She got maybe two texts in before she passed out, as Altair had predicted. Fortunately, by that Saturday she was well rested and humming with excitement for the zoo trip. The only one more excited was Chloe, though whether she was more worked up about the zoo or the date with the Sheikh, it was hard to say.
They arrived early, the morning still cool, ready to spend the entire day in the park. Altair met them outside the gate. He pulled Heather into a hug as soon as she was within arm’s reach, and he patted Chloe on the head as they separated.
“You look fantastic,” he said indulgently, looking her over. “You both do. That’s a fantastic skirt, Chloe.”
“Nana helped me make it!” Chloe said gleefully, spinning. The top layer was all pink sequins, which was supported by a layered cake of fluffy pink tulle. A large satin ribbon was the frosting on top.
“I don’t think she’s ever going to take it off,” Heather said, laughing.
“I will,” Chloe promised. “When I make something better!”
“That’s a good attitude to have,” Altair said with a small laugh. “Come on, let’s get our tickets and get inside before things start getting crowded.”
“I can cover myself and Chloe,” Heather said as Altair pulled out his card to pay for all three of them.
“Don’t be silly,” Altair said, brooking no argument. “It’s my pleasure. You have a college fund to save for, remember?”
“I want to see the birds first!” Chloe shouted, running ahead, her pink skirt flouncing, saving Heather from having to try to argue about paying.
The aviary was a massive glass house, and the air was full of the flutter of wings as brightly colored birds flew through the open-air exhibits. Chloe squealed with excitement, running to see the biggest and brightest birds. Heather and Altair followed a few steps behind, keeping an eye on her.
“Birds are her favorite,” Heather said as they watched Chloe stare at a great blue turaco in awe. “She loves everything with feathers.”
“Did you know the turaco is the only bird with truly green pigmentation?” he said, catching Chloe’s attention. “All other green birds actually have yellow pigmentation, but the structure of their feathers reflects blue light, making them look green. We still don’t really know why the turaco has the special pigment.”
“Whoa, how did you know that?” Chloe asked, awed.
“Birds used to be my favorite as well,” he said with a smile. “The beautiful plumage of birds is great inspiration for a young designer. Oh, look, there goes a bird-of-paradise!”
Chloe ran after the bird at once.
“Also, I read it off that plaque over there,” Altair added privately to Heather, who laughed. He really was surprisingly good with Chloe.
From the aviary, they wandered on through the reptile house and through the larger animal exhibits. They reached the otters just in time for feeding, and Heather watched with undisguised, childlike delight. They had lunch in the zoo’s overpriced restaurant and ate outside in the warm spring sunlight, surrounded by the sounds of animals and a tapestry of greenery.
Chloe was still bursting with energy and excitement. She’d decided the secretary bird was her new favorite animal, and Altair had found her a stuffed one in the souvenir shop. She clung to it now as she rode the carousel. Its merry music filled the air, fanciful mounts shaped like friendly looking insects rising and falling on their spiral posts. Heather waved to Chloe as she rode past. It was her third go around, and after two she and Altair had retreated to a nearby table to watch and relax. The day was wearing on toward a warm, golden afternoon. They’d seen most of the exhibits, and the end of the day was steadily approaching, as much as Heather might have liked to put it off.
It was the first time she and Altair had been alone so far today, and they talked idly as they watched Chloe circle the carousel.
“My parents used to bring me here during the summer when I was growing up,” Heather told him. “It was a long drive into the city, so we’d get a hotel and make a weekend of it. One day we’d spend exploring the city, shopping or going to a museum or a show, but the second day was always the zoo. We couldn’t afford it often, but it was a tradition to do it at least once a year. It was always my favorite part of the summer.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Altair said, waving to Chloe as she went around again. “My parents used to take us to Dubai on occasion, but mostly for dull diplomatic parties. Much less enjoyable. But the food was good, and I loved to watch the adults in their elaborate evening wear and their beautiful, traditional outfits.”
“The food was my favorite part too,” Heather said with a laugh. “We’d always try a different restaurant. I never got tired of all the new flavors and experiences.”
“I take it the zoo restaurant is not on your list of top-favorite eateries then,” Altair joked, remembering the rather uninspiring burgers and fries they’d had for lunch. She laughed as well.
“Chloe probably appreciates having ‘normal’ food for once,” Heather said with a shrug. “I guess I was a weird kid. I always loved trying new things, but Chloe hates it. She finds the thing she likes best and just sticks to it until she’s sick of it.”
“I was the same way,” Altair said. “I grew out of it. Mostly.”
