Chapter 58
Amy and Betty were last out of the house. Amy ran the dogs halfway to the barn when Chuck came out and called them the rest of the way.
"I've got them Amy, I'll take them home with me until you're back."
"Bye Chuck, watch over everything for us."
Chuck waved and Amy wheeled her bag to Ty who came out to her and handled her bag for Mike who was back in the cockpit.
Amy would not be denied her kiss now and latched onto Ty who lifted her and swung her up onto the step and spun her. "We have to go Ames."
Amy stepped on as the rotors sped up and Ty pulled the door closed. It seemed the chopper lifted as soon as the door lock turned green and about the same time Amy realized that all the conversation was focused on Lisa and Ashley.
Ty sat and watched as Amy jumped over to a seat between Ash and Lisa hugging and kissing them both. She turned to him for a second and smiled, her eye's were shining and she mouthed I love you at him. She had no real idea of where he was taking them and didn't really seem to care, she was talking to Ashley one second and Lisa the next.
Ty was so fixated on watching Amy he didn't notice Brin moving over next to him.
"So what's the plan ?"
"You're the messenger huh ?"
"I was closest."
"What is going on ?" Amy asked.
"We're in a helicopter to the 34th street heliport."
Amy stood and shifted over, "excuse me Sabrina, I'll take over from here."
"First can I just say that I whole heartedly approve of your attire Ty, it's all so soft and sexy. Did the coach dress you ?"
"The coach is in love with the boy not the dad and Ashley and Cassandra dressed me thank you very much."
"Well done Ashley, I'll take care of the rest." Sabrina said with a smile and a nod.
"And what's that supposed to mean ?"
"I've chosen the perfect hairstylist for your man Amy and by 2:00 PM today, this unruly mess will be perfect." Brin flicked her hand at Ty's head saying it.
"Ok, we need to start from the beginning please." Amy said leaning over and getting comfortable snuggled against him.
"First stop, Sebastian, where I have requested a very special dress for you to wear this evening. Sebastian and Christy will also have a choice of clothes for you all since I didn't really give any of you a chance to pack."
"Sounds like fun so far" Brin was delighted.
"From Sebastian's you will all be taken to Tribeca where I've arranged early check in to both hotels, The Roxy for Amy and I and The Greenwich for the rest of you. Amy will then be picked up and dropped off at the Greenwich to join you all for an afternoon of pampering by the staff of the Shibui Spa, along with lunch, hair, make up consults or whatever you hearts desire."
Hearing the schedule drew excitement from the crowd especially when Charlie called up the spa on her iPad and started listing the packages, soaks and treatments available."
Amy reached over and kissed him gently, her smile was plastered on her face "And what are you going to be doing during all this ladies' time Dr. Borden ?"
"I have some business to attend to, check into both hotels for one, I still need arrangements for a late breakfast for us all, there will, as you've heard be some pampering for me and I hope to be in our suite to welcome you. A light early dinner snack before dressing for an evening of dancing and dining."
"And us ?" Maddie asked.
"And you all, well, I promised my hair and skin care consultant a tasting menu."
"Oh my" Brin gasped.
"At 7 you'll be transported to Le Bernardin where I understand Chef"
"Eric Ripert, not Eric Ripert." Brin whispered.
"Where I understand" Ty repeated "Eric Ripert will personally oversee the preparation of your meal at the Chef's table."
"In the actual kitchen ?" Maddie asked.
"So I'm told, appropriate wine pairings will be provided for the adults."
"So you'll pick me up at 12:30" Brin announced.
"Brin, you don't need to"
"Ty" Brin said walking over and kneeling down. "This isn't just a haircut. We're creating an image, a persona."
"An image" Ty repeated.
"A persona" Amy added with a grin.
"What image Brin ?" Ty asked.
"The image of a man confident in his age, his position in life and maturity, a man who doesn't need to hide behind this boyish mop of hair and cutesy innocent grin."
"Maybe I should come instead" Lisa said.
"Absolutely not, my mommy is not coming with me to get a hair cut. I'll take the queer chic."
"Excellent" Brin said "12:30, at 12:31 I'm hailing a cab."
"I'll text you Sabrina."
"You'll return her as well Ty."
"Personally Meg."
The excitement died down quickly, Lisa, Meg and Betty grouped to chat as did the twins, Katie, Brin and Ash who wanted to visit with her favorite twins. All consciously giving some space to Ty and Amy. She lay back against Ty, his arms around her, an occasional kiss on her neck or forehead eliciting sighs.
"Where are we dancing ?" She whispered.
"We'll start at Django's in the hotel, there's an after hours club for late but I have other plans, we can play that by ear."
"And Django's ?"
"Thursday evening Latin Jazz and Grooves."
"Latin ?"
"You can thank me later." He whispered reaching over to kiss her neck eliciting a giggle that turned heads.
"We're coming in folks, seatbelts and in your own seats please" Mike said with a smile glancing back.
"Just drive Mike." Ty called back smiling as Amy straightened herself in her seat and they snapped in.
There was a small Mercedes Bus waiting to transport them around the city. Ty would have a limo waiting at Sebastian's, the intrepid familys' favorite driver Pat at their beck and call. It was a few minutes before Sebastian was greeting them and inviting them in.
Amy's dress was fitted over a form on the small stage. Ty hadn't seen it finished. Sebastian caught his attention and nodded for Ty who wandered over while Amy stood to examine the room and give Christy and Sebastian's staff a hug. The dress was on a small stage and Sebastian leaned over and flicked a switch turning on the lights. Ty stood looking at it for a moment and smiled when Amy walked over to see what he was looking at.
"It's perfect" Ty said.
"Is that my dress ?" Amy asked stepping closer, eyes wide, an excited smile on her face. "Ty, it's beautiful." She whispered.
