I'm back! Just a quick note to say things can't always be fluffy, you know my stories! Hope you are still reading and reviewing though, I love your feedback.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 32: You Can't Always Get What You Want

February 17 2015 8:36am New York City, New York

Klaus sat at Pastis anxiously awaiting the arrival of Gordon Rose. If he had his way this issue would have been resolved weeks ago but at least now he knew Gordon was in the country and due to meet him for breakfast, even if he was six minutes late.

He'd spent an amazing weekend with Caroline but now it was back to work and that meant trying to mend the rift with one of his best clients. Klaus checked his watch again before hearing someone clear their throat over his shoulder. He turned to find the man in question.

"Gordon, how are you?" Klaus asked standing up and shaking his hand. They usually had such an easy working relationship and it was a shame one stupid mistake had led to this.

"Quite good considering this debacle," he said raising his eyebrows and taking a seat across the table. One thing Klaus actually liked about Gordon was his directness and he was demonstrating that in full now.

"I know and I can't apologise enough Gordon," he said about to rattle off the speech he'd practiced on the way over.

"We're past that point," he said dismissively. "Look I like you and I know this wouldn't have happened under your watch. To be honest the UK branch hasn't been anywhere near as good since you left."

"Well you'll be happy to know they are undergoing an extensive review at the moment so this type of thing will never happen again."

"I'll believe that when I see it," he shot back. "Anyway enough about the past, I think it's time we move forward."

"I couldn't have said that better myself," he agreed. "I have organised quite a few art opportunities I know you'll like in the City."

"Well that's good to hear," he nodded. "I think it's best we wait to discuss the particulars until our third party arrives." Klaus looked around anxiously hoping it wasn't who he thought it was.

"Sorry I'm late," a cheerful and familiar voice called out joining them at the table. He didn't need to look up to know who that was.

Klaus wasn't really surprised given her ability to insert herself into situations and given their tumultuous past. He eventually looked up knowing he had to be on his best behavior in front of Gordon.

"Tatia," he said attempting a brief smile. She was certainly looking the professional part with a black skirt suit and deep red shirt, her dark hair falling in waves down her back.

"Klaus how wonderful to see you again," he had to stop himself from rolling his eyes.

"Yes, how are you?"

"I'm excellent; it's always nice to visit New York City, even if it is a little cold."

"Yes it is, although I have to say your presence is unexpected."

"I'm sure I told your office, it's Lexi right?" She chirped but her brown eyes betrayed her as usual. Klaus knew Lexi would have told him straight away if Tatia was going to be in town, mainly due to her deep hatred of the brunette. This wasn't the place to raise it though.

"We were just discussing the art opportunities that Klaus has organised," Gordon said smiling at her sweetly.

"Great," she grinned. "I can't wait to see them actually; it will be nice to find some pieces to compliment your current collection."

"You'll be accompanying us?"

"Oh I should have told you Klaus, I have some pressing business in Denver and Houston so won't be able to attend. That's why I asked Tatia to go along for me, she has such a good eye for art."

Klaus nearly laughed aloud, since when did his ex-girlfriend know anything about art? Obviously there was more going on between them; Tatia always did have a thing for married and unavailable men.

"So I won't see you again to discuss your final decisions?" He asked trying to gain some control back.

"I'll be coming back through New York at some stage and we can talk about it then, in the meantime Tatia will keep me updated."

"I'm sure she will," he mumbled trying not to lose his cool. What exactly did he mean by some stage and how long did he have to occupy her?

Klaus knew Tatia was devious, I mean they had dated, but this was beyond ridiculous. If she had the Welsh billionaire then what did she need from him? She was persistent for sure but after London he hoped she would back-off.

"Now how about some breakfast?" Gordon said interrupting his thoughts and perusing his menu. Suddenly his appetite had disappeared and all he wanted to do was get the hell out of there.

xxxxxx

"So the Wicked Witch of the West has returned?" Kol asked leaning across the table and taking a swig of his drink.

"Unfortunately," Klaus growled swirling the amber liquid around his glass distractedly. Klaus had met his brothers for a much needed drink at Crimson and Rye in midtown, even if it was only 2pm in the afternoon.

He didn't feel like going back to work and dealing with Lexi's lectures or having lunch with Caroline which he'd cancelled immediately after his run in with Tatia. He needed time to think about things for a while before he faced either of the blondes in his life.

"Pity we can't send her away on her broomstick," Elijah added. "I don't understand what she hopes to achieve."

"It's obvious brother, she wants Niklaus back."

"Yes but you just told us you think she's having an affair with Gordon Rose, why would she bother?" He commented. "I mean no offence Niklaus but Gordon has a lot more money than you."

"You don't say," he drawled feeling a headache coming on. "It's to get under my skin, you know Tatia she always has a motive."

