Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I appreciate it.
Chapter 78: Pre-ball Chaos
September 17, 2010, early morning
Amanda's cousin: I survived my first day as Satan's assistant.
Monique: Should I congratulate you on not getting fired or send you a wine gift basket to commiserate the fact?
Amanda's cousin: I will take the wine basket. I was barely able to keep her from storming Brianna's show yesterday. And that was only with Lindsey's help. He is mad at her for the stunt earlier in the day.
Amanda's cousin: He also didn't want the woman anywhere near his niece.
Monique: Probably because he had to help Vicki bury the bodies.
Monique: The figurative ones.
Monique: I hope so, anyway.
Amanda's cousin: Even I am wondering why charges weren't pressed.
Monique: Victoria knows too many judges. We're waiting for her to incriminate herself.
Amanda's cousin: She was furious about Austin being in the show yesterday. She is worried about him becoming too visible. Especially because he's modeling for Brianna, which means Austin is again in the Hartley circle. However, she was so upset about Austin that she completely ignored Matt and Cory holding hands or Hillary welcoming Matt into the family. Cory being a Malick is like the worst-kept secret.
Monique: I'm still deciding if that was good or bad. Has Vicki said anything about Tiffany or Chicago?
Amanda's cousin: Not yet. I'll let you know if that changes, especially at the ball.
Monique: Please. Heads up, Cal is attending the black and white ball now, per Corbin. He's bringing his new girlfriend. She is an emergency room doctor.
Amanda's cousin: I will prepare accordingly. It wouldn't hurt for a doctor to be at the thing.
Monique: You need to tell her. Say you got it from a friend you made during your time at Mode.
Amanda's cousin: You want me to ingratiate myself to her?
Monique: Yes. The last assistant got fired when the ex-husband showed up unexpectedly at the Labor Day party.
Amanda's cousin: That was actually three assistants ago. I think she poached me because she really needed an assistant. The fact that I was your assistant was just a bonus.
Monique: I'm not surprised.
Amanda's cousin: I'll work on getting her not to go today. It would be much easier if Lindsay didn't leave for the airport 20 minutes ago. He's actually the voice of reason.
Monique: Just try. Let my cousin know if you need anything.
Amanda's cousin: Will do.
Xxx
"I still can't believe you successfully planted your PA even with my assistance," Wilhelmina said as she slid Monique back her phone after reading the text exchange from earlier in the morning. They were currently sitting in the back office of Ross. During Gio's paternity leave, Wilhelmina redecorated. There's at least a couch and some semblance of organization.
"It's not my fault that Vicky is a toddler that wants everybody else's toys."
"Especially because it keeps backfiring on her. Austin in the fashion show yesterday was a touch of genius." Wilhelmina takes a drink of her juice.
"From what I've been told, that was all Pablo, Breanna's number two at the company. He was also the one who tipped Cal off to the need to go to the Labor Day party to meet his son's newest boyfriend." Monique explained.
"And he is still employed?" Wilhelmina asked.
"Yes. Probably because he knows way too much and he's been with Brianna since college."
"Knowing where the bodies are buried usually leads to job security," Wilhelmina commented.
"Very true."
"How did the visit with Connor go yesterday?" Monique finally asked. That was the whole reason for this morning's meeting. Even with the burn phones, there were some things that they didn't want to talk about in writing. Connor was one of those things.
"He appreciates the baby pictures. He also thinks your father is an asshole." He spent at least 10 minutes berating both of their fathers. He hates Monique's father almost as much as he hates the senator. Wilhelmina rewarded her husband appropriately for that.
"No argument there. Were you able to mention anything about Victoria?"
"Only in general terms. I decided it wasn't safe to talk specifically about Tiffany's disappearance. But I did tell him that old woman Hartley was taking her anger out on Marc for Claire stealing her husband back in the day. Because he knows I want to protect Marc and Jade, he will keep an eye out for anything Victoria-related."
