Author's Note: Thanks for all the feedback. I know this chapter is a little sappy, but you know me I embrace the cheese.
Chapter 16: The Launch Part 2
Dan watched as Serena walked away and sighed. She was angry with him and he had no idea what to do, but he was more than a little irritated with Rita She had no right to speak to Serena the way she had and he would have to confront her and make sure that she never spoke her like that again. He ran his hand through his hair and looked around. Serena was speaking to the wait staff, giving them instructions and what to do before the guests started pouring in. This whole evening felt a little surreal and he'd rather be at home curled up in bed with Serena in his arms, but these functions were a big part of what made a book a success and more than anything he wanted this book to do well. It had taken him the greater part of five years to get his emotions down and it hadn't come together till Serena had reemerged in his life because more than anything it was about a young boys attempt at surviving heart break and he could finally give his hero that happy ending that readers craved. But, if it hadn't been for fate and Serena it would have been impossible. Hunter may have been the name of his character, but it was clear that he was no fictional figure. He wasn't going to let Rita stop him from having his happy ending. He owed it to both of them. Dan grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter and tried his best to linger about the room, all the while keeping his gaze fixed on Serena. He smiled up at her and she returned it half-heartedly. He knew she was upset but that small gesture let him know that they would be okay. He sipped his champagne as he engaged in idle chit chat with several other authors and people from the publishing industry. It wasn't the first nor would it be the last time that he'd be forced to endure their boring conversation.
"Humphrey my man,"a burly man said as he slapped him on the back. Dan cringed at the sight of his main competition and the most annoying person he'd had the misfortune to meet.
"Lewis, what brings you here tonight?"
"Do you think I'd miss your launch. I was beginning to think that you were a one book wonder Humphrey."
Dan muffled a sarcastic remark, a trait that he had acquired over the years, and gritted his teeth. "Sorry to disappoint you Lewis. How's yours going?"
"Ugh going. Can't seem to find a publisher as you know. We're not all the golden child of Manhattan."
Dan wanted to know what it would take to be rid of him when Serena came up to him and stood beside him. "Hello, and who are you?"
"Lewis Davies at your service. My oh my aren't you a beauty,"he drawled and Serena moved instinctively closer to Dan and grabbed his hand in her own.
"Humphrey, don't tell me this goddess is yours?"
Dan kissed her on the cheek and said, "I don't own anyone, but she is my fiancée. Serena meet Lewis," he said as he paused a moment and added "a fellow writer."
"Author,"Lewis corrected.
"I see," Serena said as Lewis took her other hand and kissed her hand. It took all the grace she had to not visibly shudder when he slobbered all over her hand. "Dan can you come with me? We'll see you later Lewis."
They left him standing in the middle of the room gaping at them. Once he was earshot, Dan said "Thank you. God, I hate that guy."
"I could tell. I was half-expecting you to pummel him when he stared at me."
"He was ogling your breasts."
Serena giggled and said, "I love it when you're jealous. You clench your jaw and its about the sexiest thing."
"You think I'm sexy when I'm angry?"
"Absolutely, but I'm still upset with you Dan. I just, I didn't wanna see you suffering at the hands of a classless ogre."
Dan wrapped his arms around her and said, "I'm sorry Serena. I hate what Rita said to you and you have every right to be angry. I just hate it when we fight."
"There you go trying to charm me again."
"Is it working?"
"Maybe just a little,"she said as he kissed along her jaw and she attempted to not react, but the sensations he was creating made her want to throw him against the wall and smother him in kisses. Dan pulled her even closer and kissed her hungrily. She was swept up in his touch that she forgot that she was in a room full of her business associates. She pulled away gently and said, "I have to go back to work, Dan. Plus all my colleagues can see us."
"So?"
"Well, I don't want to make a bad impression at my first launch."
"You've done a great job and they all know it."
"But, still I have to be professional. We can save all that pent up sexual longing for later."
"You promise?"
"I promise!"
Jenny smoothed her skirt and made her way across the room. She grabbed a drink from one of the wait staff and searched for her brother. She didn't really want to be here, but she had to show support for her brother. He really had been there for her for as long as she could remember, but the idea of seeing Nate and Casey made her nervous. She had not spoken to Nate since her awkward conversation with Dan in the café this afternoon. Jenny didn't know what was going through his mind or why he had kissed her. All she wanted was for her life to go back to normal, she just wanted to be able to purge him from her mind and heart, but she seemed in capable of doing so. She took a large sip of the bubbly liquid and let it warm her blood.
