Writer's Block (Chapter 102 to 110)

Chapter 102

“Would you like me to look after him?” one of the crew members gestured him to hand her George’s leash
“That would be great, yeah. He’s probably thirsty after the long walk here” Ryan handed her the leash and rubbed George’s back
“Don’t worry Mr. Gosling. George will be just fine” she smiled and walked away.
Ryan searched the room for Claire, but found Mark instead.
“Hey Gosling! I’m so glad you’re here! I heard your sister's doing great. Are you ready to get back to work?” Mark patted him on the back affectionately
“You bet” Ryan smiled and followed him across the room
“Good. Vera’s waiting for you. She’s just finished working on Heather. Anne, one of her assistants, is probably half way through Wes by now” he pointed in Vera’s direction
“Ok. I’ll see you in a bit then” he waved and headed towards her
John stood a few feet away, checking the sound with one of the technicians.
A few minutes later, Claire walked in. John instantly waved at her, and rushed to greet her. “Hey! Sleep ok last night? I heard some weirdo called you at 2:30 am! Now some people just have no manners” he winked at her
“Yeah… my thoughts exactly” she smiled
“So” he looked at her wrist “I notice you’re still wearing my gift”
She hit her face, suddenly realizing she had neglected to switch watches “Oh… I completely forgot about this. I guess it just feels so light and comfortable. I didn’t even notice I had it on”
“Ouch, Brickwell… I’d rather you told me you left it on for me”
“Of course… and that too” she chuckled
Claire paused to look around
“He’s getting ready”
“Huh?”
“You’re looking for Ryan, aren’t you? He’s with Vera”
“Oh… no… I was just trying to see who was here already”
“Ok… I’ll pretend to believe that” He smiled and grabbed her hand “C’mon Brickwell, let’s go get you some coffee”

He stepped into the set as Heather rushed to greet him. Her make up was incredible; she honestly looked like someone who had almost bled to death. They were supposed to shoot both scenes today: the miscarriage and the suicide attempt. Ryan could only imagine what she would look like for the second scene. Wes waved at him as Anne continued to work on his make up. He would only be needed for the second scene, so there was no rush.
As he took his place on the emergency room sitting area, surrounded by extras dressed as nurses, doctors and wounded patients, he saw Claire. Her back turned, standing next to Hunter, quietly sipping coffee, and nodding at what he was saying. His vision blurred as he was suddenly overcome by feelings of profound rage and agony. He breathed in, sat on one of the plastic chairs across the nurses’ desk, and waited for Mark to yell action.

Patricia sat to remove her make up as Seamus lay in bed reading. She stared at him across his reflection on the mirror “Seamus?”
“Yeah?” he kept his gaze fixed on MC&M’s Weekly Financial Report
“What would you do if I died?”
Seamus lifted his head to gaze at her and instantly focused back on his report “Sorry?”
She turned to face him “What would you do if I died?”
“Are you planning on killing yourself?” he frowned… his gaze still fixed on the infamous report
“No”
“Then why are we even having this conversation, Patricia? I’m tired and I need to finish reading this”
“Would you miss me?” she fixed her silk robe
He set the report down and sighed “Yes… I would. Happy now? Are we done?” he went back to reading.
“But you would be able to move on, right?”
He shook his head and breathed in “I guess I would, yes. I would probably mourn you for a while and then eventually move on”
“Would you marry another woman?”
He paused and sighed “Maybe… if I met the right woman” his gaze still focused on the report
“Have you ever considered how your life might have turned out if you had never married me?”
He removed his bifocals and stared at her confused “Huh?”
“You know… have you ever had… second thoughts?”
He scratched the back of his neck and shook his head “No… not really. What are you getting at, Patricia?”
She removed one of her earrings and shrugged “Nothing, just wondering” and turned to place it on the dresser
He sighed and focused back on his report “Has this good for nothing doctor of yours, been putting crazy ideas into your head?”
She removed her other earring and shook her head “No… no crazy ideas”
“Is it the menopause then? Do you think you might need to take some pills?” he put his glasses back on and continued to read
She paused to stare at his reflection on the mirror.
“Oh, by the way, Pat… I won’t be able to go with you to that charity dinner. I need to fly to Rome… a last minute arrangement I’m afraid. You don’t mind do you?”
She shook her head and forced a smile; suddenly overcome by a growing sense of determination.


Martin stared at Zach and nodded. “So, Zachary… would you like to elaborate on the real motives for your unexpected visit?”
Zach breathed in “The truth is, I came to ask for your help”
Kate sat back and stared at him in slight disapproval
“Now, I know you have never interfered with Claire’s choices before, and I have always admired you for that. Of course I’m not asking you to start now; I wouldn’t even dream of asking you to talk her into taking me back. That is something she must decide on her own.”
“What is it then, Zach? What do you expect from us?” Martin finished off his coffee and set the cup down
“There is one thing you have that I need. An item I believe will make her realize how serious my intentions towards her really are.” He paused and fixed his gaze on Martin “I want her to know I’m willing to commit, to go all the way”
“And you think this item will change her mind? Will make her forget about everything and take you back?” Martin knew exactly what Zach was referring to
“I’m willing to do whatever it takes, Martin. This is the only thing that matters to me now.” he paused once more “Claire is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I know that now. And if you must know, I intend on spending the rest of my life trying to make her happy”
Kate, turned to look at Martin in slightly moistened eyes. Martin breathed out and nodded. Instantly, she got up and left the room.
He then breathed in and turned to gaze at Zach “Ok, Zachary…” He suddenly sat upright and pointed at him “But I want you to promise me one thing”
“Whatever you want, Martin”
“I want you to promise me, that you will respect her wishes, give up on her completely, and return this item immediately, if she refuses your offer”

She sat next to Mark, and fixed her attention on the scene. Ryan was delivering a heartbreaking performance, and her vision blurred with tears as she sensed the palpable agony that seemed to exude from his very soul. She turned to look at Mark, who seemed equally moved, as his eyes followed the camera along the hallway and into Laura’s room. As soon as he yelled cut, one of the assistants rushed to fix Ryan’s make up.
“Ok… we’ll try this scene one more time. Still, I believe this first time was perfect. Thank you Ryan” Everyone began to clap and cheer enthusiastically
Ryan nodded at him and paused to look at Claire. Their gazes locked, and she smiled at him bashfully. Instantly, he looked away and walked back to his starting position. Claire breathed in, looked down and nodded.
John sat next to her, and rubbed her thigh affectionately; Claire smiled at him and turned back to focus on the shot. As Ryan finished his scene, he turned to look at Mark and caught at glimpse of Hunter’s hand stroking Claire. His jaw clenched as he walked off the set.
“Ok people” Mark got up “Let’s move on to the next scene now. Heather and Ryan, why don’t you take a 20 minute break while we get everything ready?”
Ryan nodded at Mark, walked right past him and up to Claire.
“Claire?”
Claire looked up at him and smiled “Hi, Ryan. What you just did… that was amazing! By the way, how’s Mandi doing?”
He frowned “She’s great… thanks.” He glanced at John and then back at her. Pausing to scratch the back of his head, he whispered “Do you think we could talk?”
Claire turned to look at John
Why is he looking at him? Does she need his permission to talk to me? He was suddenly taken over by the exact same feelings he had experienced at Sway Lounge only a week ago; his gaze fixed on the hand that had touched her thigh.
Claire nodded and stood up “Sure” she followed him.
Ryan stopped behind a few wooden panels that stood on the back. Claire gazed at him quietly.
“Claire… What are you doing?” his tone of voice had changed, he was suddenly relaxed and friendly
“With what?”
“With us. Have you suddenly lost your mind?” he lifted his hand to brush off a lock of hair from her eyes
Claire stepped back “No… I haven’t lost my mind Ryan… quite the contrary actually”
“C’mon, baby… you can’t be serious about this. I mean… it’s ridiculous” he took a step closer
Claire stepped back “I am serious. We’ll be much better apart, Ry… I seriously think so”
“Better apart? How can you even say that? Claire, have you forgotten about these past two months? Have you forgotten about what happened only two nights ago?” he took another step, his eyes fixed on hers
Claire breathed in and stepped back once again, her back inches away from one of the wooden panels. “I haven’t forgotten anything, Ryan. I’ve just put things into perspective”
“Perspective? What kind of perspective? Spending time with Hunter is putting things into perspective?”
Claire gasped “Spending time with… What are you talking about?”
“I saw you two drive off last night in his fancy limo. If what you wanted is to make me jealous… you’ve succeeded. There… I’m jealous. Now quit your childish games and come back” he grabbed her arm
“This is not a childish game!” she pushed his hand away
“Running off in the middle of the night like you did? That’s not childish? Claire, if something’s bothering you, you should talk to me about it. I can’t fix something unless I know what’s wrong with it”
“There’s nothing to fix, Ryan ” she looked down
“Nothing to fix?” he shook his head “Claire…” and paused to lick his upper lip.
She gazed back at him speechless
In a sudden impulse, he grabbed her face, pressing her lips against his as he kissed her forcefully. Claire almost unable to fight back, closed her eyes.
As soon as she regained her strength, she pushed him away “No, stop! It’s over Ryan. Please, I beg you. Don’t make this any harder than it already is.”
He breathed in, shook his head and placed both his hands on his waist “Just like that? It’s over?”
She nodded, licked her lips and looked away
In a fit of rage, Ryan hit the panel behind her. Claire shivered as he stood inches away from her, panting. He hesitated for a while. Finally, he rubbed his chin, nodded and walked back towards the set.


Chapter 103

She stood behind a tree near the library entrance on the university campus. Her gaze fixed on the countless students rushing outside, chatting and laughing wildly. Her heart raced at the thought of seeing him again. So much time had passed… Would he still find her as beautiful as he used to? Patricia was not a young woman anymore, and although she had to admit she had aged pretty well, she knew the breathtaking beauty she had once boasted, had been long gone.
“Can I help you ma’am?” a young man, probably in his early twenties, carrying a few books and a briefcase, gazed at her inquisitively
She jumped back startled
“Were you looking for someone?” he smiled at her
She breathed in and nodded “Yeah… actually, I’m looking for Professor Roth. Do you happen to know where I could find him?”
“Sure… he’s probably just finished his lecture. You’ll find him in the auditorium” he pointed towards the building next to the library
“Oh… thank you” she smiled and started towards it

Claire leaned back on the wooden panel and gasped for air. Seeing Ryan again had awakened in her a myriad of emotions. Maybe Mark was right. Maybe she wouldn’t be able to cope with working with him everyday.
She closed her eyes and shook her head. The last thing she wanted was to interfere with the flow of Sins. She was proud of this project. Sins had become her empty canvas, the center of her existence. For once she honestly felt she was part of something important, something that would make a difference, something that would give her that glimpse of eternity she had always longed for.

“Are you ok?” John stood a few feet away from her, an expression of concern on his face
She wiped the tears off her eyes and looked away embarrassed.
He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her, gently placing her head against his chest. “Is there anything I can do?” he stroked her hair
Claire nodded “Just… get me out of here”

She squinted, browsing through the dimly lit, Herculean auditorium. As she wandered slowly down the steps that led to the front stage, she caught at glimpse of him. She overheard him humming nonchalantly, as he shoved a stack of papers into his briefcase and closed his laptop. She paused to admire him from a safe distance: he looked almost exactly as he had 35 years ago. Of course his body was not as fit as it once had been, and his hair not as dark; but his essence remained, almost untouched by the inexorable passing of time. He still maintained his gracious moves, and his perpetual joi de vivre. She smiled as she gazed at him, recalling all those endless afternoons they had spent together as teenagers; laughing, holding, kissing and discovering each other. He had been her first, and she had promised to love him forever. Of course, her family had never approved… but they didn’t care. They would elope together and live happily in a remote Greek island, where he would teach Maths and she would bake, and become a landscape architect. He had left for college in May. Six weeks later, Seamus McNamara had barged into her life.

John sat next to her and started the engine. “Do you want me to take you home?”
Claire shook her head “No… I really don’t want to be alone now”
“Well... we could go for a walk in the park if you want”
She hesitated
He paused to think. Suddenly, he turned to face her again “What about scoring some Ben & Jerry’s and hanging out at my place. Does that sound interesting?”
She breathed in and turned to stare at him suspiciously
“Claire, look” he stuck his hands in his pockets “I’ll keep my hands here the whole time. You’ve got nothing to worry about”
She paused “Ok… but only if it’s New York Super Fudge Chunk” she smiled and winked at him
“Wouldn’t have it any other way” he laughed as they drove off.

“Do you have any movies we could watch?” She yelled at him as she kicked off her shoes and walked around the living room
“Thousands actually” John yelled back from the kitchen
“Where’s the TV?”
He walked back holding a tray with a couple of bowls and spoons. “The TV’s in my bedroom” he pointed towards it with the tray
Claire turned to look in that direction “Oh!
“Claire… remember? Hands in my pocket… the whole time? You’re actually gonna have to feed this to me” he pointed at the tray with his chin and smiled
Claire chuckled and shook her head “That way?”
He nodded and followed her as she treaded across the long corridor that led to his room.
“Wow John… this place is huge!” she walked around pausing to admire the stunning view of the park. John’s room was decorated in a contemporary style: warm, deep chocolate walls offset by soft, thick cream colored bed linen and curtains. A few striped rich colored cushions echoed the walls, adding life to its sophisticated finish.
“What would you like to watch?” He set the tray on a side mahogany desk and walked towards a tall wooden armoire. He opened it, revealing a monumental flat screen and dozens of DVDs carefully set on shelves beneath it.
“I dunno… surprise me!” she jumped on the bed and fixed the cushions behind her back.
John browsed carefully through his extensive collection, muttering to himself. Finally, he picked one. He pressed a button on the remote control, and just as the movie started, the curtains slid to dim the room. He grabbed the tray and after placing it next to her, sat on the bed smiling as he noticed Claire’s eager anticipation.


Still unnoticed, she tiptoed down the stairs in a dazed state of mind, picturing how her life might have turned out, if she had stayed beside him. She chuckled as he struggled to close his briefcase, cursing under his breath repeatedly while pulling at the edges clumsily. After mildly succeeding, he grabbed his coat and turned towards the exit.“Trish?” he jumped back startled, almost losing his balance
She nodded and smiled, blushing slightly as he hurried towards her.
He paused to fix his gaze on her “It is you! Trish… what a pleasant surprise!” he jumped to hug her affectionately “How long have you been here?”
“Just a few minutes…” she hugged back him bashfully, instantly breaking away
He stood a few inches away from her, gazing endlessly. “Wow! You look just as beautiful as I remembered”
She smiled and pushed him off slightly “C’mon Simon… I look old”
Still hypnotized by her presence, he shook his head and smiled “Not to me you don’t”
There was a pause. An instant in which both of them stood paralyzed, lost in each others gaze, overcome by a growing sense of familiarity.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable, she breathed in and smiled “So, how have you been? You don’t look too bad yourself”
“Well… we both knew I would age well” he teased
She chuckled under her breath and nodded
Simon laughed and set both hands on his waist “God, Trish... it’s so great to see you! Do you have time for a drink?”
“A drink? At 3 in the afternoon?”
“I meant coffee. There’s a quaint little coffee shop only a five minute walk from here”
She licked her lips and paused, trying to make up her mind
“C’mon Trish… for old times’ sake… Please?” he smiled and slightly squinted his hazel eyes
“Ok… sure” she nodded and followed him towards the exit.


She licked the spoon and pointed at him “That was an excellent movie! What did you say the screenwriter’s name was?”
“Kaufman, Charlie Kaufman” John smiled at her as he lay on his side gazing at her
“Well… this Kaufman fellow is one talented man! Do you know of any other stuff he’s done?
“Sure…” He smiled “I happen to own a copy of every single movie he’s written”
“Well” she grabbed a cushion, placed it on her lap and turned to sit facing him “I’m going to have to see them all”
“You’re more than welcome to… not today I hope” he chuckled, jumped off the bed and grabbed the tray “Are you done with that?” he pointed at the spoon she was holding
Claire nodded and handed him the spoon “I’m stuffed” she lay back and moaned painfully, pressing the cushion on her stomach.
As he carried the tray back to the kitchen, his cell phone rang. Claire continued to flick through the channels.
He hung up the phone and walked back into his room. Claire lay on his bed fast asleep; her right hand, clutching the remote control. He shook his head smiling and searched his closet for a blanket.

