'We just needed time. I miss you George and I need you.'
There is a sigh on the other end.
'What's going on?'
Omitting the incident with his father, I explain how Harry is now living with me and how I am frightened of the repercussions.
'What do you want me to do?' he asks.
'Find out how desperate Katherine is to keep Harry and find out about the clause in her father's will.'
'Does it matter if he's with you now?' George asks.
'Of course it matters. I want Harry all to myself.'
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
'So what have you found out?'
George and I are sitting in a coffee shop. It's the first time since that night that we've been in each other's presence. It's painfully awkward at first. When I look at him all I see is what he's done to me. I would be quite happy if I never laid eyes on him again, but I need to keep him close. He needs to believe that I've forgiven him.
I had woken that morning in Harry's arms and that feeling was beyond anything ever experienced. I've never loved before. Didn't really know what it felt like. I just never wanted to commit to anyone. Yet, waking up and seeing Harry's sleeping face I understood why my mother married my father so quickly so young and probably understand what I mean to them as their first, born in the flush of new love.
Making love that morning with Harry telling me he was never going to leave me made my heart hurt in a good way. I seriously never believed when starting this that I would find the man I would want to keep and now I have I don't want him to let me go. Now, I prepare myself for the best act, I've yet to perform. Playing the one man who taught me how to play best.
'Well for one, my parents are being fucking cagey. Father has taken to locking himself in the office all hours and mum, well she's doing the usual pretend he's not a knob routine.'
'Do you think she knows about Harry and I?' I ask.
'Probably, she has stopped asking about you. She and Katherine are pretty tight. Look, what is happening with Harry? You both can't stay cooped up in that flat. He's too used to his luxuries.'
'We've not planned anything yet. But does it matter as long as we are together?'
George laughs at me and I try and prevent the bristle.
'You can be such a child sometimes. This is the real world and you will have to do more than open legs to keep hold of him. You have none of Katherine's wealth, so ask yourself what you can offer him that she couldn't.'
I flinch as I catch his meaning.
'I'm not doing that.'
George shrugs. 'It's just a suggestion. Anyway I am sure Katherine will make her move soon. Considering that all the others have never managed to make him spend a night away from her, the mere fact you have is creating a stir.'
'Well then maybe you're wrong I can keep hold of him without resorting to desperate measures, and he's told me he loves me,' I smile.
'Congratulations, but don't count your chickens just yet,' he answers.
'I'm saying how it is. Plus you said that once he tells me he loves me our slate is wiped clean.'
'And it will be once I get my mark.'
'That's not what we agreed,' I snap and then rein myself in.
'We agreed that once I get enough material I can use to get my Masters then your slate is clean. It's taken you three months to get a man to leave his wife when no other could. You are much more than Anne Boleyn ever was. I have to admire that, but the game is not over yet. He could still go back. You've got to survive the honeymoon period first.'
'Believe me, I have much more tricks up my sleeve,' I say confidently.
'I'm sure you do. Look, Leigh...'
'Let's just leave it.'
'No,' George pushes and grabs my hand. 'I'm sorry. I really I am. For everything. You're right, I did control you, because I wanted you to be everything I needed. But the fact is you're pretty damn amazing as you are and I should be grateful that we are friends.'
His apology throws my act off slightly. A real sorry with no 'I'm a Dick'. But I can do this. I can put him firmly on the back foot. Tears sting my eyes and I swallow down any remaining feelings for him. He is self-destructing and I've always allowed him to take me with him. That can't happen anymore.
'I wanted to say no,' I say quietly.
'I know.'
'But you did it anyway.'
George nods slowly. 'Will you forgive me?'
This is harder than I ever thought possible. Maybe he's playing me just as hard, but I want so badly to tell him to fuck off and never to speak to him again. But I do need him. There I've said it. Despite it all I do need him. It's an addictive drug that does me no favours but I can't live without. Added to the knowledge I've just found out about his mother. I kind of understand his ways.
What on gods earth made the Gaskills tear him away from his mother? The poor fucked up bloke had no hope with a bastard like that for a father. Yet, he's my fucked up bloke. My best friend that I can help fix once this is all over. Harry and I can do it together.
'Let's just draw a line under it,' I suggest.
A small smile emerges as he starts to relax.
'So are you and he going to stay together, if it's love?' George asks.
'You told me that he couldn't keep me,' I say, steadily.
'I also told you not fuck him or fall in love, but you did it anyway.'
I try not seem uncomfortable under his stare. The jealousy still burns deep inside him and it makes me nervous. I need to give him the right answer without giving myself away.
'I want things back to normal,' I say.
'Then I will have to pray that you do what you always do and fuck it up, because you get bored,' he answers with a smirk.
I bristle at his assumption, but have to resign to the fact that all I can do is smile back and laugh at his little joke. Little ole Leigh, who can't live without him, because if she does her life goes down the pan.
'You fancy doing something else?' he asks when I don't answer.
'Like what?'
'You choose.'
I'm fighting an internal war of defiance. I came here wanting to manipulate and use George for information and now I'm not sure if I can do it.