"Thank you."
"Although he did suggest a forensic accountant for the Hartley Foundation. He's positive that the woman isn't using her own money to pay for mommy Wiener's custody shenanigans."
"I have a meeting with accounting this morning, so I'll raise it with Kenny. He might have some suggestions."
"I would only raise it with Kenny. I don't trust anybody else down there." Wilhelmina suggested cautiously.
"Noted. When do you see Connor again?" Monique asked.
"Thanks to pissing off my father, I get to see my husband the week before Thanksgiving."
"That is in two months. You visited every two weeks before. Is this your dad punishing you for coming clean?" Monique asked.
"Of course he is. He's still angry about everybody knowing the truth about Renee."
"Or is he upset about the large sum of money he gave her to go away and not talk to the press about it?" Monique asked.
"Probably. Money is one of the things he cares about more than image. How do you even know about that?" Wilhelmina asked, concerned.
"He had to get a loan from my mom. Your father is asset-rich but cash poor. Mom would only give him the loan if she told him why. The only reason why she said yes was because it would make things easier for you."
"And for the business." Wilhelmina sighed. However, she feels that her business partner at least cares about her a little as a person. But the business still came first, and Renée going on the talk show circuit would have been a deterrent.
"Not only business. I'll talk to mom to see if I can get you back to two visits a month. But in the meantime, I'll see my 'brother' next week. I'm even willing to pass a letter to him."
"Thank you." She genuinely appreciates Monique keeping an eye on Connor when she couldn't.
"Are we ready for tonight?" Monique asked.
"Yes. Chef Carlo has everything together for our part. We will stop seating regular patrons after 7 PM in preparation for the after-party. Also, Victoria was unsuccessful in trying to steal several of our staff away."
"Of course, she did that. Whom did she go after?" Monique almost sounded resigned. She heard from Marc yesterday that two writers left for Isabella without notice. However, they were both Hudson transplants. It makes sense because those Wilhelmina chose would not have defected to the enemy.
"Chef Carlo. She tried to hire him as her personal chef. He told her to go fuck herself." Wilhelmina smirked.
"This is why I adore Carlo Andreas. He was a good choice."
"Yes. This way, your hubby can focus on Jamie and recipe development for our many restaurants." Many months ago, Wilhelmina bought Gio's ex-girlfriend's shares as a way to get Mode Australia when she lost Isabella. Now she's happy she's now part of the Ross restaurant group for more than the fact it was successful. Wilhelmina also enjoyed the work she was doing and her colleagues. She liked that she was working with Gio and Monique, not against them.
"I think he will have a whole hotel cookbook by the time we get back in our house. The man can do things with a kitchenette that make no sense. Although it kept us from living on room service for the last month and a half, I appreciate it." Monique smiled.
"When will your apartment be done?" She swore the renovation should be finished by now.
"You may see Connor again before I see that apartment. My mom took over. So, it might be a while." Monique groaned. "I'm hoping we're back in by Thanksgiving. I want to do a Friendsgiving for the office, and I was hoping to host it at my house."
"You could do it at the restaurant," Wilhelmina suggested
"Mercedes has it booked for her corporate party. We should also do a family meal for the restaurant but not here. Another one of my mom's hotels would be impersonal as well."
"We have two months; we will figure it out. Although, what about your mother's Manhattan apartment or one of her other nearby houses?"
"I really hope I am back by that time. But you're right. I could have it at her penthouse."
"Connor told me that the place she moved into after dumping my father is massive."
"It is. Possibly just because she still hosts parties for the foundation. Speaking of big fundraisers, what else do I need to know for tonight?" Monique asked.
"You only need to get your husband and mother here by 9:30 PM to help with the front of the house. I will take care of everything else."
"I will set a reminder."
"Where is my business partner right now? There are a few things I want to discuss with both of you."
"In the kitchen showing Jamie off." Monique smiled.
