chapter 17

Queue Brittany Spears 'Swimming in the stars' and play when you read the song title*

Nickola's phone rings. "Hello?" her voice groggy.

"Are you not awake? Have you got work today?" the voice on the other end ask.

"Herring? What time is it?" Nickola pulls the covers off and sits up wiping her eyes.

"Ten past seven."

"Oh no! My alarm," she turns on the light. She goes to wake Zara. "Are you okay? You usually leave a voicemail."

"I'm going to Dunkin Donuts. Would you like something?'

She lightly shakes Zara by the shoulder, "Zara time to get up. Um, sure. I'll take a strawberry frosted or Boston cream."

Zara moans and gets out of bed.

"Anything to drink?"

"Uh. Orange juice," reaching into her closet grabbing blue jeggings and a blue t-shirt. Nickola returns to her room.

"I'll meet you at your job."

"O...kay," she says confused. She quickly gets dressed and packs Zara's lunch.

When she pulls into the parking lot of Met Transit Herring is already there waiting inside his car. Nickola checks her watch. "Ten minutes," she says to herself before getting in on the passenger side.

"This is very thoughtful," looking inside the bag. "You usually get up this early?"

"I'm going into the office. I want to finish up a few things before this weekend."

"This weekend. Right," she says remembering. She puts her head against the headrest.

"Having a change of mind?" he says anxiously.

"No. I haven't been to New York in a while. And I'm looking forward to being on the set of this commercial."

"Me with surrounded by lots of women. It will be loads of fun," sarcasm in his tone.

Nickola's mouth opens in shock.

'I'm joking. It's not going to be like that," he laughs.

She gives him a smug look.

"Can you get away tonight? I want to go here," he shows her his phone.

"Paint and sip," she reads aloud.

"Have you ever been there?"

"No. And I can't paint either."

"Neither can I. We could have fun trying," he smiles.

She thinks for a moment. "I'll meet you there," she looks at her watch. "Thanks for the donuts and juice." She gets out of the car and heads into work.

After clocking in and putting her lunch away she sat in the bus wrestling with the idea of lying to her best friend. She has never lied to Vanessa before and there is no reason to start. The desire to spend time with Herring overrules the guilt of lying. She finds it hard to stay away from Herring. He's handsome, has an accent, and his aura is magnetizing. The desire he has for her fuels her desire for him and it overrules the guilt of lying. She knows she should end whatever thing she has going on with him. Not this week. She pulls out her phone and texts Vanessa.

Nickola: Miles wants to have dinner tonight can you drive Zara to dance?

Vanessa: Sure. Have fun!

Nickola: Thank you.

==============

The end of the work day. Nickola stops home to pick up Zara's dance outfit before picking her up from the daycare provider. She drops her off at Vanessa's then returns home to changer her clothes. A black top and light blue skinny jeans paired with black pumps. She brushes her hair up making a neat bun on top of her head. Grabbing a brush she gels her baby hairs. Adorning her ears with medium sized hoops. A stroke of pink blush across each cheek. Looking in the mirror she turns her head from side to side. The guilt of lying to Vanessa pokes at her. She lets out a sigh and puts a soft pink lipstick on her lips.

When she pulls up to Pinots Palette Herring greets her with a warm smile. "I like this look," his eyes travel from her feet to her head.

"Thanks," she smiles shyly. "What's this?" She looks at the white bag he's holding.

"Nachos. We can eat have a bite to eat beforehand. I got beef and chicken. I wasn't sure which you preferred," he opens the door.

"I like both," she shrugs.

Located in the center of the studio are chairs with canvas boards on the table. The chairs are placed close together creating an intimate environment. Smocks hang on a wall next to a variety of paintings. A small bar is next to a few square tables. Herring orders two glasses of wine and a bottle of water. They sit at one of the tables to eat.

"How was your day?" he ask.

"It was ok. Did you get what you needed to be done at the office?" she takes a nacho and piles meat on top.

"I was quite preoccupied thinking of tonight."

"Really?" her tone doubtful.

"I'm surprised you agreed to be here. With me. For all to see," he mocks looking around the room.

She leans back in her chair frowning with her arms crossed over her chest.

"I'm glad your here," leaning forward he puts his hand on her arm.

The instructor ask everyone to find a canvas. He introduces himself and explains how and when painting became his passion. Holding up an example of a finished painting, he assures the group they will do great.

In front of the seats are easels with canvases. Each stenciled with a pumpkin and a mug. Next to the canvases on the table lay a set of paint brushes. The palettes are already prepped with paint.

"At lease we have this to start us off with," she says relieved.

"You're going to do well," he assures her.

They put on the smocks provided. The instructor informs the group of the materials they will be using. Nickola grabs the palette and paints and begins to paint a dark brown background around the stencil. Herring positions the palette so that it is flat against her palm.

"That's better." he says.

"Didn't know there was a correct way to hold it," Nickola gives him a smug look. He tries to hide his smile as he paints the background on his canvas.

The group is then instructed on how to paint the pumpkin stencil. Herring dabs orange paint on his brush.

"Today is my birthday," he says plainly.

"Happy birthday," she looks at him.

"What?" he continues to paint.

"This could've been my treat," mildly disappointed.

He stops painting and turns to her. "Your being here tonight is a gift to me," his voice soft.

She smiles shyly. Next they paint the mug.

"Is tea really a big thing in England?" dipping her brush in the white paint.

"Actually it is."

"So is there really a tea time? She ask intrigued.

"There is. It's not necessarily a time when you must drink tea. It's more of what you would consider a light snack."

"Hm," she ponders.

The instructor makes his way around checking the progress of the group. He praises the group for their fabulous work. He offers to take pictures of each person with their finished painting. When the instructor reaches Nickola she request her picture include Herring.

