by Liz Bower
I ripped the lid off another one with relief as I looked inside. Okay, I wasn’t crazy because it was filled with papers. Tipped the contents out onto the carpet and spread them out but not finding what I was after. I picked up a brown A4 sized envelope and tipped the contents out of it. My mum and dad’s marriage certificate. My brother’s birth certificate. And then finally…my birth certificate. Father—Vinnie Hardwick.
Leaning against the wardrobe, I stared at those two words for a long time. Memories of my dad flitting through my mind. Him teaching me to ride my first bike. Cuddling me the first time I fell off it, then encouraging me to get back on. The look on his face when my first boyfriend showed up at the house. That one made me smile as I remembered Dad taking him off to one side to “have a word.”
Why had I believed so easily that Vinnie might not have been my dad? I thought of all the things I’d done since finding that incorrect birth certificate. Why hadn’t I checked before flying halfway across Europe? Why had it never crossed my mind that it could be wrong and Vinnie’s name should have been on it all along?
I didn’t know the answers to those questions. But as I sat on the floor surrounded by papers and shoes, something a lot like acceptance rolled through me.
Vinnie was my real dad.
A warmth spread across my chest at that thought. My mum had never lied to me, never kept the truth from me.
I was Vinnie’s daughter and he had loved me. And I’d been lucky enough to be loved unconditionally by both my parents for twenty-six years. They might not be here now, but nobody could take that from me.
Chapter Twenty-Five
The following week at work, I was feeling more like my old self. After speaking to my brother about my findings, my world was back on an even keel. Had even spoken to Beck on Friday night.
When he’d called—just like he said he would—after I’d seen him at the restaurant with that woman.
But things were back on track with us. He’d apologised and told me again that Kath was just a client. They had met up to discuss the possibility of a new job coming up in the next few weeks so Beck might not be working at C and G much longer. It had never even crossed his mind to tell me about it because it was just work.
And he wanted us to meet up at the weekend because he was missing me. Those words had a stupid grin across my face when he’d said them because I missed being with him too. And that, along with finding out about the mix-up on my birth certificate, made me realise that I needed to stop doubting the people around me.
Maybe now I would believe I could trust him. Trust myself. I hadn’t realised how much thinking Vinnie wasn’t my dad had made me doubt myself. Doubt my relationships.
“You’re annoyingly happy today. Quit with the humming.”
Jaz’s words stopped my humming as I glanced up at him. His usually happy face nowhere in sight and heavy stubble lined his jaw. “Everything okay?”
He nodded but disappeared back behind his screen. I thought he was lying but I didn’t push him. I was sure he would tell me when he was ready. At least I hoped he would.
I focused back on the papers in front of me instead. An invoice for my “special” account. They’d racked up a lot of hours’ worth of work, which seemed unlikely for such a small firm. Even more bizarrely, they’d paid it and then some. Almost double the amount due. That couldn’t be right.
Pulling up the account details on my computer, I wanted to double-check it wasn’t an error before I mentioned it to anyone else this time. Leaning back in my chair I rubbed my fingers across the heart on my necklace. Should I mention it to Tony? To Beck? But the last conversation I’d had with Beck about this client ran through my head and I decided against bringing it up. Things were good between us and I didn’t want to rock the boat.
Instead, I found the client’s phone number and decided to resolve it myself. That was what I was there for, after all. If it was indeed a simple mix-up I was sure I could fix it. I dialled the number and waited as I heard the ring tone. Once. Twice.
“Hello?”
It took me a moment to respond as I waited for them to announce the company name. Or their name. When they said nothing further I finally spoke. “Oh hello. My name is Kimberly and I’m calling on behalf of Cooper Garson Ltd.” Pausing, I realised I should have thought about what I was going to say. Before I could carry on though they spoke again.
“We’re not interested in anything you have to sell.”
