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Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 38: Cry Me A River

May 24 2015 7:39pm New York City, New York

"This is it man, are you excited?" Stefan asked looking around their new bar.

"I am," he smiled thinking how much he'd achieved in the past few months. First the job he'd wanted for so long and now his new bar was opening tonight.

Stefan and Matt had put in a lot of hard-work when Klaus got his promotion and he was grateful to them for that. He didn't actually realise just how busy he'd be as the Chief Executive Officer of Christies. It was exciting but at the same time he felt like something was missing.

Who was he kidding? That something was a someone and she was a beautiful blonde with blue eyes that danced when she laughed. He was determined to win her back after his birthday and he'd filled her message bank for days pleading for another chance.

He was so happy when she'd agreed to meet for coffee, and he knew exactly what he wanted to say, that he would do anything to make things work. Until of course Ben Taylor called him in for an impromptu meeting and he couldn't say no, especially given what transpired.

He'd sent her a hurried text feeling guilty that his actions yet again were proving Caroline right. Klaus had always been focused when it came to his career and he'd never met anyone he loved enough to compete with it. Caroline had moved in and rocked his world but he couldn't just let go of his aspirations. Call him stubborn but he'd worked too hard for this to let it slip away and he had no idea how to make it work.

He wouldn't admit it but he was too ashamed to contact her after cancelling again and as much as it killed him Klaus knew she was probably better off without him. He wanted to persevere with her but between his guilt, his shame and his newfound workload it never eventuated.

The one thing he had done without fail everyday since, was sketch a picture of her. His memories of their time together were still so clear, from Christmas Eve right up until Valentine's Day and he captured them effortlessly like they were yesterday. For some reason it was the only thing that could soothe him in their separation. He hid them away in a box in his drawer along with the beautiful poem she'd written, it was his little secret.

"Evening gentlemen," a voice called out making them both turn around. "Does this mean I get an endless supply of free alcohol now?"

"Not if you put away as many as you did on this one's birthday," Stefan drawled remembering St Patrick's Day all too well.

"Oh my god, it's contagious."

"What's contagious?"

"You sound scarily like our sister Stefan, runaway and get out while you still can."

"Not a chance in hell man," Stefan laughed thinking what a surprise they were going to get tonight when he proposed, he just hoped she'd say yes.

"Behave Kol," Klaus drawled looking at his cheeky brother.

"Hey, I'm going to be a father, so I tend to behave, at least most of the time these days."

"How is Bonnie?" Klaus asked as Stefan walked towards the kitchen to make sure everything was ready to go for tonight.

"She's moody and annoying," Kol replied. "The pregnancy hasn't changed anything at all."

"So any word on whether I'm going to have a niece or a nephew in six months?"

"The ultrasound is scheduled for Tuesday so we'll find out the sex then," Kol said. "As long as I'm allowed to be there of course."

"Well last time I checked you were the father Kol, you have every right to be there."

"I know, she's just been so hostile and unwelcoming. I mean after everything that happened shouldn't I be the one that's pissed off?"

"I don't know her that well but I think it's a defence mechanism, she doesn't want to admit that she needs you."

"Well I don't need her either," he murmured. "This is about the baby pure and simple."

"I thought you wanted to be with her?"

"No, that was like two months ago, a lot has changed since then," Kol replied. "Where have you been?"

"Working apparently," he grumbled thinking how true it was. "I think you'll make a pretty good father Kol, I mean you are childish by nature so it should be easy to relate to your kid."

"I think you lost your sense of humour under that enormous pile of work you've been doing," he joked. "This place looks better than I imagined, good work brother."

"Yeah it turned out really well," he reiterated. "It was really Stefan and Matt that pulled this together in the last month, I couldn't have done it without them."

"I take it a certain blonde is coming tonight?"

"Lexi?"

"Don't play dumb with me," he growled.

"Rebekah?"

"Yes well that's an unfortunate turn of events but you can't help who your relatives are," he quipped. "A certain ex-girlfriend about yea high with blonde hair and blue eyes."

"I know it's been about two months but I remember what she looks like," he scowled trying to get the image of her out of his head yet again. Something he'd been trying to do for months without luck, he figured drawing pictures of her everyday wasn't helping with that.

"How do you think it's going to go after so long?"

"I suppose if she talks to me that will be some progress."

"I wouldn't hold your breath."

"Tell me something I don't know," he shrugged his shoulders. "Look I'm willing to admit I acted like an idiot, you know it wasn't my finest hour but hopefully we can just move on."

"Do you want to get back together?"

"Of course, I mean I didn't want to break up in the first place," he explained in frustration. "I'm just not sure that it's a good idea given my extra workload, I don't want to let her down again."

