The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman

Author:Carrie Karasyov & Jill Kargman
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780767918947
Publisher: Crown/Archetype
Published: 2004-04-27T04:00:00+00:00

chapter 29

Cordelia and Jerome, with arms linked, made their way up Madison from Fifty-seventh to Seventy-second in over three hours, enjoying the chilly air and brisk pace as the Vances’ driver slowly moved alongside them, carrying the day’s purchases. It was the pair’s favorite activity, like a special date they both loved each season, with the dynamic combo of her money, his taste, platinum plastic, and garment bags.

But that day, even when the ready-to-wear gown fit as if it were couture or a brand-new piece from the Cruise collection was being unpacked in the store, Cordelia’s usual sparkle was muted and dulled. When Jerome ran across Valentino, spying the ultimate beaded top, her normal yelp was this time a nod and forced smile, which quickly evaporated as her eyes belied a grayness inside her. Jerome said nothing. He knew. He had already heard rumors the day before at Swifty’s that his poor friend’s husband had a girlfriend.

As they strolled across the street to Armani, Cordelia looked at her pal, who seemed to want to help her so much. She knew she was being a bit of a downer, but she couldn’t even manufacture enthusiasm for new things when she truly wanted something else altogether.

“Jerome, I . . .”

“What, dear?”

“I . . . feel like . . . something is missing in my life. I’ve been feeling this for quite some time now, and I’ve come to realize what it is.”

“A new bauble from Fred Leighton?”

“No. A daughter.”

“That’s fabulous! That’s the best news I’ve heard since Jerry Zipkin died!”

Cordelia smiled, the first real one all day; she was relieved her dream wasn’t thought foolish.

“It’s not that my sons aren’t great—they’re wonderful. But they’re all grown up now, and I still feel like I have so much to give. It’s like this wave of energy trapped inside me. I really want to adopt a baby girl.”

“That’s fabulous. Fabulous! You know, there are so many underprivileged children in this world crying out for a home. You could take one in.”

“We have plenty of room. I could do up a nursery in no time.” She drifted off with visions of pink chintzes and a white crib with custom linens. Maybe she should swing by the D&D building in the morning. Just uttering the words aloud gave her a new hope.

“I think it could be really chic to do a mulatto,” said Jerome. “Blends are the way of the future. So modern. It’s good to have a little bouillabaisse of genes.”

“You’re right! I’m so glad you agree with me!” said Cordelia, now beaming.

“I’m very proud of you, Cord. Not many people would take in a needy youth. It takes real humanity and sensitivity to care about the forgotten children and let them be a part of you.”

“Oh, Jerome, thank you,” she said, hugging him. “You always know just what to say.”

When they got to the canopy of 741 Park, the doormen immediately rushed out and started unloading the car. Cordelia squeezed Jerome tightly, and as she looked into his eyes before heading into the lobby, she felt completely understood.

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