'Let me buy you something to apologise,' he says.
And there it is. The crux of all our problems. He just throws money my way and then everything will be alright. But it isn't alright and if I want this to stop then I need to make it stop. He could buy me all the wealth in the world, but it will never excuse him for what he's done. Once I get what I need we're done.
To appease and manipulate more we shop, chat and laugh, finally ending up in the pub. He thinks it's all alright. He thinks he's forgiven and I now have inside knowledge when it comes to Katherine. Later that evening, I am making way home when my phone rings. Its Harry's number.
'Hey, sexy old man. I'll be back soon.'
'Well don't get your hopes up, because he won't be there.'
My insides chill at Katherine's voice.
'Why won't he be there?' I ask.
'Why do you think? He's back where belongs.'
The phone goes dead and I lean against a wall to try and get my breath back. I feel like I've been punched. I'm home much quicker than normal. I have to see for myself.
Walking through my front door, I see my place is empty. Not even a note. Well that's it. George was right. I am a child. Being together isn't enough. It's never enough, because I don't have what Katherine has to keep him happy.
Is it really worth fighting back? I could walk away and leave them to it. After all how long would it be before Harry is cheating on me anyway? Because if Katherine can't stop him from wandering, then how in hell will I? Residing to the fact that it's over, I prepare myself for the coming weeks of heartbreak. When the front door opens and in walks Harry.
'Hey, I picked up some stuff. I thought I'd cook...what's wrong?'
'Where have you been?'
He walks past me and dumps the bags on t
he counter and then turns towards me, concern on his face, but I'm looking for something else.
'I had to pop into the office first thing and then I went to see another lawyer.'
I grab the bags and start to unpack so I can watch his every movement.
'What about Katherine?' I ask.
'What about her?'
'Have you been to see her?'
He frowns at me, but there is no guilt on his face, but then I suppose it's a look he's perfected in hiding.
'Yes, but don't get it wrong. I needed to try and sort out our divorce.'
'And did you?'
'I tried.'
'And that's it? Nothing else. No attempt at a reconciliation, or a goodbye fuck even,' I hiss.
'For god's sake Leigh, what's got into you?' he snaps.
'Why are you not denying it?' I start to shout.
'Because there is nothing to deny. I kind of hoped that me leaving her was enough for you to know that I'm serious.'
'Then why the fuck did she ring me from your phone and tell me that you were going back to her?'
'Because she is now my ex-wife and she's trying to wind up the woman I am in love with.'
It makes sense when he puts it like that and I find myself relaxing my stance.
'Come here,' he says. He pulls me into a hug. 'You're going to have to trust me. This isn't going to get any easier.'
'I know and I do,' I answer.
'That's settled then. Now let me cook supper and then you can sort out dessert.'
He pats my backside affectionately and starts to work his magic in the kitchen. I can't get over him telling me that he's in love with me. Deep down I realise that he's charming me and saying the right things, but I can't bear to hear any form of reasoning. Push it down and lock it away. It's the only I will get through this.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
The hall is filled with graduation gowns, proud students and even prouder parents. Me and Clair stand in our designated corner and filter through as many students as we can. Of course I am unable to do this all by myself and so I've gathered a few of my photographer contacts and promised them a cut of what I make. Now the three of us are clicking our way through the three days of graduation.
The first day I'd woken up in a blind panic, wondering if the job was far too big for me to take. Being over ambitious once again, but Harry had calmed me down. Forced me to breathe and take stock.
'You are good at what you do,' he coaxed. 'That's why you're doing it.'
Two weeks living together seems to have flown by and been easier than expected. Yes I know it's the honeymoon period, but it just feels right. Sleeping beside him every night and waking with him in the morning. I now don't know how I've slept alone for so long. We both leave for work in the morning and in the evening I am cooked for, especially after my attempt at trying to cook for him.
'I'm sure it will taste nice,' he said looking down at the sloppy remains of what should have been salmon. 'Fish can be tricky,' he added with a smile.
But after a few dubious mouthfuls and some tears I finally gave in and ordered Chinese.
'I bet Katherine is a good cook,' I moaned later.
'Yes, but the fact that I'm here with you being near on poisoned means I don't care,' he joked, but then turning serious he pulled my face to his.
'Promise me that you'll never compare yourself to Katherine, because you're a world away from her. Plus, I'll teach you how to cook. It's not that difficult it's all about timing.'
I gave him my promise, but it insecurity still sits there. Ever since the day he told me he loves me I've become an emotional wreck. Almost needy and weepy all the time, but I try and hide that side of me from him. I want to be better than her. Long gone is this one sister helping another. She is the ex-wife of my lover.
Now on the last day of graduation I'm finding my stride and actually enjoying myself. I've barely seen anything of Harry while working and that has made things easier. He distracts me far too much and it's a distraction I don't need until I'm home at least.
'Right who's next?'
A young gawky man steps up and I introduce myself to him in order to make him feel at ease. His lanky frame does nothing for the gown and the mortar board seems precariously perched. I wait for Clair to straighten him out and I catch someone staring at me. This tiny blond making me uncomfortable and seeing one of my colleagues free I direct her to him.