"You've always been a control freak Niklaus," he shook his head. "Have you ever thought about letting someone else do the work, I mean you are the boss now."

"I'm not a control freak," he growled choosing to ignore his suggestion. Klaus liked things done his way and there was no way someone was going to change that.

"Ah yes you are," a voice sing songed making him roll his eyes. "Trust me I would know given I see it on a daily basis."

"Ah Lexi, what a pleasure as always," he groaned sending Matt a welcoming smile.

"No really the pleasure is all mine," she shot back. "So what do you think of the new outfit?" Klaus hadn't even bothered to notice what she was wearing, which was hardly surprising.

"It's nice," he gulped taking in the black dress. "Don't you wear something like that to work?"

"This is not work attire boss."

"You can't blame me; I mean it's black, you wear a lot of that colour."

"Wow I think you're definitely up there for employer of the year Niklaus," Kol laughed.

"A little black dress, sometimes abbreviated as LBD, is the classic go-to option," Matt said authoritavely. "Apparently women can own hundreds of these things over the span of their life time."

"I'm a little concerned you know that Matthew," Kol teased.

"He didn't dumbass," Lexi groaned. "I gave him the obligatory LBD tutorial on the way over."

"You are so whipped," Klaus whispered to his new business partner.

"I can still hear you Niklaus," she chided before finally looking around the bar her face lighting up. "Wow I saw the bar a few weeks ago but the final result is awesome."

"We're pretty proud of it," Matt said puffing out his chest.

Gallery was a two story bar on East 9th Street and nestled in the heart of the East Village. Like its name suggested, bright pieces of art work were splashed across the exposed brick walls. Pendant lights hung low over the long bar creating an intimate glow throughout the room.

A huge array of bottles in all shapes and sizes were housed on the wall behind the bar and a large blackboard listed their signature cocktails, red and white wine varieties, gourmet beers and a selection of delicious sounding tapas items.

"You haven't even seen upstairs yet," Stefan said excitedly coming out from the kitchen. "We're holding monthly exhibitions from local artists, starting tonight."

"It's also going to act as a private function room so we can capitalise on the space."

"You guys have done an amazing job," Rebekah inhaled sharply looking at the finished product as she walked inside. "The public relations weren't too bad if I do say so myself."

"How many do we have attending Beks?"

"About fifty of your nearest and dearest."

"I don't even know fifty people," Matt whistled obviously impressed with her work.

"Friends, family and of course all the influential members of the hospitality industry and press."

"This is going to be a good night," Stefan murmured. "Now who wants a drink?"

Klaus knew there was one thing that could make this night perfect but he'd blown that chance and now all he could do was hope that she would find it in her heart to forgive him.

xxxxxxx

The room was packed; Klaus had been busy milling around trying to talk with everyone, at the same time his eyes were trained firmly on the front door waiting for her to arrive. He looked at his watch noticing that a half hour had passed. Had Caroline decided not to come after all? He knew it would be awkward but he didn't care, all he wanted to do was see her gorgeous face again.

He saw Elijah and Katherine chatting away, same with Rebekah, Stefan, Kol, Lexi and Matt but couldn't place her anyway.

"How's the newest bar owner in New York City?" Ben Taylor asked walking over with his wife in tow. He smiled at them warmly, Klaus had to admit since his retirement he'd missed his old boss and family. Shortly after announcing his replacement the Taylors had jetted off for a much needed family vacation.

"Feeling a little overwhelmed right now," he admitted shaking his hand and giving Jen a kiss on the cheek.

"Well I think you've got a hit on your hands by the looks of it," Jen said looking around impressively.

"I hope so, how was the big Europe trip?"

"Fantastic, Ben didn't look at his computer once, which I didn't think was even possible. Plus I think the kids enjoyed having their dad around as well."

"That's good to hear."

"I know we haven't seen each other lately but I just wanted to say I was sorry to hear about you and Caroline."

"Oh well you can't have everything," he murmured sadly trying to pretend he was okay but failing badly.

"I know it must be difficult with her being here tonight." Jen said regarding him curiously. How did she arrive without him noticing? He searched the room madly desperate to see her again even if it was just for an instant. It was then he saw a flash of red and heard a familiar melodic laugh in the distance.

He craned his neck to catch a glimpse, inhaling sharply at the site in front of him. She looked beautiful, not that he was surprised at all. Her blonde hair was straight tonight, hanging like a golden sheaf down the back of her strapless red dress. She was talking to Stefan and Rebekah, her eyes lighting up with every word. Klaus would give anything to be part of that conversation.

