“Oh, God, no. Neither of them has ever brought girls back here. I think there might be a hotel involved. To be honest, Brooke, I try not to think about it too much,” she said, laughing.
“It’s a shame though, I wonder if we can find a woman for him,” I said, more to myself really.
“Anyway, what I really wanted to know was, you don’t clean his apartment as well as the house do you?”
“Yes, I do here, Travis’ and the apartment at the office if needed.”
“Blimey, that’s a lot to do yourself, let me at least help out until I have to go back to work.”
“Brooke, it’s fine, but if you want to help that’s okay.”
“How about getting someone else in to help, once I’m back at work?” I suggested.
“Robert doesn’t trust anyone other than me, and now you of course. You haven’t seen the apartments have you? Come on, let me show you.”
We walked across the gravel drive and through a small door into the garages. I had assumed, because there were four main doors, the garages would hold four cars, but it was huge inside. Plenty big enough for at least double that. There were two motorbikes, identical, and another Mercedes SUV for Evelyn to use. To each side of the room was a staircase leading up to a balcony and two front doors, next to each other. Taking a key Evelyn opened one.
“Welcome to my home,” she said.
I was surprised at how spacious it was. There was a large lounge, separate kitchen diner and two bedrooms, each with an en-suite. There were windows to the rear looking out over the woods. It was light and airy, and the total opposite to the house in its decor. There was a patterned paper on one wall in soft lilacs and rose. It gave the room a calm, serene feel. She had a large, soft, lilac sofa facing a log burner and I noticed row upon row of books, she obviously enjoyed reading.
“That’s the only thing I miss, my books,” I said as I ran my fingers over the spines.
“My favourite pass time. If there’s anything that you fancy, you can always borrow some. Travis’ apartment is the same layout, a lot messier mind you,” she said.
“Where did you all live before? Robert told me this was built about five years ago,” I said, scanning the books and selecting a couple.
“Closer to the city, not too far from your friend Sam,” she said.
“I much prefer to be out here though, it’s so peaceful.”
“Do you have any other family?” I asked.
“My parents are long dead but I have a sister. You can come with me to meet her one day if you like, but I have to warn you she’s in a nursing home. She has dementia but I still like to visit her once a week, even if she doesn’t really know who I am anymore.”
She picked up a photo of two girls, a boy, and two dark, Italian parents to show me.
“Oh I’m sorry, that’s sad, who’s the boy?”
“My brother. I don’t see him anymore. What about you, Brooke, any family at home?”
I told her about my brother and the relationship I had, or rather didn’t have, with my parents, and I watched her lips turn into a scowl.
“You and Robert are quite alike really when you think about it, both abandoned by their family.”
“I guess so. I’ve written to them, told them where I’m living and it would’ve been nice to get a birthday card but I can only hope, one day maybe. It’s why I was so choked last night. Sam and I don’t do cards, it only highlights the ones you don’t receive, so it was a change to have a party.”
She pulled me into a hug, “I know I’ve said this before, but I’m so glad you’ve come into our lives, Brooke.”
I left to get ready for my girls lunch and I was looking forward to it. As much as the ladies were older, they were fun. Mark arrived just before twelve with the Range Rover and, in silence, we travelled into town. I didn’t feel there was any connection with him; he was extremely remote and far too professional to chat to me. I had to remind myself, the difference between him and Travis was that he was security; Travis was also a friend.
I arrived at the club, and again that door opened before I even got there. I was shown to a beautiful oak sweeping staircase.
“The lounge is upstairs, Miss Stiles,” I was told and from half way up I could already hear Taylor’s laughter.
“Brooke, you made it, we were getting a little worried you couldn’t,” she said. “And that dress looks divine on you.”
The lounge area consisted of a bar at one end, a solid oak, old fashioned, huge bar that ran the length of the room. There were collections of red leather sofas and wing-backed chairs arranged in groups around the enormous room, and an open fireplace with logs already crackling to one side. To the front and back, there were floor to ceiling sash windows, and I took a wander over to look out.
