasn't worried about his boss, Klaus knew they'd impressed him before and they'd no doubt do it again, he was concerned about his growing feelings for someone who was only pretending to be his girlfriend.
Klaus knew he needed some back up and was secretly pleased he'd have some familiar faces around him, even if his family and Lexi could be frustrating. Kol and Lexi he'd expected to attend, Elijah on the other hand had been a surprise. Klaus couldn't think of any other reason than his curiosity about Caroline. He just hoped they'd all behave.
"Tell me what you really think." He muttered.
"Oh I always do. So what's the plan for tonight exactly?" She asked sitting down across the desk from him.
"There is no plan Lexi." He growled.
"Well that's a worry considering you are playing pretend boyfriend to impress Ben Taylor."
"You seem to forget I've done this before, same with Caroline."
"Is it just me or does that just sound really weird?" She asked shaking her head. "So is there going to be a New Year's kiss at midnight as part of your little act?" He felt himself blush thinking that's exactly what he was hoping would happen. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Don't you have work to do?"
"I love how every time you want to change the subject you pull rank on me." She pouted. "Just for the record I'm all up to date. Now what are you planning on wearing tonight?"
"So not only am I ungroomed, now I can't dress?" He baulked.
"I never said that, it just wouldn't hurt to make an effort Klaus."
"I always do and for your information Caroline knows how I dress and I didn't get any complaints over Christmas. What are you wearing tonight anyway?"
"I have a little black dress all ready to go for the party." She smiled imagining just how it would look. "Stop changing the subject and pretending you're suddenly interested in my personal life."
"Yeah okay you got me. There's a reason it's called a personal life Lexi, and I'd much prefer not to hear the gory details, especially given your terrible taste in men."
"Oh because your taste in women has been so much better over the years." She stated. "Need I remind you about boring Camille and don't even get me started on spiteful Tatia."
"That I'll give you, but how about that Enzo guy you dated earlier this year?"
"You didn't like him because he was too much like you."
"Oh please I'm so not…"
"What? Arrogant? British?"
"At least I don't call women gorgeous." He spluttered.
"No you just call them love." She drawled. "Anyway we're getting off the subject, hopefully things are turning around for you if Caroline is as good as she sounds."
"How about an early minute?" She looked at him processing what he was saying before responding.
"Wow you really don't want to have this conversation do you? Not that I'm complaining about leaving early of course."
"Great, see you later."
"Oh no you don't."
"What do you want from me? If it's to psycho analyse my love life then I'm not interested Lexi."
"Oh come on I think that sounds like a great idea." A posh voice drawled from the doorway.
"How difficult is it to knock?"
"I'm far too busy to bother with knocking." Rebekah shot back taking a seat next to Lexi and giving her a quick smile by way of greeting. "Now what did I miss? Oh that's right you told everyone, including Kol I might add, about this arrangement with Caroline before me."
"I told you I was sorry." He groaned sick of having this conversation with her. "And I did invite you to the Taylor's party tonight."
"You did but I can't make it. I don't do short notice Niklaus." He rolled his eyes thinking just how organised Rebekah Mikaleson was. It helped in her job but it was still frustrating. "I'm actually planning one of the biggest New Year's parties in town tonight."
"I know, you already said that."
"At least Elijah and Lexi will be there to keep an eye on you."
"Kol is coming too."
"Kol doesn't count Nik; he'll be too busy trying to pick up." Rebekah said knowingly.
"Yeah the operative word is trying." Lexi joked.
"I don't need a babysitter Rebekah. Everyone seems to forget that Caroline and I did this very successfully over Christmas without your interference."
"Well I won't believe it until I see it." Rebekah said.
"Well you won't see it sister because after tonight it's all over."
"Oh really?"
"Yes really. The Taylor's will be going on their annual ski vacation for the whole of January so there's no need to act like the perfect couple any longer."
"That's a shame; I wanted to meet this Caroline." Rebekah replied disappointedly. "She's obviously made an impression on you."
"Oh would you all please stop it, she's a nice girl but that's it."
"Stop spoiling her with such generous adjectives Niklaus, first okay and now nice."
"Are you surprised Rebekah? I never thought he knew what an adjective was." Lexi teased.