Chapter 104

“Not that simple?” she gazed at him confused as she put out her cigarette and sat back.
Colin stood up and walked towards the window. The heavy rain had settled for a light drizzle now. He opened it, set both hands on the ledge and gasped for air, overtaken by a mixture of relief and utter devastation. It was as if his body had been pushed off a cliff without warning; and as he opened his eyes to stare into the void beneath him, a feeling of repugnant inevitability forced him to reach out almost desperately for solid ground. It was gone, vanished, evaporated. Slain and murdered without even the slightest contemplation. His Rock of Gibraltar, his unwavering anchor, his relentless North….

She opened her eyes and moaned, feeling slightly sick to the stomach. I’ll never eat ice cream again, she promised herself. She rubbed her eyes and lifted her arm to stare at her watch: 4 am. She gasped and sat up, scanning the dimly lit room for John. Realizing she was alone, she jumped off the bed, and walked around in search of him. She tiptoed across the long corridor, pausing to take a glimpse at the rooms along the way. She found him in his study, sound asleep, sitting on a large reclining chair (his portable computer still on his lap). She shook her head and walked towards him. Carefully, she grabbed his laptop, closed it and set it on a nearby desk. She then sprinted back to his room, grabbed the blanket and hurried back. After kneeling to remove his shoes, she bent to cover him, pausing a few inches away from his face, to gaze at him. Driven by a sudden whim, she brushed his hair slightly and pecked him on the cheek. John opened his eyes and grabbed her arm, just as she was moving away. Claire stared at him startled, waiting for his next move. He smiled and lifted the blanket, gesturing her to lie with him. Claire hesitated. Finally, she nodded, allowing him to pull her onto him. He covered them, wrapped his arms around her, placing her head on his shoulder, and kissed her forehead. They both closed their eyes and dozed off.


He scanned the room in search of her. He desperately needed something to occupy his mind, to keep his thoughts away from Claire, until he could figure out what to do. Oddly enough, he had woken up that morning thinking about her, and as he walked towards Equinox, his mind kept going back to their past encounter. She had definitely made an impression on him, and he couldn’t help feeling at least slightly curious. After a while, he walked up to the front desk
“Excuse me?”
The tanned, slender woman standing behind the desk smiled at him “Yes, Mr. Gosling? How can I be of assistance?”
“I’m looking for Jackie Mason. She’s a tall brunette… I think she comes here everyday.”
She nodded “Of course… Ms Mason. Let me check” she touched the flat screen in front of her “She’s in the sauna” she pointed towards the right “It’s down that hallway”
Ryan turned to look “Ok… thanks!”
“You’re very welcome”
He started towards the hallway and paused “Do I just step in there?”
“Yeah, well… you can use the shower before you go in, if you like. There’s a door immediately to the left”
“Right. Thanks again” he smiled and walked away

Jackie sat with her back against the wall; a medium sized towel wrapped around her hips, and another one across her neck, loosely covering her breasts. Her eyes closed as she listened to soothing music on her iPod. Ryan walked in and smiled. He fixed his towel and walked towards her, pausing to admire her chiseled features. He sat beside her and slowly brushed the tip of his fingers on her belly. Jackie opened her eyes nonchalantly and smiled at him. She then turned off her iPod and removed the headphones.
“Hey, you” she wrapped the white cable around the small pink device “How did you find me?”
“I asked around for a gorgeous brunette, with a breathtaking body, and incredible blue eyes” he winked at her
“Stop! You’re gonna make me blush”
“Somehow, Jackie… I’m thinking you’re not the kind of woman who blushes”
“You’re right…” she frowned “Is that a bad thing?”
“I don’t think so… no” he sat resting his back on the wall and closed his eyes “So… missed me?”
Jackie closed her eyes and smiled “Sure… cuz my life’s so empty… all I do is sit back and ponder endlessly on the fact that I met Ryan Gosling at the Poolside Lounge of my gym”
He chuckled under his breath
“If you must know, I had a hectic day at work yesterday. Spent most of my time trying to fix the mess Alan had managed to create”
“Yeah… I remember about that. So how did everything work out?”
“Everything worked out fine in the end, thanks”
“Alan’s your boyfriend?”
“Alan’s my assistant”
“And your boyfriend’s name is…”
“My third grade teacher used to do that”
He opened his eyes and frowned, confused
“You know… disguise a question into a regular sentence… And the capital of Indiana is…” she smiled
He shook his head smiling
“If you wanna know something about me, you’re gonna have to ask properly”
“Ok… fair enough.” He turned to look at her “So, Jackie… do you have a boyfriend?”
She kept her eyes closed “No, no boyfriend”
“Huh!” he stared at her in disbelief
Jackie opened her eyes and turned to look at him “Is that so outrageous?”
“Well… I wouldn’t go as far as calling it outrageous… I do find it hard to believe though”
“Well, I guess life’s full of surprises”
“Lucky me then” he smiled
“Oh… quit it Gosling… I really don’t need that. I don’t have a boyfriend… and I’m not looking for one either”
“Ok… I get it… my bad”
She smiled and closed her eyes again. “So, tell me about the movie you’re shooting”
“Sins?”
“Yeah… is it a comedy?”
“No… more of a drama really”
“Hmmm… is it the kind of movie you walk out of with your eyes swollen and your mascara running?”
“Maybe… of course I’ll make it a point not to wear mascara to the premiere”
Jackie punched him playfully “There you go again… not taking me seriously”
He laughed and paused to gaze at her “Is asking out for dinner serious enough?”
She opened her eyes, licked her lips and stared at him “That’s actually way too serious for me, Gosling.” She paused “I’ll meet you half way… would you settle for just a drink?”
“A drink sounds good enough to me”
“Ok… good. Cuz it was either that or a hot dog around the corner during my office break” she winked at him


He headed back to his hotel with a sense of accomplishment. His hand stuck in his pocket, gripping the treasured item. He walked slowly, taking the time to admire the beautiful houses along the way. It made him think about her childhood, and he wondered how many times she had pedaled her bike down this very road. He smiled, as he pictured her trick or treating with Emma and Mike – Claire had actually mentioned she once dressed as both Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde.
The sun was already setting down, and he decided to make an early night so he could catch the first train back to Manhattan in the morning. As he stepped into the hotel lobby, and headed towards the elevators, he was suddenly startled by a familiar voice
“Hey, Wilder!”
He turned to look. It was Amy, the blonde waitress and recently pronounced member of his fan club.
“Hey yourself!” he smiled at her surprised
“Have you been enjoying the sights?” she stood in front of him, looking terribly cute in a knee length floral print dress with spaghetti straps that tied behind her neck.
“Not really… I’ve just come to visit some old friends”
“Oh… ok.” She breathed in and licked her lips
He nodded “So…” he paused and rubbed his chin “Are you working tonight?”
She smiled and shook her head “Nope…”
“Do you wanna maybe come up to my room… hang out?”
She bit her lip nervously “Ok”
“Great!” he turned back towards the elevators “Shall we?”

He gazed at her adoringly, completely overwhelmed by her unexpected presence. He hadn’t been this close to her in 35 years. Of course he knew all about her. Patricia had married a media mammoth, and every single important event in her life had been profusely announced, and thoroughly described in magazines and newspaper gossip columns. He chuckled remembering the first time he had read about her. It had been a cool September morning as he walked into the college cafeteria for an early breakfast. They had spoken only two weeks ago. Patricia had sounded somewhat withdrawn, and he figured she was having a hard time dealing with a long distance relationship. As he lifted his steamy cup, while browsing through the paper, he came across a picture of her, standing next to a tall dark man. Instantly, his eyes rushed through the title of the article next to it: Seamus McNamara’s unexpected engagement to Patricia Gallagher. Simon had almost dropped his coffee.
Of course, at that time, Seamus was barely the man he was today. He had been pointed out as a rising entrepreneur, with vicious business skills, and a promising future, but MC&M came much later.
Simon had learnt about her two sons, her charity work, and about the stunning exotic plant greenhouse she treasured. He had kept – and would probably die of embarrassment if she ever found out – a scrap book with every single article, picture and interview that mentioned her (even remotely). He had learnt about Seamus’ boundless empire and had eventually become happy for her. A lowly Calculus professor would have never been able to provide for her in that way.


She opened her eyes slowly and breathed in. John, wide awake, stroked her hair gently.
She looked up to him “Hey” she whispered smiling
“Good morning, beautiful” he smiled, his right arm on her thighs as she lay cuddled on top of him “Sleep ok?”
She nodded and stretched. Suddenly realizing her full weight was on him “What about you?”
“Never better”
She sighed, relieved. Instantly, she was overtaken by an impending need to pee. She jumped off the chair “Can I use your bathroom?”
He chuckled and nodded “Use the one in my room” he sat up. As she rushed towards it, he yelled “Feel free to take a shower if you want”

She stepped out of the shower and frowned, noticing a neatly folded robe and a brand new toothbrush next to the wash basin (she was sure those items hadn’t been there when she first stepped in). She grabbed the towel hurriedly and looked around. There was no one there. Still struggling to cover herself, she slid into the robe as her eyes continued to scan the room. Finally, she combed her wet hair and brushed her teeth.
John stood in the kitchen fixing breakfast. His hair was wet, and he had changed into jeans and a blue Lacoste shirt. He smiled as she walked in. “Before you ask, yes, I put the robe and the toothbrush but kept my eyes closed the whole time”
She smiled “The whole time?”
“I might have peeped… I don’t remember” he poured some freshly squeezed orange juice in a glass and handed it to her.
She shook her head smiling and took it “Did you just shower?”
He nodded “I used the guest bathroom”
“Oh” she leaned against the counter and sipped, browsing through that familiar room. Being there suddenly reminded her of Zach’s book presentation at the Met, of her ridiculous subterfuge, and of how she had ended up making out with John on the living room couch. She blushed slightly as she turned to look at him. “Do you need any help with that?” John set a couple of mugs, spoons and napkins on a tray.
He shook his head “Are you feeling better today?”
She nodded and smiled “Much better. Thanks John”
“So… what are your plans for the morning? We’re not expected at the studio till noon”
he placed the steamy coffee pot on the tray and paused to stare at her.
She shrugged and handed him her glass
As he sipped, Claire noticed a small stain on his shirt “What’s that?” she pointed at it.
John frowned and looked down at it “Damn it… orange juice stain. That’s too bad, I kind of liked this shirt”
“If you let me wash it now… it might come off” she walked towards him
John instantly stripped off his shirt and handed it to her. Claire, trying to keep her mind focused on the stain – and not on John’s incredible chest – hurried to the sink.
“There” she turned to stretch it out in front of him “Just let this spot dry and it’ll be as good as new” John stood a few inches away from her, gazing.
She suddenly noticed that, in her haste, her robe had opened slightly, almost revealing one of her breasts. She rushed to fix it, tightening the straps at her waist. He shook his head smiling, grabbed the shirt, and took a step further. Claire licked her lips nervously and stared into his green eyes.

He ordered two cappuccinos, his gaze still fixed on her. Patricia smiled and breathed in nervously.
“I still can’t believe it. I’m so thrilled to see you. How did you find me?” he sat back
“Well… it’s easy when you’re a published scholar” she blushed slightly
“Right… I hadn’t thought about that.” He shook his head smiling “So, Trish… how have you been?”
“Fine… just fine, really”
“I heard Patrick got married a few months ago”
She nodded “Yeah… to a lovely Spanish woman: Victoria. We’ve known her ever since she was a young girl”
“Good for him. What about Colin?”
She stared at him, amazed at the fact he knew her sons’ names. “Colin’s actually going through a transition in his life” she paused “He started his own business, a quaint little bookstore called Ogham…”
“Sounds great! He also got married, right?”
Her expression changed suddenly “Yeah, that’s not working out too well though. Laura – his wife – is sick”
“I’m sorry to hear that”
“Yeah, well… thank God he’s got Ogham to keep him busy."
"What about you?”
“Me?” she gazed back at him inquisitively
“Yeah… how’s married life treating you?”
“Oh… it’s ok” she paused and jumped in to clarify “Seamus works a lot”
“I’m sure he does… I hear he’s very successful”
She nodded as their coffees arrived. “And you, Simon? How have you been?” she searched her purse for some Sweet ‘n Low
“Same ol', same ol' really” he lifted his cup “I got tenure”
“That’s great, congratulations!” she smiled genuinely impressed “When did you move up here?”
“A couple of months ago. I was offered a position as Head of Department, and figured it was time I moved back here”
She nodded and sipped “Must be weird though… coming back after all these years…”
“It was, at the beginning… I’ve gotten used to it by now”
“Good” she smiled “Have you ever… ?” she paused trying to think of how to ask this
“Gotten married?”
She nodded bashfully
He shook his head “Nah… guess I never met the right woman”
“You were always too picky” she stirred her coffee and pretended to scan the room
“Maybe…” he chuckled under his breath
There was a pause. Patricia kept her gaze fixed on her cappuccino. She couldn’t recall the last time she had been this nervous. It was as if she was 17 all over again, and about to be kissed for the first time. Her entire body tingled as she sat only an arm's length away from him. All of a sudden, she felt like a young woman, beautiful and sensual.


They lay in bed naked.
“I’m sorry… this has never happened to me before” Zach stared at her in bewilderment
“It’s ok, don’t worry. I should’ve figured as much” Amy turned to sit on the edge of the bed and stretched for her dress
He frowned “What do you mean?”
She got up and tugged at the straps, tying them behind her neck “This woman, the writer… the one in the novel…”
He sat up “What about her?”
“She’s done this to you” she walked around in search of her shoes
Zach scratched his head “Claire?”
She nodded as she leaned to check under the bed “Yup… it’s actually quite adorable really”
He shook his head “Adorable? Are you crazy? There’s nothing adorable about this!” he was genuinely frustrated
She smiled and continued to scan the room “Well… there’s only one way to find out”
He stared at her, waiting
“Ah… there you are!” she grabbed her shoes and sat on a nearby chair to put them on. She then got up and glanced at him “Go find her” she bent down to kiss him on the cheek, grabbed her purse and walked towards the door. Zach followed her with his gaze, speechless. As she was stepping out she turned to look at him “Good luck, Wilder…” she winked at him and slammed the door.

Chapter 105

He placed his hands on her waist, slightly leaning on her. Claire breathed in, feeling her pulse quicken. He lifted her chin, his lips inches away from hers, and paused to study her reaction. Claire remained motionless. Slowly, as if relishing in every instant, he kissed her, both his hands grabbing the back of her neck. Claire recoiled slightly, but eventually gave in. Keeping their lips together, he lifted her to sit on the edge of the sink as his arms pressed her body against his. She was turned on by this and, unable to hold back, let out a hushed moan. Oddly encouraged by her sounds, he broke away and fixed his gaze on her, as his hands traveled up her thighs and onto the towel straps. Claire stared back at him, panting helplessly. He leaned to kiss the side of her neck, and he began to untie them, letting them drop to the sides. Just as his hand slowly began to wander under her robe, she placed both hands on his chest “Wait!”
He breathed out and stopped. “Too fast?”
She bit her bottom lip and nodded bashfully “I’m sorry”
John stepped back and nodded “Don’t worry… I understand”
“John, I…” she tied the straps back “I wanna be sure about this, you know?”
He breathed in, rubbed his eyes and nodded “Absolutely”
“I just…” she licked her lips
“We don’t need to rush into this, Claire… You can take as long as you want to” he moved back towards her “I’m not going anywhere” John smiled, nodded and leaned down to peck her on the lips. He then wrapped his arms around her as Claire placed her cheek on his warm bare chest, hypnotized by the soft cadence of his steady heartbeat.