“Come away from the windows, Brooke. You don’t know who’s out there,” I heard Patricia say.
Thinking it a little odd, I walked back and was handed a glass of wine. A toast was being said to the newest recruit of the old wives’ club.
“Thank you,” I said. “Although I’m not a wife, it’s nice to be welcomed by you all.”
“Honey,” Taylor drawled, “I doubt it will be too much longer before you are,” she said, laughing.
I must admit, I’d not thought that far ahead, and I doubted Robert was the marrying kind, but a little tingle of excitement ran up my spine at the thought. Brooke Stone had kind of a ring to it.
I sat between Rosa and Patricia listening to the women chat. I hadn’t had much of an opportunity to talk to Rosa at the ball and was interested in where she came from. She had an Irish accent and told me that originally she’d lived in Bantry, Southern Ireland. She’d met Paul on a business trip there. He had whisked her off her feet and brought her to Washington, they’d married soon after. She’d been a nurse back home, she told me.
Patricia seemed to be the mother hen of the group. I guessed her to be older than the others and in turn they told me how they had met their men, what children they had, and about their lives in Washington. It seemed that before arriving in Washington they had been spread about. Taylor was from South Carolina, Patricia from the Hamptons, Susie from New York, and obviously Rosa from Ireland.
“How come you all ended up here, in Washington?” I asked.
Patricia answered for them, “We met our men and because the businesses were here, we all moved.”
We ordered club sandwiches and another bottle of wine, and I sat back listening to them chat, it was lovely to be in their company. They talked about Christmas and I was asked what my plans were.
“To be honest, I haven’t thought about it,” I said, wondering what we would do.
“Well, just before we have a large gathering, it’s always such fun. We take turns in going to one another’s house for a pre-Christmas party,” Taylor said. “This year we’re at mine.”
Knowing how stylish she was, I was dying to see the inside of her house.
“I have my friends blessing on the twenty-first, it won’t clash will it?” I asked.
“No, honey. Thankfully, the twenty-second, the Saturday, make a note in your diary.”
The time seemed to fly by and I picked up my bag to reach in for my purse. I wanted to add my share to the bill. Patricia placed her hand on mine.
“Brooke, there’s no need to pay,” she said.
“Oh, thanks.”
We made our way downstairs to a row of parked cars, all with a driver waiting and all black with dark windows.
I laughed, “We look like a bunch of gangster molls,” I said.
I noticed the quick glances among them but took no notice; I was concentrating on locating Mark.
With hugs and promises to meet the following week, we got into our respective cars and headed off in different directions. I’d sent a text to Robert, told him I’d had a great time, and if there was one going spare, could he pick up a diary for me.
He replied, “Glad you had a good time. Gina can keep your diary, just le
t her know your plans.”
“Don’t forget I’m at the gym later, meet me there?” I replied.
I had the afternoon to concentrate on my wardrobe, taking out all my new clothes and trying them on. I took pictures with my phone sent them over to Sam who promptly returned the message with many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahhs’.
“Evelyn,” I called out as I walked back upstairs.
“I think I left my workout clothes at the gym, I don’t suppose there’s a small bag around I can borrow to take some fresh ones in.”
“They’ve been laundered, Brooke. The boys tend to leave clothes there, the gym manager would have sorted out cleaning them for you.”
I hadn’t noticed a gym manager and was a little uncomfortable with some man I didn’t know doing my laundry. She must have seen a look of anxiety cross my face.
“He’s a great guy, old chap. Have you not met him? Jim’s his name. Mind you, he’s only there during the day, I think,” she said, as she carried on with her chores.
I heard the Range Rover arrive, it was time to leave for my workout with Joseph, and I hoped, Kerry. I waved goodbye to Evelyn and climbed into the car.
“Thanks for driving me, Mark,” I said, some attempt at a conversation.