"Of course he is," At that moment, Monique's phone beeped again.
"That was Amanda's cousin again. Victoria stole our top chef for tonight and his catering crew."
"She is aware that you have a restaurant, right? Multiple restaurants and your mother owns several of the top hotels in Manhattan." Wilhelmina was very confused by this tactic.
"Obviously, no. I'm not even mad Chef Andre made the deal because it's a long-term contract, and we were a one-time thing. Also, maybe the Hartley foundation events that Victoria organizes will have edible food again. Antonella almost chipped a tooth at the 2009 yacht party. Mom forgot to warn her about eating the appetizers."
"You are such an optimist." Wilhelmina scoffed.
"This is still nowhere near as bad as my wedding. Although I'm sure Victoria was expecting us not to find out about this until the caterers didn't show up in six hours."
"Now you have time to fix it."
"What staff members are off today and would be willing to work for 200% pay?" Monique asked.
"I will get you a list," Wilhelmina said, going to the staff computer. This was going to be a long day.
Xxxx
A bit later in the day
London Betty: Hey, sorry I didn't contact you yesterday. It was already late in London. You stole the show last night.
Marc: My partner did.
London Betty: I thought you two were out of the denial phase. Antonella sent us some pictures that definitely were more than pretend.
Marc: We decided to keep using "partner" because boyfriends are for teenagers, and Cliff is so much more than my boyfriend.
London Betty: That's true. You have jade together.
Marc: And she's everything.
London Betty: I know. How did the lawyers' visit today go?
Marc: How did you know about that?
London Betty: Daniel knew about the follow-up meeting on Friday, but he is too busy with pre-Fashion Week meetings today to check up on you. So he asked me to.
Marc: At least one member of our team thinks my mother is an incompetent bigot. The rest know she's incompetent but are waiting until they meet her in person to decide on the bigot part. The fact that she wants to ignore Cliff completely might work in our favor.
London Betty: Which is always good.
Marc: There's a consensus that going off to DC for a quickie wedding would not work at this time. But they're going to keep an eye on the political climate—stupid Defense of marriage act.
London Betty: Wait, that was discussed?
Marc: Yes. If I thought it would help, I would be sending you for a dress fitting immediately.
London Betty: You and Cliff have gone from completely ignoring that you still are in love with one another to planning a wedding in 24 hours?
Marc: First, we're not actually planning a wedding. We're just considering the legal implications of getting married.
London Betty: I'm not seeing much of a difference.
Marc: Second, how long were you and Daniel together before he put a ring on it?
London Betty: I feel like he would have waited longer to get engaged if he didn't find the perfect ring.
Marc: You two are so ridiculous it hurts my head. It took moving to another country for you two to get it together.
London Betty: Now you know how I feel about you and Cliff.
Marc: We're not that hopeless. Self-sabotaging but not hopeless.
London Betty: [6 rolling eye emojis]
London Betty: Yeah, I don't believe that.
Marc: So, have you turned in your letter of resignation?
London Betty: Not yet, but that's mostly so I can keep an eye on things here. One of the writers I like is being moved to Isabella press in New York. She's upset about it because her husband is not. He works at the fashion magazine here, and he's not being moved. She can't turn down the promotion because of the wording in her contract. She needs to work to help pay her mother's rent.
Marc: I don't know if there would be much left over having to pay rent in two cities. They really should be more strategic in whom they're bringing over. Send me his resume. We lost a couple of writers due to Isabella's poaching.
London Betty: Thank you. It's already in your inbox.
Marc: You are learning grasshopper. If it gets too much, you will leave.
London Betty: I will.
London Betty: I have a day off for Christina's show. So, I'm going to enjoy that. Although I'm hoping I don't get called in this weekend to work.
Marc: I hope that doesn't happen either. When does she get in? Is she bringing William this time?
London Betty: Her train arrives in about three hours. Yes, she is bringing William. Things with Stewart have deteriorated. They're separated, and it's better if William is with her. DJ has offered to babysit during the show. He's been getting tips from Austin. It's adorable.