Gripping the phone tighter, I coughed trying to cover my nervous laugh. “Sorry. I’m not trying to sell you anything. I wanted to speak to you about the invoice you paid our firm. Overpaid actually.”
“I think you’ve got the wrong number, love.”
Glancing down at the number displayed on the phone, I read it and then checked it against the number on my monitor. It was the same number. “Is this Period Pieces?”
A laugh echoed down the line. “No. I deal with a lot of relics, but not furniture. Only old people.”
His laugh sounded again but I didn’t grasp the meaning of his words. “So, you don’t have your accounts done through Cooper Garson? You haven’t made a payment for £50,000?” There was silence on the other end of the phone. For so long that I checked the phone display in case he’d hung up on me. But no, he was still there.
“What did you say the company name was again, love?”
“Cooper Garson Ltd.”
“A-ha. Do you have the name of your supervisor?”
There was an audible click as I swallowed. Shit. I’d wanted to deal with this on my own. Was he going to complain to Tony about me calling? “His name is Tony. Tony Rutherford.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t worry about the payment, darling. Tony is dealing with it.”
Opening my mouth to ask what he meant, the line went dead. I pulled the phone away from my ear and stared at the receiver then slowly replaced it. The conversation replayed through my head but it still didn’t make any sense. Was the man going to tell Tony about our conversation? Should I? My gut was telling me there was something off about the situation. I just wasn’t sure what right then.
From the corner of my eye, I could see Beck striding across the room towards his office. Maybe he would tell me I shouldn’t have rung the client, but it was my job. If I was going to do it, I’d do it right.
Making my way over to Beck’s office I pulled my shoulders back preparing to defend my actions. Tried to appear casual as I leaned against the door jamb of his office. “Hey. You got a sec?” Beck smiled at me, dimples popping out, and I relaxed a little.
“Sure. Take a seat.”
I closed the door behind me and sat, linking my fingers together in my lap. “Okay, so I wanted to speak to you about the Lewis account again.” Beck sighed then pursed his lips. Okay, not the best start.
“I thought I told you to do whatever Tony told you to.”
“I know. And I did. But there was an error with the payment they made so I called them to clear it up.”
“You called them?” Beck shot to his feet staring at me wide eyed.
“Err…yes.” That wasn’t the bit I thought he’d have a problem with.
“Jesus,” he said, raking a hand through his hair. “What did you say to them?”
“I explained they had overpaid. But they said they were dealing with Tony and then hung up on me.” Beck stopped pacing to stare at me from behind his desk.
“Did you give them your name?”
My brows knitted together at the unexpected question. Running the conversation over again in my head I nodded. “Yes. I gave them my first name and told them I worked here. Why? Does it matter?” He glared at me for a second before yanking open his desk drawer.
“Yes, it bloody matters. Why couldn’t you leave it alone like I asked?”
Recoiling at the anger in his words I stared at him in shock. “I was doing my job,” I replied finally, my voice sounding timid because I didn’t understand his reaction. Was what I had done really that bad
? His shoulders sagged.
“I know.” He slipped his mobile in the trouser pocket of his suit then straightened. “Sorry. I know.” He stared at me for a moment. “And I’m trying to do mine.”
He strode past me and out of the office. Left me there alone to wonder what he meant by that.
Chapter Twenty-Six
I hadn’t heard a word from Beck since the day he’d stormed out of his office. My extended contract was nearing its end, and quite frankly, I couldn’t wait until it did. Except, I had to get through a client dinner that evening. The only saving grace was that it was unlikely Beck would be there. Tony had hinted it would be just him. And me. Which didn’t reassure me in the slightest.
When he’d first mentioned it at the office, I had thought it was strange Tony would want me there. He’d been vague about his reason, but then he had said I could claim it as overtime…Did it really matter why? Plus, I’d get to try out the desserts at a flashy restaurant in Manchester that I could never afford to eat at otherwise. Maybe I could blog about it on my website. People were always posting pictures of food on social media.
