Chapter 16

Sydney and Ed worked hard in November, honing their designs for the new collection they’d be presenting during Fashion Week in February, and they were making good progress. They selected the fabrics together and special-ordered a number of them, custom-made just for them with interesting textures and designs. They were developing their own very distinctive style, and both of them felt that they were stretching farther than they ever had creatively, and that their respective work enhanced each other’s. They were a great team.

She and Bob talked whenever they could about everything, their work, their lives, their fears, their dreams, their children. He was discouraged that he hadn’t been able to sway his daughter from opening her own bistro, and she was going ahead with her plans, taking on heavy debt, and was refusing her father’s help. Other than that, his children were doing well, and they were all coming home to him for Christmas. He was still intending to join Sydney in New York for Thanksgiving. The time apart was weighing on both of them, and Sydney was sad at times. The nights were long and lonely, except when she worked, and the apartment seemed increasingly confining. She had been incarcerated for more than two months by the time he arrived for Thanksgiving in New York. And the months ahead, of not being able to go out, seemed long. The weather had been bad, but it didn’t make a difference. She would have given anything to walk through the rain, and even sleet or snow.

She was waiting up for him anxiously the night he arrived, the day before Thanksgiving, and rushed into his arms the minute he came through the door. He held her close to him, feeling the silk of her hair, unable to speak for an instant.

“God, how I’ve missed you, Sydney.” The last month had seemed a thousand years long to both of them. He’d had a heavy workload in Hong Kong, and had made several short trips in Asia. For Sydney, the tension was mounting before their next show, with the usual production problems, fabric disasters, and delays, which were all par for the course in her business. She and Ed were spending hours on their two-way screen to resolve problems, and he was coming by almost every day as Fashion Week approached. It was just under twelve weeks away, but some of the textile mills and factories would be closed during the holidays, so there would be delays with deliveries.

It was an enormous relief to see Bob again, and to be able to hold and touch each other, and make love, without interruptions, difficult time differences, and the demands of their busy lives. They felt as though they knew everything about each other. He had even walked around his apartment in Hong Kong, holding his computer so she could see everything. The apartment was beautiful, the art impressive, and the views magnificent. His taste was very different from Andrew’s, more modern, and in some ways more like hers. He couldn’t wait for her to visit one day, and she was planning to, sometime after she was released in March, which seemed light-years away.

They stayed up late the night he arrived, and she crept out of bed at six in the morning to start the preparations for the meal, and saw that it was snowing again. Afterward, she stood in her bedroom for a minute, smiling at the sight of him sound asleep in her bed, naked from their lovemaking the night before. His eyes were closed and his hair was tousled, he was a beautiful sight, and then she heard the low rumble of his morning voice, which made her stomach do double flips every time. She was more in love with him than ever. And their time apart only brought them closer together.

“Get your ass back into bed,” he said, without opening his eyes, sounding sexy and irresistible. She dropped her robe on the floor, slid in next to him, and pressed her body against his, as he turned toward her and kissed her, and she could feel his passion hard against her. “I love you, woman,” he said, opening his eyes, and they smiled at each other. “You’re beautiful in the morning,” he said, admiring her for an instant.

“You’re crazy, but I love you,” she whispered, and he began making love to her, and then fell asleep in her arms again afterward. He was tired from the trip, but happy to be back with her in her bed. He would have flown twice as far to be with her.

He was up and moving around the apartment at noon, while she tended to the turkey, basting it, in her pink cashmere bathrobe and bare feet. She had brought the robe with her from her old house and couldn’t have afforded to buy one like it now. It was a favorite, especially in the drafty apartment. When there was a cold wind outside, it was chilly. But she was never cold in Bob’s arms. And he was wearing a silk robe he had brought with him and looked very distinguished despite his unbrushed hair and needing a shave.

“What time are the guests coming?” he asked, as she handed him a cup of coffee from the fancy cappuccino machine he had bought her, so she didn’t miss going to Starbucks every day for a vanilla latte with cinnamon and nonfat froth. She had become an expert at making them herself.

