Fanfic Update! A Thousand Glimpses: Seventeen (Bianca/Reese)
TITLE: A Thousand Glimpses
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR: dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my plots for much more angsty fics.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm still writing but honestly, I'm not sure for how long. I've written fanfics for couples that don't exist except in my own mind but it's a bit difficult to write a romantic fluffy backstory for a couple that is doomed on the actual show itself. Hopefully we'll be left with some meager scraps and like BAM fans I can keep going on. If not, I do have two ideas for other AMC fanfics that I might start writing which don't involve Reese.
Anyway! Happy fluffy before things got fucked up by visiting Pine Valley fic away!
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Seventeen
Cambias Industries European Division was in a massive building located on the Boulevard Circulaire and Reese couldn't help pausing in her walk to admire it before pushing open the glass door that was tinted to prevent people on the street from looking in. The reception area for Cambias easily dwarfed the one at her own office and served to remind her the amount of money and power that was clearly available at Bianca's and a lesser extent, Miranda's, fingertips. It was something she had forgotten in her time with them because they were so down to Earth. Never once had Reese seen Bianca flaunt her wealth and while Reese hadn't spent a lot of time with children before meeting Bianca she considered Miranda to be a wonderfully well behaved child who wasn't spoiled by even the smallest implication of the word.
Which made it almost baffling to realize a huge portion of the wealth this building symbolized was theirs. This made her feel a bit overwhelmed as she walked up to the large black marble reception desk where one of three secretaries rose to her feet and greeted her with a smile. "Vous desirez, madame?"
"J'aimerais parler a Bianca Montgomery," said Reese and for the first time she wondered if she would actually be able to get past the reception area to see the brunette. She planned on taking her out for lunch as a surprise since Bianca said the night before that she had a large gap in her schedule today. The elevators were in sight but they were flanked by a pair of armed guards that served to make Nathan look practically cuddly in comparison. "Je m'appelle Reese Williams."
"Une seconde, s'il vous plait," said the secretary and she seemed to study Reese closely. "Je vais contacter le bureau de la directrice de gestion. Ils controllent les visiteurs pour Mme. Montgomery selon ses instructions."
The secretary was quickly on the phone, talking in a hush that left Reese with the impression they tended to take people who came to see Bianca fairly seriously. Especially from the way the two guards were now focused on her, one talking on a walkie talkie while the other kept his gaze firmly fixed on her. Though it was disturbing to realize she was being treated like possible threat as someone who cared for Bianca she was grateful to know that the company considered the other woman's safety to be of importance. She wondered if this was a normal routine for Bianca's visitors or if the brunette had failed to mention any threats that had been made against her.
Recalling the conversation from their second meeting, Reese knew that Bianca said her family had insisted on a bodyguard for Miranda to ease their minds about her living so far away but surely something else had prompted it. She resisted the urge to be like Maurice and use the newspapers and tabloids to learn about Bianca and her past, thinking it almost like a betrayal to the other woman, to discover things about her that way instead of through normal interactions. In Reese's mind to do that was almost like punishing Bianca because it was extremely unfair how public her life was forced to become just because of who her mother happened to be. The stories Bianca told about coming out at a charity ball because of a persistent tabloid reporter and her diary being stolen then published, they horrified Reese, and she refused to be a part of the problem by reading the work of people who had callously invaded Bianca's private life. Which admittedly left her in the dark about certain things she was sure more gossip friendly people, like Maurice, were privy to involving Bianca and her family.
"Mme. Williams?" the secretary inquired and when Reese turned her attention to her she observed the woman had a friendlier look on her face. "La directrice de gestion va vous voir," she nodded towards one of the armed guards who was standing at the blonde's side. "Edouard va vous accompagner a son bureau."
"Merci," said Reese with a smile, following after the guard to the elevators.
Silence reigned during the ride up to Bianca's office and when the doors opened at the twentieth floor she was once again met with the sight of a reception area that was much bigger than the one at her own office. The moment that she stepped forward, Reese was greeted by petite blonde with curly hair and a friendly smile. "Mme. Williams," she said genially, holding out her hand which the architect took for a quick handshake. "I'm Elaine Denton, Mme. Montgomery's personal assistant. I've come to escort you to her office." Looking over Reese's shoulder at the security guard, she said, "Merci Edouard." The guard nodded and stepped back onto the elevator, leaving Elaine to smile at Reese again and she motioned to the wide corridor on the left as she said, "Shall we?"
"Of course," said Reese, following after Elaine. "I haven't interrupted anything, have I? Bianca told me yesterday she was going to be free during this time of the day and I thought I would surprise her by taking her out to lunch."
"Mme. Montgomery did have a gap in her schedule today but she has been speaking with M. Bellamont for the past hour. I believe they are consumed with analyzing the quarterly returns," Elaine said and they rounded the corner to be presented with yet another reception area.
Noting rather sardonically that this one was the same size as the reception area in her own building, Reese watched Elaine speak quietly with the secretary. Several men in expensive suits were talking in a rush and exited the large office directly behind the secretary while two women holding large portfolios went inside. There was a flurry of activity and a harried a pace that reminded Reese of how her own office was when they were working on a deadline for an important account. Although Reese had a distinct feeling that this was the normal state of things. She suddenly wondered if maybe surprising Bianca wasn't such a good idea, especially given the hectic bustle surrounding the brunette's office.
Ridiculous as it was, Reese found herself thinking of those times she had gone to visit her mother during rehearsals for the orchestra. Despite the fact that she only came at her mother's request, Reese always found herself dismissed shortly after her arrival as Claire found more important things to do than spend time with her daughter. While she knew how different Bianca was Reese had that same feeling now and she just wanted to leave before it was confirmed the other woman was too busy for her because hearing those words from Bianca would hurt too much. Particularly in light of the romantic plans she had made for them this weekend.
