A Gentleman’s Offer (12 page)

“Me?”

“All you have to do is introduce the guests and make a speech.”

“But—”

Ellen flashed a brilliant smile. “I’m so glad you’ll do this. Your experience working with animals and owning a successful dog-grooming salon makes you the perfect host. The event will be in a couple of days. And don’t worry, there will be a teleprompter for you to read from.”

Panic blocked out Yvette’s memory of the rest of the party and it still lingered on her drive home and when she reached the apartment.

“What’s wrong?” Nate asked her when she fell on the couch and ignored James who eagerly waited to be petted.

“Ellen wants me to speak, perhaps even read, at the Care for Animals charity at the end of the week. She wouldn’t let me refuse. I can’t do that.”

He sat down beside her. “Of course you can.”

“I can’t. You heard me read.”

“You read well.”

“But not perfectly. I can’t read in front of a whole bunch of people. I’ll just have to get sick.”

“You’ll be talking about a subject you care about. I thought you said you wanted to be the voice for animals.”

“Why me? It’s strange. She hardly knows me. Maybe she wants to see me fail.”

“You’re not going to fail and she selected you because you are a good draw.”

Yvette frowned. “A good draw?”

“You’re rich and great to look at. The cameras will love you.”

Her panic grew. “There are going to be cameras?”

Nate drew her close. “You’ll be fine. You’re a very attractive, extremely wealthy—at least that’s what they think—woman with ties to the event’s coordinator, that’s enough.” He paused “By the way, rumor has it that you are a multimillionaire.”

“Who started that?”

He shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter what they think.” Yvette rested her head against him. “It’s not enough.”

“Yvette, it’s no big deal.”

“Yes, it is,” she said with tears building in her eyes.

“Why?”

“Because Ellen said that it’s in a few days.”

“So?”

So my month with you ends in a few days and this stupid event will be held on our last night together.
A tear fell. She angrily brushed it aside. “Nothing. I’m just afraid.”

Nate tenderly brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “You’ll be fine. I’ve always taken care of you, haven’t I? I’ll be with you at the charity. By the time I’m finished coaching you, you’ll be a pro. Let me go over your speech and make any changes, if needed, just to make sure it’ll be easy for you to read. I’ll take care of everything. Trust me.”

That wasn’t the problem. Yvette trusted him, but loving him was worse. Lately, she’d found herself watching him, wanting to be with him. Like James, who after first meeting Nate followed him everywhere. Luckily, some of her apprehension lessened the next day when Nate told her he had gotten the speech from Ellen. He spent the rest of the day replacing difficult words with simpler ones, creating a smoother rhythm. As soon as he was finished he handed it to Yvette and sat on the couch with King, Queen and James.

Yvette excused herself, “Let me go over it first, before doing it in front of an audience.” At first Yvette felt self-conscious and awkward. The words felt like stones in her mouth and her anxiety rose. She didn’t see Nate and the three dogs, instead she saw a classroom full of high-school kids laughing at her. The sound of their jeers ripped holes in her heart, then, suddenly she saw a well-dressed crowd in front of her, filled with people who had advanced degrees and perfect speech waiting to see her fail.

But she wouldn’t fail. She had come too far. Determined to silence them forever, Yvette took a deep breath and began. When she was finished, Nate applauded her performance, but inside she still didn’t feel prepared. She knew that she needed help if she was to survive the event, so she called Rania to schedule an appointment.

Rania agreed, “At last. I’ve been waiting to hear from you.”

“Y
ou’re not paying attention,” Rania said. “You’ve hardly listened to a word I’ve said.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What’s the matter?”

Yvette shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m just nervous.”

“No, you’re depressed. What’s wrong?”

“I don’t think I can do it.”

“Yes, you can.”

“You don’t understand. When I was a child—”

“But you’re no longer a child,” Rania said with an impatient move of her shoulders. “You are now a woman. I know about your past, Yvette, but it doesn’t have to stop you. You said you wanted respect and people to listen to what you said. Now you have that chance; don’t throw it away. Do you remember the oath?”