"Okay questioning my knowledge of grammar is just going too far Lexi." Klaus groaned. "Go home and get ready I'll see you tonight."
"Fine." Lexi answered. "I'm going but just so you know an adjective is a…"
"Describing word." He finished for her impatiently. "I know it's difficult but go and make yourself presentable."
"Ha! Says the guy with the ugly beard. I'll excuse your behaviour because you're obviously sexually frustrated." She walked out the door before he could respond.
"Yeah she has a point."
"Okay I'm not discussing my sex life with my sister, that's just too weird."
"I mean about the beard. There's something called a shaver Nik, you might want to use one."
"I've been busy."
"Yeah thinking about Caroline."
"Oh come on, I've only known the girl a week."
"Yes well a week is a long time for you Niklaus and this is the first time we've had to discuss this properly considering…"
"I didn't tell you first, look I'm sorry. It's um pretty difficult to tell people you're having a fake relationship." He said sincerely trying to explain.
"I can imagine. I just never thought I'd see you go this far, even if this promotion is important. I think you like this girl Niklaus."
"Well the jury is still out Rebekah, can we maybe just leave it at that?" He pleaded struggling to explain exactly what he was feeling.
They had never been that close but the fact she was so interested meant she cared and Klaus was secretly happy about it, not that he'd ever admit it.
"Okay." She said reluctantly. "I'll let you go for now, I mean it is the holiday season after all and I decided my New Year's resolution was to be more tolerant."
"Well I'll believe that when I see it." He said trying not to laugh aloud.
"At least I've thought about my resolution, what about you?"
"Resolutions are silly; people make them and never stick to them. So for that reason my resolution is to not make any resolutions."
"You're no fun."
"I'm plenty of fun when I want to be." He argued. "Anyway resolutions aside I hope your New Years isn't all about work."
"Well it is but isn't that just normal for us Mikaelsons?" He realised she was right and just how sad that sounded.
"Yeah well Elijah was bloody hard to convince that's for sure. I'd be surprised if he lasts until midnight."
"You and me both. I don't think he'll ever meet a girl, he's far too preoccupied with work."
"He's riled up about his latest case too." Klaus said remembering their conversation when he'd asked him to the party. He'd never seen his older brother so rattled.
"Well if that's the case he definitely won't have his mind on anything else but that." Rebekah agreed standing up and walking towards the door.
"Well at least he's consistent."
"Yes you're right. Have a good night, and I expect a full report tomorrow, otherwise I'll be knocking down your door." He knew that much was true.
"I don't doubt that but what happened to tolerance?" She rolled her eyes and walked out not bothering to respond.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Klaus walked along the street watching the large crowds of revellers getting ready to bring in the New Year. Klaus had never been a fan of New Years Eve and usually avoided the festivities but for once he was actually quite excited. He ran his hands along his cheeks glad he'd shaved and then smoothed down his shirt hoping she would like the blue given it brought out his eyes according to Lexi. Klaus had never really cared this much about his appearance before.
They decided to meet nearby so they could arrive together and it would look realistic. He didn't count on the fact he would be so nervous though. He was also secretly worried about meeting her friends, Katherine especially. Even though they'd spoken she sounded a little scary and for some reason Klaus wanted to make a good impression on her.
His phone beeped indicating a new message telling him Elijah was going to be late; no doubt he was still working. Klaus would be amazed if he actually turned up tonight given his antisocial ways.
He heard a wolf whistle sound out in the distance and looked ahead making out his blonde assistant smiling broadly in his direction.
"Someone looks handsome." She cooed straightening his tie then touching his face. "Glad to see you shaved and don't look like a homeless person anymore."
"Funny Lexi." He muttered looking at her in her short black dress. "You look nice too."
"Wow you really have to stop spoiling me with compliments boss."
"What he means is you look hot." Kol said approaching them his eyes travelling over her body.
"Ew Kol." She groaned pushing him away traumatised by his unwanted attention.
"Well that's the last time I compliment you sweetheart." He scowled. "And no need to tell me just how amazing I look tonight."
"I'm assuming being more modest isn't one of your resolutions this year?" She drawled.
"And I'm assuming talking less isn't one of yours either?"