Miranda was sleeping over at a friend's house tonight and after conferring with the little girl, Reese had the idea to take Bianca on a weekend getaway to Marseille. The younger woman often spoke about the city fondly and her love for visiting the area, even mentioning how she enjoyed going on the scenic three hour train rides from Paris to Marseille. Speaking with Adele and Nathan to arrange constant care and supervision for Miranda was easily accomplished as was getting Miranda's enthusiastic support for the trip. Although the child did inform Reese she had to bring along a copy of The Armadillo From Amarillo and call Saturday night to read it to her for a bedtime story. Part of the purpose of lunch was to tease Bianca with hints about the trip before surprising her with the news tonight.
Watching Elaine speak with the secretary and more people enter and exit Bianca's office, she sighed quietly and came to a decision. Tapping the personal assistant on the shoulder, Reese offered a small smile when Elaine turned to her. "It looks like Bianca doesn't have time for me," Reese began. "Please let her know I'll see her tonight when I pick her up at five o'clock?"
"What?" Elaine said, sounding dismayed, her eyes going wide. "No! Do not leave, Mme. Montgomery has not--"
Before she could continue, the doors to Bianca's office opened again and this time the brunette was at the door, smiling and saying goodbye to the two women holding large portfolios. On seeing Reese, her eyes lit up and she smiled widely as she cried out, "Reese! Hi!" Laughing happily, she pulled the other woman into a hug and when she moved back, Bianca reached up to push a lock of blonde hair out of the architect's eyes as she wore an affectionate expression. "I didn't know you were here."
"My apologies, Mme. Montgomery," said Elaine fretfully and she stepped in front of her employer. "I was making sure Yvette was informed where to direct your future visitors before I brought Mme. Williams to you."
"It's fine, Elaine," assured Bianca, giving an easy smile and wrapping an arm around Reese's waist. Directing her attention back to the blonde, beaming at her as she said, "As long as I know she's here now." Moments after she said this, a tall man in a grey pinstripe suit with thinning light brown hair walked out her office. "Roland," said Bianca warmly. "I want you to meet Reese Williams. We've been seeing each other the past," Bianca trailed off, looking to Reese, her brow furrowing in a way that Reese found adorable. "What has it been? Month? Two months?"
"Fifty five days," said Reese, her lips quirking up in a smile.
"Fifty five days," echoed Bianca smartly.
Laughing at this, Roland's eyes twinkled behind his wire rim glasses and he offered his right hand to Reese who accepted it for a handshake. "A pleasure to meet you, Mme. Williams," he murmured. "Many in our company have been curious about what has caused Bianca to be so happy in recent days and I consider myself lucky to discover the answer first hand."
"I consider myself luckier to be the cause," replied Reese an honest joy to her words that was reflected on her face, glancing at Bianca who gave that shy and sweet smile that never failed to charm her.
Some might consider it repetitive, the fact that again and again, things happened to Reese when she was with Bianca that never happened to her with anyone else. Countless new emotions and experiences consumed her and that was taking place once again in this moment, with Bianca proudly introducing her to an important and influential colleague, clearly delighted to see her, and dropping whatever she was doing to spend time with her without a second thought. Some might consider it repetitive but Reese didn't and she doubted she ever would, not when it made her feel this good. She just hoped things would always continue on this way, that Bianca would always prove to be so different.
"Well," Roland said, the twinkle still in his eyes as he shifted the briefcase in his hand. "I will leave you with the most attractive cause of your happiness, Bianca. Have a pleasant weekend if I do not see you again before the end of the day."
"You too, Roland," said Bianca, smiling at him and turning to Reese. "So," she said, amusement in her voice. "What are you doing here besides causing more happiness for me?"
"I was informed you had a gap in your schedule so I thought I would take you out to lunch," Reese, doing her best impression of that prim and proper voice Bianca used when she considered herself to be unquestionably correct.
"Really," Bianca said happily and when Reese nodded, she laughed, looking around the blonde to her personal assistant. "It looks like I'll be out of the office for the next hour or so, Elaine. Hold down the fort for me?"
"Of course, Mme. Montgomery," said Elaine, smiling at her employer.
"Come on," said Bianca, taking Reese's hand and pulling the other woman inside her office. "I need to get my purse."
Immediately on entering the office, Reese began studying her surroundings, the architect in her focusing on the minute details. The high ceilings and the large windows that were floor length and the black leather couches. In a way, it reminded Reese of her own house in how it didn't really reflect Bianca's personality. It was stark and formal and she found herself frowning as she continued to take it all in. Something that Bianca must have noticed as she approached with a concerned look on her face, taking Reese's hands in her own, and tilting her head.
"What's the matter?" questioned Bianca.
"Nothing," said Reese and when Bianca formed a frown that matched her own, she shook her head and gave a rueful laugh. "This office just reminds me of when you came over to my house for the first time. How you said it didn't seem like me?"
Looking around her office, Bianca inspected the décor before turning back to Reese as she said wryly, "I don't like it either but to be honest, I never thought I would be here as long as I have. I'm not exactly the ruthless corporate executive and I never had a real passion for business but I did want to make sure that Miranda's future was secure. I guess because of that I've never gotten around to making it look like my own." Raising an eyebrow, Bianca asked humorously, "Why? Do you want to fix that?"
"I do know a few decorators," said Reese comically and she hooked her arm in Bianca's as they walked out the door.
Arriving at 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées fifteen minutes later, they entered the restaurant Laduree. They were soon seated, placing orders of roast cod with sarawak pepper and mashed sweet potatoes with ginger confit and the grilled lamb with peppers and potimarron squash. As they waited for their food, they settled into an easy and natural conversation that Reese never found lacking when she was with Bianca. To her it was just another sign of how very right she considered their relationship to be.
"Miranda was excited about the sleepover at Genevieve's tonight," said Reese, taking a sip of her water. "How does Nathan feel about it though? I didn't get to ask his stance on an assortment of girly bows being put in his hair. Miranda is awfully into playing hairdresser lately."