“They’re invited at five, I thought we’d eat around six or six-thirty.”

He nodded. He had never spent Thanksgiving in the States before, although American friends in Hong Kong had invited him to their Thanksgiving celebrations on many occasions. But this was the real thing. “The usual crew?” he asked her, and she nodded.

“Sabrina and Steve,” who were a regular fixture together now, and wonderful to see together. They were a perfect match, and had been inseparable for the year since she’d been arrested. He was the silver lining in the ordeal for Sabrina, and for Sydney as well, seeing how happy they were. He had moved into her apartment that summer, and it was going well. “Sophie and Grayson. The two of us, and Ed is bringing Kevin, which I gather is a big deal. He’s never shared holidays with anyone before, so this is a major statement for him, but Ed said he feels ready and Kevin was thrilled.” He was only a few years younger than Sophie, so he’d fit in, and they all had fashion design in common.

“Do we dress up?” Bob asked, and she smiled at him.

“Actually, I like you just the way you are,” she said with a look of mischief, “but you could wear a jacket and slacks. The young ones will wear jeans, Grayson, and probably Kevin.” She had only seen Kevin in jeans and T-shirts so far, with sneakers, when he was working, or following Ed around. “You don’t need to wear a tie.”

“I have one if you prefer.” She shook her head. She knew that Sabrina would probably wear something dressy, and Sophie casual chic and sexy from her own line. Sydney was planning to wear white slacks and a soft white silk blouse with big sleeves, which was brave while she was cooking. But everything would be done by then. She was preparing all the traditional favorites: brussels sprouts, creamed spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, the turkey with stuffing, cranberry jelly, hot biscuits. And she’d had three pies delivered the day before: apple, mincemeat, and pumpkin, with ice cream. It was a lot to prepare in her tiny kitchen, and she was very proud of herself, but she was determined to make it memorable for all of them, and especially Bob and her children. She had a lot to be thankful for this year. Bob, her new business with Ed, and the fact that she wasn’t in prison.

They spent a relaxing afternoon while she fussed in the kitchen, consulting her favorite cookbook every step of the way. It continued to snow, and by five o’clock when the guests were expected, everything was ready and she looked like she’d done nothing all afternoon, in her white slacks and pretty blouse. Bob opened the Château Margaux he had bought, so it could breathe, since she had no decanters to pour it into and they’d have to serve it from the bottle. She had left all her fine crystal in Connecticut, she explained, when he asked if she had any decanters, and he promised to buy her a couple before they entertained again, probably around Christmas, since he planned to be in Hong Kong with his children for the actual holiday. He seemed very proud to be with her, as people began arriving, and he made it clear that he was playing host.

Sabrina and Steve were the first to arrive and said it was freezing outside. She had worn snow boots, since it had been snowing all day, and there were several inches on the ground, and drifts that were deeper. They looked happy and she was wearing a short red dress, which was unlike her. Her mother complimented her on it, since she always wore black, and Steve was beaming at her, completely besotted. It was sweet to see and warmed her heart. Steve was exactly the kind of man Sydney had always hoped Sabrina would meet and fall in love with. Serious, solid, as hardworking as she was, and he adored her. She had high hopes for Sophie as well, but at twenty-five, she still seemed too young to settle down. She just wished she’d stop taking in wounded birds like Grayson and find someone more fun and who would take care of her.

Sophie arrived next and was alone.

“Where’s Grayson?” her mother asked her. “Is he sick?” Sophie hesitated for a minute before she answered and looked awkward.

“He’s not coming. We…we decided to call it a day a couple of weeks ago. He’s a wonderful person, but his issues make everything really difficult.” They all knew it was true, and though Sydney didn’t say it, she was relieved. Now Sophie could find someone less troubled to spend time with. Her relationship with Grayson had been hard work, even though he was a good person.

“I think you made the right decision,” she said gently.

“It was more his decision than mine,” she admitted. Sabrina had known, but they hadn’t told their mother yet. Sophie wanted to be sure first that they would stick with it, but she realized now too that it was the right thing. Grayson seemed relieved when she talked to him. He didn’t want the pressure of a relationship. He said it was too much for him, even if he loved her, which he said he did. She loved him too, but he had become a heavy burden to carry with all his problems and quirks and scars.

