The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Sixty-Seven
By Gayforkurt
Summary: Kurt and Dave have come to terms with the past but can they battle the envy and jealousy of others to make a future for themselves? This is rated M.
A/N: A huge 'thank-you' to my reviewers; your words never fail to encourage and inspire me.
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favourite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
The following day found Kurt, along with Julian and Xavier strolling along the busy streets and through the piazzas of Europe's fashion centre, Milan, with a big grin on his face. Obviously this wasn't his first time here and he happily pointed out the world-famous fashion houses to the other men who struggled to appear as intrigued as he.
"And I found the hottest little jacket in Emporio Armani, you wouldn't believe," he was burbling now as he strutted along the Via Montenapoleone and eventually heading inside of Gucci. "Don't worry, I won't be spending my entire lunch hour in here."
Julian and Xavier exchanged relieved little looks only to have them wiped away as Kurt's musical voice floated back to them: "I need to check out Versace, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana, too!"
His high laugh was the last they heard of him as they decided to stay near the front door, only glimpsing him occasionally as he and one of the elegant assistants whirled through the store. Xavier shook his head, wondering quietly to Julian how much clothes one person really needed. He made sure to keep his voice low as he knew if Kurt had overheard him he would have been in for quite a lecture.
Soon they headed out and, true to his word, Kurt made swift dashes in and out of the other stores, returning with shopping bags each time. What the agents found interesting however that it was not only fashion they could see in the famous store but also flowers, books and the latest furnishings that were available, too.
The most important stop they made was back at the hotel – which was only five minutes from La Scala – to drop off his shopping and grab a snack in the hotel's American bar. On returning from the suite, Kurt smiled at the two patient men and as he took his latte grande from Julian, he dropped a bag in Xavier's lap.
The agent looked at him with a raised eyebrow before reaching into the shopping bag whereupon he withdrew two luxuriously soft scarves. Kurt shrugged, a slight blush across his cheeks and after taking a fortifying sip, explained: "I saw those in Armani and thought they would look good on you guys. I didn't get anything too girly," he chuckled as Xavier handed Julian a scarf. "They are in quite manly shades of grey with touches of blue and black."
Julian stuttered out a little thank you as he coloured but Xavier slung his scarf around his shoulders and preened, asking Kurt, "I look good, yeah?"
Kurt laughed and assured him he did, which was true and added: "It's just a little thank you for having to babysit me, that's all. So not a big deal," and rolled his eyes at the grinning agent.
Needless to say they were late back to rehearsal but Rex simply turned a jaundiced eye on the blushing countertenor and returned to watching the chorus go through their paces. Cooper, who had been sitting one row behind Rex, eyed the singer and grinned but said nothing. Kurt ignored him to hurry backstage to change into his costume with the help of his assistants who insisted on giggling and asking him about his engagement.
Kurt good-naturedly endured their chatter and eventually he was ready for his scenes and as he dashed out the door he passed Julian and Xavier heading into the changing room to wait for him. He paused to yell back: "Oh, I'm expecting a call from Monica, guys. I forgot to say earlier… and I think she might be flying in later."
He continued his mad dash to make it to the wings in time before Rex had to start yelling for him and the two agents stared after him before looking at each other. Sometimes Kurt just seemed years younger than his actual age but they really didn't mind. A happy Kurt was a joy to deal with, seriously.
.
KHDK
.
Monica relaxed in the back of the hired car as it sped from Linate Airport through the streets of Milan. She stared out at the passing scenery, her mind struggling to contain her excitement from bursting through her normally stoic façade. Years of working with the ultra-rich had taught her how to keep her emotions to herself and although David Karofsky was in no way a snob, she still held herself in a rigidly professional manner when dealing with him. Now, seated in the back of the limousine and speeding towards some no doubt luxurious hotel to confer with his fiancé, she couldn't hold back a pleased little smile.
Milan wasn't a place she had seen herself ever visiting; the few holidays she'd taken had been twice to Palma de Mallorca and once to the south of France with a friend. Here she was now, just having disembarked from a private jet that had flown her from Heathrow to Linate and she was travelling in style. A part of her couldn't help gloating but she controlled herself; when Xavier glanced at her in the rear view mirror, she was once again her cool professional self.
