Kitabı oku: «United States of Love»
United States of Love
Sue Fortin
A division of HarperCollinsPublishers
www.harpercollins.co.uk
Contents
Sue Fortin
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty One
Chapter Twenty Two
Chapter Twenty Three
Chapter Twenty Four
Chapter Twenty Five
Chapter Twenty Six
Chapter Twenty Seven
Chapter Twenty Eight
Chapter Twenty Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty One
Chapter Thirty Two
Chapter Thirty Three
Chapter Thirty Four
Chapter Thirty Five
Chapter Thirty Six
Love Romance?
About HarperImpulse
Copyright
About the Publisher
Sue Fortin
Lover of cake, Dragonflies and France. Hater of calories, maths and snakes. I was born in Hertfordshire but had a nomadic childhood, moving often with my family, and for a time I did actually think my name was ‘The New Girl’. However, having lived in West Sussex all my adult life, it does feel like home and I do now know what my name is! In my previous life, aka before children, I worked in various secretarial/PA roles before admitting defeat at juggling a career with four tiddly-peeps, and left the world of paid employment to rediscover my love of writing.
To my family, with all my love, for all your love.
Chapter One
It was her hair that caught his attention first: short cropped and blonde. White blonde. It was her neat little figure second, and it was the car coming up the road as she stepped backwards off the sidewalk that he noticed last.
Tex Garcia felt like he was moving in slow motion as he lunged towards her, grabbing her arm and hauling her out of the car’s path. She slammed into his chest, and in a reflex gesture he engulfed her in his arms as the car sped by, missing her by inches.
‘Whoa! You got some sort of death wish?’ He looked down at her. Staring back up at him were two startled and confused mossy-green eyes. ‘You just nearly got yourself run over.’
She looked up the road at the offending vehicle as it disappeared out of sight. ‘Th … thank you,’ she stammered. ‘I didn’t see it.’
‘You don’t say.’ He crooked a smile.
‘Well, I think the danger is over now, so maybe you could…’ She regarded his arms still firmly around her. ‘Perhaps release me?’
‘What? Oh, sorry.’ Tex dropped his hands and took a step back. Then, as a precautionary measure, put a hand on her arm and drew her away from the edge of the sidewalk and into the forecourt of the church building. He looked up at his new business premises, wondering what had distracted her. She had been gazing up at the building, poised with a camera in her hand.
She followed his gaze. ‘It’s going to be a pizza place.’ He didn’t miss the derogatory tone in her voice.
‘Really?’ He stole a glance at her from the corner of his eye.
‘Hmm. Apparently some Italian chef has bought it. Nico Garcia. Although I have to admit, I thought Garcia was a Hispanic name.’
‘You don’t sound too impressed.’
‘Ignoring the potential for noisy scooters whining up and down with their delivery boxes full of pizza, I dread to think what will happen to the building itself. I just hope that the planning department doesn’t let this Nico Garcia ruin it.’
Tex sucked in the corners of his mouth to repress the grin that was threatening to erupt. ‘What makes you think it will be ruined?’
‘Not being British, he may not appreciate how old this building really is. It’s got so much history and, okay, it hasn’t been used as a church for a long time now, but it has always retained its dignity.’ She wandered over to the entrance and reached out to touch the solid oak doors. ‘It would be awful if these were changed to some modern glass ones, or those gorgeous leaded and stained glass windows swapped for big, white plastic, double-glazed ones.’
This time Tex couldn’t censor his grin or the small chuckle. He had actually been thinking about changing those old windows with plain glass to let some more light into the place. She turned and looked at him, her eyebrows darting together. He swallowed down his laugh and put on a straight face.
‘You’re quite passionate about it, aren’t you?’
The frown lifted as she shrugged. ‘I love Arundel. This town’s got so much history. I work part-time as a tour guide so I suppose I’ve grown quite fond of some of the buildings, even if they don’t warrant a mention on the tours.’
He nodded, and as she looked up at the building again, he took the opportunity to appreciate a different view: her neat butt. She swung round too quickly for him to avert his eyes, and for a moment he wondered whether she was some sort of feminist who was about to slap his face. To his relief, it appeared she wasn’t. Instead, she began to inspect her camera and presumably the photos she had taken of the church.
He leant over her shoulder, peering at the small digital screen, taking time to breathe in the soft vanilla fragrance that floated around her hair.
‘What are the photos for?’
‘I like to keep a record of the town. Before and after shots of how things change and develop. I might make a book of them all one day.’
‘Social history in pictures.’
She turned to look at him. ‘Yeah, something like that.’ Switching off her camera, she moved slightly away. ‘You’re American, right?’
‘Sure am,’ replied Tex, tipping his forehead with his fingers in a slack salute.
‘On holiday?’
‘No. Actually, I’ve lived in the UK for five years now.’ He drove down the churning in his gut. It always happened when he thought about his move here and what he had left behind.
‘Oh, I see. If you were a tourist I was going to sign you up for a guided tour.’ She smiled at him. ‘My boss is always nagging me, so at least today I can say I tried. And speaking of which, I had better get on. I’ve got a tour in five minutes and I’ve got to get up to the cathedral yet.’
Tex was aware that a slither of disappointment eked its way through him as she made to head off.
She paused. ‘There’s an open evening here tonight. Get to meet the new owner.’
‘You going?’ he asked.
‘Too right. I need to check out the competition.’
Tex raised his eyebrows in question. ‘Competition?’ She looked so sincere, he almost felt guilty for his deception. Maybe deception was too harsh a word. More like withholding information.
She pointed vaguely in the direction of a building further along the road. ‘I also work in the tea rooms down there a couple of days a week, so I’m curious to find out if we have anything to worry about and what exactly this Nico Garcia has planned.’
He grinned. ‘You never know, you might be pleasantly surprised.’
‘I’m not holding my breath.’
‘I’ll be there tonight. Will be interesting to see your reaction.’ Had he blown it? She was looking at him strangely. He held out his hand, hoping to distract her. ‘My name’s Tex, by the way.’
‘Anna.’
As she put her hand in his, he couldn’t help noticing how small it looked and how soft it felt against his own rough fingertips.
Something akin to an electric shock zipped right through her when she shook his hand. The same something she had been fully aware of when he had leant on her shoulder to look at the camera. It was unnerving. Aware, too, that her heart was now doing its usual skippy thing it always did when she felt attracted toward someone. Anna made a supreme effort to walk calmly away from Tex. It only took several paces before her resolve weakened and she found herself turning round to look at him. He was standing there, hands stuffed in his jeans pocket, watching her.