“You’re welcome,” and then it was silence all the way to the office.
I was greeted by security as Mark and I walked through and a few glances were thrown my way from people leaving. I wondered how many worked there; I knew there were 12 floors. Each contained an open plan area with desks, toilets, a kitchen, and a meeting room. Trying to calculate just how many had been on Sam’s floor and excluding the top two which were Robert's, there must have been at least a couple of hundred people.
I made my way towards the changing room and when I opened the door, I froze. Travis was facing me, his shirt was off, and his body was a mass of scars. They zig zagged across his stomach. He stilled for a moment, I think expecting Robert, and quickly pulled on his t-shirt.
“Sorry, Travis. I didn’t realise you were getting changed,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
He hesitated before answering and I couldn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’m done, all yours,” he said as he walked out and into the gym.
I opened my locker and changed quickly. The image of his torso was seared in my mind. How on earth had he gotten those? Robert had a scar, a nasty one, but to have so many, Christ! I doubted he or Robert would tell me, but I couldn’t shake the image.
Robert was running a little late so I started my warmup with Joseph just as Ted and the kids came in. Kerry, still with the pitiful clothing, made up the rear. I would buy her some proper workout gear, I thought, as I walked over to her.
“Hi, Kerry, thank you so much for my card, it was lovely.”
She smiled a little, and looked at her shuffling feet.
“Are you ready to learn a little more?” I asked, walking her back to Joseph.
He had us warm up and we went through some new moves with Kerry. She was very self-conscious and when it came to sparring in front of the mirror, I stood alongside her, keeping her company. I encouraged her with smiles, told her she was doing great and soon enough she got into the swing of it. She put on some pads as Joseph wanted her to practice her punches, and I watched as she let out a string of hard-hitting shots. She was going to be good but she would have to control herself. She seemed so full of anger and although kickboxing was a good sport to let out your frustrations, anger could make you careless.
I felt Robert behind me long before I saw him and smiled. He planted a kiss on my shoulder, his way of letting everyone know I was his, and then he warmed up on the treadmill before joining Ted and Travis. They each took a couple of kids and circuit trained; first the heavy bag, the speedball, and then into the ring. Joseph, Kerry, and I stayed on the mats, practicing some kicks until the ring was clear. We climbed under the ropes and Joseph and I sparred. Once he knew my level of experience, he didn’t hold back and I was pleased to see that although he was much more experienced than me, I held my own and I didn’t end up on my arse this time.
I let Travis and Robert shower first, opting to stay and talk to the kids. They were full of questions about what I was doing. They’d recently watched a film where the hero kickboxed. I’d explained that it was not really like the movies; you have to be very disciplined. Thanking Ted and Joseph, I made my way to the shower expecting the boys to be done. As I passed Kerry, I gave her a pat on the shoulder.
“Well done, Kerry. Same time next week?” I asked.
She nodded, “I stayed at the home the other night.”
“I know, I was pleased to hear that. You’re always welcome there; it’s a safe place to be. You know if things get tough at home, you can turn up anytime of the day or night, Ted will let you in.”
Ted ushered the kids out and I headed for the changing room. I found Robert waiting for me, sitting astride the bench.
“Hey,” he said, catching the top of my shorts and pulling me to him.
“Hey, yourself,” I replied, kissing him, “I’ve missed you today.”
“Travis told me,” he said, his eyes focused on mine. I took a deep breath.
“It was a bit of a shock, to see his body like that but I’m not going to ask any questions, okay. If you want to tell me you will, but I have to say, Robert, it really shook me up.”
“I know, baby, I think on this occasion it’s up to Travis. It’s what happened to him, if he wants you to know, he’ll tell you. He’s concerned that you saw him. Please, do me a favour, don’t let him see you’re bothered by it,” he asked.
I smiled, “Okay, now let me shower, I stink,” I said.
I met the boys in the seating area outside and with a smile on my face, I ushered them down to the underground garage. Working out always made me hungry and I wanted to eat.