"Can I talk to you for a moment,"said an unfamiliar voice.
She turned around and found herself looking at Casey. She swallowed her drink and said, "Sure"
Oh God what do I tell him?
She followed Casey across the room till they were in the lobby of the hotel. She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and waited for him to say something.
"Do you love him?"Casey asked.
Jenny simply nodded her head.
"That's what I thought. I love him too, but I don't do love triangles. He means a lot to me, but I don't share and I just wanted you to know that if you hurt him you'll regret it."
"What are you saying? Casey I'm really sorry about what happened today. I wasn't expecting it and I'm sorry if I hurt you. I just, ugh this is not supposed to be my life."
"Look I'm not into all this pseudo-teen angst. You have a history with Nate, I don't and its obvious that you too have unfinished business. So, I'm letting him go. He's all yours. Just treat him right."
"Look Casey that's sweet of you. But, Nate doesn't want me. He's just confused. I shouldn't have let him kiss me, but this is not the first time this has happened. He runs to me everytime he gets scared. But, he never chooses me and I really do not want to tear apart your relationship. He is with you not me. If he wanted me, he would have chosen me years ago."
"God you're dense. There is a reason he keeps going back to you. Do you have any idea how many conversations we've had about you? This is why I normally don't do relationships. Too much fucking drama! Just be good to him,"he said before walking away.
Jenny just stood there not knowing what to make of what Casey had said.
Dan stood up on stage as Serena gave a short introduction about his book. He was supposed to read a small passage from the book before the evening came to a close. She flicked her now shoulder length blonde hair and smiled.
"This book has been nothing short of a labor of love and it has taken more than five years of hard work to get here. Daniel Humphrey's second book "Only love" is something we are all proud of. With no further ado may present Daniel Humphrey."
The audience clapped. Dan took the microphone from Serena and nodded his head before beginning to read from his favorite chapter. When he finally finished he noticed more than a stray tear which made him want to jump for joy. It was exactly what he'd always wanted. To produce a work that would touch people's soul and if the broader readership took it the way these room full of suits did then it was bound to be a success. They clapped loudly and he descended the stage and went outside to get some fresh air. All this attention was not something he was suited to. He needed a moment to process his thoughts. Just as he was about to go back inside Rita came up to him.
Dan looked at her coldly.
'Hi, I guess your fiancée spoke to you."
"Yes she did."
"Why didn't you tell me you were getting married, Dan?"she asked.
"Because it just happened and I was going to tell you, but that didn't give you the right to verbally attack her in my home. I thought we were friends. What the hell is your problem?"
"I love you."
Dan looked at her quizzically.
"I know its hard for you to believe, but its true. I've loved you since we were in college, but she was always there lurking in your thoughts."
"We ended a long time ago,"Dan said.
"Because of her."
"You knew the deal when we met. I told you that I'd probably never love anyone the way I loved her. I thought we were friends. I thought you understood, but all this time you were just pretending, biding your time thinking I would change my mind."
"Yes, that's true."
"But, why."
"I thought you'd get over her eventually."
Dan simply shook his head. "I'm sorry if I led you on, but that was never going to happen. I just I can't do this anymore. I can't have you in my life if you can't respect Serena or what she means to me. I won't do that to her."
"God what is this hold she has over you?"
"Its called love. Real love not infatuation. I have to go,"Dan said and he turned to walk up the steps when he saw Serena standing there with the most gentle look on her face.
"How, how long were you standing there."
"Long enough,"she said as she wrapped her arms around him tightly. Dan held on to her as if his life depended on it when he looked up he saw Rita walking away.
"I, I had no idea Dan. Why didn't you tell me before?"
"It's embarrassing. What was I supposed to say. Oh by the way, I've been pining away for you for 10 years."
"It could have helped me not be so angry,"she said jokingly.
"Well now you know exactly how pathetic I am."
Serena grabbed his face and said, "you are not pathetic. You're wonderful and I'm so glad we found each other again.
FAQ:Okay so the wedding chapter is coming up soon. Here's your chance to put in a vote for the location. So please tell me where you think they should have it in your reviews.