by L. J. Dee
“I thought Roman was just sex, a lustful brief encounter.” I was going to have to be honest here, although I wouldn’t be sharing the details of last night.
“He was. At least that’s how it started out, but the more I got to know him, the more I liked. He opened up to me, Jess, at least a little and he’s more than the Hunter hard man, a lot more,” I said and she was silent for a moment.
“Are you saying you want more with Roman?” she asked and it was a fair question. He’d asked the same thing. I wasn’t even certain it was an option, but what if it was?
“No, I don’t think so, but I feel confused,” I said, struggling to verbalise the way I was feeling. I was having difficulty getting my brain around it, never mind my tongue.
“You need to strip everything back, Sis. If it was a level playing field, and Roman wasn’t AWOL and Charlie wasn’t with Scarlett and you hadn’t had sex with either of them, who would you choose?” she asked. I didn’t even need to think about it.
I stayed silent. There was only one answer, but I still couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud. It wasn’t a level playing field. He was with Scarlett, I had fucked his brother and unfortunately it just made my life a whole lot more complicated.
“I guess you have your answer,” she laughed softly and she was right, I did.
“Thanks, Sis. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, knowing there was another call I still had to make. I was working later, seeing Mr and Mrs Turnbull at lunchtime and out for my birthday tomorrow. I needed to call Charlie. Lucas obviously hadn’t asked him and he’d probably be busy, but I desperately wanted him there...alone.
“Hey, how are you doing?” he answered brightly on the first ring. I smiled at the sound of his voice, deciding to steer altogether clear of the subject of Roman and get straight to the point.
“I’m good, thanks, Charlie. Listen, it’s my birthday on Saturday and I was hoping to have a few quiet drinks with friends and I was wondering if you could make it. Lucas and Jess are coming,” I offered tentatively as he sighed down the line.
“Scarlett has dinner plans,” he said as I decided to play hard ball.
“She can keep them. I only want to see you,” I smiled as he laughed gently.
“I get it. You want me to blow off Scarlett and put you first, Chas.”
“Absolutely! Please, baby, it is my birthday,” I purred as his breath hitched and I couldn’t help but smile. Charlie called me affectionate terms all the time, but it was rare that I did and it had definitely had the desired effect.
“I really want to see you,” I said as he chuckled softly and I could picture him shaking his head and smiling broadly.
“I’ll come, but only if you agree to take a tequila shot birthday style,” he laughed. I had no idea what birthday tequila shots entailed, but if it meant Charlie was coming out on my birthday then I had no hesitation.
“I’ll take it however you want to give it to me,” I said, laughing suddenly as I realised how loaded that particular sentence sounded when I said it out loud.
“Steady on, babe,” he said and I could hear the humour playing out in his voice.
“I haven’t decided on a venue yet, but we’ll meet at Number One Chelsea.”
There was one reason I hadn’t decided on a venue yet, and that’s because I didn’t want Scarlett turning up. The later I told Charlie, the best chance I’d have of that not happening. He could know on the night.
“I’ll meet you there, then. I’d better go and tell my other half I’ve changed my weekend plans. That will be a much less fun call,” he laughed.
“Thank you, Charlie. I can’t wait to see you,” I said and I meant every word. I missed him and I knew the longer he stayed with Scarlett, the less frequently we’d see one another, it was just how things worked.
I got myself ready, heading off to the Deli for the Turnbull lunch. I already had the wine and four hundred pounds profit in my account.
“You look positively radiant, my dear,” Mr Turnbull smiled as I walked in, boxes in hand, placing them on the kitchen counter. “I just need to bring in the wine and pay the cabby,” I smiled as he told me he’d do it, and Monica pulled me in for a hug.
“He’s right dear, you look wonderful. Is it down to a man?” she asked as I started to laugh.
“Yeah, but it’s not what you think. It was a weekend hook-up, three days of bliss; never to be repeated, but absolutely unforgettable.”