'I'd rather wait,' she says firmly.
'OK, I won't be long,' I shrug. 'Are we ready Clair?' I say turning towards the camera.
She gives me one of her exasperated looks as if to say that's the best I can do. She hands him the prop degree scroll and steps out of shot. Pushing the button it's done and the guy visibly relaxes as he goes to where his parents stand.
'Right, it's your turn. What's your name?' I ask.
The blond frowns at me for a moment.
'You mean you don't know?'
A tight knot starts to form in my stomach, because it's obvious that she thinks I should and our only connection to the place is one man. My man. But I'm trying not to jump to conclusions. I need to trust him.
'I'm sorry no. I need it so that I can tick you off on my sheet,' I answer steadily.
Clair is beside me with a pen waiting, but I daren't look her way in case I get the: I told you so look. The blond and I just stare at the other waiting for her to say her name.
'Well I'm Leigh,' I say trying another tact.
'Yes I know,' she snapped. 'My name is Johanne Adamson,' she says to Clair.
Tearing myself away from her glare, I watch as Clair ticks her off on the sheet and instructs her where to stand. She stands a few inches smaller than me, but with a fuller figure. The heels she's wearing causing her body to thrust out and I can tell by the straining of her shirt that she beats me in breast size.
Panic is starting to fill me as I watch Clair straighten her gown. Is this one that Harry has been holding in the side-lines? It was that Jayne that was playing on my mind, but I've already spied her around the campus, hanging off some hunk of a man. So I'd put my paranoia away, until now. She is pretty. Incredibly so. She's got that adorable look going for her and I'm sure Harry finds that just as appealing compared to my feisty aggressive bull in a china shop approach.
Clair turns my way and gives me a nod and Johanne carries a small smirk on her face at my staring. She knows I feel threatened. Shit! Is this what Katherine felt like when I came along? Talk about Karma.
'Leigh, I'm done,' Clair nudges.
Shaking myself, I offer Johanne a smile and ask if she's ready.
'More than ever,' she answers.
Taking the picture I step away from the camera and nod that she can go. She slinks past me and disappears out of the hall.
'What was her problem?' Clair asks.
'I don't know, but can you hold the fort for a minute?'
I leave Clair standing without waiting for an answer and hurry through the crowds out of the hall. Turning the corner, I see her and Harry talking. Both dressed in their robes looking like they fit perfectly together in this academic world. A fit of temper and jealousy starts to consume me. I prepare myself for a full on and no doubt embarrassing confrontation, but I take a moment to stop and I look carefully at them both.
Harry's body language is tense, angry even. With his cap in his hand, he runs his fingers through his hair as she continues to badger him. She has him backed into a corner with her body pressed up against his, while he tries to move away. Then suddenly, he grabs her arm and drags her into a nearby building. Carefully following, I enter and hide behind a wall where I can now hear them arguing.
'Why will you not get it into your head that I am not interested,' Harry snaps.
My breathing is now starting to shallow at just those words, but I want to know who she is.
'But if you have left Katherine then why can we not start again?' she asks.
'Because I am with someone else now.'
'That
photographer, Leigh? She needn't know.'
'Look Johanne, I am really sorry to say this but we only had sex maybe a couple of times and that is all it was...sex.'
'We spent a week together while I was supposed to be on that field trip. It was more than sex. I loved you. I told you that.'
'It was hardly a week together Johanne. I went home to Katherine every night while you stayed in a Novatel.'
'I was supposed to be in London with my group. I lied to everyone just to be with you. Nearly lost my place on the course because of it. But I did it for love.'
I am torn between feeling pissed and feeling sorry for her. She fell well and truly under his spell just like I have. But at the moment I've got him, but for how long is anyone's guess.
'It was never anything more than sex. I do not want to be with you and even more so after the stunt you pulled with Katherine. Telling her you were pregnant when you damn well knew we took precautions. Do you not see how unstable that is?'
Realisation dawns on me. She's the girl who went to Katherine. His last conquest before I turned up, and he wasn’t careless like he is with me. No wonder she's pissed off at me.
'What's stopping me from doing it again? By the insecure looks I was getting from your new girlfriend I'm sure if I tell her we are still having sex she'll believe me.'
'I forbid you to go anywhere near her,' he snaps.
'Try and stop me, Sir.'
'She will never believe you,' he hisses. 'Look at yourself, you're a mess.'
'I will make sure she believes me,' Johanne mocks.
'Well why don't we find out now?'
I step from around the corner and glare at this tiny blond that is trying to mess with my life. Pale, but maybe a little relieved Harry comes to my side and tries to pull me away.
'Come Leigh she is not worth it.'
'So this is the one who went to Katherine?'
Holding her chin up high she tries to front me off and I throw her off balance by giving her a hug. She looks at me astounded and a little nervous. She tries to pull away from my grasp but I keep my hold as I lean into her ear and whisper.
'You ever go near my man again, you'll be sorry. I'm no Katherine. I will rip your face clean off.'
The Boleyn Effect (The Boleyn Ending) Page 17
