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Chapter 6 Posted on Saturday, 18 November 2006
After a night spent tossing and turning, Liz dragged herself out of bed and went to the gym, with a stop by the office. The next day she had an appearance in Court and wanted to get everything together beforehand. She gave Steve a call from the office, and she drove over to his apartment. After knocking on his door, she let herself in to find that Steve was on the phone. He smiled at her and held up his hand, indicating he would just be a moment. Smiling at him, she walked into the kitchen to make some coffee. Steve's loud laughter floated in from the other room, and Liz chuckled to herself. A moment later, Steve appeared next to her.
"Oh yes, work your magic with that java! One of the things I do miss about having you here is your coffee," he said, taking a deep sniff of the air.
"Only one of the things? You make it sound as if I were unbearable to live with.." she said, flashing a dark look at Steve.
"Just kidding, Lizzykins. You know I loved having you here ... but your coffee was the best part!"
"Its not magic or anything, hon. You just put cinnamon in the grounds before brewing it."
"Well, be that as it may, I still think you are the Goddess of the Grounds, and nothing you say will change my mind. So, do you think you have everything set for tomorrow?"
"Yes ... I hope so. I hope everything goes smoothly, especially after last week."
"Tell me about it, girlfriend. I was so stressed out I nearly ruined my manicure," he said, studying his nails.
"Just the manicure? I probably shouldn't tell you, then, that your socks clashed the other day," she said, barely biting back her laughter.
"What!? Oh ... you're going to get it, Lizzy.." he said, inching in for the attack.
"Stop right there, mister, or no coffee for you!"
"Oh, you're a heartless one ... ," he said with a grin. "So, what did you do yesterday? I came home and found your note, but you weren't around when I called."
"I went out shopping, stopped at the park, and had a bite to eat," she said, trying to look innocent.
"And..."
"And ... I ran into Darcy," she said, watching the coffee drip into the carafe.
"Ah. Darcylicious ... *sigh* ... how good did he look?"
"Amazing ... thanks for pointing out to me how handsome he really is ... now I can barely look at the man when I'm talking to him," she laughed.
"Eye candy, darling, eye candy. You're supposed to savor the sweetness, not abstain."
After some coffee and a bit more talk, Liz got her things together to make her way back home, as Steve had plans to go out. "Who are you meeting up with? Anyone I know?"
"Um ... no. Not really. Anyway, I'm just meeting him for a light dinner, nothing serious," he said evasively.
"Oh ... you seeing someone?" Liz asked excitedly.
"Er..I don't know yet. I just met him, we've met for coffee or lunch a few times, talked on the phone a lot ... he seems really nice, but I don't want to get my hopes up. Besides, it feels odd going out with anyone so soon after Alex. I don't want to have a rebound, or anything, so I'm taking this really easy."
"That's a good idea. So, who is it?" Liz demanded.
"Not going to tell you just yet, so there," he said, sticking out his tongue. "Seriously, Liz, I don't want this to get out just yet. I want to see if something's there, first, then I'll tell you."
"Fine ... be that way. See if I tell you anything ever again," she said, crossing her arms and trying to pout. Laughing, Steve walked her to the door, and playfully pushed her out. Liz went home and spent the rest of the evening finishing her book.
Monday morning arrived, and after Liz went through the work on her desk, she grabbed her briefcase to head to Court. On the way there, she passed a news stand and saw Darcy's picture on the cover of a paper. Stopping for a moment, she dug out some money and bought a copy, and stuffed it in her briefcase. "Now why did I just do that ... I am going crazy..."she muttered to herself as she walked away.
The Court appearance was brief; she won, as usual, and with a smile on her face she walked to a nearby café to have a bite of lunch. Grabbing her coffee and a sandwich she sat a corner table and pulled out the paper she had bought. Opening it to the page indicated, it took all of her willpower to not shoot the hot coffee out of her nose.
"Billionaire William Darcy seen with Mystery Brunette in Park Romp"
"Media darling, William Darcy, was seen with a mystery woman at Marcus Garvey Park yesterday..." she read, and then she saw a picture of Darcy standing next to her on the swing set, brushing hair out of her face.
"Oh ... my ... G*d," she muttered. "Good thing you can't see my face ... my mother would never stop if someone recognized me." Scooping up her things she headed back to her office at a fast clip.
When she got back to her office floor, she swept out of the elevator and past her assistant. Closing the door behind her, she dug the paper out of her bag and threw it on the desk. Sinking into her chair, she picked up the phone and called Jane.
"Jane? This is Lizzy ... could you do me a huge favor? Could you get me William's number?"
"His office number? Sure ... I think Charles has his private line somewhere ... ah! Here it is. What do you need it for?"
"Oh ... well..." she began, and taking a deep breath decided to tell her sister the truth, "well, we ran into each other yesterday and hung out at the park and had lunch. And he's coming over to make me dinner on Friday..."
"Really? That's great! So, is it just a friendly dinner or are we talking about a date?" she asked, her excitement evident in her voice.
"It's a date, Jane..." and before her sister could comment, she continued, "but he's coming over instead of us going out due to the press having an tendency of following him places. Unfortunately, it looks like they struck anyway."
"What do you mean?" Jane asked worriedly.
"Well, that's why I need his number ... I need to talk to him about what I just saw in a paper. Looks like some photographer got some pictures of us when we were at the park. Thank G*d you can't tell its me. I realize that he gets this sort of thing all the time ... but I don't, and I want to know how to handle it."
"Oh my ... well, hopefully he can deal with it and you won't have to," and after giving Liz the number, she hung up. Liz sat back in her chair, twirling a pencil. Steeling her resolve she picked up the phone and dialed the number Jane had given her.
"William Darcy's office. This is Patricia, how may I help you?" asked a velvety voice.
"Hello, this is Elizabeth Bennet, of Grover, Standish, and Meyers. May I please speak with Mr. Darcy? He is not expecting my call, but it is urgent."
"May I ask what this is regarding? I can direct your call to the legal department."
"This is a personal matter. I am a friend of William's and Fitz's. If there is a problem I can give you my office number and he can call me back?" she offered, getting impatient. "I guess he probably gets crack calls all the time from women ... but I need to talk to him!"
"Hold on one moment please, Ms. Bennet," said the voice, and muzak began to play on the line. A second later, Liz heard the deep, masculine baritone of William Darcy on the line.
"Elizabeth? What is the matter? You said it was urgent ... did something happen?"
"I take it you haven't today's Post, yet?" and she heard a groan.
"Someone took pictures?!" he asked, the anger in his voice clear.
"Luckily you can't see who I am, but they were taken at the park."
"Oh G*d, Elizabeth ... I'm so sorry..."
"It really isn't that big of a deal ... who knows, maybe I could get rich off of this! Sue the Post ... ?" she said with a laugh. "I only want to know how to deal with this, my area of law doesn't go into annoying photographers. "
"Unfortunately ... the only thing I can think of is either go into hiding or never be seen around me ... which I hope you don't do..." he said morosely.