It was then he realised the Taylors were standing there looking at him sympathetically, Klaus hated that look. "Oh look it's fine, I'm partners with her friend and cousin so it was to be expected."

"Well as long as you'll be okay," Jen said getting that same look of concern on her face.

"I'll be just fine," he shrugged his shoulders thinking he was anything but that. When he saw her it was like a punch to the chest and he wasn't sure how he was going to get through the rest of the night. "Actually if you'll excuse me I need to check on something in the kitchen."

Klaus was wondering if anyone would notice if one of the bar owners hid in the kitchen all night. As he made his way towards the back he noticed a very familiar old lady loitering at the bar. He grinned sincerely thinking that despite how things had turned out it was good to see her again.

"Nanna," he exclaimed. "Wow, you've certainly dressed up for the occasion." She looked at him curiously before looking down at her purple dress.

"This old thing?"

"Well it looks lovely."

"Don't think you can sweet talk me Klaus Mikaelson," she warned pointing her finger in his direction. Why did he think this was going to be easy? She looked so sweet and innocent but Klaus knew firsthand that nanna was a shark. "Remember our conversation in Chicago then on the phone?"

"Yes," he answered not liking where this was going.

"I told you to make things happen and what did you do?"

"Well I did actually keep to my word on that," he mumbled.

"For about five minutes! Seriously how hard can it be to tell the girl you love her and live happily every after?"

"I did tell her I loved her…"

"Yes and not long after you completely neglected her," nanna sighed shaking her head disapprovingly. "How in the world can you ignore that?" She asked gesturing towards Caroline. He felt his heart drop knowing he'd caused her that much pain.

"I didn't mean to nanna, work just kind of got in the way," he said feeling the need to explain himself but knowing how lame it sounded.

"Work schmurk," she hissed. "If you love someone, as you say you do, you don't just give up that easily. If I'd been as flakey as you there would be no Caroline."

"She doesn't want to talk to me, that much I'm sure of right now."

"Wow I'm starting to think you don't deserve her," she gasped. "If I was you young man I'd talk to her and make things better pronto."

"It's not that easy," he spluttered. "If you hadn't noticed this is a bar opening and probably not the best time for a heart to heart."

"Just another excuse for you to put work first again," she muttered. "You know don't bother. Now who do I have to yell at to get a drink around here?" Klaus shook his head feeling instantly sorry for his bar staff.

"You are cut off," Liz warned coming into his view. Klaus gulped nervously, if he was worried about nanna he was ten times more worried about Liz, she was a sheriff after all.

"I've only had a couple, honestly it's worse than being at the retirement village," she grumbled as she walked away.

"Hi Liz."

"Klaus, this is some bar you've got here."

"Yeah it's worked out well, I couldn't ask for better partners than Matt and Stefan."

"Let's cut to the chase shall we?"

"Well nanna didn't hold back so I don't expect you to either, must be something in the Forbes genes," he half-joked noticing her unimpressed expression. "Sorry I joke when I'm nervous."

"Clearly," she shot back. "So I hear you've been busy with your new job?"

"Yes it has kept me occupied," he said quietly.

"Well I guess congratulations are in order" she murmured and he could tell she meant it. "I was upset to hear about you and my daughter though."

"I know, it wasn't how I saw things going either," he admitted.

"What happened to the man in my kitchen who declared his love and commitment for my daughter while I nearly overcooked the green beans?"

"Well sometimes things don't work out even when everything inside you wants them to," he mumbled.

"Do you know what I find so interesting?" She asked. "How someone could be so convincing when he was pretending to be my daughter's boyfriend." He looked up at her the guilt washing over his face immediately.

"I'm sorry, we didn't mean…"

"I'm not looking for an apology, even though it was the most stupid scheme I've ever heard of in my life," she groaned. "When I found out the first thing I thought was that you must have been a pretty good actor, but on closer reflection I realised you can't fake those sort of feelings."

"You did?"

"Yes, you were in love with my daughter then, which is pretty unbelievable given you'd only known each other twenty-four hours or something ludicrous like that."

"I suppose I did," he answered realising he'd never thought about it until now because he was so busy being in denial about his feelings at the time.

"That kind of love at first sight is pretty rare this day in age Klaus," Liz commented. "What I found utterly hard to believe is that you would let it all go so easily."

"It wasn't easy Liz trust me," he pleaded. "I've had dreams ever since I was younger and they were within my grasp."

"So why does one dream need to compromise another?"

"I don't know," he said throwing up his hands. "As pathetic as it sounds I didn't know how to do both, I've never loved anyone like I love Caroline and it scared me."

