Authors: Theresa Troutman
“I can’t see you anymore, Dan. I don’t want you sitting next to me in class. I can’t be a part of the study group. I need to make a clean break with you to repair my relationship with Sebastian.”
“If he’s asking you to do that, he’s not worth marrying,” Dan spat in anger.
Tess laughed. “He’s not making me do anything of the sort. He actually encouraged me to have sex with you so I could get it out of my system.”
Dan opened his mouth, at a loss for what to say next, then closed it.
“Exactly—there is no response to the generosity my fiancé exudes. I take full responsibility for that kiss and for ending my association with you right now.” Tess offered her hand to Dan, but he refused to take it. “Goodbye, Dan.”
* * *
Sebastian and Sigourney entered the Russian Tea Room and were promptly seated by the maître d’. After perusing the menus in silence, they ordered their food when the waitress arrived.
“You seem out of sorts today,” Sigourney observed after the waitress left the table. “And here I just assumed you wanted me to buy you an expensive meal.”
Sebastian would normally have a quick comeback for his sister, but not today. Lack of sleep had left him off his game. “It’s Tess.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I walked in on her kissing another man.”
“Our Tess—impossible,” Sigourney said, refusing to believe it.
“I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t witnessed it myself.”
“Who was she with?” Sigourney asked, leaning forward, eager for answers.
“This guy she met at NYU. He’s in a study group with her.” Sebastian took a sip of water. “I’m the only person Tess has ever been with. I understand she might be curious to see what else is out there. I just didn’t imagine it would hurt so much.”
Sigourney reached out and took her brother’s hand. “I’m so sorry. Did you talk to her about your feelings?”
“No, she’s feeling guilty enough without me piling on top of it. I told her she should have sex with Dan, to have the experience.”
“You what!” Sigourney exclaimed, then remembered her good manners. “Why on earth would you encourage her?”
“Would it have been better if I refused to let her to see him again? If I did that, it would only push her into his arms. I
love
her, Sigourney. I
need
her. My life is worth nothing if Tess isn’t a part of it.”
“Well, that’s a little melodramatic, Sebastian,” she said. “But I must admit, you are the best version of yourself when you are with Tess.”
“So what do I do now?”
“I don’t know if I’m the right person to ask that question. I’ve never had a long-term relationship.”
“Yes, but you’re a woman. You must be able to give me some insight into what is going on in Tess’ head,” Sebastian reasoned.
“Honestly, I have no idea what she must be thinking. You two seem so perfect for each other.” The waitress bought a bottle of champagne to the table, opened it, and poured two glasses. “I can talk to her, if you like,” Sigourney offered.
“I’m not sure that’s the best thing right now. I don’t want to pressure her. She needs to make this decision on her own. I won’t force her to choose me.”
Sigourney looked at her brother, the corner of her mouth turned up in smile. “What happened to my petulant little brother? He’s gone and grown up into a mature, selfless young man. I’m so proud of you, Sebastian.”
“I didn’t invite myself to lunch so you can heap your praise on me,” he muttered uncomfortably, lifting the champagne glass to his lips. “Will you come to Thanksgiving dinner next week?”
“I can’t, I’m flying back to London. Philomena Cutler-Browne is getting married.”
“Who is she marrying?”
“Gordon Lewis-Bishop.”
Sebastian began to laugh aloud.
“What is so funny?” Sigourney asked curiously.
“Tess once asked me why so many English people have three names.”
“I never really thought about it,” Sigourney admitted.
“That’s exactly what I told her.”
The siblings laughed together. “Tess has got a good head on her shoulders. She’ll sort it out and the two of you will get married,” Sigourney reassured him.
After lunch, Sigourney bade Sebastian farewell, kissing him on each cheek. She hailed a taxi to make her way Uptown. Sebastian decided to walk down Fifth Avenue: Tess’ birthday was the day after Thanksgiving and he had yet to buy her a gift. He wanted to give her the engagement ring he’d purchased six months ago, but never found the right time to present it to her. Under the current circumstances, the timing still wasn’t right. He had to come up with something original, romantic, and most importantly, inexpensive. Exactly what that was, he hadn’t a clue. He wasn’t about to bow out and let Dan Miller win his girl. Sebastian was going to fight.