"I'm not that easy to get rid of, don't worry. And I don't drop my friends because of silly nonsense. Alright ... I was just wondering if there was a way I could nip this in the bud, so to speak. Are you still up for dinner?"
"Are you?" asked Darcy with no little incredulity. "I would have thought this would scare you off!"
"I just said I don't drop my friends because of silliness. This isn't your fault, William," and she continued over his attempts at taking the blame, "I guess if we're going to be friends, I'm just going to have to get used to it. If anything, I could just walk around with an injunction in my pocket forbidding anyone to take a picture of me," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
"You may think that I'm not to blame ... but you wouldn't be 'having to get used to it' if it weren't for me."
"Well ... try to think of it as a trade-off. I have to deal with the paparazzi ... you have to deal with me. We're even."
Darcy chuckled and shook his head. This woman would never cease to amaze him. That she could take such an obviously upsetting circumstance and find the humor in it ... to cheer him up ... was making him fall for her even harder.
"So ... want to make them work some more? Have you had lunch yet?"
"Actually ... I grabbed a bite to eat after Court today, and I think I'm on the other side of Manhattan from you ... so I wouldn't have much time to meet you anyway."
"Ah ... so would you mind grabbing something tomorrow?"
"Why, Mr. Darcy ... are you asking me out on a date?"
"Why, yes I am Ms. Bennet. Is there a problem?"
"You're already getting a date this week ... you might get sick of me before Friday, and what would I eat then?"
"I seriously doubt that would happen, Elizabeth."
"But ... you just saw me yesterday ... " she said, chewing her lip.
"Elizabeth..." he began with a sigh, "I like you. I would like to see you again."
"Well, we are friends.."
"Elizabeth. I think you know that I like you as more than a friend," he said and held his breath. "There ... I did it. I actually said it! I can't believe I did ... so much for taking it slow..but I can barely control myself around this woman! Oh G*d, Elizabeth ... please be kind..!"
"Oh..." she said softly. "Well ... I like you too..."
Darcy thought that his smile would crack his face in two, he was grinning so broadly. Releasing his breath, he asked, "So ... lunch tomorrow then? My invite ... my treat."
Laughing, Liz accepted and they made plans for the next day. Liz cleared up her calendar for the afternoon, so if the lunch date ran long, she wouldn't miss any appointments. Saying good bye, she hung up and sat at her desk with a large smile.
At the Derby Building, Darcy leapt out of his chair and punched the air with his fist. Clamping his hand over his mouth so he didn't shout out loud, he stood there for a second, basking in the moment.
With a huge grin plastered on his face, he walked out of his office on the way to Fitz's, several doors down. Patricia saw his face and was startled by the expression of smug glee.
"And just why are you a ray of sunshine?" she asked with a straight face.
"Hmm? Pardon?" he asked distractedly.
"May I safely assume that your deafness and Cheshire grin have to do with a certain phone call from a certain Ms. Bennet?"
"Er..." he began, and with a quick look around, he motioned Patricia into his office. He knew that she was completely trustworthy, and he loved her like family. Patricia Sutton had been his father's assistant for twenty years before Darcy took over. She knew the company better than almost anyone, and was fiercely loyal to the Darcy family.
"I take it you like her, don't you Will?" she asked with a smile.
"I do, Aunt Pat ... I won't lie to you. I like her very much, indeed."
"Shall I contact the usual people? Make discrete inquiries?"
"Oh no. No, no, no ... That won't be necessary, at all!"
"Are you sure, Will? You can't be too careful..."
"Believe me, Aunt Pat. It's unnecessary. She isn't after anything, I assure you. In fact, the woman hated me for the first few weeks of our acquaintance! It's taken time and a lot of talking to get her to the point of even going out to lunch with me," he said with a rueful chuckle.
Patricia sat back in amazement. "Really? She didn't like you? Why not?"
"She thought I was a conceited, arrogant, womanizer!"
"And ... you liked her in spite of this?"
"Well, you have to admit ... it was rather refreshing to have someone hate me instead of chase me!" he said with a grin.
"You're a strange one, Billy Boy!" Patricia laughed.
"Well, I don't like her because she hated me. She's beautiful, funny, spirited, lively, caring, brilliant, witty ... need I go on?"
"Oh, I think you can fit a few more adjectives in there..."
"My mother would have loved her," Darcy said solemnly.
"Oh my," Patricia said softly. "You have never said that before," she said, touched. "And she is an attorney? Well ... an honest-to-goodness professional woman ... that's a change, too."
"Went to Harvard, law degree from Columbia where her father is a professor. She's a highly-esteemed attorney at her firm. Georgie likes her immensely, as does Fitz. Her elder sister is dating Bingley ... and Caroline can't stand her!"
"I love the darling girl already," she said with a laugh. "Lets just hope that she deserves you, William."
"I think the question is; can I ever deserve her?" he said with a smile.
Patricia looked at him fondly; remembering him as a little boy, for his happiness and exuberance at this moment had last been seen when he was very young.
Standing, she walked over and patted his hand. "I'm so happy that you found this Ms. Bennet, Will. Just do me a favor. Take your time and don't rush into anything."
"Yes, Pat. I know. I'm trying to take things easy and not rush her, but its difficult."
"Rush her? I meant that you shouldn't rush yourself, my boy. Don't let your enthusiasm for her blind you."
"You wouldn't say things like that if you knew how dead-set against me she was only a month ago. I wasn't joking when I said that she hated me, Pat. Its been the steady work of weeks to correct the mistakes and misunderstandings, to get her to even see me as a friend. I was so afraid that I jumped the gun when I asked her out on a date for this Friday ... and even worse ... there are pictures of us in today's Post. Thank G*d you can't see her face, but I thought that something like this would scare her away for good, but she called me to tell me about it, and we've got a lunch date set for tomorrow."
Sitting down and taking a breath, he continued, "Truth is, Pat ... I'm in love with her. I think I fell for her at first sight, and it just keeps getting stronger every day. She really is the most amazing person I've ever met."
"Will ... you know I love you. I just don't want to see you get hurt. Take your time. If this is meant to be, it will keep."
"I know ... and I appreciate you looking out for me, Aunt Pat," he said with a soft smile.
Patricia smiled and left Darcy's office with a spring to her step. She felt it was her duty to look out for the young man that she loved like a son, and having said her peace and discharged said duty, felt a burst of happiness that the man had found someone to care for. Sitting at her desk, she quickly went online and bookmarked every website of every flower and jewelry shop in the immediate area. Creating a list, she printed a copy and set it on Darcy's desk. Looking at the paper, he burst out laughing and shook his finger at his assistant.
"We must always be on top of these things, Sir," she said with a saucy wink, and returned to her desk.