"It'll be way more beautiful with you wearing it Ames and it's exactly what I asked for."
"What did you ask for ?"
By now there was a crowd, Sebastian and Mathilde stood off to the side but the girls hovered around the dress.
"I asked Sebastian to design a dress for an evening of dancing with the most beautiful woman in the world."
"That's not all you asked Ty" Mathilde added with a smile.
"There was an inspiration provided" Sebastian added.
Amy had turned to the designer and seamstress and then back to Ty who was now holding a small box in his hands. She looked at it as he snapped open the case.
"Oh, Oh Ty." She whispered stepping forward. She reached out her finger to touch one of the earrings "they're beautiful, oh Ty."
"I think she likes 'em Dr. Borden" Maddie said.
"I love them, oh Ty."
"So you'll wear them tonight and the dress ?"
"And dance with you."
"That's the plan."
Ty's phone had vibrated and he glanced down. "My ride's here."
"What's in the other boxes ?" Charlie asked.
"Oh, I almost forgot. Second date, baubles not bubbles."
Charlie and Maddie screeched when he said it and stepped forward grinning.
"There's a story that goes with all of these, Amy's and these. We'll leave Amy's for another time but these" Ty said snapping open the box that contained the girls matching earrings. "Were made around 1930 for a pair of sisters, not twins, by their Grandmother to match a Garnet brooch that she wore on family occasions and that the sisters always admired. This brooch actually which artfully provided the stones for the earrings." Ty said handing the earrings to Maddie and opening the last box and handing it to Betty.
The girls and Betty looked at each other. Betty was obviously touched into silence and smiled when she walked up and hugged him. "I can't imagine a more thoughtful gift Ty."
Charlie was first to take over from Betty who stepped back to show Lisa, Amy and Ashley.
"They're beautiful Doc and perfect, thank you so much."
"You're so welcome Charlie."
Maddie was last and was silent. "Ok Mad ?"
"I have no words Doc, you'll just have to settle for the love."
"Alright with you if I borrow Brin ?"
"I'll manage, can I get a picture of the finished product though ?"
"Sure thing. Go pick clothes."
Ty texted Pat that he'd be a few minutes and walked over to Sebastian for a second. He leaned over and Sebastian smiled and nodded.
Ty walked over to Amy who was looking at Betty's brooch. "Excuse me Betty can I borrow her for a second ?"
"Of course Ty, go right ahead."
Ty took Amy's hand and walked her past her dress and down the hallway to the open door which was Sebastian's office.
The passion that exploded when they kissed left them both flushed and breathless. "I don't like the away."
"I don't either Ames but it's inevitable. Like your surprise ?"
"You take my breath away Ty, this is some serious woo, still don't get the Latin dance though."
"I took three years of Latin Couples Dancing, it's uhm what we did, she wasn't a horsey person."
"So, I'll like Latin dancing ?"
"Latin dance is the dance of seduction Amy Fleming, if slow dancing is courting then Latin dance is foreplay."
"Then you'll have to work extra hard to get me not to think of who else you've done this with."
"It'll be the first time I ever did with a woman who holds my heart."
"And your soul ?" she whispered reaching up for another kiss.
"Ahem" Ashley sounded just outside the door.
"Ty you have a 10:00 AM appointment at an undisclosed location across town and a rather insistent chauffeur waiting. Amy, I really think if you don't put that dress on now Sebastian will explode."
"Thanks Ash, one minute." Ty said.
"She's as bad as Lou." Ty muttered.
"Too many sisters Ty ?"
"There are suddenly a lot of women in my life, seriously, a persona ?"
"That is a very nice jacket Ty."
"I love them all Ames, Ash, Brin."
Ty kissed her gently staring into her eyes, his hand on her cheek. "Have fun today sweetheart."
"You've made this day amazing already my love, just seeing you would have been enough."
One last kiss as they walked out.
"Dr. Borden, really."
"We're buying Pat, a little late is fine."
"Buying what ?" Maddie asked with a grin.
Ty smiled at Mad, "I've been thinking that it would be a shame if we didn't all see each other all dressed up later, how about we all meet in the Roxy lobby for a few minutes before we head out tonight ?"
"I would love any opportunity to see you two together later." Betty said excitedly.
"Seconded" Lisa said raising her hand.
"I'll make arrangements and text you Betty and you about the pick up Brin."
"Thank you Ty" Brin said smiling and then immediately going back to a rack and to look at a dress Maddie was holding up. Amy looked up at him, smiled and shook her hand. Ty looked down a bit and saw her holding a black bra and garter set then smiled and mouthed "love you" before walking into the sunlight.
"Sorry Pat."
"I understand Dr. Borden, your other half goes on and on about wrangling them all around. Tiffany's ?"
"First stop then Tribeca. So how does this work, I'm almost afraid to ask, what do you do say at night when you're on 24 hours."
"Oh, you guys get me a cram, it's a chauffeur's motel. I get a room, not huge, nice actually, there are a few so when Jackson's in the hospital I stay near there or near the Cornell Club. There's actually a cram in Tribeca so I'm there. At night I'm, maybe 10 or 15 minutes away tops. The limo gets stowed in a garage across the street or underneath, if I get a call I text them and get dressed by the time I'm at the car it's warm or cool and always full of gas."
"Who knew ?"
"Amy, uh Ms. Fleming knows. Not every client does that for us."
"Amy's fine Pat and you can call me Ty."
"How long will this be ?"
"I have no idea, from a credit card swipe to a conversation. I'd say 30 minutes tops."
"Just text, I'll be right around the corner."
"Can you drop me in front ?"
"It's Tiffany's Ty, I think they expect it."
"You have a family Pat ?"