"Yes and that involves you Niklaus, just be careful," Kol warned.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that the best thing you can do is keep your distance."

"That's going to be a little hard to do when they have to work together Kol," Elijah said. "What does Caroline think about all of this?"

"Uh she doesn't know," he mumbled guiltily.

"Well I can understand that given Tatia just arrived in town but she'll understand after what transpired in London surely."

"That's the thing she doesn't know about London or Tatia's existence, isn't that right brother?" Kol asked finishing his whiskey and gesturing for another.

"Thanks for the reminder little brother," he bit out noticing the shock registering on Elijah's face.

"You didn't tell her?"

"It never came up," he replied feebly noting his disapproving glance. "It was just easier not to dredge everything up after we reconciled."

"And you never thought this might become an issue given the Gordon situation?"

"I was just hoping it wouldn't."

"Wow even I'm not that naïve," kol murmured taking a sip from his new drink.

"You know what Kol? I'm sick of your sarcastic commentary," Klaus scowled.

"Hey I'm just telling it as it is brother. Women and relationships are trouble it's best to just steer clear altogether."

"Since when did you become such an expert on relationships?"

"Since I realised women are heartless and don't care about hurting anyone's feelings Elijah."

"I know you're upset about Bonnie, but I don't think the whiskey is helping matters."

"That's where you're wrong big brother, I forgot about she who will not be named as soon as I left her two days ago."

"Yes because it seems like it," he muttered.

"Oh suddenly you're the expert on relationships because you think you had a moment with Katherine the other night?"

"Of course not," Elijah spluttered.

"Well good because that wasn't a moment. You're stuck in the friend zone and I don't think you have the guts to climb out of it."

"Kol we understand you're upset but there's no need to take it out on us," Klaus pleaded. "You know maybe it's not over with Bonnie?"

"Even if it wasn't I would never give her the time of day," he spat attempting to order another drink.

"Elijah's right you really need to stop drinking," Klaus implored.

"I don't need to listen to this," he growled jumping off his bar stool and stalking out the door without even a backwards glance.

"Well that went well," Elijah murmured. "You know I've never seen anyone get to him like Bonnie."

"I hear you," Klaus agreed. "If only there was something we could do."

"Maybe Caroline could help?"

"I like being in a relationship thank you very much," he joked. "I'm smart enough to know not to go there with Caroline."

"Well if you have to tell her about Tatia you might as well mention Bonnie too," he replied only half joking.

"I think I've got enough on my plate," Klaus groaned dreading his forthcoming conversation with his girlfriend. "Maybe you could try Katherine given your newly-found truce?"

"I think we've had enough arguments to last a lifetime."

"And you don't want to ruin what could possibly be a blossoming relationship?"

"You heard Kol, we're in the friend zone," Elijah remarked. "I hate to admit he's right but all signs point to that."

"That doesn't mean you can't make anything happen."

"I have no idea how to do that," he said holding his hands up helplessly.

"I'm hardly the authority on love given my current situation," Klaus shook his head. "Aren't you in the same industry? Surely you can conjure up a divorce lawyer emergency."

"It's not that easy."

"Tell me about it." Klaus agreed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Wow you really meant it when you suggested hot dogs." Rebekah said shaking her head in his direction. They'd organised a late lunch in Central Park and were at the food stand about to order.

"I always say what I mean," Stefan smiled. "Now what would you like milady?"

"Tomato sauce." He looked at her blankly before she clarified what she meant. "Ketchup."

"No that's not going to work," he replied dismissively looking at the attendant apologetically. "Sorry she's not an experienced hot dog eater, disregard that she'll have one with the lot."

"Yuck, I'm not having the lot," she shot back decisively. The attendant looked between them the confusion on his face obvious.

"Don't mind her; she doesn't know what she wants."

"Oh and you do?" She replied hands on hips challenging him. Stefan wasn't sure if they were still talking about hot dogs anymore.

He knew it was a big risk making a move on her at the gala but after seeing her looking so beautiful he couldn't help himself. Stefan knew the coat room trick could have backfired but was pleasantly surprised when she reciprocated his kiss, it was only a shame Klaus walked in on them, something he'd been giving him grief about ever since.

Stefan knew she could be a princess but when he brought her out of her comfort zone she actually relaxed and that's when he liked her most. Eating simple food like pizza and hot dogs was a good way of doing that.

"When it comes to hot dogs yes," he said. "Just trust me on this one?" She held his gaze for a while before responding.

"Fine, but just this once."

"Great two with the lot," he smiled at her before returning to the worried looking attendant, who wouldn't have been more than fifteen years-old.

"Are you sure man, she looks a little scary," he whispered and Stefan struggled not to laugh.