In less than forty minutes or so they were pulling up to the hotel, being helped out by a doorman who instructed a bellhop to get her things from the boot. Xavier hopped out, threw the keys to a parking valet and came around to take her elbow, ushering her into the foyer of the absolutely breathtaking 18th century building that was the Grand Hotel et de Milan. She couldn't help taking a quick little breath as she stared but quickly she was all business again when Xavier and she were met by the smiling and helpful concierge.
Kurt apparently was waiting for her in her suite next to his but opposite to the agents' and she sighed in relief when she was greeted with a hug by the singer. He smiled down at her as he helped her out of her coat and got her settled with a glass of sherry before turning to beam at her.
"So, how was your flight? Did you talk to David? Oh, yes, you would have, that's why you're here," he chattered nonstop as he watched her taking tiny little sips of the delicious wine. "Are you tired? Maybe you want to freshen up a bit before we go down to dinner? Oh, and the shopping is amazing, of course. Have you been to Milan before?"
When he'd apparently run out of breath and was staring at her with his big, beautiful eyes, she chuckled a bit and shook her head. "Okay, where to start," she twinkled at him and he coloured slightly, just realizing how he had been rambling on and on. "The flight was okay; yes, I did speak with Mr. Karofsky; no, I'm not tired but I would like to freshen up before dinner, thank you and, no, I've never been to Milan before this."
They laughed for a bit and when she'd finished her glass of sherry he rose to show her through to the bedroom with its en suite. He watched her face as she took in the splendour of the hotel's décor and smiled. "Yes, it's gorgeous, isn't it? I absolutely love it; maybe it's the artist in me but I can understand why people like Callas and Caruso would hang out here."
She nodded, agreeing and smiled when he told her to call him or come over to his suite when she'd freshened up. "I'm right next door," he explained, "and the guys are on the other side of me. I have a cul de sac suite or something, I guess, because it's so huge."
He fluttered his fingers at her and left her to her unpacking and ablutions, a happy smile on his face. She watched after him and then turned to her luggage, deciding to sort her things out before heading into the en suite and getting lost in a bubble bath.
In less than an hour she was dressed and ready to head over to Kurt's suite and not knowing exactly where they would be having dinner, she took a light shawl with her and then secured her passkey in her clutch. She took one last glance around her suite before stepping out, a pleased smile on her usually somber face.
As Kurt's suite was obviously the largest on that floor and in a cul de sac as he'd joked, she made her way to the ornate cream and gold doors, pressing the buzzer once and firmly. She looked up, startled when the door swung open to reveal the young, fair-haired chap she'd met at the singer's home and stepped inside as he held the door for her.
Julian greeted her with a small but pleasant smile, inviting her to have a seat while they waited on both Kurt and Xavier. He launched into rather cordial chatter, his upper crust tones making her feel as if she were in some aristocratic drawing room back in England. They even spoke about the weather, of all things. She relaxed, however, as this was more what she was accustomed to; polite aimless chatter designed to pass the time.
Kurt bounced out of his bedroom, still tugging on a beautiful cobalt blue fitted jacket in a vaguely militaristic style, its small gold buttons gleaming. He was wearing light grey, well-fitted trousers that hugged his surprisingly muscular legs and gleaming black knee-high boots. As he greeted her cheerfully he grabbed a rather long, soft scarf in a silvery grey and looped it several times around the tall column of his neck.
As she replied to his inquiry if she was ready for some delicious Milanese cuisine, she took in the way his hair gleamed beneath the light of the chandelier and how his eyes and lips glowed against the porcelain fairness of his skin. His whole look was so dramatic and stunning it wasn't surprising that her boss had apparently fallen head over heels for him. On top of all of his rather obvious attributes, he appeared to be a very generous and charming young man.
Her perusal was interrupted when a sharp rap came at the door and Julian opened it to reveal the ever-smiling Xavier, resplendent in a dark suit with a white turtle neck sweater. She couldn't tell which gleamed more brightly – his teeth or the sweater – but he made her want to smile back with his affable grin.