"I do, wife and three. Putnam County just north of Westchester."
"Nice, get home often ?"
"Oh sure, usually these are just day gigs. Your family will book me for a week to say 10 days when Jackson's here in November, already has actually but she'll send me home once the surgery starts until he's moved to a room, 24 – 36 hours or something like that. I have good clients who request me which comes with a company bonus so I'm paid well, happy clients tip well, treat me well, no complaints. This is it on the right Ty."
"That's impressive."
"I love you two, it's Tiffany's Ty, the big sign is actually gold. The marble exterior hand cut and imported from Italy."
"Got it, thanks Pat."
Amy snuggled into the dress with Mathilde's help. Zipped up, Amy turned in the lit and highlighted mirrored dressing room, the dress sparkled and flexed tightly over her body.
"Doesn't leave much to the imagination does it ?" Amy smiled.
"And you wouldn't have it any other way, besides it's Latin dance." Mathilde said smiling "Sit please Amy."
"It's fits perfectly and feels comfortable moving, let's see it outside and pick my dancing shoes."
"Seamed stockings, Sebastian will insist."
"Come Mathilde, let's show off."
Amy came out and stood on the platform which now a had a chair on it and a rack of shoes standing right in front. She looked back and forth, "How about that one, third from the left."
Four pairs in Amy was in shopping mode and hated it. It's why she loved Sebastian, he makes her stuff and she wears it, not really shopping.
"Meg please ?"
"Let me look." Meg walked over and sat down on the platform.
"Latin Dance mom, slingback, no clasp."
Amy looked over to Sabrina.
"I've played the pit in a lot of local musicals, Latin dance, if Ty's good and he doesn't strike me as the guy to suggest something he's unsure of for public display so we'll assume he's good, well you'll be on the balls of your feet and twisting, you know working the hips, all the dancers wear a halter slingback with a stretch insert, easy ons, the clasps and a solid slingback will tear your ankle up."
Brin walked over then and knelt down. She looked at Amy and motioned her to stand. Amy smiled and complied.
"Try these" Brin said pulling out a pair of black embroidered satin pumps with black crystal highlights.
"Oh they're nice Brin" Amy said sitting and fitting them on. "A little more than two inches I guess, not a deal breaker, they're comfy."
"They're Blahnik's" Christy chimed in "I get them a full size larger for you."
"Well they feel great. Maestro ?" Amy asked with a smile at Sebastian.
"Lovely if they're comfortable for you, I once thought I should design shoes, regardless, care to try a few steps Amy and make sure ?"
Amy smiled when Sebastian reached up to give her a hand. "Sabrina, music please ?"
Brin smiled and started humming and was joined by Meg for two rounds in the small open space Sebastian had to waltz Amy.
"These then."
"Stand up and let's see if anything needs to be changed. All of you back to shopping." Sebastian waved and shooed everyone away.
Ty thanked the uniformed doorman who welcomed him and before he had taken 5 steps he was greeted by a young stylish thirty something woman in a two piece business suit and an older gentleman perhaps in his 50's in a dark gray pinstripe.
"Dr. Borden it's nice to finally meet you in person."
"Jacqueline, good to meet you as well" Ty said hand outstretched with bright smile and shining eyes. This is Robert Bishop one of our Vice Presidents here to mark this occasion. Come we're all set up in a private viewing room."
Ty shook Mr. Bishop's hand and walked along into a rather luxurious room and was let to a large chair in a seating in the corner of the room.
"Coffee, anything ?"
"I'd love coffee but I'm on a tight schedule."
Jacqueline picked up a phone and without pushing a button just said "Coffee please waiting to go Sadie."
Ty held up his fingers signifying two and Jacquelyn amended her order.
"Well Dr. Borden let's look at the piece up close shall we ?" Jacqueline said opening the box that stood on a small pedestal.
Ty bent over to look at the necklace and pendant, it was larger than the earrings.
"It's a stunning piece and at 24 mm one of the largest Mave Teardrops we have ever handled. Total carat weight of the surrounding diamonds is 3.26. You've struck a handsome bargain Dr. Borden. We've attached it to the necklace you supplied, it's simplicity is perfect to the set. Does it have a history ?"
"It does though I don't know that I'm at liberty to disclose it, call it a family piece and we'll leave it at that. This beautiful pendant and those earrings do and I love that they'll be back together. As to the bargain, I think once you see the model this deal will seem way more balanced Mr. Bishop."
"We both look forward to that sir." Mr Bishop said rising to shake his hand. We'll be in the lobby waiting at 6:40."
"Who get's this ?" Ty asked pulling out his AMEX card.
Jack pulled Ty's rental truck up to the cabin and put his hand on Jackson's shoulder, he was fast asleep.
"We're here Jackson."
"Ok, great", he said opening his eyes and stretching then looked back and forth for a second "cabin, river, let's fish."
"Unpack, get wood and then fish Jackson."
"That's what I meant. Is there a bathroom ?"
"Nope."
"Better than waiting" he announced and trudged off into the trees.
"Indomitable spirit" Jack whispered watching Jackson walk away.
Rather than texting Pat, Ty just pocketed the now necklace, grabbed the two coffees and walked around the corner until he found the limo he wanted and got in.
"You're supposed to wait Ty."
"Whatever, seems a waste of time and gas, come on Pat, let's get to the Greenwich, oh here, Tiffany's coffee, can't imagine what they'd charge for that."
Shopping was way more fun with blind scan tags rather than price tags, at least to the girls. "So it doesn't matter what it costs."
"Not today Katie." Maddie confirmed.
"Even to only wear once."
"Today is special, this is a gift from Ty." Brin explained.
"No one in Hudson is going to believe this."