‘Oh, by the way,’ she heard herself call out. ‘Thank you for saving me!’
He tipped his forehead in that lazy, mock-salute way he had done earlier and treated her to what she could only describe as a laconic Paul Newman smile.
As Anna walked away, she was already mentally going through her wardrobe wondering what to wear that night, and then chided herself. Of course, had he, Tex, not been going, she probably wouldn’t even be thinking about it, but now it seemed incredibly important that she looked nice. ‘Get a grip,’ she said out loud. ‘You’re thirty-five, separated from your husband and definitely don’t need another relationship just yet.’
Despite this pep talk, throughout the guided tour that afternoon, no matter how hard she tried to dismiss thoughts of him, her mind kept conjuring up images of the tall American. The dark brown eyes encased in thick lashes, the dark hair brushed back from his face, a few strands falling forwards. And all set off against a honey-toned complexion.
The main hall of the old United Reformed Church was beginning to fill up with guests, mostly local traders. It was probably out of curiosity rather than any real desire to welcome him into their community with open arms, but Tex wasn’t worried. This way he hoped he would be able to win them over. He had hired in a local outside catering company to organise the food and drinks, as a gesture of his willingness to fit in and support his new neighbours. The fact that the church kitchens were so primitive and in no fit state for him to be able to do justice to any food he cooked, was neither here nor there.
‘You all right, mate?’ It was Jamie, a long-established friend and former colleague of his. ‘Not a bad turn out, eh?’
Tex nodded, thinking yeah, sure it was going okay but shame there was no sign of the little blonde from earlier. Anna. Before he could commiserate further, Yvonne, Jamie’s wife, skipped over.
She gave him a kiss on the cheek before picking up a vol-au-vent from her plate and biting into it. ‘Hiya, Tex. I have to say this food is really lovely. I think this company could give you a run for your money.’
Tex gave her a look of mock reproach. ‘You hush your mouth there, little lady,’ he said, exaggerating his southern drawl.
Yvonne laughed. ‘I do love it when you go and get all cowboy on me, Tex.’
Jamie gave Tex a nudge. ‘That bloke over there, the one looking at your plans.’ He nodded towards the centre table where the architect’s drawings had been carefully laid out around a scale model and cross section of the new premises. ‘See him? I think I overheard him saying he was from the local Chamber of Commerce. Didn’t know if you needed to go and sweet-talk him.’
Tex followed his friend’s gaze, and sighed. ‘I suppose I’d better.’
Tiresome as it was having to suck up to the local hierarchy, he knew it was a necessary evil and so headed off towards the middle-aged, bearded man that Jamie had pointed out. It was then that he saw Anna coming in. He felt himself draw breath. She looked good – her hair styled a bit more choppy, fresh make-up, pretty soft blouse that showed off her tiny frame, skirt resting just above her knees, revealing a fine pair of legs.
She spotted him, broke into a smile and waved. He was aware that he waved back in some klutzy high school way. Damn it! Not only that, but she had noticed, judging by the giggle she made no attempt to hide. He walked over to greet her.
She was still smiling. ‘You made it then?’
‘Sure. Had no choice.’ He really should tell her, before it all got out of hand and she found out for herself.
‘Mr Garcia!’ Tex heard a voice behind him and groaned inwardly. Too late. Anna was peering about, no doubt trying to work out which one was Mr Garcia.
‘Mr Garcia!’There it was again, except closer this time. Then Tex felt a tap on his shoulder.
‘Argh, Mr Garcia, sorry to interrupt. I just wondered if we could have a quick word. I’m Richard Harrington, Arundel Chamber of Commerce.’ He was by the side of Tex now, holding out his hand.
Tex shook hands. ‘Pleased to meet you.’ He turned to Anna whose mouth was working but no sound coming out. ‘Could you just excuse me a moment, Anna? Maybe we can talk later?’ Her eyes hardened as she nodded. Computation complete. Oh yeah, she’d worked it out.
‘We certainly can talk later, Mr Garcia,’ Anna said, the smile now nowhere in sight.
So he thought he was clever did he? A proper smart-arse. Nico Garcia or Tex, or whatever his blasted name was. Anna glared at the American’s back as he chatted to the Chamber of Commerce guy. Despite her bad temper with Tex, she couldn’t fail to acknowledge the broadness of his shoulders underneath the crisp, dark suit. He looked even more attractive tonight, all spruced up, shirt and tie. He really did scrub up well. Stop! She must stop thinking like this about him.
‘Hello, Anna.’ It was Andy Bartholomew, the curator of the museum at Arundel Castle.
Great, just what she needed. Handy Andy, as he was unaffectionately known amongst the female tour guides, and it was certainly nothing to do with his DIY skills.
‘Hello, Andy,’ she replied politely as she shifted around him, looking for an escape route, someone else she could suddenly develop the urgent need to speak with.
Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on her side. Everyone’s attention now appeared to be focused towards the stage where Tex stood with a microphone in his hand. Feeling obliged to stand still and pay attention, Anna was dismayed to feel Handy Andy brush up alongside her.
‘Could I have your attention for one moment please?’ Tex began, flashing a killer smile around the room. Anna could almost hear the collective swoon of all the females there, his soft drawl was practically X-rated.
‘First, I would like to thank you all so much for turning up here this evening, it means a lot. Second, I must thank Forresters Outside Catering for the fabulous buffet they have provided. And my thanks also go to local architects Hanson & Williams for the excellent scale model in the centre there. Perhaps you could join me in a small round of applause.’
Everyone seemed more than happy to join in, Anna noted. Tex had obviously been working the room well leading up to this little speech.
‘You will see from the display,’ Tex continued, ‘that I intend to open a contemporary restaurant: high-class food for the working man’s pocket. Not a pizza delivery service with a horde of mopeds ‘whining up and down’ the road, as some of you might fear.’ A little ripple of laughter circulated.
Anna felt a flush race to her face as he fixed his eyes on her, a hint of amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. He so knew what he was doing. To her relief, he looked away and carried on speaking, telling the attentive listeners how he was looking forward to being part of the community, that there was enough room for everyone, and how pleased he was to be putting something back into the local economy, jobs for local people, and so on.
God, he was good. By the time he had finished, the whole audience was clapping and smiling broadly at him. Mission complete it would seem.
‘So thank you again for coming,’ he said as the applause died down. ‘I’m looking forward to getting to know you all much better.’ His eyes swept the room, coming to rest at Anna, as another flutter of clapping spread throughout the guests.