Colin held her in his arms as she sobbed helplessly, wishing he could miraculously take away all the pain. Victoria, feeling surprisingly safe, closed her eyes and let herself go. He stroked her hair tenderly and whispered “It’ll be alright, Vic…I promise.” He smiled and kissed her forehead.
She paused and turned to gaze at him. Somehow Colin seemed to display a newly found confidence, a bold and certain ruggedness she had never noticed before. He had always boasted a powerful body, but – in Victoria’s mind – his mighty physique, contrasted his feeble nature. However, as she paused to examine him further, she was suddenly overtaken by his fresh vigor and determination. She marveled thinking how, next to him, Patrick seemed weak and insignificant. It was as if Colin had acquired a singular wisdom, a strength that could keep him afloat in this roaring tempest.
If only she hadn’t been so blind. She knew Colin had once loved her, she had felt it the night they spent together (so long ago, now… but still so fresh in her mind).
He bent down to grab her glass and handed it to her. Victoria smiled, wiped her eyes embarrassed, and took a sip.
“Good girl” he brushed the hair off her face
She set it back on the table, swallowed and licked her lips; her dark gaze fixed on his crystal blue eyes. Driven by an unexpected urge, she stretched to kiss him on the lips. Colin pecked her back affectionately and smiled. As he wiped the tears off her cheek with his thumb, she kissed him again. Colin responded obligingly.
Pausing to take a deep breath she kissed once more, this time, passionately. He surrendered slightly, but instantly jumped back and gently pushed her off him.
Victoria covered her mouth in shame. She then nodded and stood up.
“Vic? You don’t have to leave”
She stormed towards the door, grabbed her coat and paused, her gaze fixed ahead; too embarrassed to face him again “I’m so sorry, Colin” She hurried out of his apartment.

John dropped her at Bill’s office. He had called her after they had finished their breakfast, to let her know he had already finished working on her novel, and even had some samples for the cover art. Instantly, Claire called Mark. He was ecstatic to learn she had finished her novel – scolded her for having kept it from him all this time – and insisted she take as many days off as she needed to work on it.
She was slightly relieved by this. Bill’s phone call could not have come at a better time. She could really use a day away from the set and from Ryan. As she stepped off the car, she promised to call John later that day, to let him know how everything had worked out.

“I thought this one was quite appropriate” Bill handed her one of the samples. It was a black and white, Dutch tilt, close up shot of a piano forte keyboard. Claire took a moment to inspect it further. Yes, this could work! she thought, as she contemplated the smooth ivory keys. The picture made her think of her mom, and she gasped as she thought about how long it had been, since she had last spoken to her parents. Of course she had kept them fairly updated on her life’s events, but the truth was she hadn’t called them in at least two months. She couldn’t even recall the last time she had paid them a visit!
She nodded smiling and handed it back to him “Yes, I like it. Definitely one way to go”
Bill took it back and paused to gaze at her “What’s going on, Claire? I heard you just got back from Canada. What have you been up to?”
Claire sat back and sighed “Oh… you really don’t want to know”
He smiled, shook his head and lit a cigarette “I want to know… you might not want to tell me. But I always want to know”
Claire described – in minor detail – the last few days’ events. Bill was shocked; he hadn’t been expecting any of this. She had broken up with Ryan! Just like that? How did this happen? What was going through her mind? Was Zach responsible for these sudden events? He needed to ask.
“Have you seen Zach?”
She nodded
“And?” he puffed nervously, expecting the worse
“Nothing…”
“Is his presence in New York in any way related to your sudden decision to leave Ryan?”
“What?” she stared at him perplexed “No! Zach had no saying in this. I’ve actually hardly spoken to him” she borrowed his cigarette and took a drag “I should call him soon, though. I promised I’d get together with him to talk… one last time”
“His novel’s been nominated for a National Book Award” he took the cigarette back
“Really? Wow… he must be rhapsodic about it”
Bill paused, grabbed his pen and scribbled something down
“What are you doing?”
“Rhapsodic… great word. I need to keep that one in mind”
Claire chuckled under her breath “I have one question though”
“Fiction”
She smiled, marveling at how Bill could actually read her mind “Hmmm... Fiction. I’m glad”
“I knew you would be” he winked at her


“I read about your greenhouse. It must be quite a sight” he set his cup down
Patricia shook her head “Oh… it’s just a hobby, nothing too elaborate”
“I seriously doubt that” he paused “I was surprised to see there were no pictures of it”
“Oh, no… camera flash lights are not good for them. I wouldn’t dream of exposing them to such a harmful radiation”
He nodded intrigued “I didn’t know that”
“I didn’t either, until I looked it up” she wiped her mouth with her napkin
“What does Seamus think about it?”
“He never comes up there. Says it’s too barbaric for him”
Simon lifted his eyebrows “Right… interesting way of putting it” he paused “I would love to see it sometime”
She licked her lips embarrassed and looked away.
Simon shook his head smiling “Don’t worry… I know I won’t… it was just an expression of desire”
Instantly she turned back to stare at him “No, actually… I would love to show it to you, Simon”
“Great! When?” he looked childishly enthusiastic
“Right now”



Chapter 106

He walked into his room exhausted. Ryan had hard time focusing on his character that day, and he had asked Mark to re-shoot most of the scenes several times, claiming they were not good enough. He overheard Mark explain to Bob that Claire was meeting her editor today – after he had asked about her – to brush up on the final details of her finished novel. It made him think about the days they had spent together in LA, and how much he wished he could turn back time. He still couldn’t understand what had gone wrong. Had he fooled himself into believing she really loved him? Had all this been a game to her? He refused to believe that.
He had noticed John had stopped by the set that day, and sighed, relieved to know they weren’t spending the day together. His thoughts quickly moved to Zach and his untimely return to Manhattan… Was he related to her sudden and irrational decision? It was hard to know. Claire and Zach had a long history, and he was sure he knew very little about their time together. Had he tried to contact her again? Had he talked her into giving their relationship another chance?
As he sat on the edge of the bed, he closed his eyes and rubbed his face. His mind cluttered with haunting images of Zach kissing and touching Claire. He breathed in; it was too much for him to endure. Determined to distract himself from the constant reminder of her, he got and up walked to the bathroom.

“Are you saying you want to start anew somewhere else? Is that what you meant, Patricia?” Dr. Bernhardt paced his words
She shrugged and nodded
“Is there anything you have not told me Patricia?”
She turned to lay back and gaze at the ceiling. “I went to look for him on Monday, Doctor” her mouth twitched slightly
“Who did you look for?”
“Simon Roth” she paused “You remember about him, don’t you?”
“The professor?”
She nodded smiling, recalling the evening they had spent together only a few days ago.
“I’m listening”
“I looked him up on the internet about a month ago. He has not only published two books on Calculus and Combined Theorems, he has also written several papers.” She licked her lips and went on “Anyway, it just so happens he took a position as Head of the Maths Department, in one of the most prestigious universities in the state… he moved back here a few months ago”
“Aha”
“When I first got there… I wasn’t really sure what I wanted. I knew I wanted to get a glimpse of him, see what he looked like after all these years.” She breathed in shook her head “I just didn’t think I would have the strength to face him.” She paused “But as it turned out, we ended having coffee together and he even came over for dinner!”
“What about Seamus? Weren’t you afraid he might walk in on you two?”
She shook her head mischievously “He had to fly to Washington for a business meeting. He usually spends the night there and comes home the next day around noon.”
Dr. Berhardt remained silent
She went on “I know what you’re thinking… and I thought about that too. I gave the staff the day off. I couldn’t afford any silly gossiping”


“What would you do if I die?” she lay in bed and stared at him in bewilderment
Seamus dried off his face, checked himself in the mirror and nodded
Eva sat up and looked for a cigarette “Why would she ask you that?”
He shrugged and walked back into the bedroom “Beats me” he sat beside her and borrowed her cigarette. Eva jumped off the bed, put on her robe and walked towards the kitchen, her mind still puzzled by Patricia’s unusual query.
“So, have you thought about Rome?” he yelled as he searched for his watch and put it on
“What about it?” she walked back in holding a blue mug
Seamus pointed at it “What are you drinking?”
“Tap water” she sipped and leaned against the door frame nonchalantly
He shook his head disapprovingly “I wish you didn’t use that to drink tap water. It happens to be custom made”
She smiled and lifted it to admire the neatly carved crest “I like it… and I was thirsty” she turned to gaze at him “Don’t worry, I won’t break it” as she walked towards him and handed him the mug
Seamus sighed and set it carefully on the bedside table “You haven’t answered my question”
“I did… I just happened to answer it with another question. What about Rome?”
“Are you coming?”
He handed her the cigarette, and she took a drag “I dunno Seamus… I’m really not in the mood”
“Not in the mood? How can someone not be in the mood for Rome?”
She breathed out “I have a lot of work to do… I’m heading a new project in the office”
“It would only be a few days” he kept his eyes focused on her legs
“Yeah” she hesitated “… but I’m gonna have to pass this time, ok?”
“It won’t be the same without you. Washington was already quite a nuisance without you” he stroked her legs gently and looked up at her
“I know… but you’ll have a great time… I know you will” Eva knew Seamus had someone in Rome. Seamus had someone in every major city in Europe.

It was already six pm when she headed back home. The meeting at Bill’s office had been extremely productive, and they were able to go through almost half of her novel. She had found every single one of his suggestions surprisingly accurate, and was glad to notice he seemed more excited about her book than she was. They had stopped for a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant, during which she had learnt that Bill’s baby was a boy, and that they had picked the name James – after Tess’ favorite author: James Joyce. Claire believed Tess was the only person she knew who had actually read The Ulysses from cover to cover.
She walked into her apartment struggling with her keys, a Cappuccino Venti and the heavy manuscript. After managing to set the items clumsily on the kitchen counter, she sighed in accomplishment and kicked off her shoes. Just as she was about to relax on the couch and enjoy her well deserved coffee, her cell phone rang
“Yup?”
“So, do we have an actual date?” it was John
“A date?”
“For the book launch” he sounded excited
“Oh… no, not yet.” She smiled and lifted her feet
“I’m sorry… are you busy right now?”
Claire sat back and sighed “Nope, just got back home actually”
“Good… I’ve been resisting the urge to call you all day… Couldn’t hold back any longer”
She chuckled under her breath “It’s ok… I’m glad to know you’re so excited about it”
“Are you kidding? It’s your first novel!” he paused “Brickwell, I’m starting to think you do not grasp the enormity of it”
“I just don’t want to get my hopes up. I mean… I still need to know what the critics will think about it”
“They’re gonna love it. I’m positive”
“How can you be positive about a novel you haven’t even read?”
“The same way I can be positive about a box office hit… instincts… lots of them”
“I guess I can’t argue with that. You seem to posses some sort of sixth sense on this matter”
“Exactly, so trust me on this one, will you Brickwell?”
“I’ll do my best” she smiled and sipped quietly
There was a pause.
“So…” he suddenly remembered “How should we celebrate?”
“Huh?”
“Your finished novel. We never got to celebrate”
“Oh… right” Claire had been so caught up in all the other unexpected events in her life, she had never paused to think about this “Shouldn’t we wait until it’s published?”
“No way… Random House will probably steal my thunder once it’s published”
“Does it have to be today, John? I’m awfully tired”
“Yes, definitely today… but we don’t have to make a huge fuss out of it. If I promise to get you to bed early – no dishonest intentions implied - … would that be better?”
“Yes, much better… thank you” she paused “John?”
“Shoot”
“Don’t you ever get tired of me? You know… we’ve been spending so much time together lately… and you haven’t really gotten…” she paused not knowing how to phrase it “ well… you know… it’s been all very… platonic between us…” she blushed
“Hmmm… good question. That’s a tough one actually… let me think” he remained silent for a while
“Well?” Claire was somehow annoyed by his hesitation
“No... never”
“Aren’t you gonna ask me the same?”
John chuckled “No… I’m way to cool for anyone to get tired of me… not to mention incredibly hot”
Claire broke into hysterical laughter
“Ok, knucklehead… I’ll pick you up at nine”
“Great! Bye now”


“Are you sure?”
She paused, breathed in and nodded
“What about Seamus?”
“Seamus is out of town” she finished her coffee
“I see…” he chuckled as his eyes lit in excitement “Ok, great!” he glanced at his watch and suddenly hit his forehead “I… geez… I have a meeting with a few of the other professors… I was so caught up with seeing you again, it completely skipped my mind”
She breathed out, a mixture of relief and disappointment “Oh well… maybe some other time”
“I will be done by eight… eight thirty tops” he eyed her inquisitively “Do you think I could stop by your place after that?”
She bit her bottom lip… considering
“I was so looking forward to this… and” he glanced at his watch once more “it’s really too late for me to reschedule…”
“No… eight thirty is fine” she grabbed a paper napkin and searched her purse for a pen “Let me give you the address”
Simon handed her the silver fountain pen that stuck out of his shirt’s pocket “Here”
“I’m also writing down my cell phone number, in case you change your mind, or see that you’re running late” she handed him the napkin. After slightly inspecting the pen, she handed it back to him “It’s a beautiful pen, by the way”
He grabbed the piece of paper “It’s yours” he gestured her to keep the pen
“Really? You don’t want it?”
He shook his head “Nah… this way a won’t have to buy anything on the way to your place” he smiled and winked at her
Patricia shook her head smiling, and set the pen on the table next to her purse.
Simon lifted his cup “Would you like another one?” he pointed at her empty coffee cup
“No… I’m fine, thanks” she glanced at her watch “At what time’s your meeting?”
“We still have plenty of time” he placed his cup on the table and sat back


He stepped out of the shower and searched for her number.
“Jackie speaking”
“Hey! Are we still on for tonight?” he sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed George’s back
“Gosling… hey! Yeah… sure! Where do you wanna meet?”
“I was thinking about The Rose Bar”
“The one on Gramercy Park Hotel?”
“Exactly”
“Ok… sounds good. At what time should we meet?”
“You don’t want me to go pick you up?”
“I have a business dinner, actually not too far from there…”
“Oh… does eleven sound good enough?”
“Eleven sounds perfect. I’ll see ya there, Gosling. Ciao!”



Chapter 107

Still upset by last night’s events, he flicked nervously through the pages of the NY Times, as his train speeded towards Grand Central.

"No Comedy Of Errors By Richard Morris
Dear readers and faithful followers,
First, I must apologize for my unforgivable behavior these past few days. I have left you in the dark; completely unaware of the intriguing events that followed the Brickwell Chronicles. You see, the reason I haven’t been able to write before is actually quite simple: I was in the dark myself – and (if you must know) somewhat annoyed with the unexpected turn of events.
Fortunately, I have been able to contact Ms De Marco, the young lady whose room Gosling was seen entering, inebriate, in the middle of the night. During our brief interview (she seems to have mysteriously landed a spot on Matt Damon’s upcoming project), she has assured me that nothing happened between her and Gosling that night, and that it was obvious to her that he was still very much in love with, and I quote, “that young writer he’s been dating”. Ms De Marco, on the other hand, mentioned that thanks to this unfortunate misunderstanding, she was able to meet a young and talented man – she refused to give any names – who saw enough potential in her as to hand her the opportunity of landing a small part in a film.
I cannot begin to describe my relief, when I learned that they were both on a plane bound for Canada only the next day, for it seemed obvious to me, they had probably worked things out. (Boy, was I wrong!)
Most of you must know, for it has been repeatedly stated on TV newsflashes all over the country, that Mandi Gosling – Ryan’s sister – was admitted for an emergency surgical procedure following a case of acute appendicitis. She is now fully recovered, and moving back to her own place in London, Ontario; after spending a few days at her mother’s house.
Brickwell, I was told, flew back a day early – without Gosling – and was picked up at the airport by an eager John Hunter. Ryan arrived the next morning – by himself, in a particularly foul mood – and checked back into his hotel.
Rather startled by their odd behavior, I decided to put my sleuthing skills on gear, and find out what was going on. It appears that Brickwell has suddenly decided to give up entirely on their relationship! I have been told, this is in no way related to the false accusations about his infidelity, but actually the result of (what she has called) ‘common sense’. My trustworthy source explained to me that Claire believes Ryan’s escalating acting career is incompatible with a committed relationship, and has decided to step aside ‘for his own good’.
Hunter, has seized this opportunity, to dazzle her with boundless dedication and everlasting charm. They have been spotted dining at Westbury Manor, where the gifted couple has demonstrated unforeseen charisma, that could only be paralleled to Hollywood’s Golden Era (be sure to check Westbury Manor’s website for further information).Once again I have been proven right, Brickwell is, after all, a woman of many talents.
As for Wilder, he has mysteriously skipped town altogether. I have learnt that his novel was recently nominated for a National Book Award, oddly enough, in the Fiction category. Considering the launching of his novel in New York includes several book signings all over the city, he will be probably heading back soon from his unknown destination.
At this point, I can only sit back and wait – vexed as I may be – expecting this Shakespearian Tragedy to gradually (and inexorably) turn into a Romance at the end of act three."