Hours later, Liz still felt slightly giddy from her talk with Darcy. "He likes me! He likes me?!"was running through her head at Mach 1. She was over her perturbation with the photograph issue; she was an attorney, an adult, and not the least bit thin-skinned. She could handle it. She was more worried about how Darcy would react to the matter. It was just yesterday that he expressed his disgust and anger with photographers hounding him and women who threw themselves at him for a chance to be seen on Darcy's arm. She prayed that he didn't think she was like those women ... that he didn't think she had set it all up.
She had successfully ignored Mina's inquiring looks all day, and was ready to go home. She drifted her way through the subway station and the block's walk to her apartment. After changing into lounging attire, Liz brewed herself some coffee and checked her email. She felt another swift pang of guilt when she noticed two from Mr. Pink.
"Well ... it's not like I'm going to see him again any time soon, and so far William and I are just going out to eat. I guess I'll just have to do this one day at a time.." she said out loud to herself.
to: dm4id3n@quanta.com
from: mrpink@quanta.comHello my Dark Maiden. I hope that you had a decent night's sleep. I'll try not to keep you up all night the next time we chat, but I warn you, it is too easy to talk to you for hours, and the temptation to do so is greater than you know.
I hope your work isn't the trial that mine is. Progress seems to be going too slow for my taste. Sorry this is so brief, but work demands my attention right now.
Til we chat again,
your Mr. Pinkto: dm4id3n@quanta.com
from: mrpink@quanta.comI have a spare minute, so I thought that I would say hello again. Do you like the autumn? Fall in the north-east is one of my favorite times, and one of my favorite things about New York. I love to walk through central park and admire the leaves. It is only a couple of weeks away, and I hope that I am back home by then. I would love to stroll through the park with you. Masks are optional.
Thinking of you,
your Mr. Pink
"Oh my ... a couple weeks?" Liz stuttered. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she hit the Reply button.
from: dm4id3n@quanta.com
to:mrpink@quanta.comI love the fall, as well. It is one of my four favorite seasons! When you grow up in Upstate NY, you really get to see them in all of their glory ... much MUCH more so than in the city. Around Christmas, my family usually rents a cabin back where we used to live, and we spent the holiday surrounded by snow. People who live their whole lives in the city have no idea what snow really is. Everything shuts down when we get five inches. Upstate, they get FEET, and its beautiful. Maybe I could show you real snow. Ski masks are optional.
Take care
your Dark Maiden
She pushed away from her computer and turned it off, her thoughts in a tumult. She was beginning to feel wretched that she liked two different men. Liz had always believed in commitment and loyalty in relationships, and to be attracted to two people at the same time went fiercely against the grain. Running her fingers through her hair and giving a growl of exasperation, she went into the bathroom to run the bath. She needed a long soak. She'd call Steve and talk to him about all of this later. She couldn't tell Jane ... not yet ... maybe not ever. She didn't want this getting back to William in the wrong way.
Some time later, wrapped up in a robe, Liz picked up the phone and called Steve. He heard the tension in her voice and he demanded that he come over to talk. Liz got dressed and awaited her best friend.
About fifteen minutes later, Steve strode past Liz and went directly to her kitchen, and emerged shortly thereafter holding two glasses, which he set down on the coffee table in the living room. Reaching into his coat, he produced a bottle of wine that he promptly opened. After pouring Liz a glass, he handed it to her and ordered her to sit.
"Ok girl, what's going on here?" he asked, concern in his voice evident.
"I think I've got a major problem, Steve, and I don't know what to do," Liz said in a low voice, and began chewing her lip. At Steve's mildly impatient look, she continued, "I think I'm falling for two different people."
Steve sat down hurriedly on the adjacent couch, "Really? Who?" he asked with excitement.
"Steve ... I'm serious ... this isn't good. *Sigh*..I've been talking to Mr. Pink a lot lately, and even though I don't know his name or anything public about him, I've gotten to know him, and he's someone I could fall for ... hard," she said, then averted her eyes to stare into her glass.
"And ... the other one?"
Letting out a heavy breath, Liz said in a low voice, "William Darcy."
"Darcylicious? How did that happen?"
"I've talked to him a couple of times, and I told you that I ran into him the other day ... what I haven't told you is ... he asked me for a couple of dates..."
"Ha! I knew it! I wondered how long it was going to take him to ask you out!"
"What do you mean?" Liz said, startled by his outburst.
"Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that he was seriously crushing on you when we were all at Volare's, hon. The man was sending me daggers whenever I leaned toward you to talk. But you ... you say that you think you're falling for him? When ... how did this happen?"
"It's been happening so gradually, I hardly know. I think it began at Pemberley, actually. I mean, after we had cleared everything up, and he was so nice when he was taking care of me, although I don't think I was ever completely impervious to him. I have to admit that I took his 'tolerable' remark a bit stronger than I usually would have. Normally, I would have just laughed it off, but I think my ego was more crushed than I thought. He's got a wicked sense of humor, he's sensitive, caring, and everything I had previously held against him seems to have been based entirely on false information and presumptions. I like him very much, indeed."
"And the fact that you have a hot billionaire who likes you is certainly incentive..." Steve said with an arched brow.
"That has nothing to do with it, and you know it!" Liz said heatedly.
"Simmer down, Shorty! You know I was only joking ... well, that and I wanted to be sure that you weren't being blinded by all that glitz. So ... let me get this straight..you have a problem because you are being pursued by two, gorgeous, charming, wealthy men ... ?", and at Liz's nod, Steve picked up a pillow and threw it in her face.
"Oof! What was that for?"
"For being silly! I don't understand what the problem here is! You've got two, wonderful men who like you, and you like them..."
"Steve ... you know how I am about relationships..."
"Remind me again, sweetheart, because its been a century or two since you've had one," Steve muttered, deftly grabbing the pillow that Liz had launched back at him.
"I don't ... 'date casually', Steve. I can't ... its not in my nature. If I like someone, if I'm with someone, I'm with them, and no one else. I like two different people at the same time and I feel guilty about it," she said with a pout.
"Well, in all honesty, you really don't know either of them well enough to make any kind of decision. Too bad Mr. Pink isn't around ... would be easier if he were..."
"He said he might be back in a couple of weeks."
"Oh, really? Well then, you have a couple of weeks to get to know both a little better. And don't stress yourself out about any of this, darling ... just relax, take your time, don't rush to any decisions, and be yourself with both of them."
"Steve ... I don't know..."
"Seriously Liz, just take your time. It could work out really well with one of them, or neither. Just don't expect anything and go with the flow ... enjoy yourself. Its not everyday that someone gets to live something out of a bad romance story!" he said with a chuckle, and succeeded in eliciting one from Liz, as well.
"Thanks, Steve ... thanks for coming over," she said with a smile as she leaned over to hug her friend.