‘Smarmy Yank,’ muttered Andy, leaning into Anna and snaking his arm around her waist.
She resisted the urge to point out the irony of this statement, and attempted to wriggle free.
‘What say me and you slip away for a quiet drink at the Kings Head?’ Andy suggested, tightening his grip on her waist and running a finger down her arm.
Anna shuddered but tried to retain a degree of professionalism. ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea, Andy. Thanks all the same.’
‘You’re not knocking me back again, are you?’ A frown folded over his face. ‘I wouldn’t want to have to complain to Howard about the lack of service.’
‘Andy, can you stop this please?’ He had been trying for the past six months, on and off, to get her to go on a date with him. It just wasn’t happening. Ever. Purposefully, she took hold of his hand and prised it from her waist. ‘As I’ve said before, I don’t mix business with pleasure.’ Not that he would be a pleasure by any stretch of the imagination.
‘Oh, come on, Anna.’ He went to take hold of her again, but now that everyone was milling around once more, Anna seized her opportunity.
Spinning on her heel to avoid his groping hand, she propelled herself forward and found herself running straight into the chest of Tex.
Chapter Two
Tex wrapped his arms round her as she bundled into him. He couldn’t have planned it better if he had tried. Hugging her tight to his chest, he appreciated the feel of her curves against him. He grinned down at her.
‘We seem to be making a habit of this,’ he said.
‘Maybe. Trouble is, this morning, I thought I had bumped into Tex. Now I seem to have bumped into Nico Garcia.’
‘And which one do you prefer?’ He noticed she hadn’t tried to wriggle free.
‘I’m not sure yet. Although I do know someone who isn’t a contender.’ She jerked her head backwards.
Tex had already spoken to the castle curator earlier in the evening and had also clocked him pestering Anna. In fact, he had just been on his way over to rescue her. Again.
Releasing her from his hold, but catching her hand in his, he smiled politely at the brooding curator. ‘Would you mind excusing us, I need to speak to Anna about the tour guides. Thank you.’
He didn’t wait for an answer, instead plucking a glass of wine from a passing waiter’s tray, he whisked her away through the guests to the back of the hall.
‘I had it all under control there, you know,’ she spoke, after a rather large gulp of her wine.
Tex nodded. ‘Of course you did.’
‘I did!’ She took another sip, trying to hide a small smile of embarrassment behind the glass.
Tex didn’t miss it. ‘Look, I wanted to speak to you anyway,’ he began. ‘About earlier. I didn’t say anything because I was curious to hear an unbiased and honest opinion of what folks were feeling around here. I was going to tell you. Honest!’
She eyed him sceptically. ‘Okay, so what if I tell you I’m not really Anna but my name’s Sheila and I’m the local planning officer? I was just preparing a report to uphold an objection against the development of this building.’
What the…! He felt himself draw back to look at her again through fresh eyes. ‘You serious?’ Jeez, she looked it.
Then she broke into a huge smile and laughed out loud. Tex felt the air expel from his lungs, and found himself laughing too.
‘Oh, your face,’ she said once she had calmed down. ‘Got you going there for a moment. Serves you right.’
Tex shook his head. He was in no position to complain. He deserved that.
‘You two look like you’re having fun,’ came Jamie’s voice as he wandered over with Yvonne.
‘Don’t ask.’
‘Do you and Tex already know each other?’ Yvonne asked Anna, accepting the glass of wine Tex had summoned over.
‘Not really. We did briefly meet this morning. You could say he saved my life.’ Anna gave Tex a grateful smile.
‘Twice,’ Tex added.
Jamie patted Tex's back. ‘The all-American hero.’
Tex shrugged. ‘Hey, what can I say?’
‘So do you work around here?’ Jamie asked.
Anna repeated what she had told Tex that morning, adding, ‘I also do a bit of work from home, translating electronic manuals or legal documents. Nothing particularly exciting, but it's all work.’
‘You’re a busy lady,’ said Tex, surprised. She hadn’t mentioned all that this morning.
‘Just three small jobs, no different to working full-time at one.’
‘So as a tour guide, do you speak any other languages?’ asked Yvonne, exchanging a glance with her husband.
‘German and French.’
Tex gave Anna a little nudge, whispering theatrically in her ear, ‘Watch out, he’ll be trying to employ you next.’
‘Interesting,’ mused Jamie. ‘I run a relocation company, primarily for clients who are moving to the UK from overseas. It's a sort of handholding, fix-it service for foreigners working, visiting or relocating here. I use bilingual staff as some of my clients, especially their spouses, can't speak enough English to deal with things like banking, property purchases, schools for their children etc. We basically help them in any way they need it where the language might prove a barrier.’
‘That sounds interesting. Have you got clients locally then?’ asked Anna.
‘That will be me,’ put in Tex.
‘Oh, I thought you were just friends.’ Anna looked a mixture of confused and embarrassed.
‘We’re both. BFFs, as you girls would say,’ grinned Jamie, putting his arm round Tex and pretending to plant a kiss on his cheek.
‘Sometimes I feel like the gooseberry,’ said Yvonne.
‘A real bromance then.’ A small giggle escaped Anna.
While Jamie and Yvonne laughed at the joke, Tex looked blankly at the three of them, which just made them all laugh even more.
‘Think of it as brotherly love,’ explained Jamie. ‘Bromance. Girls find it highly amusing.’
‘Oh, not amusing,’ teased Anna, ‘more like sweet.’
‘Yes, sweet,’ agreed Yvonne. ‘You two are so cute.’ She gave it her best coochy-coo voice.
‘Hey, don't knock it,’ winked Jamie.
As the four of them chatted easily for a while, discussing the local town of Arundel, nearby Chichester and Goodwood Racecourse, which Jamie had attended recently, Anna seemed relaxed and at ease in their company, Tex thought, aware that he was glancing at her more than was necessary.
He felt the familiar buzz he always got when the chase was on. First though, it looked like he still needed to get rid of the castle curator who had just sidled up to Anna.
‘Apologies to interrupt, but have you finished here now?’ The curator’s hand rested on Anna’s back. Tex felt himself bristle unexpectedly at the gesture. He was about to tell this slimeball to back off when Anna spoke.
‘Is it important, Andy? Can’t it wait until tomorrow? I could call over to the castle in the morning, if you like?’
They were speaking in low tones but Tex could just about make out what was being said. He studied her face. He couldn’t tell from the expression whether she meant it or was just trying to get rid of him. He checked himself and said nothing.
Andy now looked irritated. ‘As I said earlier, I’m sure Howard wouldn’t want to find out you’ve been neglecting me.’