Kurt clapped his hands together and told them he'd reserved a table for four – again – down in Caruso, the hotel's famous restaurant named for the equally famous tenor. "Shall we," he gestured now ahead of him as he nodded to Monica for her to precede him.
They all headed out ahead of him towards the lift as he locked the door and Julian told her as they glided down that they'd eaten in the other restaurant the night before. "Ristorante Don Carlos is named for the Verdi character, I think, because Verdi came here for nearly 27 years."
Kurt smiled at him but said to Monica, who looked quite interested in the little tidbits of information she was getting, "They have a suite here with his name, too, and it's said he actually passed away here."
"I do love to find out the history of buildings," she said, smiling her thanks as the lift doors opened and Julian stood aside to let her precede him. "I sometimes think about the people who built them and even more about the people who lived in them, especially if they're very old buildings."
Kurt had placed her hand in the crook of his elbow as they made their way downstairs and as they turned towards the entrance of Ristorante Caruso he patted it. "I know just how you feel. Well, we're dining tonight in the atmosphere inspired by the great Caruso himself and I hear the food is fantastic!"
As they paused just within the entrance, they were greeted immediately by the widely smiling maître d'hôtel, an extremely tall gentleman who welcomed them smoothly in perfect English.
"Welcome to the Caruso, signore and signora. Your reservation…" and he paused and when Kurt provided his name he gave a tiny head bow and continued: "Will you follow me, please..."
He moved smoothly away, wending his way between the other tables, Kurt and his guests following him while gazing about. Kurt wasn't the only one with his eyebrows raised as he admired the expansive room's large windows which let in enormous amounts of light from the adjacent piazza. The whole ambience was one of the outside almost being inside.
The maître d'hôtel introduced himself suavely as Stephano, eying up Monica's curvy form as he did so and turned to Kurt, doing that little head bow thing again. Instead of handing them menus, however, he proceeded to rattle off a number of dishes that he swore up and down were unique to his restaurant. He assured Kurt that if he only trusted him, he would order for them and they would not be disappointed.
Kurt, somewhat amused by the man, glanced at his companions and when Xavier shrugged he turned back and smiled brightly at the waiting man and nodded. "Thank you, we are in your hands for the evening, then!" and laughed when the man bowed to him again before leaving.
"Wow," Kurt grinned at the others, "that's a character, for sure… and he certainly seemed quite admiring of you, Monica." He watched as her dark eyes sparkled and a little smile stretched her full lips.
The others nodded, Monica smiling and nodding as a young waiter scurried up to ask if they needed water. "I find that continental men are somewhat more open in their admiration than those back home."
Kurt laughed aloud at that even as Xavier and Julian looked faintly disgruntled. "Oh, come, you know you Brits have a rep for all that 'stiff upper lip' nonsense!" He teased them now, waiting for one of them to defend their compatriots. Of course, it was Xavier who jumped into the fray.
"I don't think it's fair to tar all us blokes with the same brush, come on now!" He smirked as Kurt giggled and Monica hid her smile behind a sip of water. He turned to Julian who had been watching him with a faint air of amusement. "Well, aren't you going to back me up, mate?"
Julian nodded and looked over at Kurt with a slight smile. "I have to agree with Xavier; that's a rather outmoded way to look at us, don't you think?"
Kurt, affecting a serious air, tapped his pursed lips with two fingers and he turned to Monica. "Now that I think of it, my dear, I think they are right. After all, those football hooligans we hear so much about are British, too."
He laughed aloud at the way three pairs of outraged eyes turned towards him and he held his hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay, sorry, wrong example!"
They watched as he was overtaken by more giggles and then began to chuckle themselves. It was Xavier who attempted to rebut his argument, however. "Look, mate, sporting events are off-limits, yeah. Emotions running high and all that, you've got to expect extreme reactions sometimes."
Kurt took a sip of his cool, icecube-free water and waved a hand at Xavier. "I agree, seriously; I just love to see you folks lose your cool when one of us 'Yanks' mention that particular subject."
They settled into light chatter on their cultural differences that ranged from "why run with the ball and call it football" to Kurt's disgusted exclamation "…and what's with the food names – bubble and squeak, spotted dick; really?"