"Any time, Lizzykins! And you know ... oh, hold on a second," Steve said as his cellphone began to ring. After checking to see who was calling, he quickly moved into the kitchen. Liz sat and quietly finished her glass of wine, occasionally picking up a word or two from the phone conversation in the next room; "No ... it's ok ... at Lizzy's ... call you back ... later", and then Steve came in to reclaim he seat and his glass.
"Sorry 'bout that," he said with a grin.
"Who was it?" Liz asked curiously.
"Hmm? Oh, my "friend" ... so, do you feel up to a movie tonight, or are you just going to crash?"
"Actually I think I'm going to call it a night. I had to move around some things to squeeze in lunch with William tomorrow, so I've got an early morning," she said, running her fingers through her hair distractedly.
"So, are you just going to take it easy and not work yourself up to a frenzy over this?" Steve asked with concern.
"*Sigh*... I'll try, Steve. I know nothing is serious with either one, and I know I have time to decide ... I still can't help feeling a little guilty, though."
Steve got up and gave Liz a hug goodnight. After closing the door behind him, Liz slowly walked around the dark apartment for a while, deep in thought. She ended up taking a long, hot bath to relax and work the kinks in her neck out, then went to sleep, afraid of her dreams for the first time.
The next morning brought a deluge of work, and Liz was happy that her mind was occupied in this manner until the time for her lunch date. Glancing at the clock, she bit her lip, took a deep breath, and went down to the lobby of the building to wait for Darcy to pick her up. Spying his jaguar pulling up to the curb at precisely 12:00, she chuckled to herself and walked over to the passenger-side door. Just as she reached for the handle, she was surprised at finding Darcy suddenly at her side.
"Allow me, madam," he said with a smile. She gave a tentative smile in return and got in the car. Darcy stood on the curb studying her through the passenger window for a moment before he got back behind the wheel.
"Is there anything the matter, Elizabeth?"
"Hmm? Oh no, everything's fine ... I've just got a lot on my mind, you know ... work and everything."
"Big case?"
"Er ... yes. It requires quite a bit of research, looking at things from all angles ... making decisions..." she said drifting off, chewing on her lip.
"I hope that you still have an appetite after eating that," Darcy said with no little concern, pointing to her mouth.
"I'm sorry," she said, shaking her head. "I'll try to be better company."
"Its fine, I understand. I fully know how work can just take over at times. Don't worry about it, just try to relax and stuff yourself," he said with a small smile, "if that's possible. I've seen you eat, and I'm convinced you have a black hole for a stomach."
His remark brought the first laugh and genuine smile to Liz's face that day, and the two settled into comfortable conversation; Liz's mood much lighter. When Darcy finally brought the car to a stop, Liz looked to see where they had gone.
"Oh! The Russian Tea Room ... I haven't been here in ages!" she said, another smile lighting up her face, this time reaching her eyes as well.
"I haven't been here in a while either, I thought it might be fun for lunch," he said, parking the car. "Stay there ... got to stay in 'knight' mode," he said, flashing a grin before he got out to open Liz's door.
"Thank you, Sir," she said with a giggle as she took his hand.
"You look very nice today," he said shyly.
"I can't believe that ... I feel like I've slept in this suit," she retorted.
"So.. can't let someone pay for meals and can't take complements," he said with a smirk.
Liz flashed him a wry glance and followed the waiter to their table. She scanned the menu and ordered soup, salad, and a Reuben.
"Is that all? I'm sure there's a whole other side to the menu..." Darcy asked with a grin.
"Very funny. I can't help the fact that I like to eat ... sure beats starving myself for no good reason."
"Oh, but isn't starving oneself fashionable these days?"
"As if I care about something like that?" Liz said, shaking her head. "Remember, I drive a seriously outmoded car, and I waste my time working than going shopping..."
"Well, one must remember that Caroline Bingley is a fashionable woman," Darcy said, rolling his eyes. Liz quickly covered her mouth with her hand to keep the giggle from erupting too loudly, when she suddenly gasped.
"Oh L*rd..speak of the..."
"William? I thought that was you. How wonderful to see you," shrilled an unwelcome voice.
"Caroline ... " Darcy said heavily, as he rose from his seat.
"I was just talking to the Talbots over there, and we were discussing your birthday party. Quite the event of the season! And then ... er ... Eliza? What are you doing here?" Caroline nearly sputtered in her shock.
"Elizabeth and I are having lunch," Darcy said in clipped tones.
"Er ... yes, as I was saying," she began, still shaken, "your party was quite the affair! The Talbots just demanded that I do something similar for Charles' birthday. It wouldn't be as large, I would imagine. Netherfield doesn't have quite the same drawing power as Pemberley," Caroline said with a simpering smile.
"I can't imagine that. Charles has many more friends than I do," Darcy said, looking down.
"I am sure that is quite untrue, William," Caroline laughed.
"The true value of friends should be measured in quality ... not in quantity," Liz broke in, and Darcy flashed a grin at her.
"If that is true, than I am a wealthy man indeed," Darcy said warmly, looking at Liz directly.
Liz flushed under his gaze, speechless for the first time. Breaking away from his eyes, she took a deep swallow of her water, praying that it would help cool her down.
Caroline stood there fuming as she had not missed one glance between the couple. Hoping to break the tension, Liz cleared her throat and asked Caroline when her brother's party was to be held.
"Oh, in about two weeks. I guess you will be showing up, as your sister will undoubtedly be there..." she said sneeringly.
"Oh, I'm sure I will be ... as your brother will be so kind as to invite me," Liz retorted, a smirk on her face.
"So ... another masked ball then?" Darcy asked, a pensive look on his face.
"Yes, this time I think it will have a theme, so that it wouldn't be a direct comparison with your party. As if anything could overshadow that event," Caroline said, a smug look on her face.
"That would work, just as long as the theme wasn't 'pumpkins' or something," Liz said with a pointed look at Caroline's bright orange suit and low enough for only Darcy to hear.
Darcy averted his face so he could keep his laughter in check. Although he disliked Caroline, he needed to be civil, as she was the sister of one of his closest friends. As he was turned away, he noticed several women glancing at him with looks ranging from interest to disgust. Confused, he shook his head and refocused his attention on Elizabeth.
"Well, when you have everything planned out, be sure to send me an invitation, Caroline. If you would excuse us, I believe that's our food coming right now."
Caroline stood there for a moment, stung at being dismissed in such a way. She was about to go back to her table when she noticed the plates being set in front of Liz.
"You really shouldn't eat that much, Eliza. It is quite unseemly, and no doubt, will ruin your figure," she said in a voice dripping with disgust.
Before Liz could open her mouth, Darcy said in a nonchalant tone, "Oh, but a man likes a woman with a real appetite. Or don't they publish that sort of information in Vogue?"