The two girls chatted easily with Bob and Steve, and Ed arrived a few minutes later with Kevin. Sydney was impressed by how stylish Kevin was. He looked like a model in a slim black suit with a black sweater and boots.

“Did you dress him?” she whispered to Ed when he visited her in the kitchen area, where she was busy. Bob was pouring them all wine. Ed laughed at her question.

“No, he cleans up pretty good on his own. And looks like a grown-up. He used to model.”

“He’s gorgeous,” Sydney said, impressed. They made a good-looking couple, and in proper clothes the eight years between them were no longer noticeable. The other two men had dressed more traditionally, in blazers and gray flannel slacks. Sydney thought Bob looked particularly handsome and very British. He had a noticeably European style she loved.

They sat down at the table at six-thirty. Sydney had covered her design table with a white linen cloth she had ordered online with matching napkins, and no one noticed the mismatched plates that had come with the apartment, with the abundance of food on them. Sabrina had lent her some bowls and platters the week before. They all complimented the food, and the turkey was delicious and not dry. She had even made gravy for it. The dinner was her masterpiece, and she had put a lot of effort into it.

“I stand corrected,” Bob said in awe. “You’re a fantastic cook!” She knew she wasn’t but was pleased to hear it, the dinner was excellent, and she could see he was having a good time. He and Sabrina had engaged in a lively conversation, and they were all being warm and caring with Sophie, who looked a little forlorn without Grayson. He had been her pet project for a long time, but a difficult one at best. Sydney thought her life would be better without him, but she was sure Sophie would miss him, and knew she had cared about him and felt sorry for him. His early years had damaged him so badly, which was sad.

Bob kept the wine flowing generously throughout dinner, and after Sydney brought out the pies and ice cream, and Bob poured another round of wine, Sabrina looked around the small group nervously and exchanged a look with Steve. Bob spotted the silent glance between them, and guessed what was coming. Sydney was too busy dishing out the ice cream on everyone’s pie to notice, until Sabrina said they had an announcement to make, and Sydney stopped what she was doing, rooted to the spot, and sat down.

“We’re getting married,” Sabrina blurted out, grinning at all of them, as Sydney stared at her. She knew she should have expected it, but she hadn’t. No one in their world seemed to get married anymore. They just lived together or had babies unmarried. This was her fondest hope for her daughter, a wonderful husband to love and care for her. Sabrina looked ecstatic, and Steve kissed her and beamed like a big happy boy, and then turned apologetically to his future mother-in-law.

“I know I should have asked you first,” he said in a low voice, looking contrite. “It just kind of slipped out a few days ago, at an engagement party we went to. Are you okay with it?” he asked Sydney, worried, and she gave him a big hug. It would have been nice to be asked, or forewarned, but she doubted that many people did that anymore, and she thought they were perfect for each other.

“I wholeheartedly approve. You both have my blessing,” she said with damp eyes, looking very moved. “You make it worthwhile getting arrested and nearly going to prison, if Sabrina gets a terrific husband out of it,” she said, and meant it, and everyone at the table laughed and congratulated them. Sabrina was twenty-eight years old, financially successful, and had a booming career, and so did he. He was ten years older than she was, and everything about their union seemed right to Sydney, and to Bob when they talked about it later.

Sabrina wanted to get married in June, and said they wanted a small wedding. It brought home to Sydney again the difficulties of her financial situation. Until a year and a half before, she could have given her an elaborate reception, and Andrew would have wanted to throw a lavish event for her, probably at their home. Now it would be a challenge to do anything except a simple, very restrained gathering, on a tiny budget. It made Sydney sad to think she would be cheating her daughter of her dream wedding. And she still owed her money from the court case. All her life and as a little girl, Sabrina had talked about wanting a big formal wedding, and now she didn’t have that option. And Sydney didn’t want Sabrina paying for her own wedding. It was a challenge she would have to figure out in the coming months. Bob could see that she was troubled about something, but couldn’t figure out what since she liked the groom so much, and meant to ask her about it when they were alone.