"Oh god," Bianca laughed. "You're lucky you didn't say anything. He told me he's not sure what to do with himself but he doesn't want to leave Miranda on her own all the same. Nathan says that as trustworthy as the Chenaults are, which must be true because I know he did a detailed background check on them the instant Miranda was invited to the sleepover, he needed to be there simply due to the security risk. I'm glad he's going, honestly, but I do wonder how he's going to keep himself busy with all those little girls. At least Genevieve's parents understood."
"I'm sure he'll love playing tea party," said Reese in reassuring tones. "Miranda's roped him into it enough times."
"That's wrong," said Bianca, laughing and shaking her head. "She gets away with so much with Nathan, I swear. He never has the heart to say no to her. It's honestly the cutest thing considering how tough he likes to look and act."
"I can't say I blame him," said Reese, rather bemused. "I find it hard to say no to Miranda myself. Especially when she's being absurdly cute like her mother." When Bianca rolled her eyes, Reese chuckled then said, purposefully casual, "We'll be all alone." Noting the way Bianca's eyes seemed to grow darker and more intense at this, she continued, "I wonder how we should occupy ourselves?"
"I don't know," said Bianca, forming a slow smile. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Several," said Reese rather slyly and then she took a slow sip of her water. "But they're all surprises."
"You're teasing me again," Bianca accused, her eyes narrowing. Leaning across the table, she tucked her fingers underneath Reese's turtleneck to pull the blonde forward, her lips a breath away from a kiss. "Remember what happens when you tease me?"
"Fun things," drawled Reese and she appeared extremely pleased with herself.
Giving a playful growl, Bianca captured Reese's lips for a kiss and she held the blonde's face in her hands, thumbs moving in a light caress as she murmured, "I think you enjoy frustrating me."
"You do make the best faces when I do," said Reese truthfully, laughing when Bianca grumbled and kissed her again before sitting back in her seat. "I will say this," Reese murmured, holding up a finger and smiling widely. "My plans have all been Miranda approved and endorsed."
"You've got my daughter in on this?" asked Bianca with exaggerated outrage. "I think I'm going to have to call Nathan once I'm back in the office and see if he can't get her on the phone to tell me what's going on."
"Cheater!" exclaimed Reese, looking overly offended. "And it won't work anyway. Miranda wouldn't tell you anything and neither will Nathan. I've got their loyalty on this. Why do you want to ruin your surprise?"
There was a pause and Bianca's face made a gradual transformation from cheerful to serious and she turned away from Reese as she murmured, looking far off and lost in memories, "Surprises usually never end well for me."
Seeing Bianca like this hurt Reese more than she could properly understand. It was these rare moments, when Bianca's effervescent smile left her along with her eternal optimism that Reese wondered what happened in the brunette's past that she could look that way. That she could wear such a grave expression and have that veil of dark knowledge in her eyes that spoke of things that haunted a person, things you couldn't ever forget, and it bothered Reese more than she could ever say.
"Well," said Reese brightly, hoping her mood would somehow effect Bianca's, and reaching across to entwine their fingers, squeezing the other woman's hand softly. "Hopefully you'll like this surprise. Miranda thinks you will and so do I."
"I'm sure I'll like it," Bianca replied, her attention moving back to Reese and giving a lovely smile. "Although," her eyes twinkled and her expression was a tad impish. "I would probably like it a lot more if I knew exactly what it was."
"Then it wouldn't be a surprise," Reese chastised, clucking her tongue.
"I told you," said Bianca teasingly, moving for another kiss. Murmuring against Reese's lips, "I don't like surprises."
The waiter returning with food in hand stopped Bianca from further interrogations of Reese and while the blonde did want to keep her surprise a secret part of her was disappointed all the same. Particularly since Bianca's way of getting information involved her lips on Reese's. Small talk consumed them along with prying questions from the brunette about her surprise as they enjoyed a leisurely lunch. They returned to Cambias Industries an hour later, much fuller and Bianca still asking questions, clearly curious about Reese's plans for them.
Try as she might, Reese couldn't concentrate on her work due to her excitement over their trip to Marseille and her anxiety as she wondered if Bianca would really enjoy it as much as Miranda, Nathan, and Adele thought she would. That's why she gathered up her most recent design for Sig. Passeri and braved her way into Audrey's war zone of an office that had more files and schematics tossed about the floor. When she entered, Reese found the redhead lying on one of her sofas, squinting and staring up at a large blueprint she held in her hands.
"I need your help," confessed Reese, feeling rather sheepish. She tip toed her way around the clutter and sat on the sofa across from Audrey while her business partner lowered the blueprint and frowned at her faintly. Holding out her schematic, she said, "What do you think about extending the building dimensions to help with the radiative heat transfer? I've been staring at the design for the last hour, trying to figure out if it would negatively effect the style that Sig. Passeri wants to achieve without any luck."
Accepting the schematic and studying the design, Audrey asked, "Why do you find yourself distracted?"
"I'm surprising Bianca with a trip to Marseille this weekend," said Reese, anticipation visible in her face and voice, scooting forward to sit at the edge of the sofa. "Miranda has a sleepover tonight and when I heard about it I thought it might be a nice chance for us to have some time alone and go on a trip at the same time. The nanny agreed to watch Miranda for the rest of the weekend and I think Bianca will like it but I'm not convinced, you know? She told me today that she doesn't really enjoy surprises and this does qualify."
Releasing a thoughtful murmur, Audrey said almost pointedly, "This is a happy surprise though. I am sure Bianca does not have a problem with things such as that. However, I would expect her to feel quite different about discovering your parents rejection."
"Okay," Reese said in strained tones, her jaw clenched slightly as she eyed her friend. "Just say it already. Ever since I've come back from New York and told you about my parents you've been making little remarks like that constantly so just say it, would you?"
"I have said it," replied Audrey as she turned to Reese. "You simply refuse to listen. I am aware of how much you value your relationship with Bianca but I cannot see how it will ever survive should you insist on keeping things from her which are of importance."
"And I'm telling you that my parents don't matter anymore," said Reese, getting more agitated by the moment. "The second they turned me away for finally letting them know who I really am, that’s when they stopped being important to me."