He chuckled under his breath, thinking about Morris’ fresh and alluring style. Zach had met Richard Morris almost ten years ago, during his freshman year at Columbia, when he took a few classes on Journalism (He now understood why his face had looked familiar when he stood up to question him at the Met). Morris had caused quite an impression on him. He could actually recall most of his lectures, filled with delicious irony and sophisticated sarcasm.
He had wondered what had become of him after all these years, and was slightly shocked to learn he had finally settled for a comfortable position as a scoop fiend. Still, Zach believed, he had remained true to his nature, hoisting mundane celebrity gossip to an exquisite level.
As he began to reread the article, he stopped suddenly at the first paragraph.
“Brickwell Chronicles” he almost whispered. A middle aged woman sitting next to him eyed him suspiciously. Zach blushed slightly “Sorry” he apologized and turned to stare out the window.
He wondered how many of Morris’ clever articles he had missed.

Chapter 108

He got up and walked around the room breathing heavily. His heart still racing inside his chest at the thought of her touch. What was she trying to tell him? Was her sudden impulse just a result of her current unhappiness? Did she have feelings for him? Was she considering leaving Patrick? It was all too confusing. Colin had to use every single molecule of his will to push her away, and even now, he wondered how he was able to accomplish such an impossible task. He breathed in and sighed, relishing on how her delicate scent seemed to linger. He wondered what would have happened if he hadn’t pushed her away, if he had returned her eager kiss. They would have probably ended up making love on his very couch. Just the thought of touching her soft naked skin made him delirious. Should he go after her? Beg for forgiveness after having rejected her so bluntly? Let her know that there was no one else he’d rather be with? Clear her mind of any doubts regarding his feelings for her? In a sudden impulse, he grabbed his coat and headed towards the door. As his hand stretched for the handle, he paused and breathed in. It was ridiculous. Victoria was Patrick’s wife. There was no place in her life for him.
Colin’s forehead slowly hit the door, as his moistened eyes closed.

She jumped off the cab and ran into the lobby. O’Reilly stared at her in bewilderment, (he had been running an errand she had requested earlier that day) and walked towards her.
“Mrs. McNamara?”
Pretending to ignore him, Patricia walked towards the elevators. O’Reilly followed eagerly “Did you need me today?”
She stepped onto the elevator and shook her head “No”
O’Reilly rode with her “You do know you can call me if you need to go somewhere, right?”
“Of course I do O’Reilly. But I didn’t need you, that’s why I didn’t call”
“Did you ride a cab?” he looked bemused, almost hurt
“As a matter of fact I did” she fixed her gaze ahead hoping they would get to the top floor soon
“Mr. McNamara will kill me if he finds out”
“Well, then I guess we won’t have to tell him now, will we?” Finally, they reached the top floor. Patricia stepped off the elevator “Oh… by the way” she turned to glance at him nonchalantly “Take the rest of the day off, O’Reilly. You look tired”.
O’Reilly stared at her in shock as she walked into her apartment and the elevator doors closed in front of him
They had covered most of the important subjects – she thought – Seamus’ gargantuan enterprise and constant traveling, the boys’ college education, Colin’s gifted writing, Patrick’s success, Laura’s miscarriage and attempted suicide. Victoria’s independent nature and idiosyncratic upbringing, Patricia’s charity work, and of course, Ogham… quaint and mystical Ogham. She had talked endlessly and he had listened attentively, captivated by the remarkable details of her life and the life of the people around her.
Simon, on the other hand, had led a simple life. Filled with numbers and equations and slightly interrupted by the odd Italian opera (mostly Puccini and Verdi), he was lucky enough to attend. He had dedicated his life to his work, and although his personal fortune would never amount to even ten percent of what Seamus had acquired, he mentioned he was now able to live a comfortable life, and afford a few luxuries.

She rushed into the maids’ quarters “Rose?” she yelled in search of her
“Yes Madam?” Rose hurried towards her fixing her hair and tugging at her uniform.
“Oh… were you taking a nap?”
“Not really, madam. Just relaxing till you got home.” She blushed “Shall I serve dinner?”
Patricia shook her head and searched her purse for her wallet. She took a few hundred dollar bills and handed them to her “Tell everyone to take the night off”
Rose stared at her in shock, her hand clutching the small fortune “I beg your pardon, madam?”
“There’s seven hundred dollars there. Split it equally amongst you and take the night off” She looked childishly excited. Rose had never seen her act like this before
“But…”
“It’s settled. Now please… don’t ask and do what I say” she leaned to kiss Rose on the cheek – Rose jumped back startled – and left the room.


Claire settled for a pair of black low cut pants and a strapless loose fitting top. She fixed her hair up in a ponytail, and switched her usual discreet earrings for a pair of dangle drop ball silver ones, she thought, added and funky touch to the ensemble. After fixing her make up, she glanced at the time. She still had 25 minutes to spare before John came to pick her up. She set her purse on the kitchen counter and grabbed the phone.

“Hello?”
Claire smiled at the familiar tone of voice “Mom?”
“Claire? Is that you?” Kate sounded excited “Martin, it’s Claire!” she yelled
Claire drew the phone slightly away from her ear and her mother’s deafening shriek
“Honey… It’s so great to finally hear your voice! We were starting to wonder if Hollywood had abducted you”
Claire chuckled “No… not so far, mom. How’s dad?”
“Your dad’s fine… hoping you would come to visit. Don’t they give you any time off?”
“Well… I’m currently taking a few days off to work on the final touches of my novel”
“Right… Oh Claire… we’re so proud of you! You have really outdone yourself this time. Your first novel! When can we read it?”
“Mom… calm down, it will probably be out on bookstores in a few weeks. I promise you’ll be the first to know”
“Ok… good. So what else is new? Are you still dating that actor?”
Claire breathed in “No… we split up”
Kate paused
“I’m ok mom… honestly, it was bound to happen.”
“Well… I guess you’re just too special”
“He’s more special than I am, believe me”
“Maybe you’re too talented for him”
“Mom, talent is something Ryan does not lack”
“Then what was it, honey?”
“Differences, I guess… We both lead very different lives”
“I see… well, you might want to look for someone in the literary world next time. Maybe a writer?… God knows you’d be an inspiration to him”
Claire paused to consider if she should tell her mom she was already seeing someone. I mean, who was she kidding? Her relationship with John had gone past friendship. She did not know how long it would take her to forget Ryan, or if she would ever forget him. But in the brief period of time they had been apart, John had been her only source of happiness and consolation. She knew he was also a public figure, but John didn’t have half the exposure Ryan had. He also seemed to lead a steadier life; their educational backgrounds were similar, and she felt he was unmistakably a safer bet than Ryan.

She finally decided against it. Her mom would probably think she was rushing into things, and Hollywood producers were probably not her idea of suitable partners.
“Oh… speaking of writing and inspiration” Kate went on “You’ll never guess who was here only yesterday, having lunch with both your father and I!”
“I have no idea mom… who was it?” Claire glanced at her watch; John would be there any minute
“Zachary Wilder!”

She stood on the sidewalk across from Ogham. Eva had grown fond of that obscure corner in the bohemian part of town. That unpopular spot was now filled with familiar sounds, colors and aromas. Even as she closed her eyes, she could almost trace the buildings and shops that lay in front of her. As she stood today – like many others before – she focused on the ornate wooden door, contemplating, examining, studying every person that walked in and out.
This corner (its sidewalk slightly uneven and needing repair) was the closest she had ever been to Ogham. She had thought about crossing the street to browse nonchalantly inside that mystical and inviting bookstore, but that was as far as she had gone.
So far, these past two weeks, she had seen him twice. A vexed expression on his face; his long and powerful body bent with exhaustion. He looked as if he hadn’t slept in six months. She gasped the first time she recognized him, walking out for a smoke, carrying a green mug and engaging in small talk with the woman who ran the deli next door. At some point, he had paused to gaze at her. Instantly, Eva had pretended to look for something in her purse, hiding her face from him.
She sighed and glanced at her watch. It was almost closing time. Nothing, not even the slightest hint of his presence. She wondered what had kept him from coming to work today. Had something happened to Laura? She hesitated for a moment, trying to hold back from jumping onto the street, and running to peep inside. Taking a deep breath, she put out her cigarette and turned for the busy grocery store down the block.

Chapter 109

Claire pressed the phone against her ear “I’m sorry? Mom, did you just say Zach was there yesterday?”
“Yes! Such a lovely surprise...”
“What did he want?”
She paused hesitating “Oh… just dropped by to visit and see how we were doing. I didn’t know he had come back from Paris. Did you know he’s planning on staying in Manhattan for good? He mentioned he had rented an apartment in Soho, such a quaint little neighborhood. You know your father and I used to go there a lot when we first started going out. Of course back then it wasn’t considered as fashionable…”
Claire glanced at her watch. “Mom, focus… you’re saying he just stopped by to pay you a visit?”
“Yeah. He called, mentioned he was in town and wondered if he could see us. Of course, I was delighted to hear from him, after all these years, and asked him over for lunch”
Instantly Claire’s cell phone started ringing. She rushed to check who it was. “Hang on, mom. I need to answer this” she lifted her cell phone “John, don’t come up. I’ll be right down” and hang up “Listen Mom, I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow, ok?”
“Sure honey, you go have a good time. We’ll talk tomorrow” she paused “Claire?”
“Yup?” she grabbed her purse from the counter
“Your father and I love you very much…”
“Thanks mom, I love you too”
“And we will always support your choices, regardless of what they are”
Claire frowned, confused “Ok, mom… I appreciate that. Send my love to dad.” She breathed out “I really need to go now, I’m sorry”
“Don’t worry sweetheart, we’ll talk soon. Take care”
She hang up, bewildered. What was she trying to tell her? Was Zach’s visit responsible for this sudden and odd reassurance? She wondered what he was trying to accomplish. Zach had always loved and respected her parents, but somehow Claire had a hard time believing this visit had no ‘ulterior motives’.
Claire had never told her parents what had driven Zach to stay in Paris… she had merely explained he had been offered a wonderful opportunity to develop his writing, and that she had pushed him to take it. Had Zach told them the truth? She doubted that, he wouldn’t dare tamper with the impeccable opinion they held of him. Still, she desperately needed to know what they had talked about. As she set the phone on the kitchen counter and hurried out of the apartment, she instantly made up her mind. There was only one person who could clear all these doubts: Zachary Wilder.

She paused to take a deep breath and opened the door. Simon stood in front of her, a wide grin on his face. “Wow, Trish… you look beautiful!”
Patricia had changed into a stylish below the knee strapless black dress. She let her hair down (just as he liked it), allowing her subtle blonde curls to brush against her bare shoulders. She smiled bashfully and stepped aside to let him in.
“Somehow I feel underdressed for the occasion” his eyes still fixed on her
“You look just fine, Simon” she pointed at a wine bottle he was holding “Is that for me?”
He nodded and handed it to her “It’s Asytirko, originally from Santorini. It is said to be Greece’s best white wine grape” he winked at her
Patricia nodded in honest appreciation as she paused to study the elegant bottle. “You shouldn’t have…” She suddenly looked up and shook her head “…And I’m not returning your lovely pen”
Simon chuckled as he followed her towards the kitchen.

John turned to gaze at her, trying to guess what was going through her mind. She seemed somehow distant, distracted. Her gaze fixed ahead as they drove across Manhattan’s busy traffic. “Is everything ok?”
Claire didn’t answer
“Claire?”
“Huh?” she suddenly snapped out of it
“What’s the matter?”
She smiled and shook her head “Nothing, I’m fine”
“You don’t look fine to me”
“I don’t?” she turned to look at him
He wondered if Ryan had something to do with her current and odd behavior “You look worried. Is something wrong?”
“No… everything’s perfect” she paused “I’m just…tired”
“Would you rather stay in tonight?”
“No… seriously John, I’m fine” she forced a smile
“Ok…” he was not buying it
“So… where are we going? Not very far, I hope”
“No… just a nice little restaurant on the Upper East Side. I think you’ll like it”
“I’m sure I will. I hope it’s not very expensive though. You know how I feel about all this ridiculous spending” she searched her purse for her lip gloss
John eyed her suspiciously “Are you sure you’re ok?”
Claire put on some lip gloss and nodded “Fine, really”
John licked his lips and turned to look ahead.

They walked into the Private Roof Club & Garden at the Gramercy Park Hotel. A private indoor/outdoor lobby (accessed via the special private keyed-off elevator), boasting a unique retractable roof, 16 stories above the city. An exotic greenhouse, combining thick flora and fauna accents, contrasted by an arresting chandelier-like light installation, inspired by the movie Blade Runner. It offered a striking balance between the after-hours chic, and the classic style charm of exclusive membership clubs; exhibiting a rare display of 20th century paintings by renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

With a slight signal, John dismissed the host “You look stunning tonight, Claire” he whispered as he leaned to fix her chair
“Thank you” Claire smiled
As soon as he sat down, an eager waiter hurried to their table, carrying a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Claire browsed the scene and shook her head disapprovingly as he poured “Now, John… you promised. This place seems way too exclusive, it’s probably quite expensive”
“Not at all… it’s just hard to get into” he winked and handed her a champagne glass “Let’s toast”
Claire sighed and lifted her glass
“To Uneven Music, your own private glimpse into eternity”
She smiled, impressed at how much John seemed to know about her, and sipped quietly.