They only paused when Stephano returned, leading a young waiter laden with several platters of antipasto. From then on through the entrée and finally to the desserts followed by tiny cups of thick, bitter espresso, the attentive maître d' regaled them with the origin and even ingredients of the dishes they were enjoying.
Milanese cuisine, Stephano explained to the background sound of Kurt humming in appreciation as he dove into the rich, creamy and meaty dishes, used as much rice as pasta. Apparently rice really absorbed the tons of cream, butter and cheese the Milanese loved to use and Kurt, looking up at that moment from his risotto, could only nod enthusiastically.
Monica pointed to her veal dish, the Ossobuco Milanese, a rich stew served with risotto alla Milanese, their famous saffron-infused and deliciously creamy rice dish. "This is absolutely lovely; thank you, Stephano!"
To everyone's amazement, the suave Stephano turned red and stuttered for a second or two before doing the head dip, his eyes shining. "Thank you for gracing us with your presence this evening, signorina!"
Kurt almost choked on his wine because he was certain the maître d' did not have vision problems. Monica was on the other side of 30 so he doubted that 'signorina' was appropriate but judging from the smug little look on her face, she had no problems being addressed as such.
"Yes, I have to agree as I'm rather enjoying my seafood fettucine." Julian smiled slightly at the man and added, "the prawns are wonderfully tender and the sauce is perfect."
Kurt put down his glass and added his own praises to the others'. "My compliments to the chef, Signor Stephano, and I must say I'm glad we put ourselves – or rather our taste buds – in your hands tonight. Thank you."
With a significantly deeper nod this time, Stephano retired to pass on their praise to the talented kitchen staff and Kurt turned his attention to the thought of dessert. Monica, realizing what he'd just asked, widened her eyes at him before saying with a smirk: "Y'know, most people facing a wedding in a few months don't usually eat a lot of dessert…"
She turned her eyes to scooping up the last bit of her delicious risotto and ignored the little gasp that came from the younger man. Xavier's little cough, intended perhaps to cover his involuntary chuckle, almost made her start chuckling too but she managed to hold it back.
Kurt huffed a bit and pouted as he stared at the diners at the table nearest theirs before leaning forward to whisper. "Hey, I'll be dancing and singing every day for the next four months, at least. I think I can handle a measly slice of panettone!"
Monica laughed behind her napkin, shaking her head at Xavier as he opened his mouth to no doubt tease the dessert-addicted singer. Kurt smirked at him as Stephano returned, another waiter in tow to bus their table, and he announced firmly that he wanted dessert.
Stephano's eyes lit up and he launched into a description of their dessert menu and Kurt, sad to have to stop him, held up a slender hand. "Uhm, really, I just need panettone, if you have it?"
The maître d' looked vaguely offended and drew himself up. "Sir, 'if we have it?' This is Milano, but yes we have the best paneton!"
He looked at the young man's dinner companions inquiringly and Monica nodded, asking for something light and that wasn't too creamy. He nodded, assuring her he had just the thing and looked at the other two gentlemen. Xavier said he would try the panettone as well and Julian ordered zepoli, small Italian doughnuts.
It was assumed that they would all be having coffee and when Stephano returned with the waiter pushing the dessert trolley, he took over the serving. He placed the two small pastry cups filled with plump, assorted berries and a small amount of syrup before Monica, enjoying her look of pleasure, and sprinkled powdered sugar atop it for her.
He then served Kurt and the others, all the while keeping up a running description about how their excellent pasticcere prepared these gustatory delights just that afternoon. He poured their coffee for them as well, his eyes flicking to Monica as she smiled around a bite of the flaky tart. Looking immensely pleased with himself, almost as if he had actually made the desserts himself, he gave them a quick bow and retired to leave them to their dignified pigging out.
Kurt, having been very well brought up and also having spent the last several years moving in fairly high circles, knew better than to want to loosen his belt or pat his stomach but he was hard put to resist these actions. Still, he sighed and smiled as he finished up the rather generous slice of panettone he'd received and watched as the others completed their meals.
"Ooof, this was an exceptional meal, I have to say," he said after a sip of the steaming, fragrant brew, licking his pink lips. The others nodded in agreement and one by one they finished their coffee.