"This is how you feel but can you honestly say you believe Bianca would agree?" asked Audrey.
Lowering her head and rubbing her temple, grimacing at the headache she already felt forming, Reese muttered, "I just don't want to hurt her. Telling her what they said… it's going to hurt her and I don't want that." Lifting her head, she looked at the redhead with eyes begging for some meager understanding as she continued, "And I can't lose her. I couldn't survive that, not now. I really believe that."
"I know," Audrey sighed, gazing sympathetically at her friend and moving into a sitting position. "You must tell her though. A relationship cannot survive when one person in it refuses to share all that they are with the other. If you were to do such a thing, keeping secrets from her to protect her, you would be carrying on with your deceptions of old. It would be a different sort but would remain a deception all the same."
"You're right," murmured Reese and she looked at Audrey with a lost and sad expression. Turning away from her business partner and gazing out the wide windows in her office, she said quietly, "I will tell her, Audrey. Just give me some time, once things aren't so new."
"As long as you tell her," said Audrey in uncharacteristically solemn tones. Focusing her attention back on Reese's design, her brow scrunched up slightly and she said in a dry revelation, "The building looks like that sausage you Americans eat. What is it? Hot puppy?"
"Hot dog," corrected Reese, laughing though she quickly appeared offended. "And it doesn't look like that!" Standing up, she walked over to Audrey and tilted her head, staring at the design, squinting slightly as she studied it. "Does it?"
"See for yourself," Audrey remarked, giving the schematic back to Reese who groaned.
"It does," said Reese with a sort of muted horror. "No wonder I thought it looked strange."
"Does Sig. Passeri eat hot dogs?" asked Audrey innocently. "Perhaps he would find this design delicious if so."
"Funny," said Reese sardonically, narrowing her eyes at the redhead. Making her way carefully through the sea of papers on the floor, Reese exited Audrey's office and said, "Thank you for your help but I'm leaving before you can make more jokes at my expense."
"Be sure to ask if he prefers our French mustard!" Audrey called out as Reese shut her office door with a humorous grumble.
The rest of her work day was spent fixing her design to the point it looked nothing at all like a hot dog and the length of the building was extended enough to ensure that the transfer of radiant energy was optimal. Leaving her office shortly before four thirty, Reese drove over to Cambias Industries, pleased to arrive almost precisely at five o'clock. Deciding that she didn't want to brave the many reception areas to return to Bianca's office, Reese remained in the lobby, calling Bianca's cell phone to let her know she was there. Two minutes later, the brunette was stepping off the elevator with a horde of people behind her, all chatting happily with her, and Bianca was smiling as she said her goodbyes and wished them a good weekend while she walked over to Reese.
"So," Bianca said dramatically, tugging on the bottom of Reese's shirt and putting an arm around her waist. "My surprise. What is it?"
"You're impatient," declared Reese teasingly. "Don't you want to make a guess?"
"No," said Bianca in supremely droll tones. "What's my surprise?"
Removing a small paper bag from her leather satchel, Reese held it up in a offering and said, "Multicolored macarons from Laduree?"
"I love these," gushed Bianca automatically, pulling out one of the pastel pastries that looked like small hamburgers. She started to bite into her pale pink treat but paused to regard Reese suspiciously. "This isn't my surprise, is it?"
"No," Reese laughed, shaking her head. "It's just a present. I saw you eyeing them on our way into the restaurant so I picked some up while you were in the ladies room as an addition to the already planned surprise."
"Mmm," Bianca murmured as she took a bite of the pastry happily. Quickly eating the small treat, she wiped her mouth as they approached Reese's silver BMW M5 and looked to the blonde expectantly. "Are you ever going to tell me what my surprise is? Or is this just a perverse plan of yours to drive me crazy because if it is, you're doing pretty well, I must admit."
Digging through her satchel again, Reese produced a drawing by Miranda that featured a decent likeness of them by three year old standards standing in front of a group of sail boats with the ocean in the background. "Here's one hint," she drawled and as Bianca took in her daughter's drawing with a smile on her face, Reese produced two train tickets for the brunette to see. "And here's the other."
"Marseille?" said Bianca slowly, taking in the destination printed on the tickets. Looking to Reese with large and impossibly excited eyes, she asked, "Your surprise is a trip to Marseille?"
"Just the two of us," Reese said, happiness and relief filling her on seeing Bianca's positive reaction. "I've asked Miranda and she's all for us having some time to ourselves as long as we call her tomorrow night to read her a bedtime story which I've already packed along with all your necessary travel items. Adele and Nathan agreed to watch her for the rest of the weekend and we'll be back in time to have a late supper with her at seven o'clock on Sunday. Well," she said, nerves still clinging to her. Afraid that despite what everyone said and Bianca's immediate enthusiasm her idea might not be the best one in the mind of a single parent. "What do you think?"
"I think you've thought of everything," said Bianca wryly, looking at Reese affectionately. When Reese blushed, she smiled softly, reaching out to cup her cheek, moving in close, her breath warm on the other woman's skin as she murmured, "Thank you. This is so sweet."
"But was it a good idea?" asked Reese, unable to rid herself of that anxiety just yet.
"It was a brilliant idea," Bianca said, a smile in her voice and on her lips before she kissed Reese with slow and tender care. When they parted, she looked at their tickets and said, "We should probably get going. Our train leaves in a little over an hour." Her arm firmly wrapped around Reese's waist and matching smiles on both their faces, they walked over to the passenger side of the BMW. Reese opened the car door for the brunette who moved to sit down but before she did, she held the other woman's face in her hands, making sure the architect was still as she initiated another detailed kiss that had a lazy sort of focus in its exploration, leaving no doubts to her romantic intent as she left nothing untouched. Once the kiss ended, Reese was breathless and trembling with desire and Bianca's gaze was dark and knowing, holding a sort of mischievous humor as she said in low tones, "Where are we staying in Marseille?"
"That," Reese drew the word out slowly and with equal mischief while she moved to close the car door. "Is a surprise."
