Lessons of Love
Chapter 11 Separation Anxiety
Standard disclaimer: I don't own Monk.
Notes: Apologies for this chapter- I said this would be the bachelor/bachelorette parties & grrrr, it didn't feel right to jump right in. So this chapter is the day's events leading up to the action….. And please excuse any typo's, this heat-wave is making me a bit scattered. (101F yesterday! - it couldn't have been an even 100F?) ~ I'm un-air-conditioned, so yeah for ice-pops!
Many thanks to Monkwriter, LovAdrian, monknataliefan, MonkNat08, and SpaceCadet47- for all the input and inspiration, I'm so very grateful! xoxo
With a bright azure sky and unrestrained sunshine, Thursday was another gorgeous day in Lake Tahoe. Although blankets of snow remained heavily piled on the ground and continued to cover many trees, the warming sun collected here and there and bits of green emerged, hopeful and brave. Winter loosened its icy hold and the sound of awakening filled the air- the faint drip, drip, drip of melting icicles, the steady gurgle running through gutters, the chattering of birds, rustling through bare branches and squabbling over the last of the winterberries.
So in light jackets and with high spirits, locals and tourists alike were lured outside by this fleeting hint of spring. It was truly a carefree day- at least for most.
Gathered over brunch on the sun-drenched veranda, worry gripped the wedding party. The Captain was silent, his gaze suspicious, sweeping back and forth. Randy, with an inscrutable smile frozen on his face, fidgeted, his hand absentmindedly touching his hip feeling for the weapon he left back in New Jersey. Sharona also clearly showed her anxiety, narrowing her eyes at every person who came within ten feet of their table. The only bit of relief came from TK, Julie and Benji. They valiantly tried to engage in an upbeat conversation with Natalie and, unsurprisingly, carefully avoided any mention of the murder investigation.
Looking around the table, Adrian discerned that he and Natalie were the only ones truly at ease. With her lighthearted comments and frequent touches, Adrian didn't need his detective skills to realize Natalie felt comforted to have him close, under her protective supervision. As for Adrian, the attempt on his life hadn't frightened him but rather, and quiet ironically, made him optimistic. The snowplow was merely a sign of the murderer's desperation and that he was close to solving the case.
And although he was naturally concerned about threats against Natalie and Julie, deep in his heart Adrian knew they would be safe. He would protect them. And his friends, well, they were his backup. Adrian glanced around the table with an overwhelming affection- This truly was his family.
Considering why they had originally come to Lake Tahoe, Adrian felt a stab of guilt. His friends were bristling with tension and, if not completely miserable, they were at the very least unhappy. This was ultimately Adrian's fault and he needed to fix it.
He snuck a sideways glance at Natalie and was momentarily taken aback to see her voraciously devouring her breakfast. Eating for two, indeed! In mid-bite she suddenly met his gaze and, fighting a flustered smirk, raised her napkin to her conceal her overstuffed mouth. Once she swallowed, Adrian discreetly leaned over and whispered in her ear.
Adrian's actions were not unnoticed by his first assistant however. Sharona loudly called across the table, unwittingly silencing the entire wedding party, "Hey guys, don't ya know it's impolite to tell secrets?"
Adrian leaned away and Natalie replied, "No secrets, we were just-" she quickly glanced at her future husband and then scanned the faces around the table, "we were just thinking. We're going to stay around the lodge today and tie up last minute details for the wedding. There's no reason for you to stay around and babysit us - go and enjoy yourselves today."
The Captain began shaking his head, "No, I don't think-"
Adrian rolled his shoulder and interrupted, "Leland, we can't just sit around and be held hostage by 'what might happen'. When Deputy Alexander called last night, she said the local LEO's were setting up a stakeout on James Kelly." Leland, still skeptical, opened his mouth but Adrian added, "Don't worry, Captain…Hmm, I know that sounds bizarre coming from me, but really, I am the expert on when to worry."
Sharona waved a hand with impatience and scoffed, "Yeah, don't worry about homicidal maniacs but worry over, what, misaligned silverware?"
"No. I mean, wait, hold on-" Adrian's attention suddenly diverted by the mess that lay before him, he reached out and fingered the pieces of his breakfast service.
Calmly taking Sharona's hand, Randy's clear blue eyes challenged Adrian, "Okay Monk, Kelly's taken care of, but what about Tiffany Philips? You don't think she's dangerous?"
