Chapter Twenty-Two

Eleanor's POV 

Parker's birthday was in two days, and I had no clue what to get him. I had been preoccupied lately, what with all the preparations I put in my gallery and my sons? Also with the fact that Parker and I had been going to various play schools for Luke checking the place out. We found one we really liked that was close to Parker's company building just in case anything happens during the day. Parker would be able to get him in time. Luke was enrolled to start after the new year. At least that was one thing checked off the list.

I was also finished with my art gallery. I had enough paintings to finally open it up for the grand opening. I'd spent all my time on the paintings of all sorts of things. My manager-like person, the one who was in charge of the gallery, advised me to put up a few of my pieces for sale. I thought about it long and hard, but Parker finally convinced me to do it. 

The grand opening/showing was set for tonight. I was a nervous wreck all day, going back and forth to the gallery and check if everything was set. Parker took the day off from work to be able to go tonight ...and also to watch over Luke and Peyton for me. 

I was now standing in front of the full-length mirror in my closet. I tried on a few clothes, not entirely sure what was appropriate to wear at my own art show opening. I finally settled on a conservative black dress with a white shawl over. If Summer was to see me right now, she'd have a fit and tease me about dressing like an old lady. 

Oh well, I thought. She'll just have to admonish me later. Right now, I was too overwhelmed with nerves to care. 

I took one final look at the mirror, and a reminiscing smile passed over my face. It was crazy to think I would ever be doing this. By this I meant, doing something productive with my art. My parents had always brushed off my talent as useless. They were disappointed that I wouldn't follow their footsteps in the medical field.

"Eleanor? Are you ready?" I was startled from my thoughts when I heard Parker's knock and voice through the door. "We should be going in a bit so we won't be late."

"Yeah!" I yelled out shakily. "I'll- I'll be there in a sec." 

With one final fixing of dress and strapping my heels, I opened the door to find Parker's retreating back. He turned when he heard my door open, his smile widening each second. I gave a him shy look and twirled playfully. "What do you think?"

"Beautiful," he commented while nodded appreciatively. "Absolutely breathtaking."

"Why thank you," I curtsied slightly and grinned at him. I wasn't the only one dressed for the occasion. Parker was dressed in dark pressed jeans, a white button down shirt, and a suit jacket over it. The shirt was unbuttoned at the top two buttons, just the way I liked it. It wasn't one of his usual work attire, which was too formal for my liking. I wanted to have the most relaxing night as I could. "Let's go?"

He held out his arm for me to hook mine in and pulled me close to him when I did. "Luke and Peyton are already on their way with my parents."

"What?" I asked baffled. "Since when?"

"A few minutes ago while you were getting ready," he explained leading me up to the front door. "Agatha insisted on taking them with her and my father. She states that the lady of the night, you," he looked at me, "and along with her husband, which would be me," he then pointed at himself, "should have a grand arrival."

"But they're my kids," I frowned. "They're a part of me. I don't see why they can't tag along."

"I know, but trust me. It's better this way. Just you and me. Alone..."

I laughed out loud heartily and slapped him on his chest. "Behave yourself."

On the way Parker didn't try anything like he suggested. He just held my hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb calming my nerves. He was the only one who had the power to do that. The sun was setting by the time we reached the place. Thankfully, the rainy weather wasn't making its presence today or else it would have been a disaster. I stared longingly out the window and to my art gallery. 

La Bella Luna. The beautiful moon.

I named it one night after pondering over name options. I was staring out the window when the clouds revealed the full moon on a clear night. It was a bit cliche, but the name sounded right at the time. It still does.

Parker passed it to the park in the adjacent parking lot beside it where cars were surprisingly already parked. Parker and I's hands found each other as we made the way to the crowded entrance. They all looked at me expectantly and with smiles on their faces. Wow. I never knew this much people would show up! 

I invited a few of my friends. Summer, Finn, Laura, and Greg. I spotted them huddled together immediately with Laura's own children around her. Summer waved at me enthusiastically, and I did the same towards her with my free one. My eyes roamed down her body and stopped at her stomach. A bulging one that is. It was a tiny bump, but it was still there. I could see her effort in trying to cover it by wearing a slightly loose dress. I was going to have a serious conversation with her later.