To be continued...
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR: dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. F/F sex. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my plots for much more angsty fics.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm still writing but honestly, I'm not sure for how long. I've written fanfics for couples that don't exist except in my own mind but it's a bit difficult to write a romantic fluffy backstory for a couple that is doomed on the actual show itself. Hopefully we'll be left with some meager scraps and like BAM fans I can keep going on. If not, I do have two ideas for other AMC fanfics that I might start writing which don't involve Reese.
Anyway! Happy fluffy before things got fucked up by visiting Pine Valley fic away!
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Seventeen
Cambias Industries European Division was in a massive building located on the Boulevard Circulaire and Reese couldn't help pausing in her walk to admire it before pushing open the glass door that was tinted to prevent people on the street from looking in. The reception area for Cambias easily dwarfed the one at her own office and served to remind her the amount of money and power that was clearly available at Bianca's and a lesser extent, Miranda's, fingertips. It was something she had forgotten in her time with them because they were so down to Earth. Never once had Reese seen Bianca flaunt her wealth and while Reese hadn't spent a lot of time with children before meeting Bianca she considered Miranda to be a wonderfully well behaved child who wasn't spoiled by even the smallest implication of the word.
Which made it almost baffling to realize a huge portion of the wealth this building symbolized was theirs. This made her feel a bit overwhelmed as she walked up to the large black marble reception desk where one of three secretaries rose to her feet and greeted her with a smile. "Vous desirez, madame?"
"J'aimerais parler a Bianca Montgomery," said Reese and for the first time she wondered if she would actually be able to get past the reception area to see the brunette. She planned on taking her out for lunch as a surprise since Bianca said the night before that she had a large gap in her schedule today. The elevators were in sight but they were flanked by a pair of armed guards that served to make Nathan look practically cuddly in comparison. "Je m'appelle Reese Williams."
"Une seconde, s'il vous plait," said the secretary and she seemed to study Reese closely. "Je vais contacter le bureau de la directrice de gestion. Ils controllent les visiteurs pour Mme. Montgomery selon ses instructions."
The secretary was quickly on the phone, talking in a hush that left Reese with the impression they tended to take people who came to see Bianca fairly seriously. Especially from the way the two guards were now focused on her, one talking on a walkie talkie while the other kept his gaze firmly fixed on her. Though it was disturbing to realize she was being treated like possible threat as someone who cared for Bianca she was grateful to know that the company considered the other woman's safety to be of importance. She wondered if this was a normal routine for Bianca's visitors or if the brunette had failed to mention any threats that had been made against her.
Recalling the conversation from their second meeting, Reese knew that Bianca said her family had insisted on a bodyguard for Miranda to ease their minds about her living so far away but surely something else had prompted it. She resisted the urge to be like Maurice and use the newspapers and tabloids to learn about Bianca and her past, thinking it almost like a betrayal to the other woman, to discover things about her that way instead of through normal interactions. In Reese's mind to do that was almost like punishing Bianca because it was extremely unfair how public her life was forced to become just because of who her mother happened to be. The stories Bianca told about coming out at a charity ball because of a persistent tabloid reporter and her diary being stolen then published, they horrified Reese, and she refused to be a part of the problem by reading the work of people who had callously invaded Bianca's private life. Which admittedly left her in the dark about certain things she was sure more gossip friendly people, like Maurice, were privy to involving Bianca and her family.
"Mme. Williams?" the secretary inquired and when Reese turned her attention to her she observed the woman had a friendlier look on her face. "La directrice de gestion va vous voir," she nodded towards one of the armed guards who was standing at the blonde's side. "Edouard va vous accompagner a son bureau."
"Merci," said Reese with a smile, following after the guard to the elevators.
Silence reigned during the ride up to Bianca's office and when the doors opened at the twentieth floor she was once again met with the sight of a reception area that was much bigger than the one at her own office. The moment that she stepped forward, Reese was greeted by petite blonde with curly hair and a friendly smile. "Mme. Williams," she said genially, holding out her hand which the architect took for a quick handshake. "I'm Elaine Denton, Mme. Montgomery's personal assistant. I've come to escort you to her office." Looking over Reese's shoulder at the security guard, she said, "Merci Edouard." The guard nodded and stepped back onto the elevator, leaving Elaine to smile at Reese again and she motioned to the wide corridor on the left as she said, "Shall we?"
"Of course," said Reese, following after Elaine. "I haven't interrupted anything, have I? Bianca told me yesterday she was going to be free during this time of the day and I thought I would surprise her by taking her out to lunch."
"Mme. Montgomery did have a gap in her schedule today but she has been speaking with M. Bellamont for the past hour. I believe they are consumed with analyzing the quarterly returns," Elaine said and they rounded the corner to be presented with yet another reception area.
Noting rather sardonically that this one was the same size as the reception area in her own building, Reese watched Elaine speak quietly with the secretary. Several men in expensive suits were talking in a rush and exited the large office directly behind the secretary while two women holding large portfolios went inside. There was a flurry of activity and a harried a pace that reminded Reese of how her own office was when they were working on a deadline for an important account. Although Reese had a distinct feeling that this was the normal state of things. She suddenly wondered if maybe surprising Bianca wasn't such a good idea, especially given the hectic bustle surrounding the brunette's office.
Ridiculous as it was, Reese found herself thinking of those times she had gone to visit her mother during rehearsals for the orchestra. Despite the fact that she only came at her mother's request, Reese always found herself dismissed shortly after her arrival as Claire found more important things to do than spend time with her daughter. While she knew how different Bianca was Reese had that same feeling now and she just wanted to leave before it was confirmed the other woman was too busy for her because hearing those words from Bianca would hurt too much. Particularly in light of the romantic plans she had made for them this weekend.