Lisa, Ash, Meg and Betty were having coffee while the girls were finishing up. Brin had chosen a nice mid length blue dress with squared shoulders, somewhat vintage and blue and while saddle shoes she fell in love with. Mad and Charlie chose tight silk pants, blouses, belts, sports jackets and hats, men's fedoras to be exact. The colors and patterns were different and as always they were both exactly the same and completely different. Katie also picked a dress along with short boots that looked cute together. Much of what they ultimately chose was Sebastian's rack clothes but Christy was always happy. The girls silk slacks off her racks were $600 a pair, and shoes for all including Amy's Manolo Blahnik's at $1300 totaled over $3000. Her 20% totaled a little over $1000 in the end. She loved her business.
All packed up Sebastian promised to have all the evening clothes altered, steamed or pressed and brought to the hotel by 4:00. Clothes they bought for the rest of the day and the morning were packed into suitcases that they brought almost empty and loaded on the bus.
Ty walked the three suites at the Greenwich with the manager who insisted on the tour. 6 bedrooms with two as double queens. Wine and drinks were stocked in the kitchen. A welcoming three tier chocolate platter by Jacques Torres and Petit Fours by Jean Georges were waiting in the main seating area. They basically took a corner of the hotel's top floor, the Tribeca Suite and two adjoining suites. The Tribeca suite had a large planted outdoor terrace, a service kitchen, dining area, 3 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths. One of the adjoining suites had two bedrooms and the second suite, one. Each had a bath in each bedroom as well. The bathrooms were stocked with an assortment of body products that would be used later at Shibui, robes and plush towels. He asked about the flowers he had ordered and was happy to meet them being delivered in the hallway on his way out. Satisfied with everyone else's accommodations he headed downstairs where Pat was waiting in front and headed over to the Roxy.
"We have to be at the hair place at 1:00 with Sabrina. What's the times here ?"
"Figure 20 minutes door to door without a major tie up."
Ok, Amy's getting dropped off here and then we'll just drop her figure a ½ hour later at the Greenwich and we'll pick up Brin. Once that trips done we may not need you again after Amy's done at the spa."
"I can definitely see you two with the midnight Katz's or Wo Fat run, she once had me pick up Peking duck." Pat said laughing "She likes what she likes."
"Oh I asked them to cater Zabar's for a late breakfast tomorrow before we leave and they suggested Russ and Daughter's ?"
"Great food, some even better than Zabar's, it's also closer, need me to pick it up ?"
"No, they'll do it, I'll let you know in the morning, once they're here, you can head home."
"Dr. Borden, welcome to the Roxy, I'm Susan White, Suite Manager, we've got you booked into the Penthouse 8 Suite and we've taken care of all your requests. May I show you upstairs and give you the grand tour ?"
"After you Susan" Ty said following her to the elevator a valet with his bags following behind him and then passing him to a service elevator.
Susan and Ty rode up in the modern steel elevator. This is private to the Penthouse suites, you'll need to use your key fob to call and use it. There are 8 suites, yours is our premier at the end of the hall she said and pointed to the double doors which read Penthouse 8.
Listening to Susan was like listening to an ad as she led him around this amazing space.
"You must have some juice Dr. Borden, we typically require a 7 night stay for some of our suites, this one especially." She smiled at him then and led him around "Penthouse 8 is the ultimate NYC pied-a-terre. With 2,736-square-feet of sleeping and living areas, sumptuous marble walls and panoramic views of New York through floor-to-ceiling windows. The best part of all is our private access to your exclusive landscaped Rooftop Terrace."
As she said it she hit a remote she was carrying to open the curtains revealing windows that brightened and became clear as she held the control. She smiled and used her finger to open the counter balanced door to the terrace which was breathtaking and way less noisy than Ty would have thought. There was another remote for the terrace to control, music, lighting and a 60" Plasma TV that came out of a planter when called for and disappeared when not. Summer blossoms bloomed all around and the views of Manhattan abounded. There were several seating areas each with it's own fire feature, gas, not wood but very cozy.
"Perfect for a cocktail party or intimate dinner amongst friends."
"But only one bedroom, the Tribeca over at the Greenwich has three."
"You can effectively take the whole floor here, all the suites connect."
"Ah, that's what we did there."
"Excuse me, your party is split intentionally ?"
"Well, this is a date for my wife and I but we can't just leave everyone else home, sort of a surprise 36 hour blast. I've been away and I'm leaving back from here, so just a mid trip romp."
"Sounds romantic, here are the snacks you requested" she said pointing to the chocolates and small pastries on the huge natural burl table before the couch and seating area in the living room, "Champagnes and Ciders in the wine fridge" which was stashed in a bookcase across from the stone fireplace. "You've ordered from our Oyster and Raw Bar, just use any phone to call it up, it will be ready at 4:00, we'll keep it on ice. A 7ish reservation at Django's for dinner and dancing and a photo shoot ?"
"In the lobby for Tiffany's"
"Tiffany's ?"
"We've joined a set of jewelry from the 30's an earring and pendant set and they'd like a few shots of the pieces reunited for their historical files. We've had a dress designed for the occasion."
"How exciting, so any questions so far ?"
"Room service ?"
"24 hours or just call the concierge who can get anything from anywhere if it's open."
"She'll love that." Ty muttered.
"Wife a foodie Dr. Borden ?"
"I guess, don't know where she puts it."
"I like to say it goes to all the fun places and leave it at that."
"Probably a good policy, what else ?"
"Bedroom and master bath." She led Ty into a huge bedroom suite with a king sized bed. "One way glass to the outside" she said as she opened the curtains with yet another remote to a floor to ceiling view of the Manhattan skyline. "It's breathtaking at night."
"One way ?"
"Looks like a wall on the other side."
"Wow."