Breaking away from his distraction, Adrian looked between Randy and the Captain, "As long as Natalie and I stay close, together-" his voice wavered as unexpected images intruded upon his thoughts. Feeling a blush creep across his skin, he forced himself to hold Leland's gaze and stammered, "She wouldn't try anything here. We'll be safe."
The Captain turned to TK and she nodded, "I think Adrian's right. And if there's one thing I learned being a cop's wife, it's you can't let the bad guys rob you of enjoying your life." Leland's scowl remained and TK added, "Remember, you were the one who wouldn't let threats stop our wedding."
Leland sighed then glared at Adrian, "As long as you two promise to stay here and stick together like glue."
Natalie slid her arm over Adrian's shoulder and, playfully raising an eyebrow, gave an earthy chuckle, "If you'll leave us alone, that's the plan."
A burst of snickers erupted around the table, punctuated by Julie gasping, "Ewww Mom!"
Completely mortified, but also unsure if he should correct their false presumption of how he and Natalie would spend the day, Adrian simply looked down. The answer to his dilemma, he decided, was to pray a sinkhole might open up and swallow him whole. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't react when Natalie shifted closer and curled her other hand around his bicep.
With her lips suddenly against his ear, Natalie whisper was conspiratorial, "If we want them to go off and enjoy the day, they need to know we'll be safe. They also need to believe they're doing us a big favor by leaving us alone, right?" Adrian gave an imperceptible nod.
Giving his arm a squeeze, Natalie scanned their friend's faces and adamantly insisted, "This blasted investigation has caused enough disruptions this week. We'll stay here, alone, while you all shoo and enjoy this beautiful day! We'll meet back here after dinner- when it's time for our parties, okay? – And that's an order, not a suggestion!"
With reluctance, the group agreed and synchronized their plans. The two couples decided to hit the town separately while Natalie called Jonathan and enlisted him to chaperone Julie and Benji on the slopes. Cell phones were then checked and times were set for mandatory check-in calls. By the time the brunch dishes were cleared, and despite the provisions made to ensure safety, it was shaping up to be a relatively relaxing day.
Only after their friends departed did Adrian realize this day was one big gift/curse situation. Of course the gift was obvious- spending the day alone with Natalie and being one day closer to the wedding.
But the curse? Oh, the curse…
It was bad. No, it was loathsome. Unpleasant and unwelcome and unnecessary, it was an adversity he couldn't avoid. The best he could do was temporarily put it out of his mind.
But after a blissful afternoon spent at Natalie's side, Adrian's anxiety skyrocketed at the first hint of sunset. Tick, tick, tick, tick. With each passing moment, the misfortune loomed nearer and nearer.
After a simple dinner, Adrian and Natalie retreated to the lodge's main hall and shared a couch in front of a fireplace. But despite the crackling blaze, and in spite of Natalie's warm words, Adrian felt cold. The sky outside turned from pink to red, the last shreds of daylight flooding the main hall. It would happen soon…any minute now…
Natalie suddenly looked over her shoulder and cheerfully exclaimed, "Hi guys!"
The faint warning bells that had nagged him throughout the afternoon transformed into a wailing siren. Adrian tensed, waiting for the inevitable.
Leland's hand landed on Adrian's shoulder, "Hey Monk, ready for your bachelor party?"
~~~~~LOL~~~~~
After showering and donning a dress shirt and slacks, Adrian blindly paced his room, nervously waiting for Leland. Stopping in front of the mirror, he attempted to give himself a pep talk, "At least you're not going to, to… the dentist. Or to the, the-"
When he couldn't think of any other worst-case scenarios, Adrian resumed pacing. The knock on the door finally came and he trudged over, dead man walking. Taking a deep breath, he turned the doorknob.
The Captain moseyed into the room, a bag tucked under his arm. A grin distorted his mustache as he surveyed Adrian's pale countenance, "Damn Monk, it's a party, not a firing squad."
"That's too bad," Adrian murmured, a sea-sick smile gracing his face. Slowly closing the door, Adrian anxiously followed the Captain to the center of the room. Oh God, they would leave any minute now! Nervously threading his hands together, Adrian rolled a shoulder and stared at Natalie's photo on the dresser.
The Captain followed Adrian's gaze and grew serious, "Adrian, if you're worried about safety, Natalie and yours, don't be. I just got off the phone with Deputy Alexander and she assured me the security for tonight is bulletproof."
"I know, I spoke with the Deputy earlier," Adrian admitted, secure knowing that trusty eyes would be guarding his bride. Sighing, he rubbed his brow, "I'm just not, you know, thrilled to spend the night apart from Natalie."