For the rest of dinner, the conversation was all about the young couple and their plans. It was all very new, and the wedding was still seven months away, so nothing had been organized yet.

“We’re doing the wedding dress, of course,” Ed announced immediately, and Sabrina accepted with delight. “Will you have bridesmaids?” he asked her, and she said she hadn’t decided yet, but she thought she only wanted Sophie as her maid of honor, and no other attendants. It was Sophie who had always said she wanted a simple wedding, or none at all. This was new for Sabrina, who had changed her tune radically, and Sydney suspected it was out of deference to her.

“We’ll do her dress too,” Ed said about Sophie. “And your mother’s.” He smiled at Sydney. “Oh, I love weddings!” he crowed with glee, clapping his hands, and they all laughed. “When can we start? I wanted to do a bride in our first collection, but we didn’t have time. This is going to be fabulous!” He had designed bridal gowns at Dior, but hadn’t had the chance to since. The decibel level at the table rose, and Bob brought out two bottles of champagne he had bought for him and Sydney, and the remainder of the evening turned into a celebration.

“Who’s going to walk you down the aisle?” Ed asked her, obsessed with every aspect of the wedding. He said he had a fantastic new florist, he was suggesting venues, and Sabrina looked uncertain how to answer his question about who would walk her down the aisle. Now that Andrew was gone, there were no other important men in Sabrina’s life, except her future husband. Her own father was long gone, and she had no brother or male relatives of any kind.

“My mom, I guess,” Sabrina said hesitantly. She was the only person she could think of with an adult role in her life, and Sydney looked deeply touched by the suggestion.

“I don’t know if that will look right,” Ed said, concerned with the fashion statement and the visual of two women walking down the aisle together.

“I’d be happy to, if you’d like me to,” Bob said in a clear, calm voice, and Sabrina was startled, but not averse to it, as Sydney’s eyes filled with tears again. Life had a way of giving them what they needed, even if from unexpected sources. She had no way of knowing if she and Bob would even be dating seven months from now, although she hoped so. But she was very moved by the offer, and Sabrina was too. He was a kind man.

“That might be very nice,” Sabrina said quietly. “Thank you, Bob.”

“I like the way that looks much better,” Ed said as the self-appointed wedding planner, and they all laughed again. “And I like small weddings. You never get to talk to anyone at big weddings. It’s just a giant cattle show, with everyone milling around. What kind of cake? What about chocolate with vanilla icing? They had a fabulous one at Jack and Tom’s wedding. I can ask them who their baker was.” He was on a roll, and Sydney leaned over and kissed her business partner on the cheek and couldn’t resist teasing him.

“You make a fantastic mother of the bride, and wedding planner. I think we should start doing brides.”

“I’d love it,” he said honestly. “But no one would take us seriously. I’m not Vera Wang,” he said, and everyone laughed. Sabrina had added an element of joy to Thanksgiving with her announcement, and Steve smiled for the rest of the night. He looked happy and proud.

They all had a little too much to drink, once Bob served the champagne to celebrate the engagement. But they all left in high spirits, and Sydney held her daughter tight for a minute and told her how happy she was for her. And she gave Steve a big hug when they left. They were taking Sophie with them and were going to drop her off at home.

“Well, what a special evening that turned out to be,” Bob said, impressed. They’d all had a wonderful time. “It would be hard to top that. I picked the right year to start celebrating Thanksgiving with you.” He kissed her and searched her eyes for a minute. “You’re pleased about it?” He thought she was but still felt that something was bothering her.

“I am. I couldn’t be happier. He’s a terrific guy, and they love each other. You never know which marriages will work and which won’t, but I think they’ll be a great couple.”

“You looked worried for a minute, at one point, or sad.” He wasn’t sure which, and she hesitated, not sure if she should share her most private thoughts with him, to that degree, and she didn’t want him to think she wanted his help.