The master bath was the height of luxury, cabinets with every high end product you could think of, a huge pedestal bath with a skylight above it. A natural cove shower similar to the treehouse and two of everything else as well as bidets. There were also two stereo systems with turntables and docks, one in the living/dining room which also controlled the terrace and a separate one in the bedroom. The vinyl collections specified by Ty when he booked the room, classic rock and several selections more to Amy's liking with a country bent, stacked next to the turntables.
"Well, that's it, just call down with anything at all and we'll take care of it."
"Just call or text when Amy checks in for her key please."
"Absolutely, have a great evening Dr. Borden."
Ty checked his watch, he expected her any minute, the text that they were leaving Sebastian's about 15 minutes old. He kicked off his boots and took off his jacket laying them on the bed. He was changing into way more comfortable dress jeans and a leather jacket for the haircut and pulled them out.
His phone buzzed and he smiled, Amy was here and he just wanted 20 minutes to hold her. He walked over to the door and opened it when he heard her.
She ran into his arms and he swung her around "This hotel is beautiful Ty."
Ty let the bellhop go by and they waited arm in arm for him to leave. She turned and kissed him and then ran into the main room excitedly and then stopped when she saw the terrace. "Oh Ty" she said opening the door and stepping out in summer, all colored by flowers, roses along one wall all in bloom and a bank of flowering nasturtiums in all colors along another.
She twirled around and ran over to him. "Like ?" He asked.
"Show me, show me the rest" she said and took his hand. She stopped and shared a chocolate truffle with him followed by a kiss and a sigh.
"Was that for the truffle or me ?" Ty asked smiling at her.
"Let's test" she said popping another truffle and having him bite half away.
This kiss lasted longer and Ty lifted her. "Is there a bedroom ?" She whispered.
"There is and a time issue."
"Then you'd better be quick, I demand satisfaction Dr. Borden"
"We are definitely going to be late."
Amy giggled when his muttering became insistent kissing on her neck.
Once again, they ran out late and jumped in the limo "Not a word Pat, any chance ?"
"I'll try Ty, Amy good to see you again." He pulled out for the three block journey to the Greenwich.
"Good to see you too Pat, Maggie and the kids ?"
"All fine thanks. This is it, nice visiting Amy"
"Thanks Pat."
"Brin's been texting Ty so."
"Are you insane Ty" Sabrina demanded jumping in after hugging Amy. "Hi Pat, uhm sorry about that last text."
"It's fine Sabrina, we'll be close and I think we're buying." He said with a smile and a glance in the rear window at Ty.
"Not the same, 30 minute consult and 60 minute hair. She's probably booked right after you. You get 90 minutes no matter how cute you are."
"So my $1000 buys nothing extra ?"
"A thousand dollars ?"
"With the consult and a tip, it's been paid for, how did that happen without you knowing the cost ?"
"Well."
"Sabrina ?"
"I sort of consulted with Lisa and she paid." Brin answered quickly, "she said you'd be fine with it."
"And there you have it, 33, wealthy by most accounts and my mom just consulted on and paid for my haircut."
"She loves you Ty, you gotta give mom's some leeway." Sabrina said "Besides, I'm here and your head is getting cut my way."
"I think we're good Ty." Pat said "Traffic seems pretty light heading uptown."
"See Brin everything will be fine, you think she'll have time for the shave ?"
"I called and made time, leave nothing to chance."
"Thanks for doing this Sabrina." Ty said softly.
"It's the least I can do, it's clear you need help Ty."
Pat was trying his hardest not to laugh and was happy to pull up at the building.
"Suite 504 Ty." Pat said.
"Thanks Pat, figure 90 minutes or so."
"Jackson what's that fly you're fishing with there ?"
"It's a Parachute Green Drake, we use 'em in the fall at home but we figured they may do good here because it's cooler. Caught the other two on Ithaca Caddis so this may work. Gran says fly fishing is all about learning and uh, word, word, adapting, learning and adapting."
"It sure is, I'll look at that Drake of yours if you bend a line with it."
"How long have you been fishing here GG ?"
"Well, let's see, we bought before Marion, the truck came here, say 1957 or 1958 or so Jackson. That would be close around 70 years."
"You teach Dr. Borden here ?"
"Some, taught your Grandma Lyndy and your Grand Mere, your Grandma, Lou, Amy, Georgie, Mallory, Katie some and Ty. How's uhm he doing ?"
"Truth is GG, I've been working with him, he's pretty good now. Nothing fancy, but he can float a fly."
"I figured you had him in hand son when he didn't come to me as soon as he got back. You like fishing with him ?"
"The best, this is great too, but it's good to get some you know, us time mom calls it, get to know each other."
"Well, I like this us time, you're the first great grandson I've ever fished with Jackson."
"Yeah, let's hope for some more of those, I like this time too GG."
"You just like fishing Jackson." Jack said laughing.
"Can't help that I guess." Jackson said with a shrug and a smile.
Amy had no desire to see anyone before she showered so she went straight from the limo to the changing room before asking where she could join Ash and Meg. The groups had split into Betty and Lisa as one, the twins, Katie and Brin when she got back as the second and the milf set as Ash had dubbed them.
Amy joined Ash and Meg in a hot stone massage before their first treatment which Amy realized, she had absolutely no idea what it was.
"What's next ?"
"Lunch then Warm Mud bath maybe ?" Meg answered.
"What are the girls doing ?"
"Those seven baths thing and a massage I think, a facial, why who knows they all have perfect skin and something else."
"So naked ?"
"It's all naked Amy."
"Relax Amy at least you and Meg accept and do your best, you both raised good kids and nothing will keep them apart when the time is right for them and you both know it. You do what you can for Charlie and Bobby's sake and Mad and Brin know that too. You have to trust that love they have for their best friends and sibling."