Silence settled for a moment, and Heather realized this was the perfect time to tell him about her real job. She’d been waiting to have a private moment with him all day. She could do this. She’d just bring it up casually, no big deal. Hopefully, he’d take it well.
“So,” she said, picking at the mosaic surface of the table, “do you remember that event we met at?”
“The joint show I did with that evening-wear designer, yes,” Altair said at once. “You looked so stunning in that red gown.”
“I was actually there that night doing something else,” Heather said, trying to keep her tone light. “But the event coordinator, Shania, she’s a friend of mine, and she needed someone to fill in, so—”
“Oh, that reminds me,” Altair said, interrupting. “I wanted to tell you the other night, but I thought it would be better in person. I was telling you about Marie Larue? She wants to do a joint show with me soon to advertise both our new lines. She wants you to walk for her.”
Heather had been biting her lip, trying to figure out how to get back on topic. Now she sat up straighter in surprise.
“Really?” she asked. She hadn’t thought anyone but Altair thought she was any good.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Heather,” he said, making her blush. “And you have a unique quality, something very real and honest. Not to mention the drama around our relationship means any show you’re in will attract extra media buzz.”
“Ah, there’s the catch.” Heather chuckled, actually a bit reassured to know it was just her media following that was wanted. She didn’t know what she would think if more people started telling her she was seriously good at modeling. She just couldn’t buy it.
“Would you be interested?” Altair asked. “If you aren’t too busy? I told Marie I might be able to convince you.”
“I don’t know.” Heather waffled a bit, unsure if she wanted to make this model situation worse by taking more jobs under false pretenses. She was trying to fix this, not dig herself deeper. “I might be busy.”
“It would mean a lot to me,” Altair said. “I love seeing you in my shoes. But it’s no pressure if you aren’t interested.”
Heather held her breath, trying to resist, but seeing the excited look on his face, she couldn’t refuse him.
“All right,” she said. “For you.” If she could just explain, maybe she could do the show anyway and everything would be fine.
“Thank you,” Altair said brightly. “This will be such a fantastic opportunity for us.”
“But there’s something I need to—”
“Mom, Mom, Mom!”
She was interrupted as Chloe, finally done with the carousel, ran directly into her lap, the secretary bird doll flopping ridiculously in her arms.
“Chloe, Chloe, Chloe!” Heather replied with a laugh.
“Ice cream!” Chloe demanded.
“Is that how we ask for things?” Heather raised a disapproving eyebrow.
“Ice cream, please!” Chloe tried again, dragging the word out into a high-pitched whine.
“I think ice cream sounds like a perfect way to end the day,” Altair said. “My treat. We’ll try the place near the entrance on our way out.”
Chloe cheered excitedly and ran ahead as Heather and Altair stood to follow her.
“What were you trying to say?” Altair asked, putting an arm around her shoulders as they walked.
Heather considered trying again but then let it go.
“Nothing important,” she said, smiling. “I’ll tell you some other time.”
Focused on ice cream, he didn’t push, and soon they were heading home, cones in hand. Chloe and Heather had taken the train, so Altair drove them back himself. As he dropped them off, he hugged Heather tightly.
“Would you mind if I kissed you?” he asked, his voice a low murmur that made Heather’s heart race. Chloe was already out of sight, as she wanted to press the elevator button. Heather nodded, and Altair pulled her close, his lips warm and demanding. The kiss was brief but passionate, and every graze of his lips against hers stole her breath. Then it was over, Altair stepping away despite the heat in his eyes.
“Forgive me,” he said. “If I go much further, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop.”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t ask you too,” Heather said with a dizzy little laugh. They stepped back from each other reluctantly, both wanting to linger.
“I better catch up with Chloe.” Heather headed back toward the door, stumbling a little in her distraction. Altair smiled, waving to her as he stepped back toward his car.
“Good night, Heather,” he said gently. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Night,” she said, moving slowly backward toward the door, dawdling, reluctant to see the evening end. He lingered as well, waiting until she was out of sight before he got in the car. Heather let the apartment lobby door close between them with a sigh and finally hurried after her daughter. Chloe was waiting impatiently by the elevator to push the button, and she shook her head when she saw her mother.
“He’s making you silly,” she scolded.
Heather chuckled. “Sorry. He’s really nice, isn’t he?”
“Yeah,” Chloe admitted, rolling her eyes. “But it’s still silly!”
“I’ll try to rein it in,” Heather said. They rode the elevator up to their apartment, but nothing could take Heather higher than the evening with Altair already had.