AllFreeNovel
Share Us
27
Will walked along Atlantic Avenue, on his way to meet Richard after a mostly sleepless night. Even at nine o’clock on a Sunday morning, the sidewalks and streets were bustling with activity as the city came to life.
Elizabeth had been sound asleep when he left. They’d talked for a while last night, mostly about Richard, but also about Caroline and Catherine and Anne. She’d eventually drifted off to sleep in his arms, but he’d remained awake for a long while, replaying the events of the evening and analyzing his behavior.
He didn't like what he’d discovered about himself and narrowed it down to one thing: he liked to be in control and felt better when things were going as planned—rather, asheplanned. When something veered off and spiraled out of his control, or when he felt threatened, he had a tendency to let those feelings take hold and dictate his behavior. Feeling threatened was one thing; reacting the way he did was another. He couldn't control everyone or everything in every situation, but hecouldcontrol his reactions and responses.
Still, as much as he trusted Richard's judgment with most things, he wouldn't be able to let down his guard with Lauren until he was confident she was genuine. If he was overanalyzing or overreacting, so be it; he had a lot at stake. Anyone or anything perceived as a possible threat to his company, his well-being, or the well-being of those he loved, would never be considered lightly.
Elizabeth had been spot-on when she accused him of being inconsiderate of her feelings. All she’d sought was validation, for him to tell her he understood, but he couldn't see it. Instead, he’d reassured her abouthisfeelings forher, which she hadn’t been questioning to begin with. She was nervous about the unfamiliar, the unknown, and cloistered away as he’d been for the past six months on the Cape, it was easy to forget how daunting and caustic the people of Boston society could be. Caroline was a prime example, though after his conversation with her, he was pretty sure she would back off for good.
Of all people,heshould have understood where Elizabeth was coming from; he hated being in a crowd of people unknown to him. It was difficult for him to strike up a conversation with a stranger, and it was equally trying to jump into a discussion already underway. His talent for lighthearted, pleasant banter was lacking.Severely.
But despite everything bad that happened, there were some good things that happened last night too. Dancing with Elizabeth was wonderful; she was a vision, and it had been difficult not to stare at her all night. He enjoyed celebrating with Charles and Jane, and seeing Georgiana happy and confident pleased him to no end.
Early this morning, he’d risen, sat by the windows, and watched as dawn lazily stretched its fingers over the city. He had no idea how long he sat there, but he didn't return to bed until the buildings around him were bathed in the soft orange glow of morning light, and he was surprised to see that Elizabeth was awake and watching him.
“What were you doing?” she asked as he slid between the sheets.
“Nothing. Thinking.” He paused. “I couldn't sleep.”
Looking down at the sleepy green eyes peering at him from the pillow next to his, he’d felt a yearning deep in his gut.
“I love you,” he whispered, and kissed her softly.
He desperately wanted to make love to her, but wasn't sure how she would respond. His hesitancy was forgotten when she kissed him back fervently, pushed him onto his back, and climbed over him. They made love slowly and sweetly and afterward, they curled together and he finally fell into a deep, contented sleep.
Now, as he stood with Richard in the park, he apologized profusely and tried to explain his actions and his behavior to his irate cousin.
“I know, I'm the biggest asshole on the planet.”
“You won't get any argument from me.”
“You couldn't say anything worse, or make me feel any worse than Elizabeth already did.”
Richard smirked. “I knew I liked her for a reason. She doesn't take your shit either, does she? She sees right through you, sees the arrogant prick lurking under the tuxedo.”
Will remained silent, letting his cousin read him the riot act, knowing he deserved every word of it.
“You have no idea what my relationship with Lauren is like. And why should I tell you anything? Thankfully, she missed your little show, and I was able to avoid telling her most of it. Like how you had theballsto ask if the baby is mine. That baby ismine, Darcy, there's no fucking question about that.”
“I'm sorry I said that. I didn't mean it, and the words never should have left my mouth.”
“You're damn right they shouldn't have! I’m–I’m elated about this.” Richard paused and looked away from Will, obviously trying to regain his composure. “You have no idea how happy I am, how happyweare. Yes, it was unplanned. It was anaccident. Chalk it up to a momentary lapse, whatever. Not that it's any of your business.”
“It's not.”
“Shut up. Don't patronize me.” Richard paused. “Lauren and the baby are my life. Period. She's moving in with me as soon as we get back to California. She’s–she’s changed my life, Darcy. She’s changedme. For the better.”
Will knew exactly what that felt like. “I'm happy for you, Richard. Genuinely.”
Richard sighed. “I’m trying to stay pissed off, and you’re not making it easy. And I know where a lot of this is coming from. That’s the only reason why I’m here with you right now. I remember what happened with your father all those years ago, the way he was betrayed, and I know you; you’re thinking about the company, and youalwaysfocus on the worst that could happen. You’re worried about someone swooping in and taking advantage and destroying everything you’ve worked hard to preserve. Igetit. But I can assure you, Lauren isnotthat person. She just isn’t.”
Will nodded, wondering if his cousin was right.Do I always assume the worst about everyone?He pushed the thought away, knowing it was something he would ponder later, and cleared his throat. “Um, did you mean it when you said you quit?”
Richard eyed him warily. “I meant it at the time. But no, I'm not quitting. As much as my boss can be a complete fuck-up and deserves to have his ass kicked…I'm not quitting.”
Will sighed in relief.