“What’s with Mark?” I asked as we pulled away. “I mean, he drove me today and said two words only.”
Robert laughed, “Brooke, he’s staff, it’s not his place to have a conversation with you. Anyway, did you speak with Gina about your diary and what’s in it?” he asked.
“Oh, I am such the social butterfly right now. I have three appointments but I need a fourth. First, I’ve been invited to a fashion show, and then on the twenty-first of December, we have the blessing. On the twenty-second we’re at Taylor’s for a pre-Christmas party, and I need a doctor’s appointment, preferably within the next couple of weeks,” I said, lowering my voice a little.
“Doctor’s?” Robert asked.
“Yeah, Doctor’s, you know, girly stuff,” I said, smiling.
“Oh right, girly stuff. Trav, do we know a girly stuff doctor?” he asked, both of them laughed and I slapped him across the chest.
“I think I might know a girly stuff doctor,” Travis replied. “I’ll get the number.”
“Travis, you know everyone from the DVD man and now the girly stuff doctor,” I said, glad that the mood had been lifted and we were back to our usual banter.
Chapter Twelve
The following day I’d arranged to meet Sam for lunch, I was missing him, and with Mark driving, we arrived at the deli a little early. I took a coffee and sat in a window seat, waiting. I saw Sam walking along and a little behind him I noticed Gabby, although it was only Sam who entered the deli.
“Hey, honey, I’ve missed you at work,” he said, sitting himself down.
“Did you invite Gabby along?” I asked.
“No, why?”
I looked back out the window and couldn’t see her anymore.
“Oh, I just thought I saw her behind you, that’s all. Now, tell me what have you been up to?”
We chatted, drank our coffee, ate, and with the hour coming to a close, I decided to walk back with him.
I left Mark to park the car at the office and we set off arm in arm. As we stopped at a crossing, I looked over to the opposite side of the road and could have sworn I saw Gabby again. She ducked into an alleyway bet
ween two buildings.
“Wasn’t that Gabby?” I said, pointing.
“I can’t see her,” he replied.
“I’ll be honest, Sam, I think she might be stalking us,” I laughed. “I thought I saw her the other day, after my birthday party, and just now again.”
“Honey, I don’t think she has many friends, maybe she misses your company.”
“Maybe, but why not just come and say hello then? Anyway, I told you that I might have a job haven’t I? I’m not a hundred percent sure what it is, but I’m going to work on the new businesses Vassago brings into the group, sounds exciting though.”
We made our way back to the office and I decided to text Robert, I wanted to know if it was okay to have a chat with Gina, about the diary thing. He replied straight away and told me to come on up.
I took the lift and again was pleased to receive a smile when it opened and I saw Gina at her desk.
“Hi, Brooke. I’m glad you’re here, do you think I can have a word?” she asked.
“Let’s make some tea.”
As we stood in the kitchen she looked worried, “Is everything okay Gina?”
“Well, I’m not sure. I don’t know if this means anything, but I spoke to Miranda. I wanted her to know what a terrible thing she’d done, using me to give that photo to Mr. Stone. The thing is, Brooke, she insisted that in the envelope should have been a letter from the museum and nothing more.”
“If she put the letter in the envelope and delivered it to you, how can she not know what was in it?” I said.
“Well, here’s the thing. She told me that when she came into the building, at first she handed the letter to reception. She knew she would run the risk of bumping into Mr. Stone if she came up here. She said that one of the girls put the envelope on the desk but then handed it back and told her to go on up, Mr. Stone was out and she could deliver the letter directly to me.”
“Is that normal?” I asked.
“Well, she has been here a lot. She would often come up, now I know it wasn’t necessarily to see me, but all post goes to Reception, they sort and distribute it normally. I don’t know how to say this, but I believe her. She was so shocked when I told her what was in the envelope and I know how she feels about Mr. Stone, but I just can’t see her doing that.”
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