"I hope you don't mind," Parker whispered to me. "I invited some co workers over as well."

I shook my head. "I don't. I'm actually glad you did or else there wouldn't be this many people."

"Momma!" Luke yelled running over to me in his khakis and collared shirt. "We're waiting for you to cut! Come on! Come on! Come on!" 

I laughed and smiled at a few people I recognized as I was being led to the entrance doors by my son. Agatha and Thomas were already there with Peyton snugly settled into Thomas' arms. That sight would have surprised me at any other time. There was the hired photographer we hired for the evening; I wanted to cherish and remember everything about tonight. In a way it was a new milestone of my journey with Parker.

"Here Momma!" Luke let go of my hand to give me a scissor to cut the big red ribbon in front of the doorway. "Cut it!" I tried to hold back a flinch at seeing my son handle the scissors incorrectly. Sorry, motherly instinct.

"It seems like our son is more excited about this than you are," Parker chuckled brushing his hand on my shoulder. 

I nodded and laughed, agreeing with him. "He probably is." Then she directed her next words to Luke. Let me say a few words before I cut, alright my angel?"

I went to stand on the top step of the entrance and looked out at the crowd before me. Some faces I recognized but others I did not. They all looked up at me with kind gazes nonetheless. I said my quick words of gratitude and then cut the ribbon! Applause erupted around me, and I opened the finished art gallery for the first time. 

I was the first to step in, with me clutching onto Parker's arm beside me. The place really transformed from what it looked like this morning. The finishing touches and the last minute paint job beautified the entire place. My artwork were exquisitely placed around the walls with gold-colored intricate frames around them.

My mind was wandering and didn't realize Parker was no longer beside me. I turned around and saw him eyeing one of my artwork on the wall. When I walked closer to see which painting it was, I blushed a deep scarlet. It was one of his portraits I did.

"What do you think?" I asked softly. 

"What I think?" He looked at me briefly before turning his attention back on it. He had one arm across his chest and the other on that arm, with his chin his hand. "Hmm, I don't think you've captured my looks right. I think I'm more handsome that that." I shook my head in amusement. "I know I looked handsomer than that. A for effort on the beauty, though."

I slapped him hard on the chest with mock anger. "No insulting my art, thank you very much."

Parker laughed and pulled me to his side. "I'm teasing you. Do I really look that handsome?"

"Oh yeah," I winked at him and walked over to where I spotted Summer inspecting a piece with Finn. Time for my interrogation. "So, when were you going to decide to tell me about the baby growing inside of you?" I asked from behind Summer.

She jumped in surprise and twirled around to face me. I gave her a mocking look and tapped my foot. "Well?" I made a point to look down at her growing belly. 

"This is my cue to leave," Finn piped up winking at me. He left after giving his fiancee a chaste kiss on the temple. 

"Finn wait, no!" She called after him, but he was already gone. Sheepishly, she slowly looked at me. "It just happened. I didn't want to tell you yet... I wanted to make a huge surprise, but I guess the cat's out of the bag now huh?"

I nodded. "Oh Summer. Is this the reason for rushing the wedding? The reason for altering the wedding dress?"

"Yeah... Surprise!" My best friend exclaimed meekly. "You're not mad, are you?" 

I shook my head frowning. "Of course not. I'm a bit disappointed that you didn't tell me beforehand, but whatever. I'm really happy for you and Finn. Congratulations!" I hugged my friend to me tightly. Summer started crying softly on my shoulder. "Don't tell me you're crying."

"It's the hormones," she muttered through her tears. 

I laughed and hugged her tighter. "If you ever need any food for your little baby, the food's near the front."

"Honey, I'm on my third rounds." Summer said playfully. "Come on, why don't you show me your paintings and tell me all about them."

"You've sold yourself three paintings, Mrs. Jenkins." 