Tex studied Anna’s face for an indicator. He still couldn’t read her, although he did notice she was fiddling with a couple of rings on her right hand, rapidly twisting them back and forth.
‘But this isn’t work’s time, so I don’t think it counts,’ she replied firmly.
‘Let’s make it count.’ The impatience in Andy’s voice was thinly disguised, the leer in his eyes even less hidden.
Something inside Tex snapped. He’d had a bellyful of this Andy guy already. He stepped forward, his arm cutting between Anna and the curator, then hooked the surprised man away.
‘I think the lady doesn’t want to be bothered and I’ve still got some business to discuss with her, so why don’t you be a good boy and take a hike.’
The surprised look on Andy’s face and his mouth flopping open in astonishment sent a feeling of satisfaction through Tex. He gave Andy a shove towards the exit and watched him disappear out of the door, before turning triumphantly to Anna.
Damn it! She did not look impressed.
‘Very caveman-like,’ she said evenly. ‘I was handling it myself actually.’
No, she definitely wasn’t impressed. ‘He’s a jerk,’ he replied.
‘That’s as maybe, but he was my jerk, and I could do without him complaining to my boss.’ She looked at him reproachfully. ‘And you could do without making any enemies, which is what I thought tonight was all about.’
She had a point, but he didn’t think some nerdy castle curator was too much to worry about.
‘Will you get into trouble? With work, I mean,’ asked Yvonne.
Anna shrugged. ‘I’ll find out Monday when I’m next in the office.’ She gave Tex a small smile. ‘I suppose I should say thank you. Again.’
He wondered if it was necessary for him to smile so widely, but he seemed to have lost control of his facial muscles. ‘This is becoming a habit.’
‘Look, Anna,’ said Jamie, ‘if you have any bother at work and fancy a change, give me a call.’ He took his wallet out from his inside pocket and extracted a business card. ‘Here, take this, it would be good to chat.’
Anna took the card. ‘Thanks, I might just do that.’
‘I was going to say I don’t have any lecherous clients,’ said Jamie, ‘but then I remembered him!’ He nodded at Tex, who was relieved to see Anna grin, the awkwardness passing.
‘I suppose I had better go. I’ve got to get back to Chichester,’ said Anna after a while.
‘I'll walk you to your car,’ said Tex.
‘Don't forget my offer,’ Jamie called after her.
There was a chill in the night air as they stepped outside. Anna shivered, wishing she had brought a cardigan with her. As if reading her mind, Tex slipped off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She could smell the citrus-fresh fragrance of his aftershave on the collar.
‘You don't have to walk me. I'll be fine.’
Tex smiled. ‘I know I don't have to, but I want to.’
She could feel his hand resting between her shoulder blades as he ushered her across the road, and he kept it there as they walked.
‘Well, this is my car,’ said Anna as they reached her battered old blue Fiesta. As she stood in front of him, she suddenly felt self-conscious.
He cast an acknowledging eye over her vehicle before turning back to her. Anna didn't know what to say next. Meeting his steady gaze, she felt tongue-tied, like a teenager on her first date. She had forgiven him for tricking her earlier and had enjoyed his company this evening, very much aware that she had been unable to stop herself looking at him. A couple of times when he had caught her watching him, it had caused her to look hurriedly away, embarrassed. Despite this, she had looked back again and again. Like an addiction, she couldn't help letting her gaze linger on him. Those eyes were so welcoming, they seemed to be able to smile all on their own, and as she had listened to the timbre of his soft drawl, it were as if her eardrums were being caressed by his voice. It was enough to give her an eargasm.
Realising that she was doing much the same again now, she quickly turned her attention to her feet. This was awkward. Sneaking a look back up at him, she saw that Tex was now peering at her feet too.
‘What?’ she said worriedly.
‘Nothing. I was just wondering what was so interesting on the floor.’ For a second or two he looked deadly serious then, looking up, his whole face broke into a broad grin.
Anna laughed. He had such a lovely smile that seemed to reflect in his eyes. ‘Thanks for … well, you know … rescuing me … ’
‘Can I see you again?’ he asked gently, interrupting.
She caught her breath. He wanted to see her again – yay! The feeling of joy competed with the nervousness in her stomach.
Since Mark had left a year ago, she had only been on two dates, courtesy of Zoe, her sister-in-law. Neither date had been her choice, but Zoe had gone through a matchmaking phase last year and decided that the two candidates were just perfect for Anna. Apparently. Apparently not, as it turned out. Anna had soon got rid of them by pointing out that she was still married and had a teenage son. It was a good tactic to deter any undesirables.
Tex must have misread her silence. ‘It’s okay, you don’t have to say yes.’ He lifted her left hand and ran his thumb along her bare third finger. ‘Sorry, I assumed you were single.’
‘I am. Well, sort of. Oh God, I’m making a mess of this.’ She took a deep breath. ‘I’m separated, have been for the past year and I have a teenage son.’
‘Okay, separated is good,’ smiled Tex, still holding her hand. ‘As for a son, that’s not unusual, so why do I feel you are still hesitant?’
‘I don’t get out much,’ she said, then catching the look of amusement in Tex’s eyes, found herself laughing again. ‘Oh, that sounds bad.’
‘Hey, that’s cool. We should remedy the situation though.’ Letting go of her hand, he took out his iPhone. ‘I'll ring you, if that's okay with you?’
‘It's very okay.’
Anna slipped his jacket off her shoulders as he tapped the number into his phone, double-checking he had it right.
‘I'll call you,’ he said smiling, taking the jacket. He paused as his hand brushed hers, his face still, his eyes even more still as he gazed at her. Anna felt her stomach knot as for a moment she held her breath, willing him to kiss her. He seemed to have the same idea, and in an instant, he was drawing her towards him. When his lips made contact with hers, it were as if she had been tasered, a shockwave shooting through the very core of her being.
‘Are you sure you have to go home?’ he murmured when he eventually pulled away.
She nodded. ‘Sorry.’ That didn’t even begin to cover it.
He let out a long sigh before stooping for another kiss.
‘Oh man, this is no good. I’m gonna have to go,’ he groaned as he disentangled himself.
As she drove home, Anna’s tummy was performing all sorts of gymnastics at the thought of a date with Tex. She hoped he would ring. He hadn’t seemed too bothered about her ex, Mark, or the fact that she had a son, so that was a good sign.
Not that Mark should be a problem; he was over five thousand miles away building a new life for himself. Her and Mark were very much separated, her marital status a mere technicality.