Marc: Austin is an excellent babysitter. Do I need to have Tamika send Christina an "I am sorry your husband was an asshole" condolence gift bag? I think I can get it delivered to your house by Sunday. And a toy for my little godson. I've been neglectful.
London Betty: What would be in this condolence gift bag?
Marc: For Christina, primarily alcohol and a little chocolate.
London Betty: Yes. I should grab something on the way to the train station. I hope I'll be done by then and can pick her and William up. Are you still William's godfather?
Marc: Yes. Baby William is why I knew how to do formula and diapers before Jade got here. Also, why I didn't have to buy much furniture. Wilhelmina gave me everything I didn't get from your father and sister.
London Betty: Which is good. William is going to be trying out the nursery. We just finished last weekend.
London Betty: [Image one attached]
London Betty: We'll do the one at Amanda's house after the babies arrive since she will live with us for the first few months.
London Betty: The new one since baby Becks took over the current nursery. We hope that by that point, Candy will acknowledge that she's in a long-term committed relationship with Becks.
Marc: Good luck with that. I enjoy the color scheme, and I'm shocked that it isn't covered with a giant picture of Ariel.
London Betty: I was overruled.
Marc: Lol.
London Betty: However, I did find a baby-safe Flounder plush. I am looking for other things.
Marc: Text Cliff. If they make it, he knows where to get it. Although do that tomorrow. We have to get ready for the ball. I'm making him get a manicure.
London Betty: I want a ton of pictures. Justin worked on this so much over the summer that I am deeply invested.
Marc: I will.
Xxx
A bit later:
"This looks really good," Monique says as she walks into the venue with her husband and the catering team that she and Wilhelmina had assembled this morning. Gio would be doing the bulk of the cooking, but they managed to grab a few sous chefs and waitstaff. Jamie was strapped to her chest, sleeping calmly.
"They managed to get a ton of stuff done yesterday while everybody else was at Brianna's show." Her cousin explained.
"Which is amazing considering we had to make an emergency trip to Jersey to get tablecloths when what arrived turned out to be more appropriate for a two-year-old birthday party," Matt added.
"However, I have saved them for subsequent babies' birthday parties and other appropriate celebrations," Austin told the group. He would.
"Good. More Victoria sabotage?"
"Yes." Tamika sighed. "Seriously, after what happened at your wedding, she's just being petty, stealing the caterers and the tablecloths."
"I wouldn't put arson past her at the moment." Monique sighed as she sat with the rest of the team at the table.
"Did you notice that we have fire extinguishers every 20 feet?" Austin pointed out.
"I like that you're pragmatic."
"Don't worry, cousin; we will pay her back." That's when Tamika handed her a seating chart. Monique looked down to see that only four other people were sitting with Victoria. Unsurprisingly, they couldn't find two other people for the table. However, the four that were seated there was surprising. Also, she's 99% sure that Victoria's date is an escort, but that's neither here nor there. Even Monique used an escort for events after her first husband died when Cliff was unavailable. Most of that was when he was dating Marc the first time.
"I don't know if this is a good idea. Sitting Victoria next to Cory's aunts and Mercedes would make her miserable. However, I don't want two of my mom's oldest friends and my sister to deal with that."
"They asked to sit there. And I obliged. Besides, the really petty part is your sister's date." Tamika smirked.
"Who is she bringing? I know Skye has decided to sit this one out and be part of the childcare team with Claire." Claire was initially attending the event. However, for the sake of her sobriety, she decided to participate in a sleepover with her granddaughter and all the other kids. Skye is there for backup.
"It's a surprise," Tamika told her.
"She won't even tell me, and I'm the one who did the last version of the seating chart," Antonella tells her. The teenager has been helping out all morning along with Justin.
"Now, I'm very concerned."