Caroline grew white, then turned on her heel and went back to her table. Liz sat there, silently chuckling, and after flashing a grin at Darcy, tucked into her soup. She enjoyed her lunch with Darcy, the two sharing looks over their meal, with the occasional comment. She was beginning to feel very comfortable with him, in spite of the few misgivings she still had. There was something ... secretive, about him, that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was showing in some of his looks and actions, as well as in the moments of unease he had around her. Liz had also not failed to notice some of the looks other women in the restaurant had given him, and she began to ponder what they could mean. Her doubts about Darcy's supposed 'innocence' when it came to his past with women, began to resurface.
"Is there anything wrong, Elizabeth?" he asked, noticing the withdrawn look on her face.
"Oh, nothing!" she said quickly. "Just thoughts of work bouncing around again. I'm sorry, I know I said I'd try to be better company..."
"Not a problem. I know how it can be. Well, are you finished? Is there anything you'd like to take with you?"
"No, I'm done, and I'm as full as I can be," she said with a small smile, looking at the empty dishes before her.
Chuckling, Darcy signaled the waiter over and settled the bill. Helping Liz out of her seat, he then walked her out to his car and opened the door for her.
"Are you ever not so chivalrous, Mr. Darcy?" Liz asked with a hint of her customary impertinence.
"My mother raised me to be a gentleman at all times, my Lady," he said with a bow and a flourish. Grinning, he walked around to the driver's side and got in, nearly bending in half to get in the car.
"I would think that they could have made you a car that you could actually fit in," Liz said laughing.
Shooting her a wry glance, Darcy retorted with, "I'm surprised you don't drive one of those Mini Coopers ... with a booster seat."
Liz smacked his arm and giggled. "No more short cracks from you, mister ... I get enough from Steve and Fitz!"
"Then no more tall jokes from you, either! Agreed?"
"If you wish," she said with a smile. "Just how tall are you?"
"I'm about 6'4", and yes, before you say anything, I did play basketball and it is difficult finding things that fit correctly and the weather is fine up here..." he said with mock exasperation.
"I used to play basketball," Liz began, then noticing Darcy's look of surprise, she said, "I may be small but I can jump really high. And I know a thing or two about not finding anything to fit correctly. Women in this day and age are supposed to be twigs. I, obviously, am not a twig."
"What is it they say? Oh yes, 'Real Women Have Curves'," Darcy said, flashing a look at Liz that caused her stomach to do somersaults.
"This is my building here," she said, trying not to stammer.
"Hmmm? Oh ... yes. Thanks for having lunch with me, Elizabeth. I can't wait until Friday."
Still trying to overcome the feelings his look inspired, Liz shook herself and asked, "So, any clue as to what we are having, or am I just going to have to wait?"
"I want to surprise you! Is there a grocery store near your place? Some of the things I'll need are better if they're very fresh?"
"Yes, there's one right down the street."
"Good. I'd like to see you before then, unfortunately, with my schedule that'll be impossible," he said, attempting to keep the frustration from his voice. He actually did have the time, but after another talk with Patricia, decided that it would be best if he gave Liz a little breathing room for now, even though his mind was screaming at him for letting Elizabeth out of his presence for even a moment.
"I don't know if I'd have the time either," Liz said. "I've got another big case coming up and I'm going to be busy until the weekend."
"So ... til Friday, then?"
"Til Friday," Liz said with a smile. Darcy helped her out of the car parked in front of her office building. He stood there for a moment, looking into her eyes. Leaning forward, slowly, he brushed his lips against her cheek.
"Good bye, Elizabeth," he said in a soft voice, and with another long look, got back into his car and drove off.
Liz stood there for a moment and placed her fingers against her cheek, where she could still feel his lips. Shaking her head to clear it from the confusing feelings of desire, exhilaration, unease, and guilt, she turned and went back to her office.
Chapter 7 Posted on Tuesday, 21 November 2006
Liz sunk herself into her work for the rest of the day, and went back to her apartment, bone-tired. She changed her clothes and called Jane. The two sisters made plans to meet up for dinner, and Liz left to go meet up with her.
"Lizzy! How are you doing? Are you alright, you look tired?"
"I'm fine, Jane ... you know, work at the office. I have another big case this week," she said, averting her eyes.
"So, how are things going with Darcy? I told Charles about your date on Friday, and both of us think that the two of you would get along very well," Jane said, the hope in her face evident.
"We had lunch earlier today ... I think it went well, although there's something still bugging me about it ... about him," she said, her face falling.
"What? I don't understand..."
"Jane ... have you ... or Charles, ever heard about ... Darcy and other women?"
"Oh..." Jane began, blushing, "Charles had mentioned once or twice that poor Darcy had women follow him ... and there was a lot of talk, but we haven't really discussed it. Why?"
"There were stories about William and his 'conquests' going around Pemberley when we were there. He's said they're nothing but rumors, but I keep getting the feeling that its not the whole truth. When we were at lunch today, some of the looks he was getting were ... suspicious," Liz said, chewing her lip.
"Well ... I honestly don't know what to say!" Jane said disturbed. "I've never had the impression that Darcy was ... that he..." she said, clearly uncomfortable.
"Its ok, Jane. We can drop this. I'm just worried that I'm getting into something that could be ... bad."
"I'm sure they are just rumors, Lizzy. You know how some people chase after men like Darcy. Those looks could just be that ... or jealously. You'll see," Jane said in her customary chipper way.
"I hope so..." Lizzy said. "So, what's going on with Charles' birthday? We ran into Caroline at lunch."
"Oh! Yes, she called earlier. It seems that she's throwing another masquerade ball. Its going to be at Netherfield. You haven't been there yet, have you?"
"No. Caroline seems to think that its not as grand as Netherfield, but since its Charles' home, I can only assume that its open, friendly, and inviting."
"Oh ... it is. It's a lovely place. You'll see, Charles has already issued your invitation!" she said happily.
"Oh ... so I'm invited, am I? And not just because I'm your sister?"
"Wherever would you get an idea like that? Of course you're invited. Charles had you put on the list as soon as he heard..." Jane said, confused.
"Oh, I'm only joking. It was something that Caroline had said," and Liz related the tale of the run-in with Ms. Fashionable to Jane.
"Oh ... my. I am sure she didn't mean it."
"I'm pretty sure she did! Jane, you have to stop thinking so well of people, you know. Not everyone is as nice and genuine as you or Charles!"
"Oh, Lizzy. I am sure that there is good in everyone. You just have to seek it out," Jane said, shaking her head.
"Until I have your goodness and sweetness, dear Sister, I will never be able to see the world as you do. Nor have your happiness," Liz said with a smile, and the two sisters laughed and enjoyed their meal.