Chapter Three
Anna was thankful that the last group of foreign exchange students hadn't wanted to ask any questions at the end of their guided tour of Chichester Cathedral. Spurred on by the thought of a chilled glass of wine at the Fish and Fly tonight with her sister-in-law, she picked up her bag and headed towards the main entrance.
It was then that she saw him. He was just standing there, grinning at her obvious shock. For a moment she thought her legs would give way.
‘Hey,’ Mark murmured, as if stroking her with the word.
Anna stared back, went to speak but her mouth and throat had completely dried up. What the hell was he doing here? He was still as good looking as the day he had left, all six foot of him. His blonde hair, the tips now white from the LA sun, tanned complexion and Wedgwood blue eyes. The teeth, however, weren't quite as Anna remembered. Now they seemed whiter, and possibly straighter.
‘Hi,’ she finally managed to say.
‘You're looking well. You cut your hair.’
Anna's hand automatically went to her now short hair. Her break-up haircut. Of course, Mark hadn't seen it. She knew he preferred long hair, that was part of the satisfaction of getting it cut.
‘It's nice,’ he continued as he took a step closer, his arms slightly open.
Anna stiffened. How do you greet your estranged husband? A full-on embrace? Definitely not. Handshaking? Too formal. Maybe a quick hug and an air kiss. Before she could decide, Mark was upon her. Hands holding hers, moving in closer for a kiss on the cheek, a quick hug, before looking directly into her eyes.
‘It's good to see you,’ he said.
For a moment neither spoke. It was Anna who broke the gaze first and took not only a physical step back, but a mental one too. She didn't like the way Mark could almost put a spell on her, even after everything that had happened. She needed to pull herself together. He may still be able to melt her with his looks but she needed to remember what was underneath.
‘What are you doing here?’ She hoped she sounded more confident than she felt.
‘Came to see you, of course.’
‘No, here. How did you know I'd be here? Why didn't you phone? Does Luke know you're back?’ Her mind was on overload. As the questions came tumbling out like an upended jar of marbles, she was barely able to keep up with her thoughts.
‘Hey, hey, slow down,’ Mark gave her a small grin. ‘One question at a time.’
‘Well?’
‘I called at the house. Spoke to Luke.’
‘Oh God, Mark, why didn't you wait for me before you saw him? I could have warned him in advance.’
‘I don't think you have to warn my own son about me.’
She ignored the edge in his voice. ‘You know what I mean.’
‘Yeah, I do. Anyway, he was delighted to see me, as it happens. He told me where to find you.’
‘And your reason for coming back?’
‘Didn't know I needed one. But seeing as you asked, I thought I'd come over and see you and Luke. I thought I could spend some time with him.’ He flashed a boyish grin at her. ‘Thought I would surprise you.’
‘You thought a lot of things,’ said Anna before walking out through the glass doors. Like a pit pony coming out into daylight, she squinted as she was momentarily struck by the brightness. She popped her sunglasses on. She could hear Mark's footsteps quicken to catch up with her, falling in next to her as she hurried across the flagstones, up the steps, past the statue of St Richard, around the bell tower and down the path that ran along the side of the cathedral.
‘Where are you staying?’ she asked, without breaking her stride or looking at him.
‘Err, well, there's a bit of a problem there. Everywhere's really busy. I didn't decide to come until the last minute so didn't make any arrangements.’
‘Unfortunate.’
‘I thought I could stay with you. At the house,’ he said casually.
‘Stay with me?’ echoed Anna, stopping dead. They were at the Market Cross in the centre of Chichester, where the four pedestrian roads met. A great meeting spot, a favourite with teenagers, and today foreign exchange students in particular. Anna could hear the gabble of French and Spanish, mixed in with the English voices of other tourists and shoppers. She took off her sunglasses and looked at Mark. Was he being serious?
‘It will give me a chance to spend some quality time with Luke,’ said Mark, a defensive tone creeping in. ‘I haven't seen him in ages.’
Anna bristled. ‘A whole year.’
‘I do my best,’ said Mark lamely, ‘but let's not get into all that now. I'm here to try and make up for lost time. Come on, it'll be fine.’
‘I don't think it's a good idea. I haven't got enough room anyway.’
‘I can kip on the sofa, not a problem,’ replied Mark Then winking, said, ‘Failing that, I'm sure we could both still share the same bed, in a purely platonic way of course.’
‘There must be a B&B somewhere, or what about a Travelodge?’ said Anna, choosing to ignore the last comment. Replacing her sunglasses, relieved that her feet responded, she headed down East Street towards home.
‘Come on, Anna. What's the big deal? Besides, you know Luke will be really pleased if I stay with you and him.’
‘You can't just waltz back into our lives, acting like everything is hunky-dory,’ said Anna, looking straight ahead, still walking. ‘You haven't exactly been the greatest advertisement for fatherhood. The occasional phone call or sometimes an email.’
‘I was hoping you'd be a bit more understanding.’ There was a coolness in his voice. ‘I didn't want to have to force you to agree but you seem to be forgetting one tiny detail. It is actually my house. I don't think you've got a lot of choice. I am entitled to stay in my own home, you know.’
‘Your house, but my home. It’s never been your home. You bought it for me and Luke. No, you’re not staying. In fact, let’s go back into town and find you a B&B.’
‘You’ll have to pay then. I can’t afford it. Money’s a bit tight.’
‘Money’s a bit tight yet you’ve managed to afford a flight here! Don’t give me that, Mark. You’re not broke and you’re not staying with me.’
‘Thing is, my case is already there. Let’s go and get it and tell Luke you’re kicking me out.’
She knew that he was fully aware she didn’t have the heart to do it, not because she felt sorry for him, but because Luke would be hurt. Anna let out a sigh and ground to a halt.
‘You're such a shit at times.’ She paused before finally agreeing. ‘Okay, but you're on the sofa.’
‘That's my girl. You know it makes sense.’ He had the effrontery to grin and then hug her. An embrace that he held just a moment too long for her liking. ‘Come on then, let's get home. I'm starving. What's for tea?’
‘You're letting him do it to you again,’ grumbled Zoe. Anna could hear the irritation in her voice over the phone. Zoe was more than just the wife of Anna's brother, she had become a friend and confidante over the years, especially so when Anna's marriage was in its darkest hour.
‘I don't have a lot of choice,’ said Anna in a low voice, looking over her shoulder to make sure her bedroom door was shut properly.
‘You're letting him take control. Christ, he's only been back for ten minutes and already he's calling the shots.’