Monica glanced over at Kurt's sated expression and smiled but she really wanted to go over at least the preliminaries of his wedding plans with him. "This was, indeed, marvelous and thank you, she said now to the young singer who smiled back at her happily. "Uhm, do you think we could go over some things later? If you are not too tired that is."
Kurt shook his head quickly and hurried to assure her that they could head up to his suite now if they were ready. They all rose from the table, Kurt's eye catching that of the redoubtable Stephano who glided up to them now.
"Signori, signorina, you must leave?" One would think from the vaguely mournful expression in his large dark eyes that they were recently reunited friends and Kurt smiled, recognizing another lover of the dramatic arts.
"Yes, unfortunately, you fed us too well, Signor Stephano," he complimented the man now as they strolled towards the exit. "Grazie. Tutto era meraviglioso!"
He smiled sincerely at the man who bowed to them all, his eyes lingering on Monica's. She nodded and though her smile was so small as to be almost non-existent, her eyes were warm as she returned the man's bow with a little nod of her own.
Behind her and Kurt, Xavier and Julian extended their thanks to the maître d' as well, Julian adding that the restaurant had certainly lived up to its reputation.
Kurt, moving ahead through the elegantly furnished and quite beautiful foyer to the lifts, thought to himself how much more Julian seemed to be coming out of his shell. He was glad and a little part of his mind wished fervently that the man would get over his 'crush', if that was what it was, and move on.
As several patrons joined them at the bank of elevators and stood about, exchanging polite little nods to one another, Kurt suddenly heard an unwelcome voice calling his name. He suppressed a tiny groan but Monica, who had seen the disgruntled expression on his face before he cleared it, glanced around to see who had been calling out to him.
Her eyes landed on an incredibly good looking man striding quickly up to the group and she also didn't miss the way the two agents' bodies stiffened as he approached.
"Kurt, hi, you must have missed my call earlier!" He turned a bright, charming smile on Monica as he reached them. "Oh, you have a guest… Hello, I am Cooper Anderson, Kurt's Artistic Director."
He grabbed for Monica's limp hand and raised it, bending over it in his faux charming way and allowing his eyes to warm with admiration for her. She eased her hand from his grasp and smiled thinly at this stranger.
"I work for Mr. Hummel's fiancé, Mr. Karofsky." Her eyes were cool as she observed the flash of annoyance at the way she'd withheld her own name but she'd taken his measure the moment he'd touched her uninvited.
"Oh, I see," the light blue eyes grew cool and he turned with a tight little smile to Kurt. "I wanted to pass on a message from Rex_" He broke off abruptly as Kurt glanced at Monica to interject "the real AD" with a smirk.
Kurt stared challengingly at Cooper, one eyebrow raised and with such a haughty expression that Cooper bristled unconsciously. "Well, as I was saying, Rex has called rehearsals for 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Something's come up and he left the city but he'll be back tomorrow by that time."
He glanced around the foyer, obviously hoping that Kurt would move the discussion up to his suite but Kurt stood resolute. He wasn't inviting this man upstairs if he could help it. Now he looked at him and with his lips curled asked: "But you're the assistant AD; can't you take the rehearsal?" He knew full well that Cooper more than likely wasn't familiar with 'Midsummer' and would be no real help on his own at the rehearsals. After all, they were meant to open shortly and every moment counted.
Now he turned with a dismissive air. "I have Rex's cellular number; I'll give him a call later. Thanks for bringing the message by but now I have personal business to attend to," and with that he followed the others into the lift and watched the doors close on Cooper's dissatisfied face.
Cooper was beginning to get on his nerves and he frowned unconsciously, only relaxing when Monica suddenly said: "Did I tell you I've found a wedding planner for us?"
His face lit up as he turned to her and the smile he gave her was such that she blinked at its radiance. "Oh, thank you! I was beginning to worry that you would have to do it all on your own, y'know."
They chuckled as the lift dinged and they disgorged to their suites, Kurt waving to the guys as they headed into their suite and Monica heading to hers saying she had to retrieve her clipboards and any papers she would need.
All thoughts of that faker, Cooper Anderson, had been swept away and Kurt's step was light as he entered his suite; he was quite looking forward to working with Monica on their plans for his glorious wedding!