"Of course you're right Ash, still, Bobby wouldn't be welcome here in the naked pools."
"Excuse me" Gloria one of the attendants asked "Really, I shouldn't do this, are you two parents of a lesbian couple, teenagers I mean."
"Yup" Amy said.
"Welcome to the club, hi I'm Gloria, confused like you. I just wanted to let you know there are forums online and things like that."
"Does it help ?" Meg asked.
"Are there siblings ?"
"Yup and the group is actually my daughter and Meg's, and my daughter's identical twin who is straight. Her boyfriend and the other two have been friends for years, this is a foursome."
"Then I can't say it does, I have not the same deal but still straight. I love 'em all but no, truthfully it helps knowing there are others but internally I know one's getting treated a little better on the sex scale than the other and nobody wants to do anything to even that up. They're good with, they won't get pregnant."
Amy said she would take one of Gloria's cards and email.
"So you were a little late getting back, everything Ok ?" Ash asked.
Amy smiled, "Fine thank you, the suite is to die for."
"And those chocolates and roses for all the girls." Meg added, "I feel like a woo hanger on. Are there swag bags ?"
"Well Amy's got a swag bag, those earrings are gorgeous."
"Seriously Ash, Meg ? Shopping at Sebastian's wasn't swag bag enough ?"
"Oh my god, I'm not a woo hanger on, I'm a woo slut, I didn't even think about that, I'm horrible."
"Come on Meg, you're not horrible, this is all so over the top I can't imagine how he planned it all and Latin dancing, I'm blown away."
"Do you have any idea how much any of this is ?" Ash asked.
"I know how much the jewelry we saw today was and the earrings were picked up by a Tiffany messenger from Sebastian's, I don't have them. Ty said they were being polished, appraised and photographed. Trevor arranged it. They'll get delivered to us at the hotel."
"I don't care, fortune has brought me and Amy together and I intend to not care because I am a hanger on woo slut." Meg said.
"Take her wine please Gloria. We need lunch and coffee." Amy said laughing.
"I like your friends Amy."
"Thanks Ash I try."
Ty and Sabrina walked in to the shop and past several leather couches and chairs where men were sitting with drinks and talking or reading. They approached the desk and told them who they were.
"It's not worth sitting, let me just tell Sara you're here. I'm Jenn."
A woman about Ty's age came out a second later, she had long straight auburn hair and hazel eyes. "Dr. Borden, I'm Sara and Sabrina, I did not expect you."
"I didn't know at the time that I'd be here, it's all a surprise. Lisa's here too but Ty put the stop on that."
"Brin, I don't think Sara needs the whole weekend laid out just yet."
Sara smiled "I love dads and daughters."
"Oh, Brin's not my daughter, she's my daughter girlfriend."
"A sister in love, I knew there was something about you on the phone. I'll need a picture later and I'll show you mine."
"Dr. Borden,"
"Ty Sara, please."
"Drink for either of you ? Coffee, Tea, soft, we have a full bar ?"
"Beer ?"
"IPA Ok ?"
"Perfect."
"Sabrina ?"
"Tea please."
"Come pick and we'll be right back Ty."
Sara handed Ty a Kingston Stone Brewed IPA which he sipped and immediately approved. Brin had a lavender orange tea which smelled nice actually and Sara had black coffee.
"So I have some sketches and now that I have you here I have some with a narrower face, here and here." Sara showed them.
"I like the drape, can you draw it in on the other. ?" Brin asked, "off center, right side."
"Oh I like that. Tighter sides, how often would you come in for a trim up Ty ?"
"Here ?" Ty asked.
"Figure every two months." Sabrina said.
"Brin, I can't."
"Stop, you'll come in with Amy every two months, two months Ty, you get a room, you do your thing, she does hers, dinner, dancing or a show and the rest is history, scheduled dating."
"Fine, every two months, who explains these things to Bert ?"
"Leave Bert to Amy, are you crazy ?"
Ty laughed "can I see the picture please ?"
Sara turned the sketch over to him "that's that much different than this ?" He asked pointing to his head.
"Are you kidding ?" Brin asked.
"My hair doesn't do this anyway," he countered" I shower this goes away."
"First do you like it ?" Sara asked.
"How much hair are you leaving back here ?" He said pointing to the back of his head.
"Lengthwise about an inch above the collar." Sara answered and then placed her hand across his hair to show him.
"No uhm, thickness."
"Thickness, well your hair is nice and thick which is part of your problem."
"Brin, is there some confidentiality clause amongst."
"I won't say a word Ty."
"Amy grabs my hair when we kiss and I really like it."
"Like this " Sara said walking around in front of him and reaching back to grab his hair lightly."
"That's it."
"That is so sweet" Brin cooed "and I'll always know that."
"And it'll be our little secret." Ty said.
"Excellent" Sara said smiling "now let me get a towel on you for your shave and we'll talk about your upkeep concern."
She laid Ty's chair back, it was thick red leather and comfortable as hell. The towel was hot but not scalding and in a second felt great. "How's that Ty ?"
"Perfect actually."
"Now, as to the upkeep, I'm going to shampoo you after your shave and then layer your hair to naturally fall as close as I can get it to our concept. Then I'll dry your hair and shape the rest. I'll also give you something to put in your hair after you towel it dry, put it in, a light comb or whatever, and for about two months you should be fine but once you start having problems."
"I come back."
While she spoke Sara took up a porcelain bowl and filled it with some cream and then thought for a second and pulled out a tube squeezing just a touch into the bowl. She mixed for a second and the scent of limes filled the air.
"What is that ?" Brin asked.
"Oh, I'm mixing a shaving cream, I was thinking Ty here was a West Indian Lime and Eucalyptus."