"What else do I get tonight?" he ask impressed. She smiles. Nickola sends the picture to Herrings phone. They analyze each other's paintings.

"A masterpiece compared to mine," he holds his painting next to hers.

"What are you talking about?" she looks at his and then hers. "They look exactly the same."

"You're too kind." They both smile.

Herring walks Nickola to her car. "Your car keys please," he holds his hand out. She gives him a confused look. Without question she hands them over. He removes a key from his ring and attaches it to her key ring. She looks at the keys in her hand and purses her lips.

"I'll have it to you tomorrow morning," he says.

"I had a good time tonight," she says.

"So did I." He gives her a hug.

As he pulls away she pulls him back by the elbow and kisses him. He is stunned by her public display of affection.

"See you Saturday," biting her lip.

"Goodnight Nickola."

====================

Nickola arrives at the Standard Hotel. It's a large hotel made with an all glass exterior constructed over a wide pedestrian underpass. It overlooks the Hudson River. She had never stayed in a hotel this large before. The lounge has a large sectional like couch that wraps around the room. Upon entering her room Nickola finds a tray of fruit on the table. The room is amazing. The queen sized bed is next to the floor to ceiling window. With a city view the television is positioned perfectly in the corner. Next to it is the three seat sofa, a table, and chair. At the entrance of the room is a rain shower and separate bathtub. The toilet is adjacent to it.

She receives a text from Herring: An uber will pick you up at one o'clock.

She stands at the window and looks out over the city. The weight of having to choose between two guys is beginning to get to her. Shaking the thought she sits to eat the lunch provided.

The uber takes her to the harbor for the ferry to Staten Island. She is met by a woman who is assisting Herring for the commercial. They walk to the dock. A section of it is closed off for filming. Cords, wires, and tracks are everywhere making it a messy scene. She can't believe how much is not seen after the finished product. Herring is being prepped and powdered by a very neat looking man. The director yells action. He is wearing brown Louis Vuitton sunglasses etched in gold. He looks handsome in a white lightweight long sleeve shirt and tan dress pants. All of his hair is slicked back. The camera follows him walking toward the end of the pier. The director yells cut.

Herring come to greet Nickola. "I never imagined behind the scene would look like this."

"It's very technical," he says.

"What exactly are you selling?"

"The sunglasses," he lifts them revealing his eyes.

"You look," her eyes go up and down his physic. "Good."

"Thank you," he says flattered. "We're going to finish up here and then move to the ferry."

He returns to this place to film the final take at the pier. On the ferry, the crew is ready and set to film the next scene. A woman dressed in a tan trench coat waits holding a briefcase. She has red sunset curly hair and wears matching sunglasses/ sunglasses similar to Herrings.

The crew begins filming him walk onto the ferry. He meets the red haired woman seated on the upper level. The briefcase is given to Herring. He views the contents inside and stares at the woman before closing the case. Filming ends with Herring exiting the ferry.

*** play song 'Swimming in the stars' ***

When they arrive at the hotel Nickola finds a white gift bag on the bed. Inside is a white knee length kimono robe with lace detail on the sleeves. Lace lines both sides of the kimono midway at the thigh. She changes into a cream colored sweater dress and wears brown booties. Herring arrives at her room. He looks sleek in a long sleeved black button shirt and black slacks.

"You look amazing!" his eyes on her lips.

"So do you," she smiles.

They have dinner on the rooftop of the hotel. It's elegant. The flooring is made of astroturf. A single candle sits in the center of each table. Foam cushions and pillows atop a wood structure create a lounge seating area. Glass boarders the perimeter.

"This view is incredible," she says fascinated.

"I thought you'd be pleased."

"Thank you for the gift." The waitress comes and takes their order.

"Herring," Nickola pauses. "All of this. Is so much. The hotel, the kimono," she trails off.

"To be fair there are more expensive hotels in New York," he smiles.

"I'm just," she puts a hand to the side of her temple and sighs.

"Nickola," he takes both of her hands into his. "I'm happy that you're here with me," he looks into her eyes.

She smiles shyly. The waitress returns with their food. After eating they move to the lounge seats. Herring leans back and Nickola sits forward. Her hands rest in her lap. She looks at Herring and smiles. The black attire paired with the romantic atmosphere begins to raise her temperature.

"You ready to head back to the room?" She runs her hand slowly up the inside of his thigh. His eyes follow her hand as it moves. After a brief moment he stands and pulls her up by the hand. When they get to Nickola's room, she turns on the television. Herring takes a seat on the couch. She goes to the bathroom and changes into the kimono.

"What do you think?" She models the robe.

His eyes grow wide. "Absolutely stunning."

Pulling the belt of the kimono she exposes her white lace panties and bra. She walks over and straddles him. She playfully teases his lips with hers before leaving a soft peck. He eyes the diamond tattoo above her breast. Then firmly takes her face in his hands and kisses her. Deep breathing flow from their continued pressed lips. Herring makes a trail of kisses from her lips to her collarbone. His hands travel to her bra but doesn't unhook it. Instead they make their way back up to her face. The kisses become more intense. Nickola unbuckles his belt. He stops her from unzipping him.

"Nikki," he pauses. "We should stop." His forehead resting against hers.

She pulls back. Her face twist in confusion.

"I like you. A lot. I don't want you to do something you may later regret," sincerity in his eyes.

She ponders this and climbs off of him. Pulling her robe together she sits at the foot of the bed. He bends down in front of her and lifts her head by the chin.

"Please understand I'm not trying to be a jerk," looking into her eyes.

"I know," she says softly.

He leaves her with a kiss on the forehead.