Miranda was sleeping over at a friend's house tonight and after conferring with the little girl, Reese had the idea to take Bianca on a weekend getaway to Marseille. The younger woman often spoke about the city fondly and her love for visiting the area, even mentioning how she enjoyed going on the scenic three hour train rides from Paris to Marseille. Speaking with Adele and Nathan to arrange constant care and supervision for Miranda was easily accomplished as was getting Miranda's enthusiastic support for the trip. Although the child did inform Reese she had to bring along a copy of The Armadillo From Amarillo and call Saturday night to read it to her for a bedtime story. Part of the purpose of lunch was to tease Bianca with hints about the trip before surprising her with the news tonight.
Watching Elaine speak with the secretary and more people enter and exit Bianca's office, she sighed quietly and came to a decision. Tapping the personal assistant on the shoulder, Reese offered a small smile when Elaine turned to her. "It looks like Bianca doesn't have time for me," Reese began. "Please let her know I'll see her tonight when I pick her up at five o'clock?"
"What?" Elaine said, sounding dismayed, her eyes going wide. "No! Do not leave, Mme. Montgomery has not--"
Before she could continue, the doors to Bianca's office opened again and this time the brunette was at the door, smiling and saying goodbye to the two women holding large portfolios. On seeing Reese, her eyes lit up and she smiled widely as she cried out, "Reese! Hi!" Laughing happily, she pulled the other woman into a hug and when she moved back, Bianca reached up to push a lock of blonde hair out of the architect's eyes as she wore an affectionate expression. "I didn't know you were here."
"My apologies, Mme. Montgomery," said Elaine fretfully and she stepped in front of her employer. "I was making sure Yvette was informed where to direct your future visitors before I brought Mme. Williams to you."
"It's fine, Elaine," assured Bianca, giving an easy smile and wrapping an arm around Reese's waist. Directing her attention back to the blonde, beaming at her as she said, "As long as I know she's here now." Moments after she said this, a tall man in a grey pinstripe suit with thinning light brown hair walked out her office. "Roland," said Bianca warmly. "I want you to meet Reese Williams. We've been seeing each other the past," Bianca trailed off, looking to Reese, her brow furrowing in a way that Reese found adorable. "What has it been? Month? Two months?"
"Fifty five days," said Reese, her lips quirking up in a smile.
"Fifty five days," echoed Bianca smartly.
Laughing at this, Roland's eyes twinkled behind his wire rim glasses and he offered his right hand to Reese who accepted it for a handshake. "A pleasure to meet you, Mme. Williams," he murmured. "Many in our company have been curious about what has caused Bianca to be so happy in recent days and I consider myself lucky to discover the answer first hand."
"I consider myself luckier to be the cause," replied Reese an honest joy to her words that was reflected on her face, glancing at Bianca who gave that shy and sweet smile that never failed to charm her.
Some might consider it repetitive, the fact that again and again, things happened to Reese when she was with Bianca that never happened to her with anyone else. Countless new emotions and experiences consumed her and that was taking place once again in this moment, with Bianca proudly introducing her to an important and influential colleague, clearly delighted to see her, and dropping whatever she was doing to spend time with her without a second thought. Some might consider it repetitive but Reese didn't and she doubted she ever would, not when it made her feel this good. She just hoped things would always continue on this way, that Bianca would always prove to be so different.
"Well," Roland said, the twinkle still in his eyes as he shifted the briefcase in his hand. "I will leave you with the most attractive cause of your happiness, Bianca. Have a pleasant weekend if I do not see you again before the end of the day."
"You too, Roland," said Bianca, smiling at him and turning to Reese. "So," she said, amusement in her voice. "What are you doing here besides causing more happiness for me?"
"I was informed you had a gap in your schedule so I thought I would take you out to lunch," Reese, doing her best impression of that prim and proper voice Bianca used when she considered herself to be unquestionably correct.
"Really," Bianca said happily and when Reese nodded, she laughed, looking around the blonde to her personal assistant. "It looks like I'll be out of the office for the next hour or so, Elaine. Hold down the fort for me?"
"Of course, Mme. Montgomery," said Elaine, smiling at her employer.
"Come on," said Bianca, taking Reese's hand and pulling the other woman inside her office. "I need to get my purse."
Immediately on entering the office, Reese began studying her surroundings, the architect in her focusing on the minute details. The high ceilings and the large windows that were floor length and the black leather couches. In a way, it reminded Reese of her own house in how it didn't really reflect Bianca's personality. It was stark and formal and she found herself frowning as she continued to take it all in. Something that Bianca must have noticed as she approached with a concerned look on her face, taking Reese's hands in her own, and tilting her head.
"What's the matter?" questioned Bianca.
"Nothing," said Reese and when Bianca formed a frown that matched her own, she shook her head and gave a rueful laugh. "This office just reminds me of when you came over to my house for the first time. How you said it didn't seem like me?"
Looking around her office, Bianca inspected the décor before turning back to Reese as she said wryly, "I don't like it either but to be honest, I never thought I would be here as long as I have. I'm not exactly the ruthless corporate executive and I never had a real passion for business but I did want to make sure that Miranda's future was secure. I guess because of that I've never gotten around to making it look like my own." Raising an eyebrow, Bianca asked humorously, "Why? Do you want to fix that?"
"I do know a few decorators," said Reese comically and she hooked her arm in Bianca's as they walked out the door.
Arriving at 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées fifteen minutes later, they entered the restaurant Laduree. They were soon seated, placing orders of roast cod with sarawak pepper and mashed sweet potatoes with ginger confit and the grilled lamb with peppers and potimarron squash. As they waited for their food, they settled into an easy and natural conversation that Reese never found lacking when she was with Bianca. To her it was just another sign of how very right she considered their relationship to be.
"Miranda was excited about the sleepover at Genevieve's tonight," said Reese, taking a sip of her water. "How does Nathan feel about it though? I didn't get to ask his stance on an assortment of girly bows being put in his hair. Miranda is awfully into playing hairdresser lately."