"So where's E?" She asked choosing to ignore Kol's snide remark. "Don't tell me he's still working?"
"Most probably, he messaged to say he was running late."
"I'm surprised he's even coming, not sure I need him here bringing me down."
"Be nice Kol." Klaus said. "It's good that he's making an effort and actually socialising with real people."
"Whatever you say." He grumbled.
"So where's your mystery girl?" Lexi asked looking around the street.
"She should be here any minute." He said his voice shaking slightly the nerves swirling around his stomach violently. He really needed to calm down.
"Woah." Kol murmured looking behind him. "I think I'm in love."
Klaus spun around his eyes resting on the three girls walking towards them, their high heels clicking on the pavement. He smiled immediately recognising Caroline in the middle; she didn't disappoint her white dress hugging her curves and her hair cascading down her back in golden curls. He gulped wondering just how he was going to control his urges tonight.
He finally tore his gaze away from her his eyes landing on the familiar brunette to her left. Katherine Pierce in the flesh, dressed in deep red, her arm looped through Caroline's and her long dark hair swinging straight at her sides. The other brunette to her right dressed in gold was obviously Bonnie, he watched as she laughed at something Caroline said her whole face lighting up.
"Please don't feel the need to share that when they approach." He warned his brother wondering why he'd invited him.
"Oh she looks as stunning as in her picture brother, so too her friends."
"Hey there will be no drooling over Caroline."
"I think someone's jealous." Lexi laughed watching him transfixed by the blonde walking towards them.
"I wasn't talking about Caroline." Kol trailed off as they arrived and everyone descended into silence. This wasn't awkward at all Klaus thought.
"Caroline." He said struggling to find his voice.
"Klaus." She countered regarding him closely before continuing. "Uh this is Katherine and Bonnie."
"Pleasure to meet you Bonnie." Kol murmured holding his hand out obviously quite taken with her.
"And you are?" She baulked surprised by his gesture.
"This is my little brother Kol." Klaus said thinking he couldn't take him anywhere.
"Only little in age." He said making Klaus grimace, and trying to work out how exactly they were related.
"So you must be Rebekah?" Caroline asked changing the subject and smiling in Lexi's direction.
"I'm not sure whether to take that as a compliment or an insult." Lexi laughed her thick American accent giving her away.
"Definitely an insult." Kol replied deadpan. "Although she's used to those so don't worry." Lexi whacked him on the arm.
"Oh I'm so sorry." Caroline stuttered obviously embarrassed. "I just assumed…"
"Oh that's understandable, especially when Klaus forgets his manners and doesn't introduce me. I'm Lexi." She smiled shaking her hand and indicating Klaus. "I get to tell this one what to do on a daily basis."
"I was going to try and rebut that but she's probably right." Klaus conceded. "Lexi is not only my friend but my bossy Executive Assistant."
"Well there goes our friendship." She shook her head. "It's great to meet you Caroline, all of you. I'm glad I have some girls to hang out with and not just these two idiots."
"I love your dress, is it from Bebe?" Katherine asked taking in her appearance.
"Yes it is, I've loved it for ages and I managed to get it on sale." She smiled falling in step with Katherine and Bonnie and beginning to chatter away about fashion. Kol did the same thing, although Klaus wasn't too sure how much his brother knew about fashion to contribute.
"So um thanks for doing this." Klaus started as they walked towards the party.
"You already said that." She smiled. "I'm happy to help; the Taylors are such nice people."
Klaus looked at her thinking how much he wanted her to be there for him and no one else. Although he knew that was wishful thinking.
"They are." He agreed deciding to change the subject. "So how's nanna?"
"She's upset mum won't let her have a party tonight." She chuckled. "And I think she's missing you."
"Well I am irresistible." He grinned.
"It's only been what, one minute, and the ego is back with a vengeance."
"You've missed it love, I can tell."
"Yeah tell yourself that if it helps you sleep at night!" She said nudging him playfully. They looked at each other their gazes locked and suddenly things became awkward again. He really had to get his act together. "So is there anything I need to know about tonight?"
"No need for a briefing. The kids won't be there so no need for any presents either." He joked. "I realised today I probably should have gotten you a guest list so you could memorise their biographies."