I checked my reflection in the mirror and wondered for the hundredth time if I should have bought something new. Something a little dressier than my well-worn LBD. But to be honest, I didn’t understand why Tony wanted me at this dinner anyway. I was only a temp. And one that wouldn’t be working for the company much longer.
The mystery firm whose account I had been working on would be there, Tony said, and he wanted me to “schmooze them”—his words. I don’t think he realised I couldn’t schmooze—didn’t know how to.
And then there was Beck. Who’d been acting strange ever since I’d seen him with that woman. The one he swore was a client, except they seemed to know each other too well. The look she’d given me had seemed off too. It wasn’t the look of a client. More a predatory stay-away-from-him mama bear look. Which was weird.
Shaking out my hands, I blew out a breath. There was no reason to be this nervous. Except I hated professional dinners at fancy restaurants. Not that I’d been to a lot, but, you know. A horn blared from outside and a glance out of the bedroom window confirmed the taxi Tony had arranged was waiting for me. I grabbed my handbag and hurried down the stairs.
When it pulled up outside what looked like an office block I double-checked the address before I climbed out. Took the lift to the second floor. The doors slid open into a funky yet swish space. A steel-wrapped reception desk was straight ahead of me. Parquet floors gleamed under the overhead lights that reflected off the metal ceiling tiles. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed what looked like a balcony garden filled with potted plants and even a white picket fence.
The area behind the reception desk was crowded and noisy. Scanning the faces of the people around me, I jumped as a hand wrapped around my elbow and urged me back towards the lift.
“What are you doing here?”
The words were hissed into my ear, but I’d recognised Beck before he even spoke as his familiar scent wrapped around me. Yanking my arm from his grasp, I glared up at him. “Tony asked me to be here. I’m just doing as I’m told.” Beck scowled at me as I hurled his own words back at him.
“You can’t be here. Not tonight.”
Before I could think of a response to throw back at him his phone rang.
“Shit.” He retrieved it from his jacket pocket. Glancing at the screen he said, “Wait here. I have to take this. But then we need to talk.”
And once again, he disappeared on me. Through the door and outside onto the balcony. I didn’t know what Beck’s issue was with me being at the restaurant, but I was there to do a job and leave as quickly as I could.
I threaded my way through the crowds until I spotted Tony in the corner. He smiled when he noticed me, and then Beck joined us. Except he didn’t smile. If anything, he looked panicked before he pressed his lips together and glanced away. He leant down and spoke to Tony before he stalked off again.
Okay. Definitely still acting weird and I didn’t know why. And if I was honest, a little hurt. It was like he’d done a one-eighty since the night of his parents’ anniversary party. And the morning after it. Maybe that had scared him. But he was the one who’d invited me. Who had brought up the conversation of us waiting. Implied we had a future together.
“Kimberly,” Tony said as his gaze dropped to my chest.
My eyes are up here, arsehole. “Tony.”
“We’re waiting on the table and our client isn’t here yet. Can I get you a drink?”
Our client? “Thanks. I’ll have a small white wine.” Because asking for the whole bottle probably wasn’t appropriate at a work dinner.
As he made his way to the bar, I scanned the throng of people around me searching for Beck. Instead, I found the face of the last person I’d been expecting to see. She grinned when she saw me staring and made her way over towards me. The woman I’d seen Beck with. His client. Tony handed me a glass of wine at the same moment she stopped beside me.
“Kyle had to make a phone call. He won’t be long. Kimberly, have you met Kyle’s wife, Sarah?”
The room receded to the point that all I could see was Tony. And her. Full red lips curled up, dark eyes twinkling beneath a midnight black strand of her fringe artfully draped across her forehead. The chatter and clinking of glasses replaced by the sound of my blood racing instead. Dizziness made me reach out to hold on to something. Someone’s arm. I turned straight into Beck’s—Kyle’s—gaze. He reached out to steady me and I took a step back from him.