When they were done, they made plans to get together over the weekend, and Liz made her way back home. She went into her office and turned on the computer. Taking a deep breath, she checked her email.
to: dm4id3n@quanta.comfrom: mrpink@quanta.com
Hello my Dark Maiden. Work finally seems to be heading somewhere, and I can safely say that I will be back in town in a couple of weeks. The project that I've been working on is quickly becoming resolved, and I am satisfied with my progress. I can't wait to get home, partly due to the fact that I may have a chance of seeing you again, my beguiling dance partner. If this idea does not meet with your satisfaction, please tell me so. I would not rush or hurt you for the world. Your friendship has come to mean so much to me over these weeks, and I hope that it continues, at least, if it cannot move forward.
Ski masks sound interesting, if not very comfortable! Not only would I be mistaken for a burglar or terrorist, but I'm sure that I would grow hot very quickly, especially if we decide to tango in them! I would definitely need something to cool me down ...
Maybe that is what all those FEET of snow are really for?
Please respond soon ... I miss your words,
your Mr. Pink
to: mrpink@quanta.com
from: dm4id3n@quanta.comI'm glad that your work is going well ... mine is too, although it is too stressful at times. I've currently got a project running that is ... well, its trying on my conscious. In my field I have to be concerned with ethics, and this current project is trying mine. I can only hope for everything to be solved to everyone's satisfaction, although I'm worried that someone might lose out.
It looks like I may be bringing my mask out of retirement ... I have been invited to another masked ball in a couple of weeks. Although it sounds interesting, it would be more so if you were there. That is, if we would recognize each other ... I doubt I'd wear the same dress!
And I dare say all of that snow would cool you down quicker than you'd like, and I'd have to take care of the frostbite!
Til next time,
Your Dark Maiden
Liz hit the 'Send' button and took a deep, shuddering breath. "Two weeks! I hope I can deal with this til then ... I hope I can make up my mind ... but ... Oh G*d! ... It's so hard ... they're both so ... wonderful ... but what do I do about Darcy? What if all of those rumors are true?! Will I ever know before its too late?", and with that thought, Liz cried herself to sleep ... too disturbed to even dream.
The rest of the week flew by before Liz could even blink. She didn't have enough time to send all but the most perfunctory messages to Mr. Pink, and her phone calls with Steve, Jane, and Darcy were brief as well. It was Friday afternoon before she knew it.
Grabbing her things she ran down the hall to Steve's office, which was on the same floor. Knocking on the door, she went in when she heard a muffled "Enter...".
Steve was on the phone, smiling, and gestured for Liz to come in and sit down. "Sure ... Saturday? Fine, talk to you tomorrow ... hehehe ... ciao," he said, before hanging up and turning his attention to an agitated Lizzy.
"What's up, Buttercup? Why so frazzled?"
"Steve ... um ... Darcy's coming over for dinner tonight ... and..." she began, turning slightly pink, "what do I wear?" she ended in a whine.
Chuckling, Steve got up from his chair and placed his hands on Liz's shoulders, kneading them as he said, "Lizzykins, calm down. You've been out with him before, it'll be fine. He's just coming over for dinner..."
"What? 'Calm down, its just dinner', coming from you? I don't believe it..."
"Fine ... what do you want me to do? Jump up and down? Sing 'It's Raining Men'? I'm trying not to be more excited about this than you are ... it's unseemly to be more freaked out than the actual datee!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms out wide. "But ... alright, deep breath ... so what to wear? We don't want too formal nor too casual. Nice slacks and a blouse? Skirt and sweater? "
"I do have a nice skirt that I haven't worn yet..."
"There we are! Hair down, no jewelry ... hmm ... apartment. We need candlelight, but not too much. Cheery candles, not boudoir candles ... lighting should be subtle but still bright enough that you both can see everything ... music. There's the sticking point," Steve said with a frown.
"I just wanted to know what to wear," Liz muttered, "I didn't ask for the Art of Seduction by Steve.."
"It's a two-for-one, dahrling. Shut up, you might learn something here..." and ignoring Liz's glare, he continued, "h*ll with that 'easy listening' stuff ... you said that you both like jazz? Then jazz it is! Now, since you don't know what he's making, you should pick up a red and white wine ... er..I'll give you the wine ... you just make yourself look fabulous and clean that sty you call an apartment!"
"Steve ... I cleaned it last night. And I am not the slob you make me appear to be!"
"Um ... sure, Liz. Anyhoot, you should get going. I'll be by in a while to drop off the wine and wish you luck!"
"I don't need luck ... you're right, I should calm down. This is just dinner, I'll be fine."
Noticing her down-turned look, Steve asked if there were anything wrong. "It's just ... well, I told you what Darcy told me about his girlfriends, or really, the lack thereof? Well, when we were at lunch the other day, these women were staring at him like they hated him. Like he hurt them. Steve ... what if he's lying? What if he's using this date as a way ... to..."
"Liz, I think you'll be ok. He's never acted as anything but a gentleman around you, and you can definitely handle yourself ... or was that some other pocket-sized dynamo that picked me up and body-slammed me a few months ago ... ?" he said with a chuckle. "If he tries anything you don't want him to do, just say no, and then kick his butt! He is aware that you're a black belt, right?"
"No ... that hasn't actually come up yet," Liz said, a sheepish look on her face.
"Oh well, I guess 'hey, I can be classed as a dangerous weapon' doesn't exactly come up in conversation every day. Well, you've got to scoot, girl. Time's a wasting!"
"Ok, I'll see you over at my place in a bit..." Liz said, as she grabbed her bag and ran towards the elevator. Running all the way to the subway station, Liz kept running things through her mind, as well. She had not spoken to Darcy much since their lunch, and she had used the time to go through several variations as to why and how Darcy could be so different from his public reputation. Aside from her heavy case load, this thinking had disturbed her sleep for the past two days, not to mention her dreams; visions of dancing with a masked man while seeing flashes of a gloating William Darcy being surrounded by women.
When she finally got home, she was nearly exhausted by her thoughts and the excitement of her upcoming date. Sitting down heavily, she stared off into space, musing, "Are either of these men who they say they are? Will says he hasn't been with anyone in two years, yet there are all of these women who say that they've been with him ... and Mr. Pink ... who is he really? Is he the person that I met ... that I've been chatting with ... it that the real him ... or is it all a charade? Why does this all have to be so complicated!" Heaving a sigh, she got up and got dressed.
Steve showed up a short time later, inspected the apartment, chose the music, and placed a few candles. Taking out two bottles of wine, from his private collection no less, he scrutinized Liz.
"My, my ... hanging out with me for all these years finally paid off! You look wonderful, Lizzy," he said with a smile.
Arching a brow in disbelief, Liz glanced down at her embroidered, lilac skirt and royal purple sweater. "You actually like what I'm wearing? I have to mark this down ... this is a day in History!" she said laughing.
"Well ... I should get going," he said, looking at his watch. "Darcylicious should be here any minute. You two play nice, ok? I hope you have a good time, dahrling!" he said, and left Lizzy with a peck on the cheek.