"Hey, that came in very handy as I recall."
"Yes it did." He said sincerely. "Hopefully tonight should be more relaxed than the dinner."
"I think I can work with relaxed."
"Oh and the family go away every year to the snow fields in Colorado so I'm not going to annoy you with any more impromptu requests." He watched her closely noticing a shadow cross her face momentarily. Was that disappointment he saw? Klaus certainly hoped so.
"Yes because you are so annoying." She drawled.
"It's a curse."
"So I thought the rest of your siblings were coming tonight?"
"I'm guessing Kol isn't enough for you then?"
"Kol is…."
"Weird."
"I was going to say interesting."
"That's a nice way of saying weird." He laughed. "Well I didn't give Rebekah nearly enough notice and apparently Elijah is coming but he's running late."
"Apparently?"
"Let's just say I'll believe it when I see it." He shared. "He's been having a bad week at work on his new case."
"Sounds like Katherine." She agreed. "Some guy has really made her life difficult lately."
"Maybe they can swap stories; I mean they are in the same industry."
"True." She agreed. "So Kol seems to have taken a liking to Bonnie?"
"I'll apologise now for my brother, he really has no idea."
"I thought you said he was a womaniser, you know possibly knows something about women."
"He knows something; I'm just not entirely sure what it is."
"Well Bonnie can more than hold her own don't worry." She replied. "And Lexi seems nice."
"I would have said bossy and opinionated but each to their own I guess."
"She probably needs to be bossy to deal with you." Caroline said raising her eyebrows.
"So it didn't take you long to start being mean to me again."
"What can I say it's a natural reaction when you're around." She laughed her smile lighting up her face. Klaus had really missed her. "Looks like we're here."
They both looked up at the apartment block and he was suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the night ahead. Klaus took her hand desperate to feel her again, the shock from her touch sending shivers through his body. He'd missed being this close to her. She looked at him surprised by his gesture.
"This is an act after all we might as well make it look real."
"Of course." She coughed nervously as they made their way inside their hands still firmly intertwined.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"It's so good to see you both." Jen exclaimed pulling them both towards her and planting a quick peck on both their cheeks, as they walked into the penthouse filled with people chatting, celebratory glasses of champagne in their hands.
The apartment was like a warehouse with hardwood floors, high ceilings and a large window overlooking the lights of New York City. They certainly knew how to throw a party Klaus thought looking at the trays of hors d'oeuvres carried by waiters immaculately dressed in black and white. Bright flowers in vases adorned the white tables with matching chairs.
"That's no problem, happy to be here Jen and thanks for letting us invite our friends."
"It's the least I could do with the short notice." She grinned at the group.
"This is my brother Kol, Katherine, Bonnie and you've met my Executive Assistant Lexi." She nodded at them gesturing to the waiter to get them a drink each.
"Don't tell me this is the Bonnie Bennett Caroline?" She asked incredulously.
"Don't you mean the Jennifer Rose Taylor?" She replied her eyes wide impressed she knew who she was.
"Oh please it's Jen." She said. "Actually I have some photos I'd like you to have a look at and let me know what you think, if that's okay of course."
"That's more than okay." She smiled happily.
"I might tag along." Kol said following them.
"Well at least that gets him out of our hair, do you want to try some of that delicious looking food Katherine?"
"Yes I'm starving, I missed lunch and dinner I was that busy today." They walked off leaving Klaus and Caroline alone, no doubt on purpose Klaus thought.
"So." She said taking in the festive scene before them.
"So." He murmured nervously. Why did everything have to be so damn awkward? It had been so easy and uncomplicated over Christmas, well until his feelings caught up to him.
"Klaus, Caroline." Ben smiled coming over to shake his hand and give her a quick kiss on the cheek by way of greeting.
"Ben, thanks for having us tonight."
"Oh that's no problem, we're just happy you could make it."
"I didn't know you'd be in New York for New Year?" Klaus said taking a glass of champagne as the tray passed by and handing it to Caroline like the perfect boyfriend he was.
"Well it wasn't definite but lucky enough Jen was able to organise a party in such a quick time."
"Where are Lucy, James and Georgia tonight?" Caroline asked sweetly before taking a sip of her champagne. Klaus was momentarily distracted as her pink tongue darted out of her mouth to lick her lips.