"Yeah I'm sure."

Fast forward ten minutes and Rebekah had polished off her whole hot dog. Stefan looked on amused as she threw her used serviette in the bin.

"Don't say it," she accused sending him a dirty look.

"Hey I didn't say anything," he said holding up his hands defensively. "So how did the gala go in the end?"

"Fantastic we raised a lot for charity which is what it's all about. The only drama occurred in the coat room," she teased.

"Oh come on you enjoyed our little moment admit it."

"Well I have to give you credit for your unique and elaborate plan," she admitted. "Unless that's just one of your usual moves on women?"

"I can safely say this was an originally planned and executed scheme."

"Just as long as you don't plan on doing it at one of my events again."

"I can't promise anything I mean where would the fun be in that?" He joked.

"Do you ever take anything seriously?"

"Every now and again," he said shrugging his shoulders and noticing her interested expression. "Life is too serious to not have a little fun Rebekah."

"I'm not convinced," she murmured. "Work is important too."

"Yes it is important but we spend most of our time working and not spending enough time relaxing and having fun."

"Can I ask you something?"

"That sounds ominous," he chuckled before adding. "Shoot."

"You said your girlfriend cheated on you," she said slowly almost like she was trying to delay the pain. "How come you're not bitter about it?"

"I was a mess after it happened, I won't deny it but then I realised life's too short," he shrugged his shoulders. "I look at it this way, if we didn't break up then I wouldn't have moved to New York and we wouldn't be eating hot dogs together right now."

"Funny you say that," she murmured.

"Why?"

"Well I never told you this but I also had a cheating ex, the wonderful Alexander," she growled. "I was so angry and upset that all I could do was throw myself into work so I didn't have to think about it."

"That sounds familiar."

"Then I got this amazing job offer in New York City and here I am."

"So it worked out for the best then by the sounds of it?"

"I suppose so; I mean I'm closer to my brothers…"

"And then you met me, half naked no less," he joked unable to stop himself. She rolled her eyes before breaking out in a knowing smile.

"You can't be serious for too long huh?"

"No, I mean it's a beautiful day and we're giving our cheating ex partners way too much attention," he said. "How about we go to the zoo and check out the seals."

"I haven't been to the zoo since I was ten; I think I'm a little old."

"You're never too old for the zoo Beks," he winked using the nickname he knew annoyed her but she secretly liked. "Come on." He instinctively reached out for her hand hoping she'd meet him halfway.

She sent him a cheeky grin and placed her hand in his and they strolled towards the zoo both excited for the date ahead.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"She's here in New York City?"

"Yes that's what I said Lexi," Klaus sighed. He'd spent the last five minutes trying to convince his assistant she was in town.

"I just can't believe it."

"You don't say," he drawled sarcastically. "Surely you're not surprised she just turned up with Gordon?"

"Not at all but I thought she was smarter to try that sort of stunt," she snorted. "Obviously I gave her way too much credit."

"Obviously."

"So now you have to spend all this time with her?"

"Trust me it will be as little as possible if I can help it," he scoffed.

"So what does Caroline think of the lying witch being in town?"

"Here we go again," he muttered dreading this part of the conversation. "She doesn't know."

"But you were having lunch," she uttered her confusion clear. "She didn't know about London but I thought you might have explained everything by now?"

"We didn't have lunch," he admitted. "I uh cancelled."

"You cancelled," she cried. "You realise this isn't going to go away, not now she's in town."

"I'm aware of that Lexi," he growled sitting on his chair and running his hands through his hair in frustration. "I'm going to talk to her tonight, I just needed some time to collect my thoughts."

"Fine," she conceded. "This isn't your fault Klaus and Caroline will realise that too. I just wish that psycho ice queen would leave us alone."

"I must say I prefer gold digging bitch but I'll take it," a female voice alerted them from the doorway. They both looked up not expecting she would turn up unannounced, although this was Tatia after all.

"Haven't you heard of knocking?"

"Haven't you heard of being nice?"

"Why would I be nice to you," Lexi growled moving towards the door like she was stalking her prey. Klaus knew this wasn't going to end well.

"Oh I don't know because I work for Gordon Rose," she smiled smugly.

"Right now I couldn't care less and all I want to do is wipe that smug smile off your face."

"Ladies just break it up," he pleaded stalking over to stand between them to prevent any violence. "This isn't helping anyone."

"I can't help that she has a big mouth," Tatia growled glaring at Lexi.

"Well I can't help she's a money-hungry slut," Lexi replied triumphantly.

"Lexi can you please go and get me a coffee, I need to speak with Tatia, alone," he clarified noting her unimpressed glance.

"But.."

"Please Lexi," he implored looking into her brown eyes pleading with her to agree.