Picking the right melon had never been an easy task. Eva lifted, rubbed and sniffed a few, trying to make up her mind. Not entirely convinced, she grabbed one that seemed quite promising, clumsily knocking off a few from the elaborate pile. Setting her basket on the floor, she ran after the rolling melons that scattered rebelliously across the aisle. As she knelt to pick them up, a young man ran to her aid, carefully setting them back. He then lifted her basket and smiling, handed it to her.
Eva blushed “Thanks. God, that was embarrassing!”
He shook his head smiling “Not really. I do it all the time” he paused to scan the scene and whispered “Besides, I don’t think anyone noticed”
She nodded “Well, I guess I have you to thank. You seem to move really fast”
“As I said, I have a history in fruit knocking, so… I’ve acquired a certain amount of skill”
Eva covered her mouth trying to keep from laughing
He switched his basket to his left hand “I’m Aidan, by the way” and stretched out his right arm
She shook his hand smiling “Eva”


“So… are you gonna tell me? He sat back and gazed at her
Claire stared back inquisitively “Tell you what?”
“What’s eating you?”
“Sorry?” she lifted her glass of wine
“Claire, something happened to you between the time we spoke on the phone, and the time I picked you up at your apartment. Did you really think I wouldn’t notice?”
Claire breathed in and set her glass back down “I spoke to my mom… on the phone”
“Ok… so?”
“So, nothing. That’s it”
John rubbed his chin and sat upright “Look, Claire. If you don’t want to tell me, it’s fine. Just don’t make a fool out of me, ok?”
She stared back at him speechless
“I think I know you enough to realize something’s going on”
“Well, if you must know” she breathed in “My mom mentioned Zach had been there”
“Where?”
“In Boston. Zach was in Boston, yesterday, having lunch at my parents’”
John paused. He should’ve figured as much. Zach was finally making a move… and a rather bold one, he suspected. “What did he want?”
Claire shrugged and shook her head “I dunno”
“How come your parents had him over for lunch after what he did to you?”
“Well… it might have to do with the fact that they don’t know what he did to me”
“What? You never told them?”
She shook her head
“Why?”
She sighed “I dunno… I guess I didn’t want them to feel bad for me. So I told them Zach had a job opportunity in Paris and that I had pushed him to take it”
“I see”
“I mean… how could I have imagined he was going to write a novel about us?”
“What do you think he’s up to?”
Claire bit her bottom lip and shook her head “I haven’t got the slightest idea, John”


She walked in and smiled as she got a glimpse of him nursing a drink at the bar. The Rose Bar had always been one of her favorite spots in town, and she would often drop by, to admire the eclectic atmosphere and the ever changing works of modern art it displayed. It was also a great place for business, considering most of its clientele consisted of Gramercy Park Hotel’s exclusive guests.
Keeping her gaze focused on him, she hurried across the busy room, pausing a few feet away, to fix one of the straps in her stilettos. Ryan caught a glimpse of her and waved, jumping off the stool and lifting his drink

“Hey!” she smiled and glanced at her watch “Am I late?”
Ryan shook his head smiling “No, just in time” he pointed at a grandfather clock that stood across the bohemian bar
“Good”
“Shall we?” he gestured her to follow him, leading her to a deserted sitting area near the pool table.
They sat on a carmine colored stylish sofa, and Jackie set her purse on the wooden table across it. Ryan gazed at her smiling.
“What?” she stared at him inquisitively
“You look great”
“Oh… right. This is the first time you’ve seen me dressed as a normal person. You don’t look too bad yourself”
He chuckled under his breath “So, what’s your poison?” he gestured the waiter, who nodded and rushed to take their order
“Is that a James Bond you’re having?”
“Yeah” he gazed at her, impressed
“I’ll have a Pineapple and Ginger Margarita” she glanced at the smiling waiter and turned to scan the room
“You’ve been here before”
“Dozens of times, actually”
“Damn it… there go my points for originality”
She shook her head smiling “No… this is one of my favorite bars, Gosling. You did good”
Ryan set his glass on the table “So, how did you business dinner go?”
“Great! Thanks for asking” she sat back and crossed her legs “I’m trying to catch this really big fish” Jackie lifted her eyebrows and smiled
“You sound excited about it”
“I am! This is the one thing I love about my job”
“The chase?”
She nodded “Talking people into giving you their billions is not an easy task”
“I can imagine it isn’t” he shook his head smiling
The waiter rushed back with her drink. She lifted it and sipped “So” she cleared her throat “I talked to a friend at work about you”
“Really?” he licked his lips
She nodded “Yeah…”
“Well… there you go. You’re starting to miss me”
“Oh… get over yourself, Noah!” she pushed him playfully “Anyway, she happens to read every single gossip magazine on the market….”
Ryan sipped “Ok… I’m listening”
“She told me you were dating a writer… Is that true?”
Ryan’s expression changed suddenly. He set his glass back down and breathed in. “Well… it seems your friend needs to get an update on her scoop. The writer left me.” He lifted his glass and sipped, looking away.
Jackie covered her mouth “Oh… I’m sorry, Ryan. I’m… such an asshole”
He shook his head “It’s ok… you didn’t know”
“Do you still love her?”
Ryan turned to gaze at her. Jackie’s body language had changed entirely. It was as if she had suddenly set her defenses down, and had become genuinely concerned about him.
“Oh… uhm… how rude of me! Do you wanna talk about it?”
He licked his lips and shrugged
“Was it another guy?”
“I don’t know, Jackie”
“But she did give you a reason, right?”
“Yeah… I guess it had something to do with me being a Hollywood celebrity”
“I see”
“The truth is, I’m starting to think she was scared”
“Scared of what?”
“I dunno… of maybe, loving me too much” he chuckled under his breath “You women have a strange way of dealing with your emotions”
“Ah… the female of the species… yeah” she smiled and winked at him
“You know, Jackie… maybe she’s right. Maybe we’re not meant for each other”
Jackie eyed him suspiciously “Look Gosling, you may be a wonderful actor… but I don’t think you can fool yourself into believing that”

Chapter 110

“I don’t think I’ve seen you here before. Did you just move here?” Aidan stood behind her in the line for the cash register
Eva shook her head smiling “I don’t live in this neighborhood” she paused, considering “I was just visiting some friends nearby”
“Oh… ok” he fixed his dark blue eyes on her “Heading back home to fix dinner for your husband?” he pointed at her half full basket
Eva chuckled “I don’t have a husband… so I’m actually heading back home to fix dinner for myself” she smiled “What about you?”
“No… no husband either” he shook his head solemnly
Eva broke into hysterical laughter
Aidan gazed at her, mesmerized by her wild and uninhibited laugh. He instantly sensed something special: a naiveté, a freedom he had never seen before. This was no ordinary woman. Behind that sensual and almost untamed nature, he sensed a life of experience and boundless understanding.
Trying to regain her composure, Eva took a step further towards the cash register, and started unloading her basket. Aidan smiled, his gaze fixed on her stunning legs.
“So, Eva…” he cleared his throat
Eva turned to gaze at him as she placed a few items in a plastic bag.
“Considering none of us have jealous husbands waiting for us at home. Would it be terribly audacious of me to ask you out for dinner?” He began to empty his basket as the young cashier stared at them eagerly.
She paused and licked her lips, hesitating.
“Look, there’s a really good Armenian restaurant around the corner.” He searched his wallet for cash “It’s an open space, so if at any point you think I’m a psycho… you’d be able to ditch me and ran off”
She smiled and nodded “Ok…”
Aidan smiled as he hurriedly shoved toiletries into a plastic bag.


Simon, caught in some kind of frenzy, swayed his arms in the air pretending to direct the orchestra, as it played Sempre Libra from Verdi’s La Traviata. Patricia gazed at him smiling, as she sat a few feet away on her Italian leather sofa, sipping wine. He had always been a passionate man, and although his mind could grasp the most complex and intricate theories, she marveled at his ability to find pleasure, beauty and fulfillment in the most basic things.
He paused, turned to gaze at her and lifted his glass smiling “There’s nothing quite like Italian opera, is there?”
Patricia shook her head smiling “Nothing at all”
They sipped in silence, their gazes fixed on each other. Patricia felt a slight buzz, she wasn’t used to drinking, but the sweet under taste in Simon’s Greek wine was more than inviting. She had probably consumed half the bottle herself. Instantly, she placed the glass on the coffee table and sat back, closing her eyes.
“Are you ok, Trish?”
She nodded, her eyes still closed “Yeah… just a little lightheaded from the wine”
He moved towards her, a concerned expression on his face “Would you like me to fix you some coffee?”
She shook her head “I can fix it myself” and stood up. Instantly, feeling terribly dizzy, she sat back down.
“Nonsense, you stay right here” Simon started towards the kitchen “Holler if you need me” he paused and turned “And whatever you do… keep your eyes wide open”
She nodded and sat back, overtaken by a feeling of complete and utter embarrassment.


“Well, the truth is, she chose to leave me and that’s that” Ryan sipped, and feeling slightly uncomfortable, pretended to scan the room
“Have you done anything to talk some sense back into her?”
“Why should I? I mean, if she feels that way, what’s the point? Besides” he sighed “I think she’s already seeing someone else”
Jackie sipped and nodded “Ok… if that’s the way it’s gonna be. Then you’re right… I’m sorry. I promise I won’t bring this up again”
“It’s ok Jacks, I’m sorry… it just happens to be the story of my life, you know? Every time I fall for a woman, some way or another my job gets in the way. I guess it’s just the price I have to pay” he licked his lips and smiled
“You shouldn’t… I mean, nobody should pay a price for doing what they feel passionately about”
“What about you? How come you’re not in a relationship?”
She breathed in “I dunno… I guess it’s never been that important to me. The truth is I have spent the last five years trying to get ahead in my job, and have neglected that particular aspect of my life. I think this is actually the first date I’ve had in a long time”
He smiled “I’m glad”
“You are?” she lifted her eyebrows
“Yeah… I’m glad to know I was an exception”
“Well… who would pass on a date with Noah?” she winked at him smiling
Ryan chuckled “I think I’ve honestly underestimated the power of that character”
“I mean, c’mon…365 letters! What woman in her right mind could resist that?”
He paused and nodded “Maybe the same woman who is able to resist having an entire novel dedicated to her”


“Did Zach and your parents get along?” John set his glass back on the table
She nodded as their food arrived “Zach’s parents got divorced when he was very young, and he hardly ever got to see his dad after that.” Claire grabbed her napkin and placed in on her lap “I think he saw a father figure in my dad” She sighed “The truth is, John, I don’t hold any contempt for what he did to me. You know, in a way, I was responsible for it”
“How so?” he nodded at the waiter who hurriedly walked away
“Well… a few months before Zach left for Paris, we had already begun to grow apart. I dunno, why… it just happened. And although, at the time, we both chose to ignore it… it was only a matter of time before we would decide to go on our separate ways”
“So, you’re blaming yourself for his betrayal?”
“I’m blaming both us” she breathed out “I dunno… maybe we were too scared or lazy to come to terms with the fact that we had stopped loving each other.”
“You mean to say sooner or later it was bound to happen?”
She nodded “Paris just made it easier”
“What about now?”
She gazed at him inquisitively
“He obviously wants to give your relationship another shot…”
Claire remained speechless
“Look Claire, I think you know by now I’m willing to do whatever it takes to be with you. And I can wait for as long as I have to… But I also need to know where I stand”
She stretched her hand to touch his “You needn’t worry about Zach, John. He’s just confused. I don’t think he even knows what he wants.”
John sighed and grabbing her hand, locked her fingers around his.
“He might have a picture perfect image of our days together, but it’s not real… it never was. Besides, we are both very different people today… At least I know I am.”
Keeping his gaze fixed on hers; he lifted her hand towards him, and kissed it tenderly. Claire breathed in and smiled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jackie smiled slightly confused
“Nothing… don’t mind me. I was just being clever”
“Ok” she eyed him suspiciously “So, how’s your movie coming along?”
“Not very smoothly I afraid… I’m having a hard time focusing on my character”
“It must be hard though, having to step into someone else’s shoes everyday. Setting aside your own values, you own personal views and succumbing to another person’s grasp of life. Can you relate to your character in any way?”
He nodded smiling “As a matter of fact, Colin – my character – and I have more things in common than I’d like to admit.”
“Does that make it easier or harder?”
“Both, actually”
“I think I understand what you mean”
Ryan breathed out and smiled
There was a pause, a moment in which both their gazes locked. Jackie felt a subtle warmth rush across her body, as she contemplated Ryan’s sparkling blue eyes. It was so refreshing, to be able to sit back and relax. Set aside, the ruthless businesswoman image she had worked so hard to create and maintain. She was glad she had agreed to go out with him. Ryan seemed to be such an interesting man; completely unlike ‘the crowd’ she usually hung out with. She wondered what his intentions were. Was he just interested in her friendship, or was he looking for something else? It was really hard to know. Ryan seemed to have such a friendly disposition, and although he did throw the occasional ‘line’ at her… she figured he probably did that with every woman he met.
She licked her lips and smiled “You know… there’s supposed to be a really exclusive club upstairs”
He nodded “Yeah… they held a small gathering after the New York screening of Fracture in it. It’s really quite a sight. Would you like to go up there?”
“You kiddin’ me? I’d love to go up there!”
Ryan chuckled and gestured one of the waiters.


Claire shook her head smiling as she stirred her espresso “Your opinion doesn’t count. You’re way too biased”
He laughed “Maybe, maybe… but still, I honestly believe your novel is going to be a hit”
She paused to stare at him “Have you ever published anything? You know... way back, when you used to write?”
He shook his head “Nah… just a few book reviews”
“I bet you’re a wonderful writer” she gazed at him smiling
John breathed out “That’s all in the past now, Claire. I haven’t written a single paragraph in a long time”
“Why?”
He gazed at her inquisitively
She lifted her coffee cup “Why did you stop?”
“I don’t think you want to hear it”
“I do… very much”
He fixed his eyes on hers “Money”
Claire frowned and shook her head “I’m sorry?”
“Money. I wanted to make money. Lots of it”
“Really? Wow… I wasn’t expecting that answer”
“I know… and I probably shouldn’t have told you this. Makes me sound so hollow and selfish, right?”
“I didn’t say that”
“But you’re thinking about it. And it’s ok… selfishness had a lot to do with it”
“How do you mean?”
“You see I was brought up the old fashioned way”
“Aha…”
“In my mind, a man should always support his woman”
“Ok”
“Be the sole provider, so to speak”
She nodded, still trying to follow
“I was completely infatuated”
“You’re talking about a woman? You needed to make lots of money to support a woman you cared for?”
He chuckled and nodded
“I don’t get it John”
“She was a very sophisticated woman, with expensive tastes” he paused “Of course, with her salary, she could afford anything she wanted”
“Ok then, so she really didn’t need your money”
“I know it sounds kind of silly… but I felt I should be me the one who gave her all of that”
She shook her head disapprovingly “Men…”
“Don’t you think it’s important?”
“That the guy I’m with pays for everything I set my heart on? No… it’s not. I mean, I wouldn’t like to marry a lazy bum… but I’d rather be poor and doing what I love, than rich and having to sell my soul”
“I like what I do”
“But is it all you ever wanted? Don’t you have any regrets?” she gazed at him inquisitively
John breathed out and looked away “I dunno, Claire. I try not to think about it”

Aidan placed their bags on the floor and hurried to fix her chair.
“Thanks” she smiled at him as she set her purse on an empty chair next to hers
He smiled and after gesturing the waiter, sat across from her.
Eva browsed across the room filled with Middle Eastern touches, and cluttered by what seemed to be a somewhat peculiar group of regulars. “This looks like a very interesting place. Do you come here a lot?”
Aidan shook his head smiling “Not anymore. I did come here a lot when I first moved into the neighborhood, but there’s only so much baklava one can eat in one’s lifetime, right?”
She chuckled under her breath and nodded. The waiter rushed to their table.
“Would you like me to order for you?” he glanced at her inquisitively
“Most definitely. I have no prior experience in this” She examined the menu “I don’t think I can even pronounce some of the names in these dishes”
He nodded smiling and instantly engaged in conversation with the waiter in – what Eva thought – was an incomprehensible language. Impressed at his fluency, she strained to listen, trying to understand what he was saying. Finally, as the waiter walked away laughing, she gazed at him in amazement “What language was that?”
“Armenian… well, in reality it’s Western Armenian… Together with Eastern Armenian, one of the two major dialects spoken by the Armenian community today”
“Wow! I’m impressed… how did you learn it?”
He shrugged “I taught myself… also, there’s a small Armenian community living in this part of town, so I get to practice a lot”
“Are there any other odd languages you speak?”
“Maybe… depends on what you consider to be an odd language” he smiled “What about you?”
“Me?” she shook her head “Just English… and some Italian”
“Really?”
“Yeah… I was actually born in Italy. I came here when I was three”
“So you’re the daughter of Italian immigrants?”
“No, my parents died in Italy when I was a baby. My aunt brought me here”
“I’m sorry. What happened to them?”
“I dunno… they never told me. And at some point I just stopped asking”
“Do you have any other relatives living here?”
“No… my aunt died almost 20 years ago… so it’s just me”
“Hmm… must’ve been hard… you know, to be on your own”
“Not really. Fortunately I was over 18 at the time, and was taken in by an old couple who used to be friends with my aunt. The truth is, other than that odd detail, my adolescence was pretty much the same as everyone else around me”
“Can I ask what it is you do now?”
“I work for an advertising firm. What about you?”
“I’m helping a friend develop a small business venture”
“I guess it probably gives you a lot of time to read”
“Your guess could’ve not been more accurate”