"Oh god," Bianca laughed. "You're lucky you didn't say anything. He told me he's not sure what to do with himself but he doesn't want to leave Miranda on her own all the same. Nathan says that as trustworthy as the Chenaults are, which must be true because I know he did a detailed background check on them the instant Miranda was invited to the sleepover, he needed to be there simply due to the security risk. I'm glad he's going, honestly, but I do wonder how he's going to keep himself busy with all those little girls. At least Genevieve's parents understood."
"I'm sure he'll love playing tea party," said Reese in reassuring tones. "Miranda's roped him into it enough times."
"That's wrong," said Bianca, laughing and shaking her head. "She gets away with so much with Nathan, I swear. He never has the heart to say no to her. It's honestly the cutest thing considering how tough he likes to look and act."
"I can't say I blame him," said Reese, rather bemused. "I find it hard to say no to Miranda myself. Especially when she's being absurdly cute like her mother." When Bianca rolled her eyes, Reese chuckled then said, purposefully casual, "We'll be all alone." Noting the way Bianca's eyes seemed to grow darker and more intense at this, she continued, "I wonder how we should occupy ourselves?"
"I don't know," said Bianca, forming a slow smile. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Several," said Reese rather slyly and then she took a slow sip of her water. "But they're all surprises."
"You're teasing me again," Bianca accused, her eyes narrowing. Leaning across the table, she tucked her fingers underneath Reese's turtleneck to pull the blonde forward, her lips a breath away from a kiss. "Remember what happens when you tease me?"
"Fun things," drawled Reese and she appeared extremely pleased with herself.
Giving a playful growl, Bianca captured Reese's lips for a kiss and she held the blonde's face in her hands, thumbs moving in a light caress as she murmured, "I think you enjoy frustrating me."
"You do make the best faces when I do," said Reese truthfully, laughing when Bianca grumbled and kissed her again before sitting back in her seat. "I will say this," Reese murmured, holding up a finger and smiling widely. "My plans have all been Miranda approved and endorsed."
"You've got my daughter in on this?" asked Bianca with exaggerated outrage. "I think I'm going to have to call Nathan once I'm back in the office and see if he can't get her on the phone to tell me what's going on."
"Cheater!" exclaimed Reese, looking overly offended. "And it won't work anyway. Miranda wouldn't tell you anything and neither will Nathan. I've got their loyalty on this. Why do you want to ruin your surprise?"
There was a pause and Bianca's face made a gradual transformation from cheerful to serious and she turned away from Reese as she murmured, looking far off and lost in memories, "Surprises usually never end well for me."
Seeing Bianca like this hurt Reese more than she could properly understand. It was these rare moments, when Bianca's effervescent smile left her along with her eternal optimism that Reese wondered what happened in the brunette's past that she could look that way. That she could wear such a grave expression and have that veil of dark knowledge in her eyes that spoke of things that haunted a person, things you couldn't ever forget, and it bothered Reese more than she could ever say.
"Well," said Reese brightly, hoping her mood would somehow effect Bianca's, and reaching across to entwine their fingers, squeezing the other woman's hand softly. "Hopefully you'll like this surprise. Miranda thinks you will and so do I."
"I'm sure I'll like it," Bianca replied, her attention moving back to Reese and giving a lovely smile. "Although," her eyes twinkled and her expression was a tad impish. "I would probably like it a lot more if I knew exactly what it was."
"Then it wouldn't be a surprise," Reese chastised, clucking her tongue.
"I told you," said Bianca teasingly, moving for another kiss. Murmuring against Reese's lips, "I don't like surprises."
The waiter returning with food in hand stopped Bianca from further interrogations of Reese and while the blonde did want to keep her surprise a secret part of her was disappointed all the same. Particularly since Bianca's way of getting information involved her lips on Reese's. Small talk consumed them along with prying questions from the brunette about her surprise as they enjoyed a leisurely lunch. They returned to Cambias Industries an hour later, much fuller and Bianca still asking questions, clearly curious about Reese's plans for them.
Try as she might, Reese couldn't concentrate on her work due to her excitement over their trip to Marseille and her anxiety as she wondered if Bianca would really enjoy it as much as Miranda, Nathan, and Adele thought she would. That's why she gathered up her most recent design for Sig. Passeri and braved her way into Audrey's war zone of an office that had more files and schematics tossed about the floor. When she entered, Reese found the redhead lying on one of her sofas, squinting and staring up at a large blueprint she held in her hands.
"I need your help," confessed Reese, feeling rather sheepish. She tip toed her way around the clutter and sat on the sofa across from Audrey while her business partner lowered the blueprint and frowned at her faintly. Holding out her schematic, she said, "What do you think about extending the building dimensions to help with the radiative heat transfer? I've been staring at the design for the last hour, trying to figure out if it would negatively effect the style that Sig. Passeri wants to achieve without any luck."
Accepting the schematic and studying the design, Audrey asked, "Why do you find yourself distracted?"
"I'm surprising Bianca with a trip to Marseille this weekend," said Reese, anticipation visible in her face and voice, scooting forward to sit at the edge of the sofa. "Miranda has a sleepover tonight and when I heard about it I thought it might be a nice chance for us to have some time alone and go on a trip at the same time. The nanny agreed to watch Miranda for the rest of the weekend and I think Bianca will like it but I'm not convinced, you know? She told me today that she doesn't really enjoy surprises and this does qualify."
Releasing a thoughtful murmur, Audrey said almost pointedly, "This is a happy surprise though. I am sure Bianca does not have a problem with things such as that. However, I would expect her to feel quite different about discovering your parents rejection."
"Okay," Reese said in strained tones, her jaw clenched slightly as she eyed her friend. "Just say it already. Ever since I've come back from New York and told you about my parents you've been making little remarks like that constantly so just say it, would you?"
"I have said it," replied Audrey as she turned to Reese. "You simply refuse to listen. I am aware of how much you value your relationship with Bianca but I cannot see how it will ever survive should you insist on keeping things from her which are of importance."
"And I'm telling you that my parents don't matter anymore," said Reese, getting more agitated by the moment. "The second they turned me away for finally letting them know who I really am, that’s when they stopped being important to me."
