The conversation shifted so quickly; it caught Katherine by surprise. She mumbled something, but I didn’t catch what it was, so I chimed in to save her.
“We don’t know the sex yet, and we haven’t even discussed names.” I didn’t have a preference, boy or girl, I just wanted a healthy baby, and for Katherine to feel better. It was miserable watching her get sick constantly.
“Oh, well it’s early on then. What about a wedding? You’re getting married. Have you set a date?” Jillian’s prying wasn’t as bad as her nagging, but I could see how it would get annoying. I was thankful, however, that Katherine seemed to drink it in.
“No date yet, Mom. But you’ll be the first to know. Okay?” Kat leaned her head on my shoulder. After the past few weeks of fighting and separation, these were things we hadn’t even taken time to think about. I felt guilty for stealing that joy away from Katherine. She deserved so much better than I’d been giving her, and I resolved right then to be what she needed.
“Right…” Jillian’s face dropped again; the yoyo of her drama too exhausting to keep up with. Her face fell, and I could see genuine sorrow in her eyes. “Kitty, I’m so sorry that I reacted so harshly. John and I talked about things, and I just feel awful. Can you ever forgive me?”
I had a strange sense that we were rehearsing a scene from a television soap opera—it was that dramatic—but Jillian had her quirks. Katherine stood and walked over to Jillian who also stood. They hugged and Katherine whispered something to her mother I couldn’t hear. I was glad they were finally getting along.
If this situation had taught me anything, it was that anything can happen. Katherine and I had reconciled. I finally had a woman who loved me. The firm was growing, and even Jillian Scott-Baxter had had a change of heart. Either I was in the twilight zone or life was looking up.
26
KAT
The restaurant was empty, except for the lone table with place settings. Victor had bought it out—one thing money was good for—and I felt like a queen. The wait staff took extra pains to decorate the dining room, strands of lights twinkling from almost every surface. And there were so many roses, the room looked like a flower garden. Victor had gone all out.
I stood waiting next to the door. My choice of footwear wasn’t the best, but the heels were a must. They gave me an added three inches of height, and with Victor towering over me the way he did, I could use all the help I could get.
My dress was simple, a black pencil skirt with a classic A-line bodice. I wouldn’t be able to wear things like this for a while, so I took advantage of the chance to dress up and look nice before my stomach ballooned out and I felt huge. And Victor told me tonight was about me, so I wanted to make the most of it
“Ms. Scott?” A waiter approached me holding his arm out, and I looped my hand around his elbow. He led me to our table, the only one with place settings, and pulled the chair out for me. This time I would not be so nervous as to be checking my makeup 20 seconds before Victor walked in. I wanted to watch him as he approached, see how handsome he looked in his suit.
“Mr. Beringher will be here shortly. I have taken the liberty of pouring you a glass of Chardonnay and there are fresh rolls with butter here if you are hungry.” The portly man bowed and smiled, then vanished back into the kitchen, leaving me alone. Soft music played over the speakers, keeping me company as I waited. I had come a few minutes before our arranged time, but I hated being late anywhere. Victor was always right on time.
And like clockwork, the minute the minute hand hit the top of the hour, Victor strolled in. The black suit fit him like a glove, tailored perfectly to his body. A dark blue shirt complimented his skin tone, but his smile was what captured me. He hadn’t seen me yet, but the smile was priceless. And the moment our eyes met; his smile grew.
He made his way to the table, unbuttoning his jacket as he sat down. I thought I detected a hint of cologne but with all the flowers surrounding us, it was hard to tell.
“Have you been waiting long?” I would never get over the buttery tone of his voice. It did things to me.
“Not long. This is beautiful, Vic. How did you pull all this off?” I reached for his hand, and he reached back. Our fingers laced together, and he shrugged.
“I am not at all the type of man to use my money and power to woo a woman, but when the woman is you, I’d do anything.” He cocked his head and offered a curious expression. “So, you were here that night we met again…”
His words trailed off, as if he were asking me to explain myself. The breakup with Javier seemed a million years ago now, but it had been less than a year. Javier was off to Europe, and I had moved on. It was hard to believe that I dated him for a few years, and just like that, he was removed from my heart. Love was the balm that smoothed out the aches in my heart.
“Yeah, after a breakup.” Peering down at our hands folded together, I was thankful for Victor’s entrance into my life that night. If I had remained with Javier even one day longer, I wouldn’t have been at this restaurant having drinks with Taylor. I wouldn’t have needed the consolation, and I wouldn’t have run into Victor.
“He didn’t deserve you.” Victor winked at me and leaned back as the waiter set our salads in front of us.
“Bon appétit!” He nodded at us and smiled. “Now, will there be anything else before our main course?”
Victor gestured with his hand, dismissing the man, and took his napkin and draped it over his lap. I followed his lead, but watched the waiter scurry off. When I looked back, Victor’s arm was extended across the table, a beautiful ring perched between his thumb and pointer finger. Surprised, I looked up at him, already feeling the tears in my eyes.
“I’m sorry I didn’t do it the right way, but since you’re going to be my wife, I thought maybe you’d like one of these?” He grinned at me, and I rolled my eyes.
Gesturing around the room, I said, “You went to all this trouble, this romance, the expense, and that is how you give me the ring?” I had to laugh.
He took my hand and slid the ring on my finger and kissed it, then let my hand go so I could examine the setting. It was brilliant white gold, and what looked like a quarter carat at least. Nothing fancy, but beautiful.
“Do you like it?”
“Like it? It’s perfect. Now I just have to teach you how to be a real romantic.”
Both of us picked up our forks and started eating, and I couldn’t help but look at the ring several times while finishing my salad. He had really captured my personality perfectly.