“Sometimes those are the best kind. They live in the memory long after they’re over and years later you still get flashbacks of the glorious, brief encounter and it gets better with time, dear. Those halcyon days before dirty socks and starched collars kick in, when you’re feeding each other in bed for the hell of it because you want to, and not slaving over a hot stove because you have to. Long, enduring lifetime love is wonderful and incomparable, but those perfect affairs still send shivers down my spine when I think of them. Just don’t tell Mr T,” she smiled as I raised my eyebrows. Monica was certainly lucid and happy today and it was lovely to see.
“Don’t tell Mr T what?” Mr Turnbull asked, walking in with the wine.
“Just girl talk,” I smiled, laying everything out so I could run them through what they’d be serving. A host who didn’t know what was on the menu was a dead giveaway.
“You said it was informal, so I’ve done a selection of canapés to start with. I thought I’d set them out on the tiered platter and let everyone help themselves, that way you’re not up and down too much,” I smiled as Monica nodded. “Then it’s salmon in a champagne sauce with dauphinoise potatoes and green beans. “Dessert is a light lemon cheesecake, topped with raspberries. You can cut that at the table. “You’ll only need to spend five minutes in here for the main course, to create the illusion of authenticity. If anyone comes in, I’ll pretend I’m the cleaner,” I laughed as Mr T licked his lips.
“It sounds wonderful, Chas, and you brought my favourite wine,” he said as I nodded, refrigerating the bottles and setting the champagne on ice.
“This will compliment the salmon,” I said, switching on the oven and arranging the canapés.
“Do you need me to set up the table?” I asked as Mr Turnbull shook his head, smiling proudly.
“Monica did it, she’s on really great form at the moment aren’t you, sweetheart?” he gushed, kissing her on the cheek and the love between them was palpable.
“You seem great,” I smiled and it was the truth. Last time I’d done this she was barely there, like a half person living in a shell and she’d had absolutely no interest in what I was doing. It was a different woman standing before me today, and it was wonderful to see. She finished getting ready and turned on the soft classical music in the bright dining room.
“Do you think she’s better because you’re home more?” I asked as Mr Turnbull poured himself a glass of wine and watched me move around the kitchen, preparing their lunch.
“I hadn’t thought about that, Chas, but you could have something there. I’m consulting three mornings a week, and golfing a little, but we are together the rest of the time. She’s getting out and doing things with me that we haven’t done in a long time. I thought I’d hate it at first, but when I finally came to terms with everything, I realised there is more to life than work. I was swept away in the business, but I’ve made enough money and nothing on this earth makes me happier than seeing a smile on Monica’s face.”
“Maybe Charlie and Lucas Hunter did you a favour,” I smiled as he chuckled softly.
“Maybe they did, but there are others who aren’t taking it lying down. Those boys have amassed more than a few enemies with their business practices. There were a lot of people who respected Silus, or feared him. With him out of the picture I suspect those Hunter brothers are about to reap what they’ve sown,” he said as I swallowed hard, suddenly worried for Charlie and Lucas and desperate to glean as much information as I could. I wasn’t supposed to mention them here, but this was more important. If t
hey had enemies they weren’t aware of, they needed to be warned.
“How do you mean?” I asked, fiddling with the food and trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
“Delaport are apparently going in for their engineering division, something to do with a Government contract they think is in the bag. Bloody hell; listen to me blabbing on about business. I’m still hooked, Chas, but I’m working on it. Monica just tells me to shut up. I’m sure this is the last thing you want to hear about when you’re prepping for a dinner party,” he said as I laughed. I certainly didn’t want to raise suspicion and wondered if I had enough to warn them. It was too late now as he left to answer the door to the first guests as a nervous churning grew in my gut.
The afternoon passed off without incident and they were laughing and chatting with their friends as I snuck out, calling Lucas the second I was in the cab.
“Lucas, I’ve just done the Turnbull lunch, and I know you said not to mention you, but he brought it up and said something that made me nervous.”