“I can’t give her the kind of wedding she’s always wanted, even if she says she wants a small one now. She’s wanted a big, elaborate wedding since she was a little girl. But I can’t do that now, and I don’t want her paying for it herself. I think she’s keeping it small to be considerate of me.” She felt like a failure again, not being able to make her daughter’s dreams come true.

“May I help you?” he asked gently, and she shook her head.

“I can’t let you do that. It wouldn’t be right. But thank you.” She smiled gratefully at him. “And thank you too for offering to walk her down the aisle. That was incredibly sweet of you.” She was very moved by his kindness and generosity.

“I don’t want to overstep any boundaries, but I’ll do whatever you allow, and she wants,” he said, and she could see that he meant it. “Maybe she’s changed her mind about a big wedding,” he said thoughtfully. But either way, there was no other choice. And even a small wedding would be a stretch. It would be a big help that Ed would make their dresses. Beautiful wedding gowns, and especially the kind Sabrina would want, cost a fortune.

Bob pulled Sydney into his arms then and held her for a long moment. He knew she was too proper and too proud to accept any financial help from him, but he would have helped gladly. Just knowing that was a gift to her, and having him at her side at her daughter’s wedding. Big or small, it was going to be a joyous event.

They cleaned up the debris from dinner the next day, and were both startled by how much wine they had consumed, but it had been a celebration, and no one had gotten sloppy or visibly drunk. The evening had been a big success. They had the apartment neat again by lunchtime. Bob was always a big help. The snow had continued all day and had brought the city to a dead stop with two feet of it on the ground, and they were happy to be indoors, reading and watching movies and playing games. They lived on the leftovers from dinner for three days. Ed sent her emails all weekend with possible wedding dress designs, which made her smile. He was ecstatic about the wedding and doing Sabrina’s wedding gown.

On Monday, Sydney got back to work on the collection, and Bob flew to Hong Kong. He sent Sabrina and Steve a beautiful silver frame from Tiffany as an engagement present before he left town. He was coming back to New York in a month, right after Christmas with his children, to spend New Year’s with Sydney, and he hoped to stay longer that time.

Sydney had a serious conversation with Sabrina on Monday about the wedding, and apologized for not being able to give her a huge event as she had always said she wanted.

“I don’t want that anymore, Mom.” She sounded sincere about it. “I’ve grown up. I don’t want all that pomp and ceremony and show-off stuff. I just want you and Sophie, our close friends, and Steve’s family. That’s all we need. Please don’t worry about it.” Sydney felt a weight lift off her shoulders when Sabrina said it. She felt even happier about the wedding after that.

Sydney was working on Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend, when she got an email from her realtor in Paris. She’d had an offer for the apartment, and she said that her tenant was ready to vacate in the next month anyway, by the end of the year. The potential buyer wanted a quick sale for a respectable amount. It wasn’t a fortune, but the price was fair. The buyer was Italian and wanted a pied-à-terre in Paris, and he wanted to take possession of it rapidly with a fast closing. The realtor said that if she accepted the offer, she could have the money in early January. And if she agreed to the amount, they could sign a promesse de vente right away, which she knew was a promise to sell, which established the amount of purchase and the terms and was a binding contract.

Instead of writing back, Sydney called her, to see if there was any possibility for negotiation to raise the price a little.

“I can try, but it’s a good offer,” she told her, and Sydney knew it was.

“It never hurts to try.” The realtor agreed to contact the buyer and called her back an hour later. He had come up another fifty thousand dollars, which satisfied Sydney. “I’ll take it,” she said to the realtor, with a silent prayer of thanks. Now she could pay Sabrina back, pay Steve’s bill, and host an intimate, beautiful wedding for her daughter with all the gracious touches that would make it memorable for them, but not over-the-top or showy.

“Congratulations, madame,” the realtor said to her, sounding pleased herself. It was a charming apartment, but small and old-fashioned and hadn’t been easy to sell.

“Thank you, God,” Sydney said as she hung up the phone. The timing was perfect, and her financial needs had been met. And she would have enough to live on modestly for quite some time. Everything was falling into place at last. She had faced the worst, and come through it.