As they walked away, Xavier and Julian looked after them and the darker agent turned to his friend with a nod. "I think I like that woman…" he said before letting them into their own suite, his mind a bit more settled now since the Anderson chap had approached them.
Julian nodded now, feeling a bit easier in his mind and asked Xavier what he wanted to do. He laughed as the dark agent retorted: "Mate, I'm going to check out this monster TV in here, nothing more strenuous than that!" and threw himself onto one of the beds, the remote already in his hand as he began to click happily away.
.
KHDK
.
Downstairs, Cooper frowned as the lifts closed and he turned away to stalk back through the foyer and out the hotel's front doors. Kurt was hot and all but that didn't give the diva the right to treat him like that. He was Cooper Anderson and there were people who still begged for his attention even after he'd dumped them. He wasn't some vapid, importuning idiot for Kurt to dismiss him out of hand and he would make him pay somehow. Maybe he wouldn't be so high and might when the great David Karofsky dumped his tight little ass, would he? Hmmm, he would have to find some way to drive a wedge between those two.
As he stood outside the beautiful old hotel, his face twisted in a nasty sneer that did nothing for his looks, he promised himself that when he was through with him, Kurt would be happy if Cooper would condescend to get a blow job from him.
No one treated Cooper Anderson that way – especially in front of the help.
.
KHDK
.
In his suite upstairs, Kurt settled Monica on the sofa so she had space to set down her things while he curled up in one of the huge armchairs dotted around the drawing room. He watched her as she removed her cell phone and a clipboard and set them beside her on the sofa before placing a recording device on the coffee table and turning it on.
She then cleared her throat and began, Kurt's eyes widening as she spoke towards the tiny, very high-tech recorder. "Meeting No. 1 – Kurt Hummel – Wedding Plans."
She smiled at the expression on Kurt's face before explaining. "In my line of work I'm so accustomed to sitting in on meetings where I have to refer to notes so I find this very helpful. Is it okay?"
Kurt grinned but nodded at her. Seriously, it reminded him of police interviews or when medical examiners were doing their autopsies. Gosh, she was so professional but he found he really liked that about her. So, he nodded and with a gesture, encouraged her to proceed.
"First on my checklist – which I had to download from the Internet as I know nothing of this sort of thing – is your idea on the type, style and theme of your wedding. Any ideas as yet as to what you want?" She looked intently at Kurt with her pen poised above the clipboard.
Kurt couldn't help himself and he giggled for a few seconds before clearing his throat and nodding. "Well, yes; since I want us to be dressed in Nehru jackets, I thought a sort of fusion of Indian and traditional décor would be great. Not necessarily for the food, mind you, just for the look of it; oh, and it's going to be semi-formal."
She nodded as her pen moved rapidly over her clipboard in what seemed to Kurt to be a kind of shorthand. When she looked up, she had a little smile on her face as she said: "I felt you would say that so the wedding planner – actually, it's planners – will be perfect for you."
Kurt tilted his head, raising an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "How so?"
"The company I selected is called Joyeux. It's owned by Marianne and Hélène Johar (they're part English, French and Indian) and it would be a good idea if at some time we could meet with them. Would that be alright – what with your performances and all?"
Kurt frowned slightly but agreed he needed to meet with the Johars at some point. "Yes, I could manage it but I have to talk to my AD, Rex, and work out a timing or dates or something… uh, what the heck, of course I can meet with them!"
Monica straightened up and looked at the young singer who was now biting his lip and had his arms folded around himself.
"What are you thinking?" She wondered why he looked a little perturbed but she relaxed when he looked up and smiled at her.
"It's okay; I just realized how difficult it is doing this wedding planning stuff and being away here in Milan when you are all back in England. Plus I have to be concentrating on my performances as well." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, disturbing its perfect appearance. He shrugged and smiled at her ruefully. "I'm a bit of a perfectionist, you see, and I'd hate to be distracted when I should be doing my best."
She smiled widely for probably the first time since they'd met and her brown eyes twinkled at him. "Oh, well, you just have to concentrate on performing and leave everything to me. I am one of the best PR people you'll ever meet and I've hired the best wedding planners in London!"