"We all get scared sometimes Klaus," she conceded. "But the bravest thing you can do is face that fear head-on."

"I don't deserve her," he replied defeatedly. "After everything I've done, I'll be lucky if she ever speaks to me again."

"Look I was pretty angry when I heard about what you did and I'd be lying if I was okay with it," she started and he wondered where she was going with this. "But the love shining in your eyes right now is exactly the same as I saw in my daughter's eyes yesterday and it would be an absolute waste to let that go."

"I want to make this better."

"Then fight for her. You know life is too short not to spend with the one you love; and if you're not careful you'll lose her altogether." Klaus wasn't sure what she meant but was determined to do exactly what she said.

Klaus closed his eyes momentarily knowing that she was right. He'd been such a stubborn idiot and it was time that he faced up to his denial and lay it all on the line. Even if she rejected him at least he'd know he'd tried.

Xxxxxxxx

Klaus was frustrated, every time he came close to talking with Caroline someone approached him to congratulate him on the bar. He'd kept an eye on her watching as she chatted away to everyone but him. Klaus didn't expect that she'd approach him and he knew it was up to him.

He looked around after a particularly boring discussion with a journalist noticing he couldn't see her anymore. Had she left? He had to kick himself for not speaking to her sooner. Then he noticed her ascending the stairs and knew this was his opportunity.

He followed her upstairs desperate to talk with her. People had been coming in and out all evening but the room was empty now, something he was glad about. He looked around at the graffiti inspired art covering the surrounding walls.

"This looks familiar," he heard her say quietly. His heart leapt into his mouth as he listened to her melodic sounding voice.

"It's the same homeless artists that I showed you on New Years," he said finally finding his voice. "I wanted this to be the first exhibition we had because they deserve the recognition and hopefully they can earn a profit too."

"Good choice," she murmured not meeting his eyes.

"I'm so glad you came tonight," he murmured.

"Yeah well it's a big night for Stefan and Matt," she acknowledged. "Actually I really should get back downstairs."

"No, please don't go," he pleaded. "I really want to talk to you."

"Well you had your chance Klaus, in fact you had multiple chances," she shot back. "I'm not interested in visiting memory lane, especially here and now."

"I know I did," he breathed in deeply before continuing. "I was an idiot, I let work get in the way of what we had."

"What did we have exactly?"

"We love each other," he implored using the present tense hoping to appeal to her. "I don't want to live without you anymore Caroline, I've missed you every minute of every day since we've been apart."

"You sure have a funny way of showing it," she scoffed. "If you really loved me Klaus you would have made time for me in your busy schedule, not cancelled on me time after time for work."

"I screwed up I know, it sounds stupid I know but the thought of having every thing I ever wanted scared the hell out of me."

"How is that scary?"

"Nothing has ever been this perfect in my life," he mumbled. "It's all been about work because I've never been in love before. Having both was something I wasn't used to and I didn't know how to handle it. So I got scared and messed things up."

"That's an understatement," she muttered. "Look this is really not the time for this conversation."

"So when will it be?"

"I don't know if it ever will be Klaus, you had your chance and you blew it over and over again," she replied in frustration.

"I know and you have every right to be mad," he agreed. "But can't we try again, please just give me one more chance?"

"In what world do you think I would put myself through that again?"

"If I could do it all again I would, you have to believe me," he promised.

"No!" She cried her patience obviously wearing thin. "You broke my heart into hundreds of tiny pieces, you hurt me and I'll be damned if I let you do that to me again." She ran towards the stairs swiping furiously at her tears that were falling.

He felt terrible that he'd done that to her yet again. "Caroline please?"

"I don't owe you anything," she growled attempting to calm down before going back downstairs and making a scene.

"No you don't," he agreed. "Do you think there will ever be a time when you might forgive me?"

"I have no idea and right now it's the furthest thing from my mind Klaus," she gulped. "You have to respect that."

Klaus was silent for a moment processing what she was asking. He'd been so selfish about what he wanted but now that Caroline was asking this one thing he had to give it to her.

"Okay I will for now," he said his voice raspy with sadness. "But I want you to know I will not stop fighting for you, I love you Caroline Forbes."

He held her gaze silently pleading with her for another chance. He didn't want things to end like this and he wanted her to know it would never be over for him. He broke out of his trance hearing a hush fall over the crowd downstairs and the cry of speech ring out in unison.

She began to descend the stairs and he couldn't help but murmur her name hoping she wouldn't leave him just yet.

"I think you might want to be downstairs for the speeches." He watched her go helplessly wanting to be anywhere but there at the moment. He followed her down reluctantly pasting on his usual fake smile and pretending everything was okay when it was anything but that.