Shaking my head, I said, “No. I don’t think I’ve met his wife before.”
Beck paled, his eyes flicking between me and his…wife? What the fuck? His hand dropped and there it was. Proof. Gold wedding band glinting under the overhead lights. How could I have missed that before? No. I shook my head. I hadn’t. Not even a tell-tale sign of him having worn one recently had marked his finger. I remembered checking his hand at the airport when we first met.
“Kimberly, I—”
I swear to God, if he was going to say he could explain, I would slap him. “Excuse me.” Elbowing my way through the other customers got me a few sharp glances but I didn’t care. My stomach was clawing its way up my throat and I needed to find the ladies room before it escaped.
I rushed down the hall from the reception desk to where I had seen them on my way in. Pushed through the outer door and straight into a cubicle, with just enough time to lock the door behind me, then leaned over the toilet as I heaved. Oh, God. I’d slept with a married man. Twice. My brow clammy with sweat, I heaved again and then sank to my knees on the cold hard tile floor. Reached over to flush the toilet and pressed the back of my other hand against my mouth, hoping I was done.
His fucking client. I leaned back against the cubicle door. Christ, was anything that came out of the man’s mouth ever true? He’d lied about being married. Even after I’d seen them together, he’d lied about who she was.
I had to get out of there. No way was I in any state to talk to anyone, let alone try and schmooze a client. I didn’t care. Tony could sack me if he wanted to. If I didn’t beat him to it and resign.
My knee cracked as I kneeled up on the hard floor, then stumbled to my feet and out of the cubicle. Pulled the main door of the ladies’ room open slightly to peer along the corridor. Thankfully, it was empty. I hurried down the hallway and back towards the lift. Jabbed the call button repeatedly because of course, that would make it come quicker.
As I stepped outside, the cool night air hit my damp forehead. Taxi. I needed a taxi. I ran around to the front of the office block and yanked open the door of the first taxi in the queue. Sliding into the back seat I pulled the door closed behind me a little harder than needed.
“Marsdon. Can you take me to Marsdon, please?” The driver glanced over his shoulder at me.
“Are you all right, love?”
“I’m fine I just need to get home. As fast as you can.” He started the engine, and
I twisted around in the seat to look out of the back window.
“What’s the address?”
“Number four Sweetloves Lane. By the canal.”
“Oh, I know that area. My gran used to live not far from there.”
I tuned him out, so not in the mood for small talk. A figure appeared outside the front door of the restaurant and I slid down in the seat. I doubted it was Beck. Kyle. Whatever the hell name he was going by. I’m sure he was too busy with his wife.
Then the taxi finally pulled away from the kerb and I closed my eyes. Trying to shut the whole night out as though it hadn’t happened.
***
As the taxi pulled away from the house, I locked the front door behind me. Even slid the bolt across the top for good measure. Kicked off my shoes and trudged upstairs. Climbed under the duvet, not bothering to undress.
On the way home, my mind had gone numb, only able to focus on getting the hell away from there. But curled up under the covers, I knew why Beck had told me I couldn’t be there. Not when he was with his wife.
Every moment spent with Beck was replayed in slow motion. The moment we met on the plane. I’d believed the explanation of his name but then again, I’d believed him when he said she was a client. The way he’d reacted when I told him I would be staying on at the office.
Did he want me out of the way so I couldn’t cross paths with his wife? The anniversary party. Surely his parents couldn’t know he was married? They wouldn’t have been so pleased to meet me if they did, would they? Had he lied to his parents too? His sister? Did anyone know Beck? Did he even know who he was with all the lies he’d told?
I groaned and rolled over onto my back, staring up at the ceiling that I could barely see in the darkened room. The hours we’d spent in my kitchen together. When I thought I was getting to know him. A tear escaped my eye, running down my cheek to soak into the pillow. Had those times been lies too? I thought he’d cared about me. God, I was such a fool.