“I’m really sorry to hear that, John”
“Why?”
“Cuz… I dunno… I’m thinking deep down you must feel you’re missing out on something”
“Do you really believe I miss writing?”
“I believe you miss being able to express yourself”
He licked his lips and smiled
“It’s never too late, you know”
“If I said I’ll think about it… would you be willing to drop the subject”
She nodded and smiled “Sure”
“Ok… then… I’ll think about it”
She shook her head and stood up. John stared at her confused
“I need to use the restrooms. I’ll be right back” she headed inside pausing a few feet away from their table “John, it’s getting pretty late, don’t you think?”
He glanced at his watch and nodded “I’ll ask for the check and meet you at the entrance, ok?”
“Great” she smiled and turned back for the restrooms

Writer's Block (Chapter 97 to 101)

Chapter 97

They walked into the Starbucks coffee shop in Columbus Avenue. Claire ordered two cappuccinos Grande as Cat rushed to use the restrooms. After adding some cinnamon to hers, she picked a table on the far end corner and set both cups down, waiting.
“God, I really needed that!” Cat smiled as she set her purse down, and slid into the booth across Claire. “Now… back to you” She suddenly frowned “You’re kidding, right?” and as she added some sugar to her coffee “You broke up with Ryan?”
Claire sipped and nodded
“Why? What happened?”
Claire set her cup down and breathed in “Well… first there was this misunderstanding about a woman he had met at the hotel bar the other night… some Maxine Marco”
“Maxine De Marco?”
“Yeah… you know her?”
“No… but her dad’s pretty famous. He’s like a super billionaire. Maxine’s probably just a spoiled and bored socialite”
“Ok”
“Whatever, go on please… What kind of misunderstanding?”
Claire proceeded to describe the events at her apartment on Monday night, ending up with what she had overheard from the maids, while waiting for the elevator the next morning.
“No!... They really said that?”
She nodded “Verbatim”
“So? What happened next?”
She went on to tell her about Mandi’s sudden condition, her trip to Canada with Ryan, and the mixed emotions this situation had raised in her.
“Anyway” she sipped “He promised nothing had happened, and I believe him”
Cat gazed at her confused… “Ok, but that does not explain the fact that you decided to break up with him”
“Well, it’s rather complicated, Cat… You see, after this whole De Marco incident, it all became clear to me. I can’t deal with this. The pressure of loving someone who’s the object of other women’s fantasies and desires…” she breathed in “I’m not cut out for that.”
“Have you discussed this with him at any point?”
She shook her head “Why would I? It’s not as if he can help it. He’s a movie star, it comes with the job. Besides… I honestly feel we’re not right for each other”
“Not right for each other?”
“Well, Ryan’s career is sky rocketing to the top; he can’t be bothered with my silly insecurities and petty needs. Being with me would only hold him back… prevent him from reaching his full potential.” She licked her lips “I did this for both of us”
“Bullshit, Claire”
She stared back at Cat appalled “I’m sorry Ms Keener, what was that?”
“You heard me! That’s a huge and smelly pile BS if you ask me. You broke up with Ryan cuz you’re afraid. Afraid to get hurt, afraid he will stop loving you, afraid he won’t commit. Leave him, before he leaves you, right?” she picked up her cup “You’re a chicken, Claire.” She paused and sipped smiling. Claire stared back at her in amazement. She went on “Hey, I’m not saying I don’t understand your motives, I do… all the way. Doesn’t make you any less of a chicken, though”
“Well… maybe you’re right. Maybe I am scared shitless of getting hurt again. The truth is I honestly feel and firmly believe I’ve done the right thing” she lifted her chin as a gesture of reassurance.
Cat chuckled under her breath and nodded “As long as you’re ok with it…. I’m ok with it”
“Good.” Claire paused and stared back at her in watery eyes “I really need your support now, Cat”
Catherine stretched out her arm to stroke Claire’s hand affectionately; and fixing her gaze on hers asked “Are you sure this is what you want?”
Claire sighed, rubbed her moistening eyes and nodded.
There was a pause. They both sipped their coffee, and stared out the window into the street.

It had been easy for her at the set today. Ryan was still in Canada, and John had been beside her the entire day; making sure she was ok, and going out of his way to cheer her up. Mark double checked every scene with her, and Penelope mentioned her fiancée (the Spanish actor, Javier Bardem) was flying in next week, and wondered if she would like to join them for dinner while he was in town.
Bob and Cat where going through some make up touches for their next scene, Claire seized the moment “Mark?”
“Yep?”
“Can we keep this to ourselves?”
“What’s that, Brickwell?”
“My break up with Ryan. Can we not make a fuss out of it?… with the rest of the cast, I mean”
“Sure…” he took off his cap and fixed his hair (Claire knew what this gesture meant) “It will be hard, though… I guess they’ll probably figure it out eventually”
She nodded “You’re right… but still”
“Don’t worry, Brickwell. We’re all grown ups here. It’ll be alright”
She licked her lips and forced a smile
He turned to look ahead, his gaze lost on the set “I spoke to him this morning”
“You did?”
He nodded “Yeah, he’s flying back this evening”
“Oh…” she breathed in “Good. I mean, you’ll finally get to catch up with your schedule”
He turned to gaze at her “Claire, will you be able to handle seeing him everyday? You know, I could arrange for …”
Claire jumped in “No way!” she shook her head “I can totally handle it, you needn’t worry, Mark. Honestly, I’ll be fine”


Catherine set down her cup and turned to look at her. After the brief period of time they’d know each other, she had grown to love her almost like a sister. Suddenly, she felt a desperate need to cheer her up “So… Does Hunter know about this already?” Catherine smiled mischievously, as she stirred her cappuccino
Claire, rather startled by the sudden change in mood, turned to stare at her inquisitively “What?”
“You know… Hunter… Mc Dreamy and Mc Steamy all rolled up into one?”
“Damn it Cat! Grow up! You’re honestly terrible” Claire couldn’t help smiling at Cat’s untimely comment
“Hey… I’m just saying you should keep your options open… that’s all” she laughed as Claire threw paper napkins at her.


George barked and wagged his tail feverishly
“Hey, Buddy!” Ryan knelt to hug his dog “I’ve missed ya! Have they been nice to you? Huh?” George licked his face enthusiastically as Ryan pushed him off “C’mon… stop that!” and laughed.
As they wrestled playfully on the carpet, Ryan’s phone rang. He stopped, pushed George off him gently and jumped to grab it. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he closed his eyes forcefully and breathed in before checking the screen. Could it be her? He opened his eyes, checked the screen, and breathed out in slight disappointment.
“Hey Shields”
“Hey, Gosling… I heard Mandi was sick. Is she ok?”
“Yeah… she’s fine. How did you know?”
“Zoe called… she told me you flew up there for a few days”
“Yeah… shit, now that you mention it… I never got to see her! She’s probably really mad at me”
“I don’t think so… she’s not dumb you know. I’m sure she understands… Are you back in New York?”
“Yeah… just arrived, actually”
“So, how’s the Big Apple been treating ya?”
“Ok, I guess…”
“You don’t sound too convinced”
“Yeah… well… I’m not”
“What’s going on?”
“Claire left me” Ryan dropped back to lie on the bed
“How come? Did you guys fight?”
“No… she just left. I dunno, Zach... it’s all very confusing. She said it was something about not wanting to hold me back and me leaving her for another woman”
“Huh! Did you give her any reasons to believe you were interested in someone else?”
“What? No!... Well… there was this brief incident at my hotel. But I told her nothing had happened, and she said she believed me. I dunno… as much as I love Claire, I have to admit she has a particular way of looking at things”
“Is this final?”
He sighed “I hope not. I can’t really say.”
“Maybe you should give this whole thing sometime to cool off…”
“Yeah… I dunno. It’s not going to be easy considering I’ll be seeing her at work everyday”
“I hear ya… listen Ry, she’ll come around eventually, trust me on this one”
“Hmmm… I hope you’re right. Ok… but enough about me… what’s up with you Shields? What have you been up to?”
“Well... I’ve been working on your song. I met with one of the guys from Virgin Records America”
“Virgin Records?” Ryan sat upright “Wow, Shields…that’s awesome!”
“Yeah… I know… anyway he loved it… wondered when we could both get together and come up with something more… permanent, so to speak”
“Uhm… shit Zach…. I’ve got at least another month of shooting here.”
“Don’t worry… I’ll think of something. Listen kiddo, I gotta go… I’ll call you soon, ok?”
Ryan nodded and stretched himself “Ok”
“And take it easy with the whole Claire situation… I can always fly up there and talk some sense into her if you want me to?”
He chuckled under his breath “Yeah, right… I’ll let you know. Take care, man”

He stepped out of the shower and browsed through his closet for trunks and a T shirt. As he did so, he came across a petite white shirt and paused. It was the shirt Claire had been wearing the night he found her asleep at his door. He lifted it placing it against his face and inhaled deeply… In sudden determination, he slid on a pair of jeans, grabbed a shir,t and headed towards the door. Just before stepping out he turned to look at George “You comin’ or what?”

Claire sat flicking through the channels in her pajamas, her gaze lost ahead. The few hours she had spent at her apartment on her own had been torture. She could see, smell and almost taste Ryan in every corner. At some point during that evening, she had actually considered moving; but discarded the foolish idea instantly. She just needed some time.
She left the TV on and walked towards the bathroom. As she stared at her reflection in the mirror and brushed her teeth meticulously, she thought she heard Ryan’s name mentioned on the news. She dashed back, her toothbrush still inside her mouth.

“Academy Award Nominee and hot Canuck, Ryan Gosling flew back to New York from his hometown this evening. The London, Ontario born actor currently working on a movie in Manhattan, took a few days off from his busy schedule, to visit his sister who had been suddenly taken ill. Sources have confirmed that Mandi Gosling – Ryan’s sister- is already back home and safe, after a minor surgical procedure.
Although the actor left for Canada with Claire Brickwell, the talented writer he’s been dating for almost two months, we were shocked to see Gosling walking out of the arrivals sector of JFK airport by himself. Have Gosling and Brickwell call it quits?”
The news flash included a few candids of Ryan walking out of the airport. He looked tired and hardly smiled at any of the reporters, who bombarded him with questions about the status of his relationship with Claire.
She sighed, turned off the TV and collapsed onto the couch. Letting go was going to be harder than she had anticipated. Ryan was everywhere. Forgetting about Zach had been hard, but other than Bill, and the odd flashbacks of their time together, clogging her mind the first few months; Claire had been able to lead a life free of the constant reminder of him. Ryan, on the other hand, was not only going to be working with her for at least another whole month, but would probably pop up constantly in hundreds of news flashes and newspaper articles, eagerly following the production of Sins.
Feeling trapped, Claire walked back to the bathroom sensing how the adamant determination in her seemed to deflate helplessly. She paused to stare at her reflection in the mirror “C’mon Brickwell, you can do this!” and forced a smile. She then chuckled lightly, noticing the white foam coming out of her mouth as she held her toothbrush in one hand. Keeping her gaze fixed on the mirror, she leaned closer to examine a small zit, that seemed to be relentlessly finding its way across the side of her chin “Right… that’s exactly what I needed. A confidence booster”. She shook her head, breathed out and began to wash off the toothpaste. Just as she turned off the faucet, the doorbell rang.
She paused and glanced at her watch: 8:05 pm. Who could it be?
She dried off and, still clinging onto the towel, walked towards the door, stopping to check through the peephole. All she could see was the empty hallway. Claire shrugged and started back for her room. Again, the doorbell. She tossed the towel across her shoulder and rushed to open.

He walked into the hotel bar with a sense of satisfaction. Kate Brickwell had not only sounded happy to hear from him, but had even asked him over for lunch the next day. Claire’s family had always been very supportive of their relationship, being well aware of how Claire’s writing career had blossomed under his tutelage.
Zach picked a booth and ordered a White Russian, relishing on the subtle atmosphere of the hotel bar. As he sat back to enjoy it, a sudden rush of inspiration captured him, and he gestured one of the waitresses eagerly. “I’m sorry, could I borrow a pen?”
“Sure” The strawberry blonde waitress nodded and smiled while she searched her pockets for an extra pen. As she handed it to him, their gazes locked and she gasped.
He looked at her inquisitively as she covered her mouth in excitement “Is everything ok?”
“Oh my God! You’re him, aren’t you?”
“If by that your implying I’m some kind of deity… no, I’m not. Sorry to disappoint you”
She laughed and shook her head “No, I meant… You’re Zachary Wilder, the writer!”
He nodded, wondering how far his reputation had preceded him.
“Wow! I read your novel… well, one of them. I plan on reading the other one soon”
“Which one did you read?”
“A Modern Day Tragedy” she glanced at the bar and instantly sat across from him “It was brilliant! Honestly… heartbreaking and exhilarating.” She fixed her eyes on him and placed her hand on her chest “Your novel restored my faith in true love”
“Really?” he was honestly flattered
“Completely” she stretched out her hand “I’m Amy, by the way”
“Well… Thank you, Amy. I appreciate your positive feedback” he sipped
“Well I believe you should always let someone know when they’ve done something worthy of praise” she smiled
“It’s a great philosophy… thanks”
“Anytime” she paused to gaze at him in admiration
Zach took another sip and sat back, his hazel eyes still focused on hers “So… Amy, when will your shift be over?”
“In about..." She glanced at her watch "10 minutes. Why?”
He set his glass down “Well, I was wondering if you would like to join me for a drink”
Amy lifted her eyebrows “Are you kidding me?”
Zach shook his head “No, actually I would be honored if you did”
“Ok! Yeah… definitely!” she stood up and before walking back towards the bar “So…I guess I’ll see you in a bit”
He smiled and lifted his glass “Looking forward to it, Amy”

Chapter 98

She sat to remove her makeup still slightly shocked by their recent conversation. Patrick didn’t want kids? She wondered if he meant he didn’t want kids now, while he was still a junior partner at the firm, or if he meant he didn’t want kids ever. She knew Patricia and Seamus had waited until they were financially stable, before they chose to get pregnant, but their situation had been different. Patrick and Victoria were more than well off… she could actually stop working altogether and they’d still be able to afford a life of luxury. Was it because he was afraid she’d transfer her affections to her children? She needed to clear things up with him. This was no minor issue.
She turned to watch him as he stepped out of the shower and began to shave.
“Honey?”
“Yeah?” he yelled over the buzzing sound of the electric razor
“What would you like for dinner?”
“Uhm…” he stopped shaving
She waited
“I’ll probably just grab a quick bite with the guys”
“You’re going out?”
He continued to shave “Yeah… our team just landed a new deal, and we thought we’d go out and celebrate… You don’t mind, do you?” he turned the razor off and splashed some aftershave “I’d ask you to come, but it’s going to be just us guys… You’re not interested, are you?”
Victoria shook her head and turned to stare back at the mirror “No”
He walked into their bedroom and leaned behind her, wrapping his arms around her.
“Are you ok?”
Victoria breathed in “I just thought we could finish off the conversation we started on the ride back from Dean’s”
He bent to kiss her cheek and walked towards the closet “What’s that?”
“You know… about you not wanting children”
As he examined a blue shirt “Right… What about that?”
“What exactly did you mean?” she turned to look at him “You don’t want to have kids now or you don’t want to have kids, period?”
He buttoned his shirt and slid on one of his designer suits. “Well… I dunno, haven’t thought about it really…”
She walked up to him and fixed his tie “It would be such a crime… I mean, consider how beautiful our kids would be”
He smiled and pecked her lips. “I don’t need more beauty in my life, honey… you’re more than any man could possibly want”
She stepped away “I’m being serious about this, Patrick”
He glanced and his watch “I know, babe… listen, I gotta go. We’ll talk about this some other time, ok?” He kissed her forehead affectionately and rushed off.
After hearing the front door slam shut, Victoria stood paralyzed as her eyes began to moisten. Instantly, she grabbed her coat and left the apartment.