‘It's not like that, honestly,’ protested Anna, dropping her skirt and blouse into the linen bin. ‘He's Luke's father, I can't get in the way of that. Hang on one sec.’ She put the phone on the bed as she quickly pulled on a fresh t-shirt from the drawer. ‘Okay, I'm back.’
‘Well, don't pretend you're happy about him staying,’ said Zoe.
‘I'm not. Look, I'd better go, I've left him downstairs while I've nipped up to get changed out of my work clothes. I'm really sorry about tonight.’
‘That's all right. It's karaoke night at the pub, so we won't be missing much.’
‘I'd say we've had a lucky escape then,’ said Anna, as she tucked the phone under her chin and wriggled into her jeans.
‘Look, you do what you feel is best, but please don't let Mark walk all over you. Do it because you want to, not because he wants you to,’ said Zoe. Her voice softened. ‘All I'm saying is to be on your guard. You know what a sweet-talking charmer he can be.’
Having had a rather restless night's sleep, Anna woke early and tiptoed downstairs. Mark was still fast asleep on the sofa but she was surprised to find Luke already up and sitting at the kitchen table.
‘Morning.’ Anna dropped a kiss on top of her son’s head. ‘You okay? Thought you’d still be tucked up in bed, fast asleep.’ She pushed the kitchen door closed and spoke softly so as not to disturb Mark.
Luke shrugged. ‘Couldn’t sleep.’
Anna filled the kettle and flicked it on to boil. ‘Are you okay with your dad being here?’ She took a seat next to him so they could speak quietly.
‘Yeah, ’course I’m pleased to see him. It just feels a bit odd.’
‘He’s been away for a year now, it’s bound to feel a bit strange him being around.’ Anna could identify with that feeling. It felt quite surreal last night as the three of them sat around the kitchen table sharing a Chinese takeaway.
‘He seems different,’ continued Luke. ‘A bit more interested in things, maybe.’
‘It’s been just you and me for a long time now, I suppose it’s bound to feel a bit odd, but it’s good he’s taking an interest in what you’ve been doing, isn’t it?’
Luke nodded and gave his mum a small smile. ‘Yeah. I mean, even when Dad was still living with us, it was almost like he wasn’t. Even then it was just, like, me and you. It was always you who gave me lifts, always you who came to parents’ evenings, sports days, that sort of thing. Dad was always too busy.’
Anna nodded. She couldn’t really deny it. Mark’s involvement with Luke had been sporadic. He was there when it suited him and him alone. More times than she cared to remember, she had felt like a single parent. When Mark had decided to move to America, it hadn’t really changed anything. Her and Luke had carried on as they were.
‘I don’t know how long your dad is back for,’ began Anna. She didn’t want Luke getting his hopes up that Mark would be around for any length of time. ‘Just try to take a day at a time with him. He may have to go back for work or something, you know that, don’t you?’
Luke gave wry smile. ‘It’s all right, Mum, I know what you’re trying to say.’
‘Do you?’
‘I know I can’t depend on him totally, not at the moment anyway,’ replied Luke, slowly spinning his mobile round on the table with his finger. ‘But I want to give him the chance. You never know, things may be better now.’
Anna slipped her arm around Luke’s shoulder and gave him a squeeze. ‘Okay, just don’t get your hopes too high, that’s all I’m saying.’
The sound of raised voices and shrieking seeped out through the front door as Anna stood on the doorstep, waiting for her knock to be answered.
‘Morning, Titch,’ smiled Nathan, opening the door and standing to one side so she could come in.
‘Morning, Lofty.’ It was a joke they had shared since childhood.
At nearly six feet tall, her brother Nathan took after their father with his athletic physique, fine-tuned by his career in fitness training. Anna, on the other hand, at five feet two, with a small petite frame and waiflike in her appearance, took after their more delicate mother.
‘Sounds fun in here this morning.’ Anna headed towards the kitchen where the noise of squabbling children seemed to be reaching fever pitch. ‘Morning everyone,’ she said as she poked her head round the door.
‘I don't want Coco Pops,’ whined Alex, one half of Nathan's seven-year-old twin boys. ‘I want Boulders.’
‘Just eat them now,’ sighed Zoe as she held a warmed bottle of milk in Emily's mouth with one hand, and with the other began pouring another bowl of Coco Pops for Jake, the other half of the duo. She glanced up as Anna walked in. ‘Well, good morning to you. What are you doing here so early?’ Then with a sudden anxious look on her face, ‘Everything all right?’
‘Fine, absolutely fine,’ said Anna reassuringly. She took the box of cereal from Zoe and finished pouring them into the bowl. ‘Here you go, Jake. Where's the milk?’
Jake wasn't paying attention, instead embarking on a tug-of-war with his three-year-old brother, Henry. Jake wanted the milk, but so did Henry. Giving the carton one final tug, Jake managed to pull the milk free from Henry's grasp. The momentum took Jake by surprise and the milk flew out of his hand, splashing all over the table and sending a cup of tea into Zoe's lap.
‘Oh, for God's sake!’ Zoe cried. ‘That's so naughty, look what you've done!’
Baby Emily began screaming in protest at having her breakfast whipped away as Zoe dropped the bottle while trying, and failing, to avoid the tea.
‘Hey! Hey! Hey! Boys!’ commanded Nathan as he strode across the kitchen. ‘That's enough.’
The boys exchanged a look and immediately sat quiet, as did Henry. Nathan picked up the bottle of milk and ran it under the tap to clean the teat before quickly popping it back into Emily's mouth. Peace.
‘Could have done with you down here five minutes earlier,’ muttered Zoe, simultaneously trying to mop up the milk on the table and sponge out the tea from her dressing gown. ‘I expect you've got to rush off to work now.’
‘Here, Zoe, let me clean that up,’ insisted Anna. ‘You sort yourself out.’
‘So how's your house guest?’ asked Zoe as she dabbed at the tea stain.
‘We had a Chinese last night and then he pretty much fell asleep. Jet-lagged. Left him asleep on the sofa this morning.’
‘I think you're asking for trouble,’ grumbled Nathan, looking at his watch. ‘Oh Christ, I've got to go. I'm going to be late for my client. We've got a five-k run this morning. Here, Zoe, take Emily.’
‘Always rushing off,’ complained Zoe, lifting Emily from Nathan's shoulder. She popped a kiss on her daughter's head and put her back in her baby chair. ‘You sit there, darling. Mummy's got to sort out those brothers of yours. Daddy's clearing off again, just when I could do with his help. Perfect.’
Anna glanced at Nathan who gave a small shake of his head, tension etched in his face.