"Smells great" Ty commented.
She laid the bowl aside under a small heat lamp and took out a brush which she laid aside. Then she reached for a case and opened it revealing a long straight razor in a bone handle. Laying the case aside she reached for a leather strop on the chair and started running the blade back and forth.
"Wow, can I take a picture ?"
"Ok with me, Ty ?" Sara asked.
"Go ahead Brin."
Brin snapped two "it's like a Sweeney Todd flashback."
"Oh great" Ty sighed.
"Never been shaved before Ty ?"
"Nope."
"They say it's quite the experience." Sara chided. "What kind of doctor are you ?"
"Veterinarian."
"Really ? I don't think I've ever worked on a veterinarian before, how exciting. Ready to go ?"
Sara removed the towel into a basin that an assistant walked over and removed. "This cream is to protect your face and raise your beard, it has some menthol in it so you'll feel that."
Sara got behind him and gently spread then smoothed the cream over his skin massaging his face as she went.
"Ok Ty ?"
"Just fine."
Brin was fascinated by the process and took pictures. Walking around and examining everything.
Next Sara picked up the bowl and brush, added hot water from a boiler and began moving her arm briskly back and forth creating a silky warm cream. Again, the scent of lime and mild eucalyptus woke up in the space.
First she spread it smooth with her hands and then she picked up the brush building a smooth creamy lather on his face.
"Can I feel that ?" Brin asked and Sara held out the bowl.
"It's so smooth and creamy."
"Ok this is the ballgame Ty, you need to relax and trust me."
"I'm good." Ty said, not expecting to have to speak.
Ty held his breath as the first stroke came across his cheek. He could feel the razor moving across his skin, he knew it was sharp as a scalpel.
"Breath Ty, I haven't lost a patient yet."
Brin decided to just record the entire thing. She watched slack jawed as Sara gently raised Ty's neck and ran the long blade up his neck over and over. She was so peaceful as she worked, her breathing calm her gaze one of measured concentration as the blade licked each with spot of the cream.
Sara smiled when she flicked the last bit of cream off his face and then patted him gently with a towel. She spot cleaned two spots and then reached for a towel being delivered by an aide waiting at the door.
"This is cold Ty, it'll open the pores for the witch hazel."
"Uhm, won't that burn ?"
"Sting some but it'll disappear quickly and then a soothing skin cream."
"Go ahead."
Ty grunted at the cold towel but he flinched as soon as it was removed and she slapped the lime scented witch hazel on but as she promised it dried quickly and the sting disappeared. Lastly, she spread a cream on his face and neck that seemed to cool and disappear as she rubbed it in.
"There, how's that ?" Sara said as she raised the chair and spun it around towards the mirror. "Get up and stretch and then we'll get to the hair."
Ty ran his hand over his face in amazement, he actually didn't think it was possible to shave this smooth. "I'm actually dumbfounded."
Brin walked over and looked at him. "Go ahead Sabrina". She smiled and touched his cheek "that is smooth."
"I shave some men every two days Ty, over a 1000 a year, I'm a professional which is why your hair will be perfect. By the way, the two month touch up is $200, first cuts and consults cost more and technically you've had two but I like Brin and she's got a good eye. This is an investment and it seems you can well afford it and deserve it, another beer ?"
"Sure, I'm not driving and I'm going from here to bed."
"Long day ?"
"I woke up in Alberta."
"Ewww."
"Latin dancing tonight." Brin added "Ty's got a date."
"Sara, is there food available by any chance, Brin have you eaten ?" He asked as the first beer settled.
Amy lay back in the warm mud, her hair carefully tucked in a towel and out of harms way. Her arms laying on the sides, her face covered in some potion Meg and Ash chose. There was giggling and three teenagers were standing there in robes. Maddie handed her the phone and Amy watched a woman put a straight edged razor to her husband's gorgeous face.
"Tell me this has a happy ending."
"It's perfect." Maddie assured her.
Charlie was showing Ashley and Meg standing between them.
"She's cute." Ash said.
"She's gay." Maddie added.
"So two lesbians are shaping my husband's image and persona."
"He couldn't be in better hands" Maddie said. "We're way more objective with men's looks."
"Ok, next pool for us, later." Charlie said as they padded out.
"They are identical, can you tell them apart ?" Gloria asked.
"Sure, Maddie's the lesbian," she answered laughing. "She says that sometimes, it's not hard if you spend time with them, took Ty less that two weeks."
"Ty's your husband ?"
"Closer to fiancé."
"How long you been engaged ?"
"Hard to say, could be 10 years, could be not yet."
"Wow, Ok, I think I need to regroup." Gloria said laughing.
"It's complicated or stupid but here we are, crazy in love and getting married."
"Well, time to get rinsed off" Gloria said "Nails and legs next."
"What do you think Ty ?" Sara asked holding a mirror behind him while he turned his head back and forth.
"I actually don't know what to think, I never thought my hair could look this neat and not feel really weird, I mean really short works, but, I like it, I like it a lot. It'll actually do this ?"
"As I showed you but even say swimming it will dry on it's own close to this, much like anyone else's hair until those layers grow out."
"I'm not sending a picture, Amy should experience this on her own." Brin said looking at Ty from side to side. "That is a very good look for you Ty, sorry to say probably twice as dangerous with that smile than you used to be, watch that."
"So, you approve ?"
"How could I not approve, it's perfect. Say goodbye, got to get to Mad."
Besides bonding over Ty's hair Sara and Brin bonded over pictures of their significant others. "Identical twins, look at that, one straight and one not, what does that tell you ?"
"Absolutely nothing." Ty said "Nap time for me, thanks for the sandwiches by the way Sara and everything. See you in a couple of months."