"This is how you feel but can you honestly say you believe Bianca would agree?" asked Audrey.
Lowering her head and rubbing her temple, grimacing at the headache she already felt forming, Reese muttered, "I just don't want to hurt her. Telling her what they said… it's going to hurt her and I don't want that." Lifting her head, she looked at the redhead with eyes begging for some meager understanding as she continued, "And I can't lose her. I couldn't survive that, not now. I really believe that."
"I know," Audrey sighed, gazing sympathetically at her friend and moving into a sitting position. "You must tell her though. A relationship cannot survive when one person in it refuses to share all that they are with the other. If you were to do such a thing, keeping secrets from her to protect her, you would be carrying on with your deceptions of old. It would be a different sort but would remain a deception all the same."
"You're right," murmured Reese and she looked at Audrey with a lost and sad expression. Turning away from her business partner and gazing out the wide windows in her office, she said quietly, "I will tell her, Audrey. Just give me some time, once things aren't so new."
"As long as you tell her," said Audrey in uncharacteristically solemn tones. Focusing her attention back on Reese's design, her brow scrunched up slightly and she said in a dry revelation, "The building looks like that sausage you Americans eat. What is it? Hot puppy?"
"Hot dog," corrected Reese, laughing though she quickly appeared offended. "And it doesn't look like that!" Standing up, she walked over to Audrey and tilted her head, staring at the design, squinting slightly as she studied it. "Does it?"
"See for yourself," Audrey remarked, giving the schematic back to Reese who groaned.
"It does," said Reese with a sort of muted horror. "No wonder I thought it looked strange."
"Does Sig. Passeri eat hot dogs?" asked Audrey innocently. "Perhaps he would find this design delicious if so."
"Funny," said Reese sardonically, narrowing her eyes at the redhead. Making her way carefully through the sea of papers on the floor, Reese exited Audrey's office and said, "Thank you for your help but I'm leaving before you can make more jokes at my expense."
"Be sure to ask if he prefers our French mustard!" Audrey called out as Reese shut her office door with a humorous grumble.
The rest of her work day was spent fixing her design to the point it looked nothing at all like a hot dog and the length of the building was extended enough to ensure that the transfer of radiant energy was optimal. Leaving her office shortly before four thirty, Reese drove over to Cambias Industries, pleased to arrive almost precisely at five o'clock. Deciding that she didn't want to brave the many reception areas to return to Bianca's office, Reese remained in the lobby, calling Bianca's cell phone to let her know she was there. Two minutes later, the brunette was stepping off the elevator with a horde of people behind her, all chatting happily with her, and Bianca was smiling as she said her goodbyes and wished them a good weekend while she walked over to Reese.
"So," Bianca said dramatically, tugging on the bottom of Reese's shirt and putting an arm around her waist. "My surprise. What is it?"
"You're impatient," declared Reese teasingly. "Don't you want to make a guess?"
"No," said Bianca in supremely droll tones. "What's my surprise?"
Removing a small paper bag from her leather satchel, Reese held it up in a offering and said, "Multicolored macarons from Laduree?"
"I love these," gushed Bianca automatically, pulling out one of the pastel pastries that looked like small hamburgers. She started to bite into her pale pink treat but paused to regard Reese suspiciously. "This isn't my surprise, is it?"
"No," Reese laughed, shaking her head. "It's just a present. I saw you eyeing them on our way into the restaurant so I picked some up while you were in the ladies room as an addition to the already planned surprise."
"Mmm," Bianca murmured as she took a bite of the pastry happily. Quickly eating the small treat, she wiped her mouth as they approached Reese's silver BMW M5 and looked to the blonde expectantly. "Are you ever going to tell me what my surprise is? Or is this just a perverse plan of yours to drive me crazy because if it is, you're doing pretty well, I must admit."
Digging through her satchel again, Reese produced a drawing by Miranda that featured a decent likeness of them by three year old standards standing in front of a group of sail boats with the ocean in the background. "Here's one hint," she drawled and as Bianca took in her daughter's drawing with a smile on her face, Reese produced two train tickets for the brunette to see. "And here's the other."
"Marseille?" said Bianca slowly, taking in the destination printed on the tickets. Looking to Reese with large and impossibly excited eyes, she asked, "Your surprise is a trip to Marseille?"
"Just the two of us," Reese said, happiness and relief filling her on seeing Bianca's positive reaction. "I've asked Miranda and she's all for us having some time to ourselves as long as we call her tomorrow night to read her a bedtime story which I've already packed along with all your necessary travel items. Adele and Nathan agreed to watch her for the rest of the weekend and we'll be back in time to have a late supper with her at seven o'clock on Sunday. Well," she said, nerves still clinging to her. Afraid that despite what everyone said and Bianca's immediate enthusiasm her idea might not be the best one in the mind of a single parent. "What do you think?"
"I think you've thought of everything," said Bianca wryly, looking at Reese affectionately. When Reese blushed, she smiled softly, reaching out to cup her cheek, moving in close, her breath warm on the other woman's skin as she murmured, "Thank you. This is so sweet."
"But was it a good idea?" asked Reese, unable to rid herself of that anxiety just yet.
"It was a brilliant idea," Bianca said, a smile in her voice and on her lips before she kissed Reese with slow and tender care. When they parted, she looked at their tickets and said, "We should probably get going. Our train leaves in a little over an hour." Her arm firmly wrapped around Reese's waist and matching smiles on both their faces, they walked over to the passenger side of the BMW. Reese opened the car door for the brunette who moved to sit down but before she did, she held the other woman's face in her hands, making sure the architect was still as she initiated another detailed kiss that had a lazy sort of focus in its exploration, leaving no doubts to her romantic intent as she left nothing untouched. Once the kiss ended, Reese was breathless and trembling with desire and Bianca's gaze was dark and knowing, holding a sort of mischievous humor as she said in low tones, "Where are we staying in Marseille?"
"That," Reese drew the word out slowly and with equal mischief while she moved to close the car door. "Is a surprise."
To be continued...