* * *
Tess was waiting for Sebastian at the Thirty-Ninth Street Terminal. It had been a draining day and all she wanted to do was go back to the condo and relax in a nice hot bubble bath.
Sebastian smiled and greeted her with a quick kiss on the lips. “Hello. How was your day?”
“Better now that you’re here,” she honestly replied. “How is Sigourney?”
“She’s well. I invited her to Thanksgiving dinner next week, but she’ll be in London attending a wedding. She sends her regrets.”
They boarded the ferry and found two empty seats next to each other. “You look exhausted,” Sebastian commented, as he took a seat.
“I am,” Tess said, laying her head against Sebastian’s shoulder.
“We’ll be home soon,” he said in a soothing voice.
Tess closed her eyes as she tried to relax in the tub. The smell of lavender candles was meant to calm her mind, but it wasn’t working. The radio volume was low. Howard Jones’
No One Is To Blame
played in the background.
Sebastian lightly rapped on the door and opened it just enough to poke his head inside. “I ordered some take-away, if you interested,” he announced.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Have you eaten anything today?” he asked, walking into the bathroom.
“No.”
Sebastian sat on the closed toilet seat next to the tub. “Darling, you have to take care of yourself.”
“I’m really stressed right now. I can’t think about food.” Tess took a deep breath and then continued. “I talked to Dan today. I told him I didn’t want to see him anymore. I also left the study group.”
“You didn’t have to do that for my sake.”
“I did it for us, Sebastian. I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused you, but I promise I will make it up to you. I swear it.”
Sebastian knelt on the tile floor and looked at Tess. She was lovely: her long brown hair pulled back with a hair clip, her pale skin glowing in the candlelight. He pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “Thank you, Tess. It means everything to me that you cherish our relationship so much that you would make those sacrifices.”
“Take off your suit. Get in the tub with me. I want to show you how much I love you,” Tess pleaded.
“Not tonight,” Sebastian whispered. “You need your rest.”
The sound of the doorbell ringing caught their attention. “That’s the take-away.” Sebastian stood and left the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Sebastian’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. He loved being surrounded by his make-shift family: Henry, Alice, Tess, and Mrs. Hamilton. Tess and her mom decided to brave New York City for Black Friday shopping deals, which left Sebastian time to prepare for Tess’ birthday surprise.
He draped her black Chanel dress on the bed; next to it he laid her La Perla lingerie and silk stockings, and finally the shoebox containing the Manolos. Sebastian placed a note on top of the clothing. It simply said
Wear me
.
He pulled the wrought-iron bistro table from the outside balcony and set it up in the guest bedroom. When the task was completed, he headed out to do the grocery shopping. He would cook in Alice’s kitchen so the surprise wouldn’t be ruined for Tess.
* * *
“Sebastian, I’m home,” Tess called out, closing the condo door. She took off her winter coat and gloves, placing them in the hall closet. The house was quiet. She walked over to the fridge and grabbed a Diet Coke. Then she noticed the handwritten note of the counter and read it.
Be back around 5:00. Love, Sebastian
.
She’d had a fun day shopping with her mom in the city, and then she’d dropped Kate off at the train station. Sebastian had something up his sleeve for her birthday, but refused to give her any hints.
Tess gathered the shopping bags and took them into the master bedroom. Inside, she found her clothes laid out on the bed with another note. Why he loved those damned torturous shoes so much, she would never understand. Tess smiled despite the pain she would endure wearing them. Sebastian must have made reservations for a night out in the city. The past few weeks had been rocky for them and she looked forward to date night with her fiancé. Maybe tonight they would finally make love again. This was really the only present Tess wished for. It had been two weeks since they’d last made love, and although Tess had made advances, Sebastian had rebuffed them. She was beginning to wonder if things could ever be the same again after her indiscretion with Dan Miller.
* * *
Sebastian got dressed in Henry and Alice’s condo. He stepped out of the bathroom and stood in front of Alice. “What do you think?” He had purchased a new navy suit off the rack at Barney’s, and knew it wasn’t as nice as the custom-made ones he used to be able to afford.