‘I'll be back at lunchtime. Bye, love.’ He went to kiss Zoe but she turned away, busying herself with filling the kettle.
‘Right. Fine.’
Anna waited until she heard the front door close. ‘I'll make the tea, Zoe, you sit there for a bit. Is everything all right?’
Zoe looked thoughtfully out of the window for a moment before answering. ‘The official party line is yes, everything is fine. Nathan's personal training business is really taking off. I'm busy looking after the children and the house, sipping coffee with girlfriends and flicking through glossy home furnishing magazines.’ Zoe let out a big sigh.
‘And unofficially?’ prompted Anna.
‘Unofficially, Nathan's working all the hours God sends to keep a roof over our heads so I don't have to go back to work. We hardly see each other. I just feel so tired all the time, it's a struggle to do anything.’ She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. ‘I am a complete wreck, suffering from sleep deprivation, who can just about manage to pull on my baggy tracksuit and tie my hair in a ponytail.’
‘Is it really that bad?’
‘Most of the time. When you cancelled last night my first thought was, oh good, I don't have to bother getting all done up, I can just have a bath and go to bed. I was asleep by nine.’
Normally, Zoe was upbeat and positive but since Emily had been born, she had seemed less so, thought Anna as she looked at her sister-in-law. Her eyes looked heavy and the black circles underneath them were highlighting the bags that were beginning to become part of her daily feature.
‘It's natural to feel a bit run-down. You only had a baby four months ago.’
‘Some days I don't even want to get up. I feel like it's Groundhog Day most of the time.’ Zoe pulled her dressing gown further around her, retying the belt. ‘When Nathan gets in all I want to do is go to bed to sleep.’
Anna sensed that a ‘pull yourself together’ team talk wouldn’t help Zoe at this precise moment. A more practical approach would probably be best, Anna thought. In her head she began to formulate a plan of action.
Chapter Four
Anna was convinced Mark was up to something but she couldn't for the life of her think what it was. She had woken up on Sunday morning to the smell of bacon and eggs cooking. Mark had made brunch for all three of them, something hitherto unheard of. Then, later, they had wandered down to the Fish and Fly pub and sat out in the courtyard garden sharing a bowl of chips. She had a glass of wine, while Luke nursed a coke. The conversation up until then had been easy-going, mostly involving Luke: his schoolwork, his band and his GCSEs that were looming in a couple of months. On the whole, it had been okay until Mark took a phone call. He had moved out of earshot, leaving her to watch him pace the car park with animated gestures. That was thirty minutes ago, and ever since he seemed agitated and restless, drumming his fingers or tapping his foot.
‘You okay, Mark?’ asked Anna, feeling uneasy by his mood change.
‘Of course I am. Why the hell wouldn’t I be?’ he snapped back.
‘Sorry, you just seem a bit on edge…’
‘Just drop it, Anna.’ He got up and strode off towards the toilets.
‘What’s got into him?’ asked Luke, exchanging a look with his mother. ‘He was all right until he took that call.’
Anna shrugged. ‘I’ve no idea. Best not say anything again.’
Mark came back a few minutes later and sat down, smiling at them. ‘That’s better. All okay? Good. Another drink?’
At home after returning from the pub, Anna felt even more troubled about Mark and his sour mood swing. Yes, he used to fly off the handle from time to time throughout their marriage, but she had never known it to be so sudden, or such a dramatic swing.
Late on Monday morning, Anna was sitting in a coffee shop in Chichester, phone in one hand and Jamie's business card in the other. She hadn’t heard from Tex yet and she couldn’t help feeling disappointed.
She flicked the business card over and over again in her fingers. Jamie had sounded like he’d meant it when he had said she should give him a call about work. She didn't actually have much choice. Not after her meeting with Howard earlier. She should have just kept her mouth shut. She should have just let Howard give her a roasting over her behaviour towards Andy. She should have just nodded and apologised. What she shouldn't have done was to tell Howard just what a creep Andy was and that Howard should be backing up his staff. She also shouldn't have said words to the effect of ‘over her dead body’ about taking Andy out to lunch. And she most definitely shouldn't have told Howard that if his attitude was her word against Andy's then he could stick his sodding job.
Ten minutes later and with a feeling of trepidation, Anna left the coffee shop. It had been a successful call. Jamie had sounded genuinely pleased to hear from her. They had agreed that she should travel up to his home in Surrey tomorrow.
‘Most of my work is done over the phone,’ he had explained. ‘Any meetings are usually at the client's house or hotel. I tend to go to my clients rather than them come to me, it's part of making the service professional and elite. I use my office at home to co-ordinate my staff. Yvonne helps out with the paperwork.’
It occurred to Anna that she should have done a bit of research about Jamie's company before she had phoned. She would have a look at his website when she got home, then at least she would be better prepared when she met him tomorrow. She also had a document waiting to be translated by Friday, so she’d have to make a start on that this afternoon, because Wednesday and Thursday she was working in the tea rooms. She could see a few late nights of translating coming up. Still, she shouldn’t complain, especially not now she’d just lost one of her jobs.
When she and Mark had separated, they had sold their bigger Southampton home and Mark had bought this one for her and Luke. She hadn't wanted to stay in Southampton, she'd only gone there with Mark because as a professional footballer, he needed to be near his club. Once his career had been deemed over, due to an accident, they no longer had any ties with the city. Anna had chosen to return to Chichester, where she had grown up, needing to feel she belonged somewhere, getting comfort from familiar places and people.
It was only a two-minute walk from the centre of Chichester to her little, two-up two-down, mews cottage. No matter whatever the weather – be it a bright April morning like today or a cold, dark winter's afternoon – the sight of her blue wooden door at 2 Coach House Cottages always made her feel happy.
She approached her front door, and as usual her neighbour Mrs Meekham twitched her net curtain. Anna waved and smiled, thinking if you looked up the expression Neighbourhood Watch in the dictionary, it would simply say ‘Mrs Meekham’. She put the key in the lock and turned it gently before creeping in. The front door opened straight into the living room and she didn't want to disturb Mark.
Much to her surprise, he was actually up, showered and dressed, judging by the two wet towels tossed idly on the back of the sofa, and was now in the kitchen, talking on his mobile.
‘Yes that would be great. I'll give you a call when it's convenient to come round. I just need to make sure…’ He stopped in mid-flow as he turned and saw Anna. ‘Err, look, can I give you a call back? … No everything's fine … not at the moment… Yep … Yep … that's right… Okay, cheers then. Bye.’ He slid his phone shut and thrust it into his pocket.