“Yes.”

“Then say it.”

“As a member of The Black Stockings Society, I swear I will not reveal club secrets. I will accept nothing but the best and I will no longer settle for less.”

“But what does that have to do with now?”

“Fear makes people settle. You’re settling to be the old Yvette who just observed and envied the life she wanted to live. This is your chance to seize it. You can do this. Public speaking is all about control. Nothing more. You’ve handled packs of dogs, disgruntled owners, conniving rich widows and self-centered millionaire bachelors. The people who will be attending this function love animals as much as you do. They will want to listen to you. Now let’s get to work.”

For the next two hours Rania gave Yvette tips on how to stand at the podium, the importance of movement, how to engage an audience, clarity of voice and how to project it. At one point she had Yvette blowing into a tiny glass bottle, forcing her to use her abdominal muscles. After Yvette repeated the speech ten or more times, Rania pronounced her ready.

“You and I both know you’ll be representing more than the charity. You’ll be representing The Black Stockings Society. Make us proud. You never know who will be watching.” She smiled, a little sad. “You probably don’t need the club anymore.”

“You mean I’ll no longer be a member?”

“You’ll always be a member, just not in the same way. Your future is all up to you now. Wait here,” Rania instructed as Yvette reached for her coat. While she waited Yvette felt the overwhelming sense of sorrow return. She knew that Friday night would be the end of everything: her time with Rania, The Black Stockings Society and knowing Nate. She tried hard to fight back the tears. She wasn’t ready for this.

Rania reappeared a few minutes later, holding a large, closed garment bag. “Wear these to the event. Don’t open it until that night.”

Yvette nodded as though she were a robot. “Thank you.”

Rania sat on the couch and patted the space beside her. Yvette reluctantly sat. “Tell me what’s really bothering you.”

“I don’t know.”

“Lying doesn’t help anything. You need to be honest. If not to me, at least to yourself.”

In between tears and awkward laughter, Yvette revealed the truth: her true desires and her hopes of allowing the real her, not the one who was skillful at playing at being rich, to shine through.

Rania nodded when she was finished. “That’s the Yvette who was invited to join The Black Stockings Society.”

“And there’s no way to know who nominated me?”

Rania shook her head. “Your success is thanks enough.”

Yvette cried all the way home. When she got to the parking garage, she sat in her car and cried some more. When she couldn’t cry anymore, she sat for several more minutes. She was ready. Yes, she hurt, but she was happy. The plan had worked, and she would always remember this time of her life. She took out the eyedrops she kept in her bag, hoping to reduce the redness in her eyes.

But her eyes didn’t matter when she saw Nate holding tissues to his nose. “What happened?”

“I tripped over James and crashed into the door.”

“Put your head back.”

“No, I’m all right. The bleeding stopped.” He threw the tissue away.

She studied him for a moment, then felt his forehead. “You feel a little warm.”

He laughed. “It’s embarrassment,” he said, then looked at her, puzzled. “Are you all right?”

“Why?”

“Your eyes are red.”

She hugged him and whispered, “Yes, I’m fine. I just got something in my eye.” She kissed him and he kissed her back, neither wanting to admit that they’d soon say goodbye.

She was about to change for bed when the phone rang. “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Cathleen. I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Can you take Lewis as your date to the Care for Animals charity? I would take him myself, but my mother would kill me. This is the only way I can get him invited. Please, for me.”

Yvette looked at Nate, who was watching her from his side of the bed. “I don’t know.”

“Do you have another date?”

She hesitated. “No.”

“Please, Yvette. I’ll make it up to you. I just need this one favor.”

Yvette sighed. “All right.”

“Thank you. I’ll tell Lewis. He’ll meet you at your place then you can come together.”

“Right.” Yvette hung up, shaking her head.

“What?” Nate asked.

“I have a date for the charity.”

Nate scowled. “With whom?”

“Lewis. I’m doing this as a favor to Cathleen.”

