“Whatever you want, dear,” he joked. “Oh! And don’t forget to call the restaurant regarding the change to the menu for the rehearsal dinner.”
Beanz sighed. “Why can’t your assistant do that? I have enough on my plate as it is.”
“Because I keep Amanda busy withPemberleyCapitalbusiness, that’s why. Please re-read page sixty of the agreement. It’syourjob to handle the wedding details—my job to pay for it.”
“Yes, you’re right, honey bunny. It’s my job.”
He grunted. “Very funny, but if you call me honey bunny at the closing, I’ll publicly refer to you as Beanz, then tap out of this whole thing.”
“There is nothing in the contract that addresses nicknames.”
“I know it’s not in the contract but neither does it grant carte blanche to call each other juvenile pet names. I gotta go. I’ll see you shortly.” He clicked off, then removed the earbuds, shoving them into his pocket. This wedding shit was getting under his skin. Only a couple of months left and the hard part would be over. Now, if he could only convince her she had to dial back the cringy PDA. Even his sister raised an eyebrow a few times at the engagement party despite believing the whole “we fell in loveover time, meant to be together from childhood” bullshit they fed family and friends.
Still, he needed to be nicer to her for her stalwart friendship through some of the rough patches over the last few years. He’d work on his disposition after the closing, maybe take her for lunch at her favorite Thai restaurant even though he didn’t care for Thai. Escorting her to Bergdorf before her sister’s upcoming wedding to buy her a new wardrobe was a sure-fire way to make up for his ill temper. She’d gush over that given her new attitude and new boobs (compliments of him.) She was a high-maintenance socialite now and playing her part in the scheme.
Slowing his gait, he wiped his forehead and admired the rising sun. It was going to be an exceptional day, he buoyed. He was super-stoked about the five-bedroom townhouse only a half block from Central Park, which he got for a steal. In fact, he looked forward to the execution of her fabulous décor ideas to enhance the classic, historical architecture.
Five stories on 78thStreet and Fifth Avenue were worth the twenty-seven million he spent. Darcy smiled with pride—and admiration—of his future home. He’d worked damned hard these last six years, and this was, thus far, his greatest achievement to show for it.
“What do you think?” he asked, gaze still focused on the sugar maples below.
“It’s not Billionaire’s Row nor is it actuallyonFifth Avenue, but I think I’ll be happy here,” Beanz said. “I know you don’t like to hear this, but I’m going to say it anyway. Your parents would be really proud of you.”
Having buried his mother five years ago and his father twenty months ago after a massive heart attack in the middle of a heated client meeting, he slightly bristled. Would his father bemore impressed by the relationships he, on behalf of Pemberley Capital, singlehandedly fomented or for his son’s personal achievements as a result of steadfast hard work? He’ll never know the answer to that. Nevertheless, he knew Beanz sincerely meant good by saying his parents would be proud. “Thank you. I know my mother would have thought it too extravagant. She enjoyed the simpler things in life. Give her the house in Vermont or a beachside cottage over city life any day.”
“Simple is boring. You’re a big-time player now. Living in a measly chalet in the mountains or a tiny cottage is so not good for your image—or mine. If you want beach, we’ll just buy a ten-thousand square foot in Sagaponack.”
“She hated the Hamptons,” he replied.
“Well,Iadore the Hamptons.”
Coming to stand beside him, she looked out the window. A satisfied smile spread on her lips. “I’m glad I didn’t fall for the next or last parasite who came along.”
“A parasite I am not.”
“Nor will you ever be, Mr. Darcy. Besides, you’re my best friend. After all these years, I can honestly say, this feels sorta right without the romance.”
“Does it feel right because of the Fifth Avenue townhouse, the Maserati, the ring, or your new breasts?”
“Ha. Ha. None of the above.” She looked down at the sparkling rock on her finger. “I’m not as gold-digging as you think. It feels right because I trust you and you’ve always been honest with me about everything. Not only do you understand me, but you had faith enough in me to invest in my business. Support from my family has always been in short supply.” She shrugged, then toyed with her suit collar apparently uncomfortable voicing her appreciation.
“I expected you to fall for my money, but please don’t go falling for me because of any misguided hero-worship,” hestated. “I’d like to just remain your sugar daddy without the whole ‘love’ thing.”
“I’m not falling for you. I’ve scrutinized page twenty-nine several times. Besides, you’re a grouch. It’s best if we keep separate bedrooms, offices, and relaxation spaces. You are so not a morning, afternoon, or night person.”
“True.” He swallowed hard, allowing the hidden man inside to thank her the only way he could by reaching between them and taking her hand in his. “This is really it. After we get through your sister’s wedding, it’ll be our turn.”
“Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this time her trip to the altar is better than the last. May they never be in short supply of love or booze to keep from killing each other before they reach six months.”
“Just a reminder—I’m not in love with you and will resist killing you at all cost,” he teased.
“That’s good because I don’t love you likethateither,” she replied. “And I make no promise about not killing you.”
“Duly noted.” They smiled at each other, and it made him happy to see how excited his friend was at the prospect of spending their future companionship caring for each other and providing for each other’s personal needs.
Clearing his throat, he dropped her hand and walked the empty space, admiring the vaulted tray ceiling and classical fresco within. Brightly kissed by the sun, the apartment smelled and looked fresh and clean. He loved that the townhouse had been painstakingly restored to its historical grandeur. His chest swelled with pride.
She waved her arm in the direction of the empty wall facing the windows. Raising her voice, she echoed in the cavernous family room. “What do you think? I imagine a sixty-by-forty-inch original Fauvist painting right here. Maybe a modern pieceor a Matisse nude. The sunlight will make the dramatic color against the white walls and carpet all the more—”