“What is it, Chas?” he asked calmly, clearly less worried than me.
“He said your business practices had made you some enemies,” I started as he began to chuckle.
“Yeah, that tends to happen in this game. There’s only one winner,” he said as I took a deep breath.
“I know, but he said that someone was going after your engineering division, something to do with a Government contract you thought was yours.”
“Did he say who?” he asked sounding suddenly serious.
“I think he said Delaport.”
“What else did he say, Chas?” he asked as I tried to remember every detail of the conversation.
“Nothing really, he just said now Silus was gone that people would be after you. I was trying not to look too interested, so I didn’t ask any more questions,” I said, thinking maybe I should have.
“That’s fine, Chas, it’s enough. Thank you,” he said, ending the call before I had the chance to ask what he was going to do or if he was worried about it.
I made my way into the city. I was looking for something to wear tomorrow, but I didn’t really need anything. I had two wonderful new dresses still to show off. I wandered aimlessly around the shops before going back to the apartment, thinking perhaps I should save the money I’d earned today. After that fateful weekend at the estate, Jess moving out had become a distinct possibility and I couldn’t afford the apartment on my wages. I’d have to take in a lodger. I really missed Dex already. I’d miss the school run, and the dinners and the cleaning. I’d become used to being parent number two without even realising it, and I had precious little to fill my days when they weren’t around. I hit the gym and then the sun beds. Major downside of living alone; there was no one here to spray tan me.
Chapter Eighteen
I woke up happy. It was my birthday, and as I trudged my way out of bed to brush my teeth, I noticed the lights were on and heard the unmistakeable squeal of my nephew as he watched a cartoon. I did the best I could with my appearance, which wasn’t much, and walked through to the kitchen for a coffee. Before that it would be difficult to function properly. “Good morning and happy birthday,” Jess grinned, pulling me into a hug that I returned, squeezing even more tightly when I saw the huge box, gift wrapped on the kitchen table.
“I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed, but you beat me to it. I’ve done the coffee, the pancakes will still be five minutes,” she smiled as the sweet aroma enveloped my senses and I turned to see the crisp bacon sizzling in the pan. How had I not noticed that?
“Oh God, please tell me you brought Maple syrup,” I squealed as she nodded.
“Lucas has had to suffer these all week. I’ve been practising,” she laughed as she flipped the pancakes and Dex came tearing through.
“Aunty Chhhaaassss,” he shouted as I picked him up, ruffling his hair as he kissed me happy birthday.
“You wait in the lounge, I’ll bring everything through,” she smiled as I walked in with Dex, standing aback as I saw Lucas sitting there, watching the cartoon intently and wishing I’d bothered to brush my hair.
“Happy Birthday, Chas,” he grinned, eyeing me up and down. It was fair to say I had looked better. In my efforts to cut costs in a dry run, ready for the inevitable day my sister moved out, I decided against heating and opted for thick flannelette P.J’s. It had worked for us in the past. Luckily the heat from the kitchen, and the energy Dexter was creating as he span like a Tasmanian devil across the small space, was taking the chill off. I could see why they preferred Lucas’s place.
“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting visitors. Are you two joined at the hip now, or what?” I smirked as he grinned and Jess shouted through from the kitchen.
“Before you give him a hard time, you should know that he paid for your present,” she laughed as I smiled, rubbing my hands together in glee, knowing it would be something really, really nice.
I sat down, sipping my coffee as Dexter gave me my cards to open and Lucas rose to answer the door. I had no idea who it could be this early, and I didn’t want any more visitors. I looked a mess. I heard him say something before he walked back in with another parcel as my eyes widened in surprise. Who could that could be from? It was beautifully wrapped as I looked up at Lucas. “It’s a bit early for the postman,” I said curiously as his mouth curved into a wry smile.
“Private delivery,” he said, flashing his eyebrows, holding out the box and I wondered if he knew something I didn’t.