Lizzy ran around and checked everything to make sure her apartment wasn't a mess again. Berating herself for acting like a sixteen-year-old on her first date, she sat down with a glass of wine, and absently swirled it around, staring at the door the entire time.
Promptly at 7 o'clock, there was a knock at the door. Jumping up off of the couch, Liz swore under her breath, as she nearly spilled the wine on her skirt. Slowly putting the glass on the coffee table, she ran her hands over her hair and smoothed her skirt. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she strode over to the door and opened it.
When the door was open, Liz used every ounce of willpower she had to keep her mouth from dropping open ... and from throwing her arms around the neck of the man standing there, flashing her a shy grin.
William Darcy was downright gorgeous. Framed in the doorway, he appeared an Adonis in his fitted, black slacks, and tight, heather gray cashmere sweater which only accented his toned arms, broad shoulders and chest, and narrow waist. His dark, curling hair was still tousled from outside, and his deep hazel eyes were looking directly into hers. Lizzy didn't even notice the bouquet of orchids he had brought until they were directly under her nose.
"Oh! Thank you ... they're lovely!" she exclaimed, blushing fiercely. "How did you know that orchids were my favorite? Did Jane tell you?"
"Oh ... er ... perhaps. Either that or I overheard you ... at Pemberley maybe. I don't remember when I heard it, exactly ... but I remembered," he said, looking slightly uneasy for a moment.
"Well, thanks again ... I love them. Oh, come in ... the kitchen is this way," she said, having Darcy follow her after she closed the door. Darcy carried the bags of groceries and set them down on the kitchen counter, all the while thinking of the way the fabric of her skirt swirled about her legs. Clearing his throat, he asked Liz where she kept her utensils and dishes.
As Liz was placing the orchids in a vase, she said, "Well the silverware is in this drawer, knives here ... and any plates, bowls or glasses are in this cupboard. So, are you going to start right away or do you want some wine and the 'grand tour' first?"
"I think I'll take the tour ... and I would love a glass of wine," he said with a smile.
"I already have a bottle of red open in the living room ... come on, I'll get you a glass."
After pouring Darcy some wine, she said, "Well, you've seen the kitchen. This is of course the living room. Dining room is in here," and after flipping on the light, motioned Darcy down a hallway. "This is the bathroom ... don't worry ... the scary 'girly' stuff is well hidden," which caused him to chuckle in understanding, "this is the guest room, my room, and my favorite room of the place ... my office," she said motioning Darcy to enter.
"You have a remarkable collection of books! I don't have some of these myself ... I 've been looking for a copy of this one for years," he exclaimed, running his fingers along the spines. "And that's a nice set up you have there," he said, nodding towards the computer on her desk.
"I'm a closet geek ... I admit it ... the secret's out!" she said, laughing.
"Don't worry, I am too. I just got a widescreen monitor like yours. I love it!" and the two chatted about RAM, upgrades and games for a moment before heading back to the kitchen.
"I don't care what you say ... Diablo II is the best game ever! Beats 'Evercrack' or whatever they're playing now by a longshot!" Liz said with a huge grin. "I bet you have never even seen the 'cow level'!"
"Diablo is a great game ... I just like Eve Online ... and I have played the cow level, madam! So, do you have any lime juice ... that was the one thing I couldn't find?"
"I think I do, actually. Are you finally going to tell me what we're having?"
"I can make a mean lime chicken envuelto ... how about that?"
"That sounds absolutely Dar ... I mean, delicious!" she said blushing at her near-slip. "Would you like any help?"
"I've got everything covered, My Lady. You just park it right here," he said, pulling out a bar stool so she could sit at the kitchen island, "and keep me company while I slave away at the hot stove!"
"I still can't believe that you can cook ... seeing will definitely be believing!"
"Oh, ye of little faith, madam. I will have you eating your words ... and my lime chicken in no time!"
Darcy bent to the task of cleaning and slicing the chicken and vegetables, and set water to boil for the rice. Liz sat and sipped her wine, watching him with amusement.
"So," Darcy said over his shoulder, "quite a nice little place you have."
"Little? It's not the size of Steve's loft, but I would barely call it 'little'. Oh, sorry I don't live in a palace like Pemberley or your apartment."
"That's not what I meant. It is a good-sized place for the City. What I meant was 'comfortable' ... 'homey' ... you can tell that someone actually lives here. Most places I've been in Manhattan look like galleries or museums ... you don't dare breath for fear of disrupting the feng shui of the place," he said with a derisive snort.
"Oh ... well, lived in is certainly a different way of putting it. Steve calls it 'the sty'."
"Maybe you should ask Steve if 'anal retentive' has a hyphen..." Darcy muttered, causing Liz to burst out laughing. "I have to admit that I am a bit of a neat-nik myself, but that's mostly due to my cleaning staff and the fact that I always seemed to lose things when I was a kid. If I keep things organized, I can find it better," he said, a sheepish look on his face.
"I seem to be able to find anything if I've seen it once or I just remember where I put it. Even if I had last seen it a month or so ago," Liz said in-between bites of tortilla that Darcy had already put out.
"Photographic memory?"
"Not really ... more like..spatial memory. I can just remember times and where things were in time."
"Ah ... like, where were you on June 23rd ... 1992 ... ?"
"My parent's brownstone ... Jane's high school graduation ... dinner at Volare's," Liz said with a triumphant smile.
"Oh.. I picked a special date! Hmmm ... how about October ... 14th ... 1997?"
"Dorm room ... Harvard square ... classes ... hmmm ... café eating a sandwich ... library ... dorm room ... shower ...bed."
"That's an interesting talent! Is there anything else you can do, oh 'accomplished woman'?"
"Well..." she began, averting her eyes, "I am an aikido godan."
"Which means what, precisely?"
"I have a fifth-degree black-belt in aikido," she said in a soft voice.
"Really?" Darcy asked, astonishment plain on his face. "That's very impressive ... do you still train?"
"I haven't gone to a dojo in years ... I trained a lot when I was younger, especially in school. I just haven't had the time since I started at the firm, and compared to my work ... it just lost importance."
"I can empathize with that. I used to play basketball and soccer a lot ... I haven't had time in years, though. So 'Bruce Liz', shall we eat in here or in the dining room?" he asked with a smile.
"Cute ... I have everything set up in the dining room. Do you need any help?"
"No ... everything's ready. Just go ahead and sit down, I'll be out in a minute."
Picking up her glass, Liz went into the dining room and turned on the stereo. Shortly after, the muted tones of Miles Davis wafted through hidden speakers. She lit the few candles around the room, turned down the lights til the room was only slightly dimmer, and sat down. Darcy came into the room only a moment later with two laden plates. Setting them down he rushed out of the room and returned almost immediately with his wine glass. Bowing to Liz, he sat down and lifted his glass to her.