‘You didn't need to hang up on my account,’ said Anna as she picked up the towels.
‘I didn't.’
‘Really?’
‘Yes. Really.’ The slight irritation in his voice didn't go unnoticed. ‘Just business. Nothing for you to worry about.’
Famous last words, thought Anna suspiciously. He was definitely being shifty. Perhaps he was planning to dash off back to America, something that she would be most happy about, but on the flip side, Luke would be crushed.
‘How long are you here for?’ she asked.
‘Not sure, a couple of weeks,’ responded Mark vaguely. ‘Thought I'd go and see my parents at the weekend.’
‘That'll be nice. You could take Luke with you.’
Mark looked slightly startled at the suggestion. It was obvious the thought hadn't actually crossed his mind.
‘Yeah, I was just about to suggest that myself,’ he said rather too brightly.
‘Good, that's that sorted,’ smiled Anna. Then changing the subject before Mark could think of an excuse to wriggle out of it, she said, ‘I have an appointment in Surrey tomorrow, so you and Luke will have to look after yourselves. I just need to sort out a few things about work.’
‘Okay, no problem.’
Towels put away, Anna sat down at the kitchen table and typed Jamie's website address into the laptop. The company logo appeared, a fancy hand drawn with wavy lines reaching out across an image of the world. She skimmed over the homepage, speed-reading. Relocation packages, various different levels of service – Silver, Gold, Platinum. Specialising in international relocations and assistance.
Anna flicked around the website, jotting down some things she thought she should remember. It might help to impress at tomorrow's interview. Then she clicked on ‘About Us’. There was a picture of Jamie smiling easily at the camera, his fair hair cut short with a slight side parting. Scrolling down, there was a picture of a footballer in a red and white kit standing next to Jamie. She read the caption underneath it. Patrick Ardoin, Arsenal FC. Anna assumed that Jamie had links with football clubs; it would make sense, as there were so many foreign players these days. She vaguely remembered Mark talking about Ardoin, saying what a good defender he was.
As a pro-footballer in his younger days, Mark had always been appreciative of Arsenal's 'rock solid back line'. Unfortunately, Mark's premiership career had only consisted of six first team starts.
Anna felt that familiar pang she always experienced when she thought of the accident that had not only brought about the end of Mark's playing career, but had also caused her to miscarry what would have been their second child. Another little boy. She closed her eyes and tried to shake the thoughts out of her head. She hated thinking about the last few years of their marriage; it was too painful. She turned her attention back to Jamie's website and clicked on ‘Testimonials and Clients’.
‘What you looking at?’ asked Mark, peering over Anna's shoulder.
Anna jumped, unaware that Mark was there. She snapped the lid down on the laptop.
‘Trunky want a bun?’ she teased, well, half-teased.
‘That's a pretty impressive CV,’ said Jamie, putting down the printout of Anna's résumé she had emailed the day before. ‘I was particularly impressed by the fact that you completed your Modern Languages degree through the Open University. That couldn't have been easy with a young child.’
‘No, it wasn't at times,’ acknowledged Anna. ‘But going to a brick uni wasn't an option.’
‘Work with the tour company is definitely over then?’
‘Well, put it like this. My P45 landed on the doormat within twenty-four hours of the meeting. So I think it's pretty safe to say I no longer work for them.’
Jamie leant back in his chair, his fingers steepled. ‘I can't guarantee work day in, day out initially. It quite often depends on whom you're assigned to, where they are located, whether it's a one-off assignment or an ongoing working arrangement. For example, you could be assigned to a family who are relocating from abroad and need lots of things sorting – moving home, schools, bank arrangements and so on – in which case you would be with them for several weeks or even months. On the other hand, it may be a one-off business meeting, or you may be needed to translate or help interview a live-in nanny or gardener. Something like that could be one day or a few days.’
‘It sounds fine. I’ve still got the couple of mornings I do at the tea rooms midweek.’
‘The work here doesn’t always involve translating. Sometimes it’s a bit more like PA work. Are you okay with that too?’
She nodded. ‘Absolutely. It sounds great.’ She genuinely liked the sound of it. She may even be able to give up the two mornings at the tea rooms.
‘Okay, let's give it a go, shall we?’ Jamie sat forward and tapped at the keyboard on his laptop. Then he paused, as if struck by a thought. ‘The PA work I mentioned, you all right working for Tex?’
Anna felt a little flutter in her stomach. Working for Tex? Could she work for him? Then again, could she say no to Jamie? Would that jeopardise her chances of getting this job? She realised Jamie was waiting for an answer.
‘Err… yes, that’s okay by me.’
‘You sure?’
‘Absolutely. He seems nice enough, I’m certain we can work together well.’ She wasn’t sure if Jamie was convinced.
‘I can always assign you to someone else, it’s just that Tex thought someone with local knowledge would be ideal.’
‘What, he asked for me?’
‘Pretty much. I told him I was interviewing you today and that’s when he suggested it.’ Jamie looked evenly at her. ‘I must admit, I have my reservations. You know he can be very charming.’
Anna felt the flutter in her stomach turn into a knot. Jamie was warning her Tex was a charmer. A ladies’ man. She looked directly at Jamie. ‘I’m sure he can be, but don’t worry, I never mix business with pleasure.’
A timely knock at the door brought the conversation to a halt. Yvonne poked her head in the room and smiled when she saw Anna.
‘Hi! How are you?’ she enquired.
‘I'm fine thanks. You?’
‘Great, thanks.’ Waving some papers in her hand, Yvonne looked over at her husband. ‘Thought you might need these. Time sheets, expenses forms, personnel form.’
‘Excellent! What would I do without you? Actually, while you're here perhaps you can go through them with Anna. You're much better at that sort of thing than me.’ Jamie gave Yvonne his best angelic smile and fluttered his eyes at her.
‘Quit with the puppy dog eyes, Dixon,’ joked Yvonne, then coming into the office, beckoned Anna. ‘Come on, you're with the Queen of Forms now. Let's sit over there on the sofa and go through them.’
‘Thank you, darling.’ Jamie grinned at his wife.
Anna dutifully followed Yvonne over to the black cube sofa and began going through the various personnel questions with her.
‘Okay, that's all done,’ announced Yvonne after fifteen minutes. ‘All explained and filled out as necessary.’ She put the form Anna had just completed into a wire tray marked ‘filing’ on Jamie’s desk.
‘Thanks ever so much for this,’ said Anna as she was leaving. Funny how it now seemed to be a double-edged sword. And one she didn’t want to get cut by.
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