"Fine," she groaned reluctantly moving towards the door.

"Just a skinny latte for me," Tatia called out unable to help herself. Lexi stopped willing herself to ignore her comment then realising if she threw a bit of poison in there everything would be okay. She left the room closing the door behind her hoping she was doing the right thing.

"What are you doing here Tatia?" He asked sitting back down and attempting to create as much space between them as possible.

"I thought we could go through the schedule," she replied taking a seat on his desk dangerously close to him.

"We could have done that today at breakfast."

"Yes but Gordon won't be here so it doesn't interest him," she offered. "This is between us to work out."

"Fine but an email would have been sufficient and entirely more professional," Klaus growled trying to control his anger. He had to remember that if he made a wrong move it would affect his working relationship with Gordon, and in the end that would hurt his chances of a promotion.

"Well I'm not an email kind of girl Klaus," she grinned leaning closer so that her leg was grazing against his arm.

"Well I think you are going to need to be Tatia," he implored moving his arm away. "This isn't a game."

"Did I say it was a game?"

"Just stop please," he pleaded. "I am willing to work together but you need to know that it's strictly professional."

"I know that," she shot back. "Don't flatter yourself Mikaelson."

"Well then what are you doing here?"

"I work for Gordon, he trusts my judgement."

"On art?"

"Yes on art," she spluttered jumping off the desk. "We haven't seen each other for a few years Klaus did you ever think that maybe I have changed."

"You'll have to excuse me if I'm suspicious given our history," he drawled.

"Well I've turned over a new leaf," she promised walking towards him purposefully. "I think everything I learnt from you helped me gain a better understanding of art."

"Well I'll believe it when I see it."

"Yes you will," she promised. "Now when do we start?" He looked at her dubiously not believing a word she said but Klaus knew whatever he felt this was work, pure and simple, and he had to comply, there was too much at stake.

"The day after tomorrow," he said attempting to clear the air. He pulled out some documents and laid them on the desk. Tatia walked back towards him and leaned over his shoulder, perusing the papers.

"Sorry to barge in Lexi wasn't at her desk," a melodic voice called out entering the room. Caroline reeled backwards not expecting the cosy sight in front of her.

"Caroline," Klaus said shooting up from his chair at his unexpected visitor.

"I'm sorry am I interrupting something?" She asked.

"No we were just finishing up," Klaus stuttered passing the documents to Tatia quickly and ushering her towards the door.

"I'm Tatia," she introduced herself obviously sizing up the blonde.

"Caroline."

"Oh is this the girlfriend I've heard so much about?" She asked looking back towards Klaus knowingly.

"Yes this is my girlfriend and this is.."

"I work for Gordon Rose," she interrupted.

"It's nice to meet you," Caroline said slowly obviously trying to work out what was happening.

"You too, I'll let myself out," she murmured her eyes staying on his for far too long.

"How's your day been?" Klaus asked attempting to divert attention away from the situation.

"Uh okay besides the cancelled lunch date," she murmured looking at him closely. "Is this why you've been so busy?"

"Yes well the whole Gordon thing has thrown everything into disarray, I'm sorry about cancelling."

"That's okay, I mean I understand," she offered. "I didn't realise he was bringing someone with him though."

"Neither did I," he groaned inwardly.

"You seem to know each other," Caroline observed. "I mean she knew we were going out."

"There's something I need to tell you," he began dreading the ensuing conversation. "Um, Tatia is my ex-girlfriend."

"That I was not expecting," she uttered.

"We broke up years ago I promise," he implored walking towards her and placing his hands on her shoulders.

"Well isn't that a small world."

"The thing is I kind of knew she worked for Gordon."

"How could you know that?" She asked her blue eyes boring into his.

"We uh saw each other in London when I was there."

"Wow," she mumbled before moving away from him and taking a seat across from his desk. "But you didn't think about telling me?"

"It was a shock to the system, and I thought it was the end of it."

"Even though she works for Gordon?"

"I was being naïve I suppose but I thought I'd never see her again," he replied feebly.

"This is just too much to deal with right now," she murmured running her hands through her golden waves.

"Nothing happened you have to believe me, I love you," he cried realising how badly this was all coming out.

"I'm just a little confused though."

"Why?"

"Well for starters if nothing is going on why didn't you mention it when you got back?"

"I thought it was all over," he spluttered. "There was nothing to say."

"Okay then why did you cancel lunch today?" She asked curiously. "If it doesn't mean anything then why couldn't you be honest with me?"

"I just needed time to think."

"About what?" She asked standing up, he didn't respond and after a while Caroline walked towards the door.

"Where are you going?"

"It turns out I need some time to think," she said before leaving the room. Klaus punched his fist on the desk wondering how he managed to stuff everything up so badly.