Chapter 54

Kim  exhaled sharply and entered the Central Park Boat House with Jon at her side. They decided to go public and they wanted to do it before his Documentary would have its Premiere next month. The news about their relationship would otherwise completely oust the Band’s work and that wasn’t something neither of them wanted.

So, the New Yorkers for Charity event in Mid-September was the perfect occasion. Hopefully the press would have calmed down again for the Premiere.

“You ok, honey?” Jon whispered while they were greeted by a surprised Paul Newman, who was one of the founders of the organisation, which raises money for need-based charities in New York, with a special focus on assisting charities that support breast cancer research and breast cancer patients.

“I’m fine.” She smiled a little aggrieved. In a few seconds they would step on the red carpet and she was sure the photographers would get over their surprise faster than Mr. Newman. Right now she wished she would be in Fran’s shoes and meet Heather. That would probably be more fun. Jon squeezed her hand softly.

“You are not alone. I’m with you.” He encouraged her and placed a small kiss on her lips. She nodded.

“Smile and ignore whatever they are saying.” He reminded her. They decided that he would tell them that they were an item.

“Ok, let’s do it.” She said and watched amazed how Jon turned on his press smile, before leading her out to the vultures. For a second the flashlights stopped surprised, but then Kim and Jon were standing in a sea of white light.

“Who is she? Are you together?”

“How long do you know each other?”

“Does your ex know?”

The question came from all directions. Jon smiled and after several seconds raised his left hand to

quiet them.

“This is Dr. Kimberly Anderson.” He announced proudly, which earned him a surprised glance from Kim.

“We are in a relationship for a little while now. And yes, my ex-wife and our kids got to know Kimberly. Thank you.”

Without saying anything else he walked with her into the restaurant.

“Wow, how can you stay so calm with them?” Kim wondered when he handed her a glass of wine from the bar. He laughed.

“They are like small kids. You gotta tell them in clear sentences what are the facts.” He took a sip from his own wine. She shook her head.

“I’m not sure I will ever get used to that.”

“I’m sure you will and besides you don’t have to say something in public. Dot never did it and it worked.” Jon tried to calm her.

“Yeah, maybe it will work.” She agreed and gave him a small smile.

“Why did you tell them I’m a doctor?” she asked a little hesitant after a while.

“Well, first of all rumors about you, your job or your lifestyle will not come up and second I’m pretty proud of you. Becoming a doctor is not an easy task. You are pretty smart, Kimi, you shouldn’t underestimate yourself, I think.”

Kim stared at him with a flushed face. She couldn’t believe he really was proud about what she had accomplished so far in her life. In her eyes he was the one with the great work.

“Hey, you’re okay, honey?” Jon asked when she didn’t say anything. She looked at him with teary eyes.

“Yeah, it’s just nobody ever said something like that to me before. It’s a little overwhelming.” She admitted. He smiled and pulled her close for a long hug to give her some time to regain control of her emotions.

“I love you, Kimi. And I’m damn proud of you.” He whispered into her ear and gave her a soft kiss.

“Love you too, baby. And I’m equally proud of you.” She added. He grinned.

“Well, we make quite a couple I have to say.” Jon said grinning and made her laugh.

Together They walked through the room and greeted some of the other guests, when suddenly a young man stepped close to Kim.

“Kimberly, my darling.” He said and put his hand on her shoulder. Kim tensed immediately. This voice? …Oh, my God!

She turned around and stared at the man, who once had been her best friend. “Nigel.” She whispered shocked. She couldn’t move. It was like she was frozen to the spot. Her hands started to tremble and she clenched her purse nervously to make it stop.

Pictures were flashing back to her mind, she could hear herself screaming and she could feel his hands on her body. She gasped for air when she finally remembered, when finally the memories were coming back.

Jon watched her surprised. She was scared he could see that and he wondered why. Did that guy hurt her?

He turned his attention to the man and wondered how she knew this uncongenial, slimy grinning person. The way he was checking out his girl was disgusting. Jon took a step forward.

“Hi, I’m Jon. Kim’s boyfriend.” He said and hoped to give her some time to regain her control, but a short glance at her told him, she wasn’t.

What’s going on here?

Nigel looked him up and down. “Really?” He said in a snobby voice and turned to Kim again. “You never knew what’s good for you, darling.” He snarled and tried to take her hand.

Panic rose in her. She was staring wide eyed at him and a voice in her head told her to run, but all she could do was taking a few steps back on shaking legs. Luckily Jon stepped forward and blocked his way.

“I think she knows very well, what’s good for her.” He said in a dangerous calm voice. “Excuse us.” Jon took Kim’s hand and dragged her over to a quiet corner.

“Kimi? Are you ok?” he asked concerned. She didn’t say a damn word to this idiot. Something was so wrong here, he could taste it. He could feel her trembling and hear her strong breathing. Her eyes were unfocused and her hands sweaty.

“I need some fresh air.” She whispered suddenly. 

Out, out, OUT…

“Ok.” Jon lead her out of the building. Kim stopped and leaned against the wall. Still she was trembling. He took his jacket off and put it around her shoulders before pulling her in a hug.

“Kimi, what’s wrong?” he really started to worry. She didn’t answer, but pressed herself closer to him.

“Kim?” Jon lifted her chin to look into her eyes. But all he could see was fear and tears.

“Bring me away from here, Jon.” She suddenly whispered.

“Are you sure…we just arrived and…”

“Bring me away from here, please Jon!” She begged him.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and hit the speed dial. “Lloyd, we need you at the Boathouse immediately…..yeah, I know …but we can’t take the shuttle now…no, I don’t think she is, please hurry.”

Just a few seconds later, Lloyd stopped the limousine next to them, even though he actually wasn’t allowed to drive around in Central Park at this time of the day. But something was wrong with his smart little boss and he would take her home now.

Only a few people knew that he already worked for her parents, that he was driving her mother and her around when she was still a toddler. Kim trusted him 150% and so did Jon now that he knew about it.

“Miss Anderson are you ok?” he jumped out of the car and walked over to Jon and Kimberly. She just stared at him. He looked questioning at Jon, who shook his head.

“Just take us to her place.” He said and helped Kim get into the car.