She stepped into the deserted hallway and looked both ways. Scratching the back of her head in confusion, she finally turned back to walk inside. As she did so, she noticed a navy blue organza flared bustier dress with white lace inserts, and a pair of matching stilettos, hanging on her door. Bewildered, she grabbed it and examined it further. It was from Christian Dior’s latest collection! (at least it said so on the label). She stretched her arm out again, to admire it from a distance; stuck to one of the delicate shoes she saw a note: Put this on and wait outside. You’ve got 15 minutes. Don’t ask, just do it.
It wasn’t signed. Claire paused to consider for a moment, shrugged, and rushed into her room to change.

He ran all the way there. He needed to see her. As he got to her block, he slowed down to catch his breath. George treaded happily beside him. Suddenly, only a few feet away from her building, he stopped in shock. Claire, breathtaking in a blue dress, laughed hysterically as John Hunter kissed her hand and helped her into a black limo. Instantly, in an effort to avoid being seen, he rushed towards the next door building entrance, and stuck his back to the wall, tugging at George’s leash and holding his breath. A few minutes later, he watched them drive away.


“Is she real?”
“Hmmm?” Zach looked at her inquisitively
“The woman from your novel… does she exist?” Amy sounded childishly intrigued
He sighed, nodded and took another sip “As a matter of fact, Amy… she does exist. Both in my mind and in real life”
“Wow! You must really love her. Writing an entire novel about her… it is the most romantic thing I’ve even seen!”
“You think so?”
“Yeah… it is the ultimate expression of devotion. Who could resist something like that?”
Zach chuckled under his breath, thinking how Claire seemed unmoved by his ‘romantic gesture’
“May I ask where she is now?”
“You may… and I have no idea, Amy”
“Well... why don’t you go find her?”
“I am… I have been… and I will be”
Amy frowned confused “Ok… whatever that means. Do you know if she read your novel?”
“I think she did… I’m not positive… but I’m almost certain she did”
She paused and lifted her glass of wine “Did you actually leave her for another woman, like it says in the book?”
Zach nodded “Biggest mistake of my life…” he lifted his glass once more “I’m more than willing to pay for it… for as long as I have to”
“I’m sure she’ll want you back… no woman in her right mind would give up on true love”

John stretched out his hand smiling. Claire, feeling slightly uneasy on her new heels, grabbed on to him and stepped out of the limo. She browsed the scene in awe, as John escorted her across a narrow path surrounded by exquisitely manicured gardens. At a distance, she spotted an English Victorian Style Mansion. Its grandeur enhanced by beautiful ponds, cascading waterfalls and charming gazebos. She recognized the place from pictures she had once seen, it was Westbury Manor. Claire had always wanted to come here. She had heard about the delicious and renowned cuisine, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the exclusive parties boasted by this unique place.
A few feet away from the outdoor restaurant, Claire jumped back and grabbed onto John, as a wandering peacock treaded the path beside them.
John laughed as she pressed her body against his chest “Relax, Claire… it’s a harmless peacock”
Claire smiled foolishly and broke off, her hand still gripping his.
A tall man in a black tuxedo walked up to them “Mr. Hunter… so glad to have you here. Please follow me”
Claire turned to stare at him and whispered “They know you?”
John smiled and shrugged as they followed the host towards their table.
After choosing the wine, John sat back to gaze at Claire who had eagerly noticed a live band playing softly, a few feet away from their candlelit table.
“Wow, John… this is so beautiful”
“Well… it pales in comparison to you”
Claire blushed slightly and rubbed her dress, relishing on the soft fabric “And the dress….” She smiled “How did you know my size?”
“Vera” he nodded at the waiter as he tasted the wine
“Right… did she pick it out?”
He shook his head “No… I was invited to the Christian Dior fashion show while you where in Canada… when I saw that dress, I just knew it would be perfect for you”
“Well, I dunno if it’s perfect for me or rather if I’m perfect for it… but it’s definitely breathtaking”
He handed her a glass of wine “Try this… it’s priceless and quite an experience”
She smiled and sipped gently, pausing to savor the delicate subtlety of this priceless wine.
John winked at her as she nodded and licked her lips “Would you like me to order for you?”
“Sure… in this, as in many other departments, I trust you completely, Hunter”
He ordered Salmon en Croute and Duck al Bosco, and was instantly complimented by the waiter on his excellent choices. She watched him almost hypnotized as he dismissed the waiter’s flattery and stood up. He took the glass from her, set it on the table and stretched out his hand “Shall we?”
Claire looked up, still mildly intoxicated by his sparkling green eyes and graceful moves. She took his hand and followed him as he led her to the dance floor.


Zach moaned as the alarm clock went off. He climbed clumsily out of bed and walked towards the bathroom in search of an aspirin; his head still spinning from the countless White Russians he had consumed last night. He took a quick shower and hurried out of the hotel and into the busy street. After buying a few gifts at the Beacon Hill shops, he rushed back and changed into something more appropriate. As he was getting ready to leave, his cell phone rang “Marcus”
“Hey Wilder… is everything ok?”
“Yeah… everything’s fine.”
“Where are you staying?”
“At the Liberty Hotel”
“Quite an interesting place I’ve heard”
“Yeah…” he breathed out “Did you want to tell me something?”
“Well… I thought you might like to know that you’ve been nominated for a National Book Award…”
“Great” Zach glanced at his watch impatiently “Fiction or Non?”
“Ha… they mentioned they had a hard time deciding on that… they finally went for Fiction”
Zach chuckled under his breath, hoping the people at the judging panel had gotten into a heated argument about it.
“Not too impressed, are you Wilder?”
“I’m sorry, Marcus… It’s wonderful news… really… I’m just… running late. Can I call you when I get back?”
“Sure… no problem” he paused “Zach?”
“Yeah?”
“Nothing”
“C’mon… what it is?”
“I’m just worried… that’s all”
“What about?”
“Zach… promoting your novel is important. You get that don’t you?”
“Of course I get it. Why are you asking me this?”
“You just seem so distracted”
“Believe me Marcus… I have never been more focused in my life. Now, go celebrate with Stuart for me. I’ll see you in a few days”
“Ok… bye Zach. Take care of yourself”
He hung up the phone, grabbed one of the bags, and hurried out of his room.

Chapter 99

She closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest, shivering as his warm hand brushed her bare back. They moved slowly, as he led her gracefully across the dance floor to the sound of ‘More Than You Know’ and other 1940’s romantic ballads. Claire felt safe in his arms, and smiled as he bent down and placed his lips on her forehead affectionately. John knew how to make a woman feel special. She opened her eyes, noticing how other older couples gazed at them smiling, probably reminiscing on past times. As the third song came to an end, he tipped her, and she arched her back letting herself go completely. For an instant she felt weightless and free. He lifted her back as they both laughed. The band stopped for a small break, and they walked back to their table.
“I’m impressed!” she smiled at him as he fixed her chair
“Impressed?” he hurried back to his seat
“You’re a really good dancer”
“Oh… now you’re just being nice” he picked up his glass
“No I’m not… have you taken dancing lessons Hunter?”
He chuckled almost spitting his drink “No…” he wiped his mouth with his napkin “Truth is, my mom loved to dance and my father didn’t. So she basically used me as her dummy. I hated it at first, but eventually took a liking to it”
“Well, you should thank her everyday for it… there’s nothing sexier than a man who can move across a dance floor”
“So you think I’m sexy?” he grinned amused
She licked her lips bashfully “Maybe”
“Don’t worry, Brickwell... I won’t tell” he rubbed her hand and winked at her as their food arrived

He stood at the front door waiting anxiously. He hadn’t seen them in at least 4 years, and wondered what Claire had told them about him.
“Zachary Wilder…” a tall woman with soft and goddess like symmetrical features, greeted him with a smile “It has been a while, hasn’t it?” she leaned to kiss him on the cheek and stepped aside to let him in “Please, do come in”
Zach smiled and followed her inside. Kate Brickwell was an icon of elegance and finesse. Her slender body and long limbs moved weightlessly across the room, oblivious of the passing of time. Her stylish long hair, once the exact color of Claire’s, neatly tied into a bun. Her crystal blue eyes, filled with staccatos and allegros.
“Martin will be home soon. Can I offer you something to drink?”
Zach nodded as he followed her into the kitchen. He handed her the bag he was carrying “I brought a Pinot Noir… I hope you like it”
She examined the bottle closely “Ah… if it isn’t the noblest of red wines! Why don’t we have a taste?” she smiled enthusiastically, searched for a corkscrew and handed the bottle back to him.
She continued to inspect the bag “Godiva chocolates!” she slid the box back in, and folded the bag around it “Let’s keep Martin away from these… he needs to watch his cholesterol levels” Kate winked at him mischievously.
Zach laughed as he poured wine into two glasses.
“It’s so nice to see you again, Zachary” she grabbed a glass and walked towards the living room “You look wonderful”
Zach followed “Thanks… it’s great to see you too, Kate”
“How’s Paris treating you?” she sat on the couch gesturing him to sit next to her “You must be quite settled by now, after all these years. Martin was thrilled to learn you were visiting. Regardless of the fact that Claire and you are not together anymore, we have always loved and admired you… and we know Claire does to.” She sipped “Hmmm… so soft and fruity! …Anyway, you were both too young to commit back then” she went on “I also heard you wrote a novel… haven’t read it yet… but I’m definitely looking forward to it”
Zach, slightly taken aback by her relentless monologue, breathed in and took a sip. “Paris is breathtaking, and yes, after all these years I have gotten used to it”
“And your novel?”
“Indeed, I have finished a new novel, and it seems to be doing quite well, actually”
“What’s it called again?”
“A Modern Day Tragedy”
“Right… I’ve seen it on the bestseller displays of quite a few bookstores in town”
“I’m not crazy about that… but I must admit it doesn’t hurt my finances”
“Yeah… I remember how strongly you felt about ‘bestsellers’… Claire used to go on and on about how you thought it was a corruption of the art… selling books as if they were some kind of trendy items”
“Right…” he smiled recalling how Claire used to gaze at him in admiration as he babbled endlessly about his theories on how publishing firms had slaughtered the soul of poetry and prose.
“The fact that the public likes it doesn’t mean it’s any good”
Zach jumped startled. Martin Brickwell stood a few feet away from him wearing a frown on his face “After all, how many copies has Danielle Steel sold? And we can all agree her novels have butchered English Literature” he winked, grinned and stretched out his arm to greet him
Zach smiled, stood up and shook it enthusiastically “Mr. Brickwell… how are you, sir?”
“Now Zachary… the fact that you’re not dating my daughter anymore, does not give you the right to make me feel old. It’s Martin… it’s always been Martin”
“Ok, Martin…”
He sat on the armchair across from Zach and gestured him to sit, as Kate rushed to the kitchen for an extra glass of wine.
“It’s been quite a pleasant surprise Zachary”
“Thanks… I think so too”
“So… what have you been up to these days?”
“Well… basically I’ve been promoting my new novel”
“Right… kudos on that, by the way. I’m finishing a book at the moment but intend on moving onto yours as soon as I’m done”
“I’m flattered, Martin. I’ll have Marcus send you both a copy as soon as I get back”
Kate walked back into the living room holding a third glass of wine “Why don’t we move the conversation to the garden? I set the table outside… it’s such a lovely day!”

Colin collapsed onto a chair, his face buried between his hands. Eva gazed at him silently. Finally, she stood up and handed him another glass of scotch. He took it and sipped quietly. “Can I ask you something?”
She licked her lips and nodded
“Why? Why now, after all these years? Why me?”
She sighed and shrugged “I dunno, Colin… maybe it was the fact that I had enough. That I grew tired of witnessing this endless fiasco. I’m not saying I’m innocent, no. I’m probably as guilty as Seamus… or even more so. The truth is, you reach a certain point in your life when your priorities change, when you understand that being true to others and to yourself is the only thing that really matters. A point when you stop to look back on what you’ve accomplished, and feel either shame and regret, or satisfaction and self assurance. I am not proud of the way I’ve led my life; I have been your father’s willful accomplice in this, as in many other things. I have allowed him to lure me and seduce me into a life of forbidden lust and borrowed happiness. I have seen him destroy both his enemies and family alike.” She stopped to light a cigarette and pointed at him “But it was you… you and your newly found strength, what shook me. What awakened in me feelings of compassion and righteousness. Your decision to find your own path, to follow your own solitary drummer. I have walked by Ogham a thousand times this past month… struggling, contemplating, trying to find the strength to look you in the eye. And now that I have, it’s perfectly clear to me… you are all that was once good and praiseworthy about you father.” She gazed at him adoringly “I guess I felt the urge to protect you, to save you from what seemed inevitable. To let you take a peek at the whole picture, to set you free from the burden of your father’s implacable fist and feigned omnipotence.” She took another drag “And now Colin, now that you know who your father is, you are free to choose the kind of life you want to lead. You don’t owe anyone anything”
Colin shook his head as he fought back the tears “It’s not that simple, Eva”

They shared a delicious chocolate marquise for desert, as John dazzled her with hilarious anecdotes about some of the movies he had produced in the past. Claire was amazed to learn about the ludicrous requests from famous actresses he’d had to comply with, and shocked at how many iconic figures of beauty where mostly a result of talented and painfully expensive plastic surgeons.
“Of course” he added nonchalantly as he fed her the last piece of the ambrosial desert “After telling you all of this, I’m going to have to kill you”
Claire broke into a cackle, rushed to cover her mouth with her napkin, and struggled to swallow.
He smiled and sat back to sip some wine.
“Thank you, John”
“What are you thanking me for?”
“All of this, the dress, the food, the wine…” she lifted her glass“...the dancing. Everything’s been perfect.” She smiled and finished off her glass
“Well… it’s been my pleasure”
Claire glanced at her left wrist, and tapped on it foolishly. Her watch did not match the dress, and she had decided not to wear it.
John chuckled under his breath and instantly began to search for something in his coat's pockets “That reminds me” He handed her a silver box “I should’ve given it to you sooner”
Claire stared at the box in shock, unsure of what to do next
“Go on… open it”
She picked it up and opened it slowly. Inside lay a stunning Cartier La Donna polished steel watch, with a delicately breaded bracelet and funky yet stylish roman numbers. She paused to admire it “John… I couldn’t” she shook her head, still hypnotized by its glittering beauty
“Now Claire, you’ve refused to take gifts from me before, and I was ok with it, cuz you were with Ryan and yeah… maybe it was inappropriate of me. But Ryan’s out of the picture now, right? I beg you to accept this one… You don’t want me to start thinking it’s something personal against me, do you?
“It’s just… too precious… I…”
He took the watch from the box and placed it on her wrist “See, it looks amazing on you, and it matches the dress… I really don’t want to be out on a date with someone who can’t tell me the time, you know?” he winked at her and grinned
“Ok… but no more gifts, please… This has probably been the most expensive date you’ve ever been in!”
“So you admit it… it’s a date”
She laughed and hit him playfully.
“Ok…” he stood up and placed his napkin on the table “Let’s go dance… maybe burn off some of those extra calories?” he stretched his hand
Claire smiled and taking his hand followed him to the dance floor.

