"Marco...?" she moves into the forward seat. "Please. Where am I going? What is going on?"
Marco laughs softly. "Please don't worry. Patrick has a wonderful day planned for you. I promise, all will be wonderful. So sit back and enjoy the ride and the views. When we hit the Queens bridge, the views out the left will be fabulous. I'll even ride the left lane so you can see."
"Thank you for taking care of me." Marco starts to close the partition again, but Heather stops him... "please... can you leave it open?" Heather takes a water from the small cooler and offers it to Marco.
"Thank you... I have always said Mr. Patrick has excellent taste. I normally mean that in terms of cars and clothes and sports and restaurants... but I think he has great taste in people too."
Heather laughs, "Thank you Marco!"
Heather moves to the left side seat and stares out the window, soon seeing the wonderful views of lower Manhattan. She has never been to the city and marvels at the skyscrapers as they cross the river, soon disappearing into the metropolis, the sky replaced by tall buildings. There are people everywhere, the hustle and bustle, cars and buses and bikes and noises. Heather moves to the seat behind Marco again.
"Marco...?" she hesitates...
"I am taking you to the St. Laurent to see Madeline. She and her staff will be taking care of you today. Please don't worry. You will have a wonderful time, I promise."
"The St. Laurent?." she wonders aloud.
"Yup. It's a wonderful place."
"It that where Patrick sends all his girl?" she smiles, but Marco knows buried in the light tone is a delicate and intentional question.
"No," he laughs. "I only know Madeline by reputation and a few trips Patrick has taken there to relax. Honestly, Patrick has never had a woman in his life long enough to treat her to something like the St. Laurent. But that's what makes this a little odd... he's been planning this visit for weeks."
"Really? But I only just met him?"
"Well, something changed a little while back. The focus he has always had in the business world, suddenly got turned to something personal. I didn't know what it was until last weekend. He is a driven man and now, you are his focus. He has conquered the business world, and honestly, I think he has missed the rest of life. He only knows one way to roll... and that's All In. Whatever you did, you have his attention..."
"But I don't know what I did? Do you? I think I remember bumping into him a couple times at the building... getting coffee, walking or on the way out to lunch. He was always so nice and polite, but nothing more."
"I thought when he started working in the building that he was researching an investment opportunity, but I don't think that was it at all. It was you Heather."
"Me??" she laughs. "I didn't even know him. Who is he Marco?"
"Patrick is... Patrick. He's driven and successful... travels quite a bit, mainly on business. He doesn't have a family so he created his own... you've seen some of it.... Robert and his girls, Marie and her family. Sylvia and Bridget. He's intense. He's one of the most capable people I've ever met at everything he does. He doesn't do things halfway... it's all or nothing."
"But why me?"
"I don't know what happened. All I know is things changed a few months ago. You'll see him later today and may ask him. But I can say... he never does anything without purpose and knowing everything he can about a situation. I think you might be surprised at what he might know about you. Don't let that scare you. He is a kind and generous person, more than anyone I have ever known, and I've known a bunch of wealthy people. He is very genuine. He doesn't put on airs. He is comfortable in a corporate board room. But I've also seen him shot-gunning beers while tailgating with complete strangers!"
"wow..." Heather sits back, wondering how he found her, what he knows about her, why it's all happening... and happening so fast.
Traffic is busy, but moving fairly well. They head west, and pass the south end of the Park. They continue west, heading through the busy streets. Heather stares out the window at the city, such a wonderful, interesting drive. They cut across midtown, west of the park, then a quick turn north and they are in the older neighborhoods, picturesque brownstones, lovely trees... some expensive real-estate. After several blocks, Marco pulls off in front of one of the many brownstones. He opens the door for her, offering a hand as she steps out. He leads her up the steps where he rings the bell. The door is opened almost immediately by an elegant, older woman with light gray hair and soft hazel eyes.
"Hello Marco! and this must be Miss Heather. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Madeline. Welcome to The St. Laurent. Please come in."
Heather shakes her hand politely and steps into the foyer. It is old and beautiful.
"Thank you Marco. We will ring you when she is ready."
"Very good Madeline."
Marco leaves and Madeline closes the door.
"Thank you for joining us here today Miss Heather. We have a full day in front of us, but don't you worry... we are here to take care of you and prepare you for your evening. You are our most important client and only guest today!"
She gestures to the right and leads Heather into a dining area with several round tables. At the front window, overlooking a window garden filled with flowers and the small trees lining the quiet street sits a smaller table laid out with fresh fruits and juices, a selection of pastries and coffee.The weather is pleasant and the windows are open.
"Please sit. Could I bring you something from the kitchen... an omelette, pancakes... anything you would like at all?"
"No, thank you. I had a small bite on the plane. What's here looks perfect. What's going on this evening?"
"Patrick asked us not to provide any details," Madeline smiles politely. "I will be back in a short time and we will get started."
Heather leans back in her chair, staring out the window. The sounds of the city are somehow faint here... she hears the birds chirping and the flowers smell wonderful. Helping herself to some fruit, taking her time, she smiles slightly, tingling inside. She has no idea what Patrick has planned, or why she is at the St. Laurent, or what Madeline does.
'But does it really matter Heather?' she wonders. 'I followed Marco out the door on a complete whim... and you know exactly why you're here...'
Her looks around the room... the house is opulent... rich woods, thick carpet, wonderful paintings. She sips at her coffee, enjoying the rich flavors, enjoying a slow, lazy breakfast. Madeline enters, just as she is finishing up, almost as if she were watching but Heather never saw her.
"Miss Heather, we have a wonderful day planned for you. Mr. Patrick was very emphatic that we pamper you and provide you with every comfort... it is what we do. If you are finished with your breakfast, please follow me..."
Madeline leads her down a hall leading back into the building and into a small room. Hanging there is a white terry cloth robe.
"If you would please disrobe and slip into the robe, we will be visiting Evelyn next for a wonderful manicure and pedicure. We will launder and fold your things for you. Please walk out when you are ready."
Heather feels awkward but strips bare, setting her shorts and sweatshirt on the chair, embarrassed that she has no under garments. She slips into the wonderfully soft and comfortable terry cloth. As she leaves the room, Madeline is approaching down the hallway. She leads Heather into a room further along the hall. Waiting is a delightful middle aged woman who introduces herself as Evelyn. She ushers Heather into a comfortable lounge chair and soon her hands and feet are soaking in wonderful warm water with scented oils. In a few minutes, four girls enter and surround her, one on each of her hands and feet. They start using emery boards and files and clips, carefully taking care of her nails. Heather has had her nails done, but nothing like this incredible pampering. They lay her back into the chair, a warm cloth over her eyes, gently massaging and cleaning her hands and feet with such wonderful care and expertise. She relaxes, listening to the soft instrumental music, taking in the soft aromas of incense and oils. They are very good at their work and before long, they are helping her to her feet.