"They volunteered. Call it older sibling duty." Tamika tried to reassure her.
"Still concerned." Monique sighed. "Do you know whom my sister is bringing?" Monique turned to Austin.
"No. All I care about is being far away from Victoria and Cal's table."
"Thankfully, my father bought out a whole table and is occupying it with members of the Hartley group that I don't hate," Matt added.
"If these are the members you like, I assume none of the more problematic?" Monique asked.
"Only problematic to my mother. They're all board members that hate her," Matt smirked.
"I'm glad your father is kind of on our side in this. I am also glad he's dating a doctor right now. I think there's an actual chance of bloodshed tonight."
"Possibly. Which is why I have an EMT on standby." Tamika told her cousin.
"Smart," Monique replied.
"Grab a centerpiece and help set up tables. I lose all the teenagers in an hour for the salon." Tamika instructed, pointing to a cart that still had several.
"Right away, boss." Monique got up and grabbed one of the centerpieces. "I have at least three hours before I have to go get dressed. Thankfully, my hair is being done while I am not there."
"How can your hair be getting done without you being there?" Austin asked.
"Monique is using hairpieces that will be added. That's what she usually does." Antonella explained before she could.
"I go to enough of these things to have getting ready fast down to an art."
Xxx
Austin was completely exhausted by the time Vivian's assistant Ryan dragged Austin, Justin, and Antonella to a very upscale salon near the venue.
"There's not even a sign on the door," Austin commented as they walked into the salon. The place had more marbled than Vivian's house, which says a lot. For the first week he lived there, he was terrified of breaking something.
"No sign usually means very exclusive," Justin explained.
"This is where Monique got her hair done before your mom took over," Antonella explained.
"Didn't they bail at the last minute for the wedding? That's why my mom started working for her." Justin explained.
"Yep," Antonella replied. "That makes me even more concerned about why we're here. Your mom can do your hair and makeup like she did for the yacht party."
"Because she's busy with your sister-in-law and Marcedes, we need to go elsewhere." Ryan explained.
"Aunt Mercedes definitely has something planned," Antonella whispered to Justin and Austin.
"She absolutely does, and I'm looking forward to the fireworks," Justin whispered back just as the group was approached by what looked to be an entire team of stylists.
"Francesca, I have Vivian's granddaughter Antonella, foster son Austin, and his boyfriend ready for their appointment."
"Wonderful. The team is looking forward to this. It's our way of apologizing for what happened at Monique's wedding. Please note that none of those individuals are working for us anymore." The stylus explained.
"I will let my boss know."
"I'm going to be working with Antonella. Roy and Demetri will be working with the couple, and finally, Colleen is working with you, Ryan." Antonella gives Ryan a look.
"I am your grandmother's escort tonight. However, she's been trying to get me to do a post-breakup makeover since I started working for her." Ryan explained.
"That is so my grandmother," Antonella remarked as Colleen grabbed Ryan.
"You will all look lovely when I am done with you."
"Do your best." Justin said with a smirk.
Xxx
Meanwhile, on a nearby cell phone:
Amanda's cousin: Satan, the boss, knows her ex-husband will be there. She broke a vase.
Tamika: Did she break it, throwing it at you?
Amanda's cousin: Thankfully, no.
Amanda's cousin: Although I have to arrange for emergency wall repair.
Tamika: Call Breanna's assistant Gigi. She will hook you up with anything you need.
Amanda's cousin: Will do.
Tamika: Please tell me she won't be there now that she knows the ex-husband will be there with the new girlfriend.
Amanda's cousin: She is still going. She already has her revenge dress picked out. The stylist team is preparing to glue her inside.
Tamika: Dammit!
Amanda's cousin: And now I am going with her.
Tamika: Probably because she knows we can't get anybody else to sit at her table.
Amanda's cousin: Yes, nobody would take the other two tickets. However, that might be because she's fired half the staff in the last two days.