"To my hostess, thank you for having me over ... I do so hope you enjoy your meal."
"Your welcome, William. I don't believe you should have any worries ... this smells wonderful!" she said, raising her glass in response. Both took a sip, looking at each other over the rims of their glasses, and Liz turned her attention to her plate with unmistakable enthusiasm, causing Darcy to smirk.
After a few bites, Liz turned to Darcy, "Ok.. So you can cook! Wow ... this is really good!"
"Told you! So, has it always been just you in this apartment?" At Liz's nod, he continued, "Must have been lonely at first after living with Steve. You should get a cat ... or something."
"You know, I have been thinking about that! I was going to go down to the ASPCA next week ... take a half day or something and find a cat. I was just waiting to hear back from Jane about it. She offered to go down with me ... she's a huge 'cat person' ... I figured she'd be able to help me pick out one that would 'fit' with me."
"I had a cat until a few years ago. He had to be put to sleep ... he had cancer. I was thinking about getting another one ... but I'm just not in one place long enough," he said, a pensive look on his face.
"Oh, I think that's something to consider. You might have to get a pet cat for your pet cat," she said, then quickly averted her eyes. She heard Darcy chuckle, but she didn't raise her eyes from her plate for the remainder of the meal.
"So ... did you really like it?"
"Oh yes, that was wonderful ... thank you. I do believe that I am almost stuffed!"
"Almost? You had three helpings! Exactly where do you put it all?"
Chuckling, Liz said, "I just like food ... I can't help it! Anyway, what about 'men like women with an appetite'? Or did you just say that to Miss Caroline Stick-bug so she'd leave off?"
"No ... I think a woman with a healthy appetite is a good thing ... but I still can't understand how you can eat that much! It doesn't seem humanly possible."
Still chuckling, Liz stood up to collect the dishes. On her way to the kitchen, she asked over her shoulder, "Is there to be any dessert." Loud laughter was the reply.
After clearing everything away and storing the (very scant) leftovers, the two sat down on the couch in the living room, and began going through Liz's old photo albums.
"And this is your father? You have his eyes ... they seem to pierce right through you at times. And this is ... Lydia, correct?"
"Yes," Liz said with a sigh. "She's the youngest and the most boisterous of the Bennet lot. Kitty's nearly as bad, but she's calmed down a bit since she went to college. Dad and I were worried about that ... she's living at the dorms. We were afraid she'd turn into a serious party-goer and shirk her studies ... but she seems to be actually doing well. Mary still lives at home ... the dorms held no attraction for her."
"And this muddy-faced urchin with the wild hair and skinned knees must be you. How old were you in this?"
"Hmm? Oh ... about ten, I would imagine. I think that was taken at a cabin we rented that summer by the finger lakes. I think I did that falling out of a tree ... my mother was so angry with me for ruining that dress."
"I can imagine so ... it wasn't originally those particular shades of brown and green, correct?" Darcy said with a small smile, thinking of Liz as a tomboy running through the fields ... which changed into visions of another, curly-haired little girl running through the fields of Pemberley ... a little girl with her mother's eyes...
"It was pink, I think," Liz said laughing, and pointed to a small corner of the dress that was visible under the mud and grass. "Which is why I wasn't at all concerned with ruining it. I hated pink with a passion ... still do!"
"You don't seem to be a pastel kind of person. I think you look better in darker shades, anyway. This sweater, for example. This shade of dark purple fits you perfectly," he said, lightly touching her shoulder.
"Um ... yes," she said, failing to keep her voice steady, as his touch caused her body to tremble, "it is my favorite color, actually." She had further difficulty in controlling her reactions as she felt Darcy's hand brush her hair back from her shoulder and he leaned towards her, slowly.
Liz closed her eyes and involuntarily swallowed. She gasped when she felt him breathily whisper, "Elizabeth..." near her ear.
Jumping up from the couch, she walked over towards the bookcase that held her DVD collection. "Are you up for a movie or something? I believe I have almost as large of a Tarantino collection as you do," she said, hoping he couldn't see her hands shaking.
After clearing his throat and running his fingers through his hair, Darcy got up and walked over to join her. "Do you? I have to admit I haven't watched Pulp Fiction in a while, if you'd care to throw that in," he said, steeling himself as he could see the back of her neck while she was bent forward, perusing her collection.
"Right here! And its been a while since I've seen it, myself," she said as she turned to put the disc in the player. "Do we want popcorn?"
"No ... I couldn't eat another bite for a week, I think. I can't believe you're hungry again!" he said, attempting to break the tension between them.
"I'm always hungry," she said in her cheeky manner, and flounced out of the room to head to the kitchen. As soon as she determined that Darcy wasn't following her, she leaned against her fridge and took a deep, shuddering breath. "Calm yourself girl ... he only tried to kiss you ... he wasn't trying to ... Oh! But why did you stop him? Silly Lizzy! The most gorgeous man in the world tried to kiss you and you bolted!" she mused, and could almost hear the words in her head in Steve's voice, causing her to chuckle silently. "You know you like him ... admit it! But you like your masked man too! And you can't let things go so far with William until you meet Mr. Pink and make a choice!" Taking another deep breath, she walked over to the cupboard and pulled out a bag of buttered popcorn, which she threw in the microwave. When it was finished popping, she walked back into the living room and saw that Darcy wasn't there. She was just about to call out when he emerged from the bathroom.
"I've got the popcorn ... ready?"
"Er ... sure," he said unsteadily, and he reclaimed his seat on the couch. Liz sat down next to him, attempting to make it look like she wasn't keeping her distance on purpose, and started the DVD. After a few minutes, she heard Darcy clear his throat. Looking over at him, she could see the confusion and hurt in his eyes.
"Elizabeth ... I hope ... I trust that you know that I would never impose myself on you ... that I would never force you to do anything ... but I," he said before Liz cut him off.
"William, I ... I ... I need to tell you something. It's not ... you. I like you, I really do ... but I'm..kind of ... seeing someone else.," she said, averting her eyes and chewing on her lip.
"What?" Darcy nearly shouted and jolted upright.
"Well.. perhaps ... seeing is not the right term ... I met him at your party ... it's Mr. Pink, actually. He's been away on business since that night ... but we've kept in contact online ... and, well ... I like him, William. I like you both to be honest ... and its been tearing me up that I like you both. He's coming back into town in about two weeks, and he's told me that he'd like to meet me when he gets here. I know that I have absolutely no right ... nor can I expect you to ... but, well ... I would like to meet him too. And I hope that you ... that you will..." she said falteringly, near tears.
"Elizabeth ... I..." he began, before he was interrupted by a loud, insistent knocking at the door.
Cursing under her breath, and then excusing herself, Liz got up to answer it. Throwing open the door in agitation, she was shocked to stillness.
"Lizzy! That's a fine welcome! Well, let us in!"
"Mama ... Lydia?"