Leland gently coaxed, "Look Adrian, tonight is a once in a lifetime thing for you and Nat. And even though you want to be together, I'm sure you wouldn't want to deprive Natalie of this last night with her girlfriends, right? So just try and relax and it'll be over before you know it."
"Okay," Adrian quietly conceded, fighting the urge to tell Leland about Natalie's condition and that, before long, it would surely limit future 'girls' night out'.
"Good!" Leland laughed, his mood lightening. The Captain then shoved the bag that he had been holding against Adrian's chest, "Here, this is for tonight."
Adrian grew dizzy. Why did people insist on giving him things when they came to his room? Cradling the package, he noticed it was light and soft. Curious, Adrian peeked inside and breathed a sigh of relief; it was some type of shirt. "Thanks Leland," he murmured while closing the package.
"No Monk, you need to wear that tonight," The Captain admonished.
Adrian reluctantly pulled the garment from the bag, looking at it with curiosity. Since Adrian had once attended a hockey game with Hal, he knew it was a hockey jersey. It was, of course, brown and had white lettering. On the front it said 'Property of Natalie' and on the back it had the number '10' and across the shoulders it said 'Groom.'
As Adrian studied the jersey, Leland chuckled, "So you know, as we speak, TK is giving Natalie her very own 'Property of Adrian' shirt. You two will be matching tonight."
"Matching?" Adrian laughed with delight, "Thank you Captain." He held the shirt out, suddenly bewildered, the logistics of pairing a hockey jersey with his outfit confusing.
Leland groaned, "Monk, lose the dress shirt." Adrian remained indecisive. Rolling his eyes, the Captain coughed into his hand and wiped it down Adrian's arm.
"Are you drunk already?" Adrian yelped, cringing as the germs penetrated his shirt sleeve.
"Change. Now." Leland deadpanned.
Retreating to the bathroom, Adrian stripped off the tainted shirt and washed thoroughly before pulling the jersey over his undershirt. By the time he opened the door, his room was bustling with the rest of the wedding party.
Natalie squealed and ran to him, her eyes sparkling, "Wow, look at you!" She circled behind him, oohing over the shirt, "Groom! How cute! And number 10? How sweet is that?" Coming around in front of him, she traced her fingers along the words, "Property of Natalie- I love that!"
His eyes drifting from her face to her outfit, Adrian felt too tongue-tied to properly return her compliments. Despite her wearing the matching shirt with a skirt and heels, Natalie somehow managed to look sexy. Clearing his throat, he managed a murmur, "Wow, yourself."
"Oh, you two are just too cute!" Sharona blurted as she rummaged through her purse, "I've got to take a picture."
"Me too!" Julie pulled her phone from her pocket and proceeded to click away at the self-conscious groom and cheerful bride.
Natalie looped her arm through Adrian's and chuckled, "I need copies for the wedding album, please."
After the impromptu photo-shoot, the Captain loudly clapped his hands, "Okay boys, let's get going."
As the men shuffled towards the door, Natalie and Adrian's hands slipped together. Natalie whispered, "Don't worry, I'll see you later. Love you."
"Come on, Monk!" Randy happily bellowed.
Shooting a withering glance at their friends, Adrian remained unmoving. He wanted to say a proper farewell.
The men remained clustered in the doorway. Leland barked, "Monk, we're waiting on you."
"Give me a minute to say goodbye, why don't you all wait outside." Adrian snipped back.
"No, we're staying," Sharona teased, a smirk lighting her face. "Come on Adrian, don't be shy. Just give her a big old smooch and get out of here."
Leland crossed his arms across his chest and leaned against the doorjamb, amusement plastered across his face, "Come on buddy."
Seeing all the expectant grins, it was obvious they wouldn't be getting any privacy. With their fingers still entwined, Adrian stepped back and pulled Natalie into the bathroom. Releasing her hand, he slammed the door and growled with irritation, "How childish." When he turned to face Natalie, he flinched, startled by her close proximity.
Natalie slid her arms over his shoulders and purred, "Okay Mr. Monk, you have me alone. Now what?"
His vexation immediately forgotten, Adrian wrapped his arms around her waist. Dipping his head closer, he sighed, "Now this." The kisses that followed were soft, gentle, interrupting his words as he suggested, "Why *don't * we * stay *here?"
After the last kiss, Natalie snickered, "That's a tempting proposition." She then sighed and disentangled herself from his embrace, "But we can't. You know, these parties are really for our friends. We can't disappoint them."
Adrian shuddered, "Natalie, do you know what kind of, you know, place they're dragging me to? It's called 'Minx', for God's sake!"