“I’ll still drive you.”

“I don’t need both you and Lewis.”

“I’ll drive you.”

She knew when it was best not to argue.

On the night of the event, Yvette was a bundle of nerves. But the way she looked did not reveal any of her panic. When she opened the garment bag Rania had given her, she was speechless. Inside was a pretty, satin aqua suit, with braided satin trim that added unexpected detail to the jacket lapel, ending in a shimmering cascade. The matching straight skirt had a back walking slit that showed off her third pair of stockings. They were shimmering off-black with rhinestones that formed a seam down the back. Nate didn’t say anything when he saw her, but Lewis couldn’t help himself.

“Men of Michigan, look out. Ms. Coulier is on the prowl tonight. You look sensational. Don’t you think so, Nate?”

“Yes.” He held the door open for them to enter the car.

“I shouldn’t even be doing this,” Yvette said, adjusting her hemline. Lewis couldn’t help noticing how sensuous her legs looked.

“What’s wrong with helping out a friend? I really like her.” He adjusted his seat and looked at her.

“Really?”

“I’m serious, Yvette.”

“Good, because so is Cathleen.”

“Thanks for doing this.”

“I’m not doing it for you.” Yvette looked away.

“For your information, Cathleen means a lot to me.”

“It’s only been a month.”

“A lot can happen in a month.” He lowered his voice. “I’ve seen the way you look at Nate.” Yvette didn’t turn. She just kept looking out the window.

“Everyone looks at Nate like that. They can’t help it.”

Yvette knew it wouldn’t be an ordinary night the moment she entered the grand hall. The throng of photographers and reporters made any movement nearly impossible. Once they discovered who she was, everyone wanted her picture. Nate, who was very adept at avoiding cameras, guided her through the crowd, leaving Lewis to fend for himself.

Cathleen stood waiting for them. “You look great. Wow, those stockings are unbelievable.”

“Thank you. You look wonderful, too.”

She blushed. “Thanks. Where’s Lewis?”

A hand appeared above the crowd. “I’m coming.”

Cathleen touched Yvette’s arm. “I’m so glad you’re doing this for me.”

“You’re welcome.” Love had changed Cathleen. She looked lovely in a dress that fit, and Yvette noticed how her face shone and the way she carried herself.

Lewis finally emerged. “It’s like trying to get through a forest.”

“I’m glad you could come,” Cathleen said.

He kissed her on the cheek. “I wouldn’t have missed it.”

They began to hold hands, but Ellen pounced on the small group.

“There you are, Yvette! You’re just as stunning as I’d hoped you’d be. We’re going to make a killing tonight.” She took Yvette’s arm and glanced at Lewis. “Are you her date for the evening?”

“Yes.”

She looped her arm through his. “Good. You two make a very attractive couple. Come with me. I’ll show you where you’ll be sitting.” She led them to a reserved table. It was only after Lewis and Yvette had been seated that Ellen noticed Nate standing nearby. She smiled at him. “I haven’t forgotten about you. I’ll be back.” She sauntered off.

“You can’t just stand there,” Yvette said.

“I’m not in anyone’s way.”

“You’re making me nervous.”

Lewis fought to see through the crowd. “Did you see where Cathleen went?”

Nate nodded. “Yes, her mother dragged her to the far table over there.”

Lewis frowned. “So much for our brilliant plan.”

“There will be enough time for the two of you to sneak off later.”

Ellen returned and took Nate’s arm. She looked at Yvette. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all.”

Yvette tried not to laugh as she led Nate away.

“Can you believe we’re in a place like this?” Lewis said.

“It is amazing.” Yvette looked at the trays full of exotic cheeses and hors d’oeuvres and the different drink concoctions available at the bar.

“This is the way to live. I don’t think I could ever go back.”

“It’s a shame that Cathleen couldn’t be sitting here instead of me.”

Lewis shrugged. “It’s all right. You heard Nate. I’ll get to see her later.”