"They're in Chicago being spoiled by their grandparents as we speak." Ben grinned. "We'll go back tomorrow before leaving for Colorado the next day."
"How is the snow in Vail this year?" Klaus asked finally finding the words, the intoxicating smell of her perfume distracting him momentarily.
"About six inches and fluffy, you couldn't ask for better conditions." He answered. "Do you ski Caroline?"
"A few times over the years but I've never been to Colorado even though I've heard it's beautiful."
"It is stunning, you and Klaus should come up and stay, I know the kids would love to see you both."
They both looked at each other briefly before plastering smiles on their faces to hide the surprise. The idea didn't seem all that terrible to Klaus, in fact the thought of snuggling in front of an open fire in a cosy chalet was pretty damn tempting. Although he'd promised Caroline earlier they wouldn't have to act anymore and Klaus knew he should probably honour that.
"Uh we'll see how we go; work has been pretty busy for both of us lately Ben."
"Trust me Klaus it hasn't been that busy for you." He countered, damn him for being his boss and knowing it was quiet when he was trying to make excuses. "Anyway it's just a suggestion; think about it, you're more than welcome."
Klaus suddenly felt bad for declining, but he couldn't expect Caroline to keep up the charade to try and impress his boss.
"Now how about some of this amazing food." Ben smiled as the waiter approached with a tray.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"So is Kol always this…."
"Persistent, annoying?" Lexi laughed watching him looking at Jen's photos his perplexed expression not lost on them.
"Well given I've just met the guy I didn't feel right saying that." Katherine admitted.
"Oh I've known Kol for a while, he's harmless. I just like to give him a hard time because it's fun. Poor Bonnie." She sympathised watching him trying to impress her.
"Oh Bonnie is fine, trust me she could eat him for breakfast." Katherine laughed thinking about her feisty friend.
"I almost feel like grabbing some popcorn and watching it all unfold."
"Me too, if this party wasn't so fantastic."
"Jen Taylor is not only a former model and fashion photographer but she plans one mean party, the best food, drinks and don't get me started on the guest list."
"You must have been to a few over the years?"
"Only one since I've been working for Klaus." She replied. "It's pretty impressive that Klaus has been to not just one but two in the same week. Your friend seems to have made quite the impression on our CEO and his wife."
"Well Caroline makes friends wherever she goes so it's hardly surprising. Do you think he might get the promotion?" She whispered.
"Who knows but the way they're going I wouldn't be surprised."
"Yeah even though it is a weird situation."
"You're telling me." She murmured watching them chatting with Ben Taylor. "If I didn't know those two I would swear they were a couple." Klaus and Caroline were standing close together his hand grazing the small of her back. After knowing him for so long, Lexi could tell he was hooked.
"You and me both." Katherine agreed regarding them closely and thinking back to their previous conversations about him. "There's no denying that chemistry between them."
"Unlike that." Lexi murmured taking in Kol attempting to get to know Bonnie. "Probably serves him right, he can be so arrogant when he wants to be. It's something that runs in their family, trust me."
"So is it just those two and Rebekah?"
"And their eldest brother E, he's actually coming here tonight but is running late."
"So is he like the others?"
"He definitely has his moments." She said knowingly. "I can't talk really, I think I've dated most of the conceited guys in the city, I just can't help myself."
"I think I've probably slept with the same ones." She chuckled. "Nothing comes close to this guy I have to work with though."
"What's so bad about him?" She asked curiously grabbing a canapé from the waiter.
"He thinks he's always right and trust me he's not. I may not have as many years in the law profession but I still know things." She scowled taking a canapé from the outstretched tray.
"Tell me he's at least good to look at?"
"That's the problem he's tall dark and gorgeous which just makes him all the more annoying." She growled. "Sorry I need to stop boring you with my work issues. What exactly does E stand for anyway."
"Elijah." A deep male voice said from behind making them turn in surprise. The canapé Katherine was holding ended up on the floor her mouth wide open in shock.
"You?" She cried when she finally found her voice.
"You!" He groaned his forehead creasing into a frown.
"I see you two have already met." Lexi murmured looking between them and wondering what the hell was going on.