"Adrian, I know you're uncomfortable with this 'macho' guy-stuff, but remember how well you did impersonating Frankie DePalma. Just go along tonight and pretend you're one of the guys."
Rather than comforting, Natalie's words felt like a rebuke. No, he certainly wasn't like Frankie DePalma, and no, he might not be considered one of the guys. But still, didn't she see him as a guy? Despite everything he had recently gone through, did she think him too timid and still a muss?
But he knew he wasn't a muss, no, not when it counted. And he wanted to prove it, right now.
Holding her gaze, he stepped forward, invading her personal space, causing her to step backward. Her back bumping against the bathroom's door, she snickered as a questioning smile formed on her face. He braced his hands on either side of her shoulders, trapping her. Without a word, not fighting the rakish grin that tugged at his lips, he slowly leaned closer. He watched her eyes widen, her smile becoming uncertain, a breathy gasp escaping from her lips.
The kiss that followed was anything but timid. Demanding and all consuming, his entire consciousness focused on her. And her muted groans only enticed him further. Pressing the length of his body against hers, the outside world ceased to exist.
The kissing intensified, fervent and without inhibition, until a sudden loud bang startled them apart. Now separated, Adrian and Natalie looked at each other with muddled confusion, their hearts beating madly and hands blindly reaching out for each other.
Another loud whack rattled the door and was followed by Leland's muffled voice, "Finish up already!"
The couple shared a stifled chuckle. They smoothed over and straightened any dishevelment, preparing to face their friends. After checking her makeup in the mirror, Natalie turned back to Adrian and snickered. His face registered confusion until she reached up and, ever so gently, wiped away a smudge of lip gloss that stained his mouth. "There, that's better."
A third rap sounded on the door, but this time Sharona's muffled voice prodded them, "Let's go. Save some for the honeymoon!"
Brushing a wayward hair from Natalie's cheek, Adrian whispered, "So I'll call you tonight after I get back?"
"You better." Natalie replied, rising to her tiptoes and giving his a soft kiss. After they exchanged their 'I love you's, she took his hand and stepped toward the door. Putting her free hand on the doorknob, she hesitated, flicking her eyes at the door then back again, "You know, that kiss, you taking charge, I, hmm, I really liked that. You should do that more often."
With an odd sense of power gripping his heart, a broad smile lit his face, "That shouldn't be a problem."
"Good," Natalie purred in agreement. Dropping her gaze and shifting her body, she turned the doorknob, "Let's get this over with then."
As the door cracked open, in a rush of boldness, Adrian impulsively gave Natalie's bottom a swat and huskily growled, "Lead the way, woman."
She shot him a look of disbelief and his dark eyes flashed back with glee.
It was going to be a very strange night indeed.
~~~~~LOL~~~~~
Although Julie was hanging onto one arm and TK holding the other, Natalie wobbled, her steps unsure. Blindfolded, she felt a sudden pang of tenderness for Adrian, remembering the time he had suffered the temporary blindness. Natalie chuckled to herself, realizing that each day she learned to appreciate him more and more.
When her escorts finally slowed to a stop, Natalie sensed another person's presence. They must have reached their destination! After tilting her head and hearing the muffled beat of music, Natalie enthusiastically asked, "Can I take off the blindfold now?"
"Not yet," TK immediately answered.
Sharona, the unseen person waiting at the party room's door, snorted. Sharing a devilish look with the other girls, she suggestively questioned, "Jeesh Natalie, are you this eager with Adrian?"
TK laughed and Julie rolled her eyes and snickered, "You guys are awful."
Sharona smirked and pulled the door open, revealing the crowded room. "And the night's just beginning, kiddo."
As they entered the room, Natalie released TK and held tight to Julie's arm. Speaking loudly over the music, she repeated an earlier warning, "Remember sweetie, no drinking. And if things get a little too crazy, I'm sending you back to your room, okay?"
Nodding to the cluster of women as she led her mother forward, Julie replied, "Don't worry, I'll be good."
At the center of the room, Natalie was finally allowed to remove her blindfold. Seeing all her old girlfriends, the bride cried with delight as they took turns exchanging hugs and kisses. Then, through the crowd, Natalie's eyes fell upon the bartender and two waiters in the room. She gasped, shocked.
Young and buff and movie-star handsome, their uniform, if it could be called that, consisted of black slacks, black shoes and white cuffs around their wrists. Natalie's mouth remained open as she stared, rudely.