Tamika: That tracks with her bringing in people from London. Do you need an escort?
Amanda's cousin: No. I am bringing an old work colleague with me.
Tameka: Smart.
Tamika: Although, remember the cover story we built for you. You're a professional assistant, not an ex-NYPD officer who decided on a career change.
Antonella's cousin: I will remember. However, I need a ball gown in about three hours. Suggestions?
Tamika: Ask Gigi about the dress closet when she's helping you with the wall situation.
Amanda's cousin:?
Tamika: I've been dragged to many events as my cousin's plus one. I definitely couldn't afford all the dresses, so I've borrowed some from the house of West Hartley's extensive collection. Did you think celebrities bought those dresses? They're on loan. Brianna is nice enough to let me use them occasionally. You are authorized for this mission.
Amanda's cousin: Good to know.
Tamika: I will see you tonight.
xxx
Christina was sitting in the waiting area contemplating just going out to get a lorry herself when she finally spotted and out of breath Betty running toward her and William.
"I'm so sorry I'm late. The boss just got a signal again, and I had 16 text messages I had to deal with before I could even leave the office." Betty explained as she hugged her. "There is a car waiting for us."
"It's OK. I'm glad you're here." Christina said, pulling out of the hug.
"And I'm so happy to see you, little man. It's been forever." Betty was now lifting William.
"Betty," her toddler hugged back.
"He knows my name." Her friend smiled.
"He likes you a lot," Christina explained as she grabbed her bags.
"I'm glad," Betty said as she grabbed William's little backpack.
"Thank you for letting us stay with you. Even though I'm starting to get more orders, I'm still just starting out." Christina was grateful not to spend money on a hotel in London.
"It's no trouble. This way, you can stay a few more days."
"It will give Steward time to get the last of his things out of the house."
"So, it's at that point?" Betty asked, concerned.
"It was at that point this summer but I didn't want to mention it. It's final now, though. We signed the divorce papers a few days ago." Christina explained.
"I'm sorry. I wish she would've told me more about that."
"I didn't want to bother you with everything else you're dealing with right now." Especially considering what happened with Amanda's twins. Poor girl having to deal with Daniel being the father. She's handling it well though. "You have enough without my own personal drama adding to it." Christina explained as they made their way out front to the car. Just as Betty promised, there was a car waiting for them.
"It's okay. Work is a mess but my personal life is going well. I'm just really excited for the babies to get here." She wasn't expecting Betty to be so excited considering her position on Henry's son. "And to be part of your big fashion week debut show. I'm so happy you're going to be here this week."
"Me as well."
"I promise it's going to be a good weekend." Betty let William into the backseat. There was a car seat there waiting for him with Daniel driving. "We are even going to do brunch with Amanda tomorrow."
"I look forward to it. It's good to see you again, Daniel." Christina got into the car herself just as Betty's phone chimed. Her friend checked the phone as soon as they were on their way. A few moments later, Betty groaned.
"What did the evil boss want?" Daniel asked his fiancée from the front.
"I have to go in early tomorrow. He wants to go over next month's issue and tomorrow morning is the only time he is available because fashion week is starting in London Sunday. So I'm going to lose brunch plans."
"It's OK. I have to set up for the show and make sure my dresses didn't get lost in transport."
"I know that but I was going to have fun with William. I got a whole list of toddler activities to do with William from Daniel's number two." Betty sounded very sad about that.
"I can watch William tomorrow. He can go with me to brunch with Amanda, candy, and Becks. His daughter is about William's age. The babies can play together while we go over stuff for fashion week." Daniel offered. "My co-EIC will be there as well. Her husband is taking DJ to the movies with their children."
"Thank you. I appreciate it." Christine really did.
"See crisis averted."
"I still was looking forward to a girls brunch."
"How about girls' night pizza?" Daniel suggested instead.
"Perfect," Betty leaned over to kiss her fiancé. Christina was happy that at least those two finally got it together.
To be continued