"You got it Ty and you Brin, when you're here at Juilliard stop by if you need a trim and we'll trade for tickets to see you play."
Ty hugged Sara and she and Brin hugged it out. Pat was waiting at the front of the building, Ty had texted this time and they headed downtown towards Tribeca.
He walked Brin into the Greenwich and over to the Shibui reception area. After speaking with the receptionist a woman appeared almost immediately.
"Sabrina, I'm Gloria, sort of in charge of your group and your mom's and her group's attendant. Why don't we get you rinsed and I'll deliver you to the girls."
"You must be Ty, Amy seems to like you a lot, nice hair, it's good to meet you."
"Thanks Gloria, you've got Brin and I've got a nap scheduled."
"They're all having a great time Ty."
Ty nodded and was soon in his room. Pat off to his cram to wait for Amy's call.
After stopping at the front desk Ty headed up to the room, His stripped down to his underwear and walked into the bathroom. At the mirror he ran his hands through his hair and watched them all fall perfectly back into place. A few minutes later he set his watch for 2 hours and was asleep soon after.
Earlier, Betty and Lisa sat with the brochures in the form of iPads and looked through the choices. "We should just do this, the romantic package for 2." Betty said.
"Excuse me ?" Lisa asked chuckling.
"No Lisa, hear me out, stone massage, sauna, soak, facials to which we can add nails and legs. What makes it romantic is that we're left alone between things with wine. You're leaving tomorrow I need the gossip."
"Let's do it." Lisa agreed.
They were alone with their facials, their nails separated by cotton balls, fluffy white robes and champagne.
"We should do this more often Betty, I haven't been this relaxed in ages."
"Yeah couple bottles of Moët will do that for you."
"Oh stop, we ate."
"We did eat" Betty agreed. "How's Ty been back in Alberta, aside from the Jackson adventures."
"Caleb came around, that was key, and I think seeing Ty with JT helped that along. Truth is the way those two are I don't blame anyone for thinking he's Jackson's dad." Lisa thought for a second "Betty, I'm sorry I didn't …"
"Please Lisa, you think I don't see it ?"
"Still it was a thoughtless comment."
"I think we can leave out thoughtless between us."
Lisa reached across and squeezed Betty's hand.
"Those Vets without Borders guys ?"
"Yeah, those two, who knows ? How hard is it to understand that he's getting married and will have a family, that he's accepted a position."
"Ty's hard wired to his past, being a good father is important to him, it's why the money was an issue, Jackson's what he needed, what a pair."
"I'll say, Ty's whole demeanor changed the second he had JT in his arms, well shortly after at least" Lisa said laughing.
They were all scheduled for make-up and hair consults together and had fun.
Everybody chose make-up for the evening and though they played with hair styles no one but Betty and Lisa went for them.
Amy got antsy after she had chosen her make-up and it was obvious.
"Go ahead, I'll make sure the make-up isn't out of control." Meg said quietly.
"Go on" Ashley added from her side.
"You sure, you came all this way Ash."
"I think we'll see each other more often than we have Amy, seems we'll be doing loads of stuff together."
"I hope so" Amy said leaning over for a big hug.
Amy texted Pat and said her goodbyes. Gloria got a hug and Pat texted Ty when Amy came out the door and handed him her packages.
The door to their suite opened as she came out of the elevator, she could hear music coming from inside and two waiters wheeled a cart past her one staying behind holding the door for her.
She swept into the suite and headed back expecting Ty the whole way. The Allman Brothers Band was blaring from the bedroom. She passed a three tiered seafood display of both raw and prepared delicacies, huge prawns, lobster claws, oysters, mussels and clams, on ice or not as necessary. Amy grabbed a huge shrimp heading past and stopped to swoon when she bit down almost going back for more.
"Ty" she called out.
She carried her packages into the bedroom, the music was loud though not unbearable it wasn't hard to imagine Ty didn't hear her. She walked to the bathroom door and pushed the almost closed door open to see Ty stepping behind a glass wall into the shower.
Amy slipped out of her dress and wandered into the bathroom. Ty was singing along facing away when she walked into the shower and behind him. He sensed she was there and smiled when he felt her palms circle around to his belly.
"Room service ?" He whispered.
"Turn around and let me look at you"
He turned in her arms and her eyes caught his. She reached up and ran her hand across the top of his earlobe her fingers tracing his wet hair.
Her kiss was passion defined and left no doubt in his mind. Their lovemaking was slow, they had time now and explored the pleasures of each other's bodies, warm water cascading over them, alone at last.
She leaned on the bathroom counter in her robe which was huge and covered her entirely and watched Ty towel dry his hair and rub in a dime sized amount of cream .
"What do you think ?"
"I think it's wonderful and I love it Ty, professional, neat but young and not a pigeonhole doo. It's handsome and playful. Do you like it ?"
"I like it a lot, I was scared but this is great."
She smiled and wandered out in her robe. Amy filled a plate with assorted snacks, grabbed a bottle of water and lay down on a double chaise on the terrace under an umbrella she snapped open. She lay back nibbling when Ty came out looking for her. He wore a pair of cotton lounge pants closed with a tie and no shirt. He was sexy as hell.
He grabbed a water as well and joined her on the chaise. She lay on her back and he on his side. Amy fed him seafood and he lay his head against her. He craned his head up and found Amy's lips waiting, again their kisses turned passionate and Ty's hand slipped over the tie on Amy's robe working it open.
"Can I help you Dr. Borden ?"
"I was thinking I'd just help myself ?"
Amy giggled and sighed as his hand slipped under her robe "you go right ahead my love, make yourself right at home."
A/N – It's down here, so many people wanted the date which is the next chapter so I sort of hid down here till the end, hope you found this fun though. Love the reviews, I'm glad you like the story. Date next, promise !