TK nudged her with her elbow, "I bet their dry cleaning bill wouldn't break the bank."
Closing her mouth, Natalie nodded numbly. Turning to Julie, she whispered, "Remember, no guarantee you're staying for the whole party."
Julie retorted, "Mom, if the party gets that wild, you're leaving with me!"
"Fine," Natalie agreed, tearing her gaze from the men. Her eyes drifted around the room and she froze when she spotted an unknown woman across the room. Wait, the woman looked different because of her hairstyle and outfit, but Natalie did recognize her… Why was she at the party?
Natalie nodded 'hello' and the unexpected guest raised a wineglass in a toast but remained stationary, making no effort to approach. Natalie was in no rush to speak with her and held her ground as well. Instead, she turned and whispered to her daughter, "Sweetie, could you please get me something non-alcoholic, perhaps a sparkling water, in a wine glass?"
Julie was off in a flash and when she returned, she had a big grin on her face, "Here you go!"
Natalie shot a suspicious look at the bartender, "What happened, what's so funny?"
"Read the cocktail napkin!" Julie snickered as she handed over the drink.
It was upside down, so Natalie rotated the pink square. Her eyes widened in disbelief and she murmured, "Oh dear."
Written in silver cursive, the cocktail napkin proudly proclaimed:
~~~ Natalie's bachelorette party~~
~~It's not over until someone calls the cops~~
~~~~~LOL~~~~~
With Randy, Benji and Jonathan shoehorned in the back seat, loud and rowdy, the Captain cringed and muttered, "This reminds me of when my kids were small, you know?" Not hearing a response, Leland peeled his eyes from the road and glanced to his right, "How you doing, buddy?"
Nervously fingering his seatbelt, Adrian's voice waivered, "Fine."
"Listen Monk, I know you don't like surprises so how about I give you tonight's run down?" Adrian sighed in agreement and the Captain began, "So I already told you the club's name is 'Minx'. It's on the southern edge of Lake Tahoe so we should be there in about fifteen minutes… It's a, well, a gentleman's club and-"
"If that's not an oxymoron," Adrian snorted.
"Monk, it's not that bad, I promise. Yeah, the girls are in skimpy costumes but they don't, you know-" he lowered his voice, "completely strip." Adrian groaned and Leland pressed on, "Adrian, come on. It's not any worse than that mafia hangout you were in down in LA for the DePalma case. We're just gonna go in, have a few drinks, maybe some food-"
"Food? I don't think so." Adrian brought his fist to his mouth, suppressing a gag.
"Well, not for you, but for everyone else." The Captain let out a chuckle, "Anyway, another thing - a few guys from the precinct wanted to surprise you and are meeting us at the club."
"Really, they wanted to come?" Adrian was flabbergasted.
"Yep. Monk, believe it or not, a lot of people care about you." The Captain then chuckled, "Of course the half-dressed women are just an added bonus."
Benji suddenly leaned forward, eager, draping his arm over the back of Adrian's seat, "What're you guys talking about?"
Without missing a beat, the Captain replied, "We were just agreeing that you are NOT drinking tonight and that you ARE going to behave yourself."
"I know, Mom and Randy both told me." Benji answered with a hint of exasperation in his voice.
The passengers all fell silent when Leland slowed the car and turned into a parking lot. Adrian reluctantly looked towards their destination while the Captain found a parking spot.
Square and nondescript, it might have housed any type of business if not for two things: it lacked windows and the red neon sign. Adrian hypnotically watched the letters slowly blink on, first the M, then MI, MIN, then lastly MINX. "Of course," he murmured, not surprised to see that the club's name was punctuated with the image of a martini glass.
The car was suddenly quiet; the three men previously crowded in the backseat had already bailed out and were excitedly pacing in front of the car. Pulling the keys from the ignition, the Captain cuffed Adrian on the shoulder, "Ready to do this, buddy?"
Even though he would rather stay in the car, Adrian exhaled a deep breath and unfastened his seatbelt. He climbed from the vehicle and let Leland, hand square on his back, prod him toward the entrance. Randy, Benji and Jonathan eagerly led the way, trying to engage Adrian in conversation but the anxious groom remained silent, merely shrugging his replies.
Leland held the door open and Adrian sheepishly met his gaze- yes, he would go through with this. But as he crossed the threshold into the club, Adrian looked down and silently vowed three things- to keep his eyes averted, behave like a real gentleman, and keep his dignity intact.
Despite his best intentions, by the end of the night Adrian would fail at all three.
A/N: Okay, bachelor/bachelorette party next chapter! ;)