My eyes widened in bewilderment. The gallery was busily going through its third hour of opening. People were coming and going, the chatter never leaving the place. Luke and Peyton were already long gone, leaving with their grandparents, Thomas and Agatha. I admired Agatha for taking care of them. Also my respect for Thomas grew considerably well. I could tell he treated my sons kindly, like a grandfather should. 

Parker was still a bit frigid around him. Uptight as always. He couldn't bear to understand that his father had changed. My husband stayed behind with me until the grand opening closes for the night. It was due to happen in an hour or so.

We were currently with the manager who was in charge of everything, Lissa, who just informed me that I made profit off of my artwork. "A very nice sale for your first day."

"Wow," I breathed out grinning. I turned to look at Parker beside me. "Did you hear?"

He nodded. "Of course. I'm right beside the entire time. Congratulations."

"That's amazing!" I exclaimed to a smiling Lissa. "Have the reporters gone away?" I was referring to the flock of reporters standing outside waiting for me to come out. Well... Most likely Parker. He was a well-known CEO and the important deal he just recently made were fluttering throughout the media. The reporters probably wanted to hear what he has to say. It was kind of rude, I guess, but it didn't matter to them the place. Just as long as they were close to Parker for his insight.

"Most, yes. It is safe for you both to leave if you wish. I'll stay here and make sure everything is locked up. Plus, the night guard we hired is due to come anytime soon to watch over things."

"Let's go?" I asked Parker who was in the process of yawning. Yes, it was definitely time to go. 

I led him out the doors and into the biting cold air. I shivered in the shawl I was wearing, which only covered most of my bare arms. I felt a placement of a jacket around my shoulders and smiled up at Parker who was now in only his buttoned long sleeved shirt. 

"It was a successful night, don't you think?" He asked. 

"Absolutely. I've never been this happy," I admitted wistfully. "I always wanted to have a living doing something I loved, and this is it. Owning an art gallery... Wow. I just never saw myself owning one. Can you imagine? Just a few months ago, I was homeless with two kids. Now look at me..."

"All of this," Parker made a motion with his hand pointing all around us. "You deserve it."

We both stopped in our tracks on the way to the car. I stepped up closer to him, tilting up face upwards. "Like I deserve you?" I teased.

A cheshire smile lit his face up. "Oh yeah."

Our lips were connected right then, in a passionate kiss. I had my arms bundled under the jacket and couldn't touch him or bring him closer. It was a good thing Parker wrapped me in his arms and into his warm chest. I deepened the kiss by giving him access to my mouth, our tongues instantly fighting in battle for dominance. Surprisingly, I won and did a cheerful victory dance in my head.

I dropped the jacket around me to the ground and wound me arms up his neck fiddling with his hair. Oh, only this man can bring me up on my toes wanting more with just a few seconds of kissing. I licked up tongue around his lips and pulled away looking into his eyes dazedly. Parker opened his and looked back at me with a warm gaze in his eyes. It was hard to see his beautiful eye colors due to the lack of lighting. Although I knew those brown eyes were sparkling.

Staring at him with such intensity, I realized one thing. I should tell him. My feelings, I mean. I should tell him that I love him. It didn't sound so bad in my head. In fact I wanted to. Forget the 'deal' we had in the beginning. We had broken it already so many times before.

"Parker..." I started running my hands down the length of his arms to his hands. He intertwined it right away kissing the back of one hand.

"Hmm?" He asked. 

"I... I should tell you that..." He looked at me expectantly patient as ever. I took a deep breath closing my eyes trying to focus on what I was trying to say without all the rambling. "Parker, I lo-"

"Eleanor?" 

Damn. Can you say bad timing? I sighed and turned to the right where the source of the voice emitted from. It didn't even come across my mind that we were still in a public place. People could be taking pictures of us kissing for all I know!

I sighed and tried to make out the figure. It definitely wasn't Lissa. The person was of bigger built and its features very masculine. "Yes?" I asked stepping away from Parker. 

"It's me." 

Caleb stepped into view, under the light of a lamp post. A gasp flew from my mouth. I hadn't seen him in weeks since the incident with Parker! What was he doing here? 