Chapter 100

“I’ve been thinking about leaving, doctor” she lay on the récaimer and stared at the ceiling
“And where would you go?”
She shrugged “I dunno… it doesn’t matter really… as long as it’s far away”
“Would you be taking this trip alone?”
She nodded “Most definitely”
“I think it’s a good idea Patricia, taking some time off… to relax, to recover from all the things that have been happening… To regain your strength…” Dr. Bernhardt set his pad down “I have been meaning to tell you… you look somewhat tired”
“Oh… but this wouldn’t be a vacation”
“Of course it wouldn’t … you don’t have to feel guilty about it.”
“Guilty?”
“Putting time aside for yourself while Colin’s wife is in a mental institution... Are you afraid somebody will think less of you?”
“No… Why would they?”
“Exactly. You are the pillar of your family, but you’re also a human being, Patricia. You need to find your space; and taking a few weeks off will help you find yourself beneath all this hurt and anguish”
“Doctor, I don’t think you understand”
“I do… most definitely. And believe me… you have my complete and utter approval. What’s more…” he lifted his finger in a gesture of determination “I’m prescribing you some time off”
She sat up and turned to look at him “That’s not what I meant. I meant I’m thinking about leaving, everything. And not coming back, ever”



He lay in the dark, flicking through the TV channels and rubbing George’s back. Carcasses of beer bottles spread across the room. His mind, clogged with images of Claire in a blue dress, laughing. How could everything have suddenly gone so wrong? He thought how only a week ago, his life had never been better: he was working on a great movie with the most talented people he had ever met, and had found an amazing and beautiful woman who loved him (or at least he thought she loved him). Had she suddenly transferred her affections to another man? He was instantly reminded of Shakespeare’s Hamlet ‘Frailty, thy name is woman’
He had landed on Manhattan that evening, determined to change her mind. To knock some sense into that crazy head of hers. To make her forget about her silly insecurities and childish fears. They were meant to be together, everyone thought so. He could feel it, taste it… the connection between them was beyond something physical.
And now she was with Hunter? How did this happen? He chuckled under his breath, thinking how his life at the moment slightly resembled The Notebook.
He sighed and looked at George who lay panting happily beside him “Am I supposed to build her a house now?”

“And Now Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d like to introduce our singing guest for the night. He has offered to delight us with his musical stylings, for it seems he is a man of innumerable talents. I give you, our producer extraordinaire: Mr. John Hunter!”
Claire stared at John in shock as everyone clapped and cheered. He winked at her and rushed to the stage.
John shook the lead singer’s hand as he patted his back encouragingly and stepped aside. He walked up to the microphone gesturing the wild crowd – mostly in their late 50’s – to quiet down
“Thank you… thank you so much. You might as well clap now, cuz you probably won’t when I’m done”
The crowd broke into hysterical laughter
“Anyway… I’d like to dedicate this song, to the stunning woman in a blue dress down there. The incredibly talented writer, author of Uneven Music – her most recent novel and one I’m sure will restore our faith in modern literature – Miss Claire Brickwell".
Claire sneered at him, as people turned to cheer and clap at her in admiration.
As soon as he gestured the band to start, and the trumpet delivered the first few notes, she recognized the song. It was Louis Armstrong’s ‘All Of Me’; a song her dad had played for his mom on their first wedding anniversary. Claire wondered if John knew about this, or if he had just randomly picked out the song, from the band’s 1940’s repertoire. She instantly made up her mind to discard any foolishly paranoid ideas and turned to gaze at him, as he snapped his fingers to the rhythm of the delightful trumpet. He then turned, and fixing his eyes on hers began to sing:

“All of me
Why not take all of me
Can't you see
I'm no good without you
Take my lips
I want to lose them
Take my arms
I'll never use them
Your goodbye left me with eyes that cry
How can I go on dear, without you
You took the part that once was my heart
So why not take all of me”

He moved across the stage in a remarkable imitation of Frank Sinatra, and Claire was amazed to see how the crowd joined in to sing as soon as he yelled ‘Everybody!’
When he was done, the crowd cheered wildly and asked for an encore. He smiled and bowed and, after waiting for everyone to calm down, said “You have been a beautiful audience, and I owe you all for making me look good in front of Ms. Brickwell.” He paused and looked at her “Come to think of it… Claire… why don’t you come on up and say a few words. I believe the occasion calls for it”
Claire shook her head, and gestured him to keep quiet by pretending to slit her throat.
John laughed “No? Awww… maybe she wants us to beg… C’mon, people, help me out here!”
Instantly, everyone began to yell out her name “Claire! Claire! Claire!”
She took a deep breath, smiled and shaking her head, dragged herself onto the stage. As she stood beside him she whispered into his ear “You’re dead, Hunter… dead!” as she flashed her best smile to the audience.
John chuckled and handed her the microphone while planting a kiss on her cheek.
The crowd slowly calmed down, waiting for her to speak
“Uhm… Well…what can I say? I guess it’s been as much of a shock to you as it has been to me…” she pointed at John “… the fact that all this time, John Hunter has been moonlighting as a Hollywood producer, when his real talent, obviously, is to impersonate Frank Sinatra” she smiled at him smugly as the percussionist rolled the drums, and both the crowd and John went wild with laughter.
Then, suddenly, someone from the crowd yelled “Kiss her!” to which someone following his cue yelled “C’mon Hunter, don’t be a chicken… kiss her already!” And again more cheering.
Claire shook her head and smiled. John grabbed the mike and addressed the audience “You really want me to, don’t you?”
More clapping and cheering. He turned to look at her and spoke into the mike “You wouldn't want to let them down, now would you Brickwell?” as he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her close. Before she could react or step away, he kissed her passionately, as the drums rolled feverishly and the crowd frenzied. Claire, completely taken aback, shivered as his lips pressed against hers. He tipped her and as their lips parted whispered “Do you hear that Claire? I’m not the only one who thinks we should be together” and he lifted her back up.
Claire bowed blushing and ran off the stage. He began to follow her, but paused for a final word to the roaring crowd “By the way, remember to leave your name with the host. I’ll make sure you get complimentary tickets for the premiere of our upcoming movie 'A Multitude of Sins'”. He then waved and rushed off the stage.

Chapter 101

He woke up with a serious hangover, stepped into the shower, and dragged himself to the Equinox club on Lexington Avenue. After a two hour work out at the General Fitness Studio, he decided to hang out at the Poolside Lounge, and finish off his almost religious protein shake. As his mind lingered on the thought of Claire and Hunter together, he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a female voice:
“I’m sorry, is that taken?”
Ryan looked up to find a beautiful brunette, probably in her early thirties, with sparkling blue eyes, holding a bottle of Gatorade, and pointing at the chaise lounge next to his.
He smiled and shook his head, gesturing her to use it “Be my guest”
“Thanks, Gosling” she flashed a smile and sat back to enjoy her drink.
Ryan turned to gaze at her as she faced the opposite side of the room and dried off her chest with the small white towel that hung across the back of her neck.
Without even turning to look at him “Feels great once you’re done, doesn’t it?” she swigged “I always tell myself that as I drag my lazy butt in here every morning”
Ryan chuckled under his breath and nodded.
She turned to look at him “I don’t think I’ve seen you here before, have I?” she squinted and shook her head “ No… I don’t think so. Believe me, I’m great at spotting celebrities” she paused and stretched out her arm “I’m Jackie Mason, by the way”
He smiled and shook her hand “Nice to meet you, Jackie, and… you’re right. This is the first time I’ve been here”
She nodded and turned back to look ahead “Told ya”
“Do you come here every morning?”
“Yeah… sort of. I do have the occasional early meeting, but I can usually stay away from the office until at least 10 am”
“Could I ask what it is that you do?”
“Wealth Management and Investment Banking… I work for UBS”
Ryan lifted his eyebrows in honest admiration
“Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?”
“Yeah”
“It isn’t” she broke into a smile and went on “It does however allow me to lead a life of reckless spending and vicious frivolity”
As he nodded and laughed lightly, her cell phone rang
“Yep. Hey Alan… what is it?” she placed her bottle on the floor. “What?” she suddenly got up “You’re fucking kidding me! When did this happen?” she paused, breathed out and walked around anxiously “Ok.. Alan, listen to me… Calm down… don’t do or say anything. I’ll be there in 20 minutes… No, Alan… I need you to stall him for 20 minutes. I’m on my way” Muttering under her breath, she grabbed the bottle and started towards the changing rooms
“Wait!” Ryan sat up “Jackie?”
She turned to look at him, her mind obviously focused on something else
“Will you be here tomorrow?”
She nodded
“Ok” he licked his lips “I’ll look for you”
“Sure… I’ll be seeing ya, Gosling. Take it sleazy” she winked at him and took off.
Ryan, still somewhat startled, sat back and fixed his gaze on the women’s changing room door, hoping to catch a glimpse of her as she left the club.

They sat to enjoy a delicious meal of assorted salads and warm chicken. Chicken had always been one of Zach’s favorites and he wondered if Kate had considered this while deciding on their lunch menu. They discussed life abroad, away from family and friends, and the hardships of having to learn a new language, and adapt to strange culture. They congratulated Zach after he mentioned he had found out, only today, that his novel had been nominated for a National Book Award; and wondered if his promoting tour would include Boston at any point.
Kate stood up and began to clear the table. Instantly, Zach jumped off his seat to help out. “How long will you be staying?” she gestured him to sit down
“In Boston?” he sat back down obligingly
“Well… that too… but I meant, in the U.S” she piled a few dishes
“Uhm…” he hesitated for a moment
Kate pointed at him “Hold that thought… I’ll be right back” as she dashed into the kitchen
Zach turned to look at Martin who smiled, and sat back to finish his glass of wine.
She walked back outside carrying a huge bowl of fruit salad, and set it on the table. She then moved to grab a few bowls and spoons from a small side table she had prepared forehand. “You were saying?”
“How long will I be staying in the US?” he paused “Indefinitely, I suppose”
“You’re not going back to Paris?” she handed him a bowl
He shook his head and took the bowl smiling “Thanks… and no. I’ve rented quite a spacious loft in Soho. It’s not Columbus Circle, but I’ve always found Soho to be a delightfully intriguing neighborhood”
She handed Martin a bowl and sat down “Have you seen Claire?”
Zach nodded as he swallowed “Yeah...”
“I wonder what she’s up to… you know, we haven’t talked to her in almost two months. What with Martin’s conference in Chicago, and her trip to LA… She did email us about her new job as a screenwriter, though… So exciting, don’t you think?”
“Hollywood’s only too lucky to have her” Zach set down his spoon “Kate… did she by any chance mention if she was seeing someone?”
Martin nodded “Yeah… I think she said something about an actor…” he turned to look at Kate “Was it an actor, Kate?”
“Hmmm” she nodded “Some young actor living in LA. Of course, it’s probably not too serious. My Claire is way too practical to even consider dating some Hollywood movie star… I mean, those people lead very unusual lives”
Martin shook his head “Now, honey… don’t you think you’re being a bit prejudiced?
She turned to look at him “Ok… maybe not every single actor in Hollywood is frivolous and self centered… but you have to admit most of them end up walking in and out of rehab centers, getting their licenses revoked for driving under the influence, and competing to see who gets to be on the Guinness Book of Records for the number of times they’ve gotten married and divorced”.


“How long have you been thinking about this, Patricia?”
She turned to sit facing him “For while now… ever since Colin quit MC&M and opened his own little bookstore”
“Ogham?”
“Yeah… He has poured his heart and soul into that place” she smiled “You know doctor, I think… for the first time in his life, Colin is proud of what he has accomplished. I sense in him, beneath all the pain and sorrow Laura has caused, a new light. Dim, almost imperceptible; but pure and true.”
“And you believe that by leaving your family behind you will be able to accomplish something you might have been postponing all these years?”
“Maybe, I can’t really say” she bit her bottom lip
“How do you think Seamus will react to this?”
Patricia turned to gaze ahead, her mind wandered through memories of the past days.


He got to the studio early that day, unable to handle the anxiety, and browsed the scene as dozens of crew members rushed across getting everything ready. The room had been transformed into an exact replica of Mount Sinai’s emergency area. A long hallway spread to the side, following a waiting area, and led to a fully equipped room with a bed, a variety of monitors, life support systems and a small window. Mark was talking to one of the actors dressed in scrubs, while Vera worked on the nurses’ make up and hair. Ryan would be there soon, and he figured Claire was probably taking a quick shower after her morning run.
He smiled, recalling their time together last night. He had dropped her at her apartment around 2 am…
“That was so much fun, John. I dunno how to thank you” she smiled at him as she searched for her keys
John shook his head, licked his lips and smiled mischievously “Well… to be honest with you, Claire… I can think of a few ways… but I won’t even mention them. I don’t want to get slapped and ruin such a perfect night”
She chuckled and unlocked her front door “I guess you’re as smart as you look then, Hunter” she leaned over to kiss him on the cheek
He lingered, brushing his face against hers, still mesmerized by her soft skin, and grabbed her arm gently “Seriously though, all the joking aside, I had a great time too, Claire. Thank you”
She smiled and stepped inside as he let her arm go.
“Claire?”
“Yup?” she flicked the light switch and turned to face him
“What will happen tomorrow?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ryan’s in New York… you know that don’t you?”
She licked her lips and nodded
“Have you considered that?”
She breathed in “Yeah…”
“Any thoughts?” he leaned on the door frame
“I guess it’ll be slightly awkward at the beginning, but I’m sure will work it out eventually. Don’t you agree?”
“He’ll probably want to get back with you”
She paused.
“It’s ok, Claire… I understand.”
“There’s nothing to understand, John. Ryan and I are not getting back together and that’s final”
“You sure sound confident about that”
“I do, don’t I? Well… I have to.” she paused. “It’s going to be hard you know… being alone again” she looked away.
Instantly, John stepped forward and grabbed her cheek, fixing her gaze on his “You’ll never be alone, Claire… not while I’m around”
She smiled, licked her upper lip and looked down. John kissed her forehead and stepped back.
She paused and looked up again “I’ll see you tomorrow, then”
He nodded as she waved and closed the door.

As she was getting ready for bed, her cell phone rang. She rushed to answer, secretly hoping it would be Ryan.
“Hello?”
“Hey… I’ve missed you”
“Hunter? What are you doing?”
“Right now? Standing on my windy terrace, desperately wishing you were here with me”
She smiled and jumped into bed “You know… they’ve got a word for that”
“Really? And what’s that?”
“Incorrigible”
John chuckled under his breath “To be honest with you Claire, I was thinking more of another one”
She paused to fix the covers “Really?… So, what’s your word then, Mr. Sinatra?”
“Love”

They sat to drink coffee inside. Kate had baked one of her famous banana loafs, and had finally agreed to share the Godiva chocolates Zach had bought.
Martin set down his cup “What made you want to suddenly stay in Paris? Claire was pretty vague about that ‘minor’ detail”
Zach sipped his coffee and nodded. It all made sense to him now. Claire’s parents had never even heard of Sophie and of his betrayal. Claire had probably told them half the story. She had probably said he had been given a great opportunity to write in Paris, a ‘once in a lifetime’ offer he couldn’t possibly refuse.
Kate jumped in “You know… we tried to talk her into joining you there, but she wouldn’t even consider it. Went on and on about her job teaching at Columbia, and Bill and her friends…”
Zach paused to consider. He had to tell them the truth; it was the only decent way to deal with this. If he was planning on getting her back at some point, if he needed her parents to stand by him on this one… he had to be honest. There was no question about it.
He set down his cup and breathed in “The truth is, Martin and Kate.” He leaned to set both his elbows on his knees, and crossed his arms “I stayed in Paris because I met someone”
The Brickwells stared at him in shock
He nodded “Yeah… I know. I have no excuse. I was foolish and callous, and completely irrational. I guess I thought I was in love with her. Her name was Sophie, she was – still is, actually – a painter. A week after we met I moved in with her. Claire knew all of this, of course. I cannot say why she chose to hide it from you. Maybe she didn’t want you to hate me for it. I really dunno. It’s amazing for me to think that, in spite of my ghastly behavior, she would still want to protect me.”
“I guess she must love you too much” Kate lifted her cup
“Go on please, Zachary” Martin gestured him to keep talking
“Sophie and I were together for almost two years. And believe me, at the time, I felt no regrets. I honestly believed I had made the right choice.” He licked his lips and swallowed “And then, one day, it happened.”
“What happened, sweetheart?” she looked at him inquisitively
“Rothko happened”
Martin took another sip “You mean Mark Rothko?”
Zach nodded “And it hit me… I suddenly realized I missed Claire, I yearned for her… and at that moment I understood: I loved her” he lifted his cup once again “So I moved out, got a small apartment in the outskirts, and began to work on my novel”
“A Modern Day Tragedy?” Martin sat back
He nodded. “That’s what the novel’s about”
“Honey, you mean to say you wrote a novel about Claire?”
“In a nutshell… yes. I wrote a novel about our relationship, about my atrocious blunder, and about my final epiphany”
“And what’s that?” Martin gazed at him
“I’m in love with your daughter and no other woman will do”