“She looks lovely tonight,” Yvette said, a bit surprised that he hadn’t said anything. “She’s really come out of her shell. What do you like most about her?”

“Everything.”

Before Yvette could challenge him to be more specific the lights dimmed and Ellen approached the podium. She welcomed everyone and expressed how delighted she was with the turnout. Yvette didn’t hear a word. Her heart was beating too fast. She just wanted it to be over.

Lewis nudged her. “Yvette, she just called you.”

Yvette jumped to her feet and approached the podium like a wooden doll. She adjusted the microphone and looked out but saw only darkness. Relieved that she didn’t have to look into anyone’s face, she glanced at the teleprompter, ready to begin. Then she saw the words and froze.

They were different. It wasn’t the speech that she had practiced. Panic gripped her and at that moment there was no Nate to offer her comfort or even Rania to tell her what to do. She gripped the side of the podium, wondering whether she should run off the stage or faint. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw a familiar figure: Margaret. But this wasn’t the Margaret she remembered. This Margaret wore a striking green hat and glittery dress. Margaret nodded her encouragement and Yvette gathered courage as she remembered Rania’s words: “You will be representing The Black Stockings Society.”

Yvette opened her mouth and began. The speech was flawless. She even added some lines that had been in the original speech Nate had written. Resounding applause followed and she left the stage feeling renewed. She had buried the old frightened Yvette, the one with the speech impediment and no friends, forever.

Many people wanted to meet her and overwhelmed her with their need for attention. She tried to find Margaret but failed. Fortunately she didn’t let her disappointment dampen the evening. Lewis and Cathleen managed to escape for some alone time together and Yvette became the most popular woman in the room. The evening improved from there.

At least for Yvette. Nate wasn’t having as good a time. This was his last night with her and he hadn’t been able to manage a minute alone with her. After her speech he’d wanted to jump on the stage and kiss her. But instead he’d been relegated to the back of the room. For once in this whole damn plan he wished he wasn’t her valet.

He wanted to claim her. He wanted to be sitting at the table where Lewis had been. He wanted to have Ellen say what a good-looking couple they were. But he’d had to keep his mouth shut and watch another man take his place.

That’s what bothered him most. Once he was gone he knew another man would replace him. Yvette didn’t have to stay alone for very long if she didn’t want to. The thought gnawed at him.

He hadn’t slept well last night or the other six nights. The reason wasn’t nightmares. It was Yvette. She filled his thoughts. And he wasn’t thinking of her schedule. He wasn’t thinking about her clothes or her meals. He was thinking of her smile, her legs, her sleeping in the bed beside him and how it was all going to end one day.

That day had arrived and he wasn’t handling it as indifferently as he would have liked. He wanted to be casual about it, nonchalant. But he couldn’t. He gripped his hand, forming a fist. This was his last night with Yvette and he was going to seize it. But first he would have to find her. He pushed his way through the crowd.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” a female voice said in amazement.

Nate turned and saw Ayo, the maid from Mrs. Reynolds’s house. She noticed his surprise. “I took your advice and quit. This job doesn’t pay the same as working for that witch, but at least I don’t get the same treatment.”

“Good.” He turned to leave.

She touched his arm. “You know, I have a day off tomorrow.”

He glanced away. “I’m busy.”

“She’s out of your league.”

He turned to look at her. “What?”

“The lady you work for. I’ve seen the way you watch her, and trust me, I’ve seen other guys look at her the same way. If she has the choice, she’ll choose the guy who can pick up the tab, not her laundry. Just a thought.” She turned over his palm and scribbled down her number. “Just in case you come to your senses.”

“Right,” Nate said, then weaved his way outside, but Yvette wasn’t there. He looked around but couldn’t find her.

“I had hoped to find you,” Ellen said. “You look lost.”

“I’m looking for Yvette.”

“Don’t worry; she’s being well taken care of. But as you can see, I’ve been neglected.” Neglecting Ellen was impossible. Nobody could miss the ravishing woman whose red dress put nearly every other woman to shame.