"I- I heard about your art gallery. I decided to stop by and congratulate you," he explained with a small smile on his ever handsome face. He held out a bouquet of white lilies. One of the few flowers I liked. He remembered. 

"What the hell are you doing here showing your face?" 

Parker was no longer behind me but in front blocking my view of Caleb. "I'm here for my friend. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Everything happened so fast. First Caleb was in front of me, but the next Parker had his hand clutching the collar of his shirt. I witnessed the flowers flying to the ground. 

"Parker stop! Let him go!" I ran over to put my hands over his own. After a long second, Parker let go. I pushed him back as hard as I could but only resulted in a step or two back. "Please guys. Don't even think of starting a fight right here."

"Nothing would happen if that son of a bitch never showed up," Parker seethed. 

Caleb flinched momentarily. I would have too if my best friend insulted me like that. "Parker please!" I turned around exasperated and gave him the iciest of glares. 

"I just want to talk," Caleb explained behind me. "Eleanor, I want to apologize for the last time we met."

"Then talk," Parker spat ignoring my look. 

"Alone."

My husband scoffed. "Whatever you say to Eleanor, you can say in front of me."

"Yes," I nodded to Caleb. "Let's talk. Alone."

"What are you doing?" Parker took hold of my elbow turning me back around. "You're not going anywhere with him. I don't trust him."

Through my peripheral vision, I saw a pained expression flash through Caleb's eyes. "Well you trust me, don't you?"

It was all I needed to say before walking away from him and back into the building with Caleb trailing behind me. I walked near the back, away from people. I stopped in front of a painting I did of a sunset and looked at Caleb expectantly. He had the bouquet back in his hands, brushing off the dirt on it. He handed it to me shyly, and I gingerly took it.

"It was in better condition before," he explained. I smiled softly nodding. "You know it hurts having to hear all those insults coming from a person I considered a brother. Especially one I've grown up with."

"I'll- I'll talk to him," I offered. "Parker's just still upset when it comes down to the, uh, happenings with you and I."

Caleb shrugged. "I don't blame him. It was my fault for trying to kiss you."

I said nothing. What could I say?

"I want to apologize, Elle," he captured my eyes with his. I could see the sincerity in them and through his tone of voice. "I shouldn't have done what I did. I guess... I guess I thought you were one thing that I could finally win over from Parker. As well as you know, Parker is always the type to be first at anything, and when I found out you weren't so in love with him like most girls, I thought it was the chance for me to finally have something better than him."

"Well I'm not an object," I snapped looking up at him. "I'm a human being. I'm not something you can just go around and have as a trophy. I can't believe you thought of me that way."

"No!" He yelled. "No, I didn't mean it in that way. I did care for you. I do care for you. It just so happened you were already Parker's." He took a step closer to me. "Elle, I would never treat you like a piece of object. Ever."

"Caleb... I'm sorry," I whispered. "I don't see you in that way. To me, you're just a friend. I hope you understand. What's between me and Parker, it's complicated. I'd rather have you a friend than nothing at all."

"What you and Parker have is love," Caleb plainly stated with a sad smile on his face. "Something I wish I could have shared with you." I was about to protest before he continued. "No, listen to me. Parker loves you. I could tell from the moment he bought that house for you. I thought I would be able to make my move and take you from him before you fall too. It turns out I was too late."

"I'm not sure he loves me."

Caleb laughed humorlessly. "You are nuts if you don't see it. You love him too, don't you?"

"I love him," I nodded and chastised myself for admitting this for the first time to anybody else but Parker. "I never thought I would be able to love a man like him in the beginning... but I do."

"I wish you two the best," Caleb said softly not meeting my eyes. Was he saying his farewells?

"Are you saying goodbye?" I asked, my voice catching at my throat. He nodded solemnly. "What? Why? Where are you going? Don't you work for Parker and his company?" 

He shrugged. "I resigned a few weeks ago. He didn't tell you?"

"He hasn't spoken of you to me."

"Ah, well, yes. I resigned. Everything was getting to be heated up at the office. I didn't want our friendship to totally go into ruins anymore. So I avoided him so he could find it in his heart to forgive me. Speaking of which, you do forgive me right? You