Kurt burst out laughing at her lack of modesty and felt wonderfully assured that David had chosen the right person. She joined him in his mirth and eventually, when they settled down, she proceeded with a whole checklist of other questions.
Kurt sighed as he found himself warming more to this unassuming little woman and he knew that everything would turn out fine. She then moved on to detailed questions about the venue, design of the outfits, the catering, who he wanted to officiate at his wedding and even to the music selection and a deejay. He didn't feel as if he were being bombarded with questions and he answered everything clearly so the recorder could pick up every word.
Finally, they wound down their first session after she asked him about getting Joyeux to handle the wedding outfits. "You do realize at some point they will have to meet you, right?"
Kurt pouted and then slouched down in his armchair, a few little lines of fatigue beginning to appear by his eyes. He stifled a yawn but replied: "Okay, yes, but in a couple of months, maybe. Until then, they can get started on the tons of things we just discussed."
She nodded but before she turned off the recorder Kurt flung out his hand. "Oh! Wait, I forgot – I have an idea about the wedding gifts and favours. Maybe you could check them out for me so when I get there to meet with Marianne and Hélène Johar I can look them over with you?"
She nodded slowly but there was a glint of curiosity in her eyes as she asked: "What's your idea?"
Kurt grinned, the fatigue having disappeared and he leaned forward. "I want jewellery. Lots of beautiful jewellery for the women and tasteful watches or cuff links for the men."
Monica smiled now as she looked at this extraordinary young man. She knew that money would never be an issue in this wedding but the sheer joy on Kurt's face as he thought of gifting his family and friends with expensive jewellery truly excited him.
"Okaaay," she drawled as she watched him grinning at her. "Do you have ideas or would you want to fax that to me sometime when I've returned to London?"
She suggested this because if Kurt wanted the best for his whole family as well as the wedding party, that would be a whole lot to cover and right now she was a bit tired herself.
A look of concern came over the beautiful face and he stared at her in dismay. "Of course, we couldn't go over all that now! I'm sorry, I just got a little carried away but I'd love if you would get started soon on that because it's very important to me." He paused and thought for a few seconds before continuing: "Also, I want the wedding favours for the guests to be Swarovsky crystal brooches or pendants for the women and cuff links and tie pins for the men."
Having jotted all that down in her swift shorthand, Monica nodded in finality, turned off the recorder and set her pen down.
That was Kurt's cue to ask her if she needed anything before turning in for the night at which she shook her head.
"Oh no, I think after that wonderful meal I shall just sort myself out quickly and head to bed." She stood after packing away her things and then she moved towards the door, Kurt trailing her.
He opened the door for her and as she passed through he thanked her once more for being so willing to fly out to help him. He knew that it was her job as David had asked it of her, but she was so calm and pleasant about it all, that he couldn't help feeling grateful.
She looked over her shoulder at him and once outside she turned around. "You know, I believe everything is a learning experience. This is all unknown territory but it's also very exciting. I should be the one thanking you."
They laughed and said their goodnights and Kurt waited until she was safely inside her suite before closing his door and locking it. He walked around the drawing room, admiring the décor even as he turned out lamps here and there. Then he made his way into the bedroom and as his eyes fell on the massive bed, he heaved a soft little sigh.
Although 'Midsummer' would be opening in a few days and the season was a relatively short one, he found himself wishing now that it was already over and done with. He took off his clothes slowly and dressed in his sleepwear, his mind turned inevitably to David.
As he settled himself in the middle of the vast bed, his hand slid across the covers and he closed his eyes wishing David were there with him or that he could be with him in Mumbai. Tears trickled from the side of his eyes and more spilled as he closed them tightly.
He felt a little silly as he wiped them away but he made a promise to himself as he laid there in the semi-darkness of the beautiful room. He would throw himself into his work; he would immerse himself in it to the point where the days would fly past. If he did that, he vowed, he would soon be walking towards David at Haverly Castle, pledging to be his in front of all their family and friends.
Then he would never be alone again, he swore; David and he would be together finally.
As a certain face swam before his sleepy mind's eye, he turned over onto his stomach and made one final avowal…
And God help anyone who got in the way of that plan.
.
TBC
.
Remember to review, folks - I love 'em!