Alice grinned. “You look very handsome.” She straightened his gray striped tie and ran her hands over his lapels. “Tess is going to love it.”
“Thank you, Alice. Give me ten minutes and then bring the first course down.”
Sebastian walked into the condo to find Tess dressed and ready to go. She was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan, the lights of the city twinkling and bright. He walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Happy birthday, Tess.”
Tess turned around to face him. “I like the new suit. You look very dapper.”
“You take my breath away,” he whispered, leaning in to kiss her. The kiss was quick and sweet. Sebastian took her hand, saying, “Follow me.”
He guided Tess to the guest bedroom and opened the door. Inside, the bistro table was dressed with their finest linens, china, silver, and crystal.
“It’s just like the efficiency,” Tess said, looking over at Sebastian.
“I wanted to re-create the first time I cooked you dinner. I hope you don’t mind we’re not going out tonight.”
Tess threw her arms around his neck. “I love it!”
Sebastian escorted her to the table and pulled out the chair. Tess sat down and quickly unlaced the straps of her shoes, kicking them off under the table. She admired the centerpiece of roses and inhaled the fragrant scent of the blossoms.
He left the room momentarily, and then returned with Alice in tow. She placed salad plates on table. “Sebastian cooked dinner, I’m just helping out for tonight. I hope you enjoy it,” she said to Tess.
Tess didn’t touch her salad; she simply stared at Sebastian, a single tear of joy escaping her eye. “Thank you so much. This is perfect. You remembered every detail.”
Sebastian reached over and took her hand. “You’re welcome, darling.”
Alice continued to bring course after course to the couple as they enjoyed their dinner. They talked with ease. Sebastian couldn’t help but wonder if things were finally getting back to normal.
At the end of the meal, Alice bought a birthday cake to the table. It was six-inch round chocolate cake with buttercream icing. There was one candle on top of the cake, glowing like a beacon.
“If that’s all, I think I’ll leave you for the evening,” Alice said, handing the knife to Tess.
“Thank you, Alice.”
Alice winked at them and closed the door as she left the room.
“Make a wish.”
Tess closed her eyes, waited a moment, and then blew out the candle. “It’s too pretty to eat,” she lamented.
“We don’t have to eat it right now,” Sebastian said, standing up from the table. He offered his hand to Tess, who willingly took it.
Sebastian escorted her into the living room. He walked over to the CD player and hit the play button. Roxy Music’s
Avalon
started playing. “Dance with me.” He swept Tess up in his arms and moved to the music, swaying to the slow, melodic song. Tess pressed into him, leaning her head on his shoulder.
When the song was over, Sebastian looked at Tess and saw the happiness in her eyes. He felt as if he had recaptured a magic time they had shared long ago. Sebastian raised her hand to his cheek and tenderly kissed her palm. “I love you, Tess.”
He felt the time was right, so he got down on one knee, reached into his jacket pocket, and pulled out a red Cartier box. “You’re my world. Marry me and I promise I will spend every day for the rest of my life making you happy,” Sebastian said, opening the box to reveal a stunning 1/2-carat Asscher cut diamond set in 18-karat gold.
* * *
Tess looked down at Sebastian: his eyes were full of love, his expression full of hope. She honestly hadn’t been expecting a proposal, especially in light of their current situation. Tess had gotten her wish. All she wanted was to move forward with Sebastian, and here he was presenting her with the opportunity. She certainly wasn’t about to let it slip away. “Yes. All I want is you.”
Sebastian stood up and removed the ring from the red box. Tess held out her trembling left hand, and Sebastian slipped the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly; that didn’t surprise Tess at all.
A tear escaped the corner of Sebastian’s eye and Tess brushed it away with her thumb. “Don’t cry,” she begged.
“I’m so happy you said yes,” he admitted, feeling simultaneously relieved and elated.
Tess stood on her tiptoes and crushed her lips against his. Sebastian didn’t hold back this time; he put all his pent-up emotions into the kiss. It was tender at first, and then it spread like wildfire, hot and eager, setting his heart racing.