“Pass it here then,” I said, giving it a shake before Dex told me I had to open my cards first. Apparently that’s what he had to do, so I decided not to argue, reading them and arranging them on the mantelpiece before Jess came in with my breakfast. “Thank you,” I smiled, putting the plate on my lap. It was a veritable feast of my favourite ever breakfast; pancakes, crispy bacon and maple syrup, and a far cry from cornflakes. “Is no one else eating?” I asked as she shook her head, sitting down and watching as I tucked in, dribbling syrup down the front of my oversized pyjama top. I didn’t care.
“No, we’ve eaten. I did my last practice run before we set off,” she said and I knew she’d worked hard on this.
“Aw, thanks, Sis, it really means a lot,” I smiled, polishing it off in record time and wondering if there was any more. “
You liked it then?” she laughed as I nodded. “Let it go down and there’s cake in the kitchen,” she said as I grinned broadly.
“You know the way to a girl’s heart,” I smiled as she topped up my coffee before retrieving my giant gift.
“This looks exciting,” I smiled, ripping off the packaging and grinning broadly at the beautiful new Louboutins I’d had my eye on in the boutique. I hadn’t dared pick two pairs, but these were definitely my second favourite as I squealed giddily, pulling them both into a hug. “Thank you, they are beautiful,” I squealed, putting them on my feet as Dex held up another box.
“This is from me,” he smiled as I opened it carefully; removing the bubble wrap to reveal a beautiful frame with a picture of me that Dex had painted himself.
“I love it, squirt,” I laughed, putting it on the mantelpiece with my cards as he passed me another. “I got you this too,” he said and I was overwhelmed with how spoilt I’d been this morning. There were definite perks to Lucas Hunter being my almost brother-in-law.
It was a bottle of perfume and a box of indulgent looking chocolates and I pulled him into a giant hug before he grabbed the pink box from the table and passed it over. “Who sent it?” Dex asked as I shook my head, opening the wrapping and picking up the card that lay inside.
‘Happy Birthday, baby. You said you always wanted one. I hope I chose right. Charlie x’
My heart fluttered in my chest as I tentatively opened the box, my jaw dropping as I saw its contents. Nestled inside in pure white tissue was the most beautiful Chanel handbag I had ever seen. I swallowed hard, pulling it out and staring at Jess in shock. “Charlie,” I said sim
ply as her eyes widened and Lucas smiled knowingly. I was stunned, and it took a moment to sink in. He’d remembered that daft conversation in the lodge and bought the most perfect present I could wish for. It was beyond thoughtful and touched my heart.
“Tyler sent this,” Lucas said, pulling an envelope from his pocket as I raised my eyebrows. “Yeah, he surprised me too,” he said as I laughed. I certainly hadn’t expected a present from Tyler. It was a blank CD and I looked at them both curiously, pulling out the small note that he’d written inside.
It read, ‘This is from Roman’. I moved to the CD player, popping it in and as curious as the proverbial cat. “It’s not from Tyler,” I said, turning to my sister and Lucas as they glanced at each other and then back at me.
As the music struck up I knew instantly what it was and smiled broadly. “It’s a recording of Heat, the day they jammed with Roman,” I said, listening to the song as tears pricked at my eyes. I was confused and suddenly overwhelmed with emotion. I’d asked him to sing for me and he told me that he would, one day. On this track, he was singing ‘Wonderment’ alongside Tyler, and they must have done it when I’d gone to the kitchen, before he’d screwed me in Marigolds.
It was a tiny reminder of our long weekend, and one that I would treasure forever. It reinforced what he’d said the night he visited; that the weekend was as special to him as it had been for me, and a shiver of warmth ran through me.
“What does it mean?” Jess asked as I shook my head.
“It’s just a memento,” I said as Lucas held my gaze.
“Maybe my brother has a heart after all,” he chuckled as I smiled and I knew this had surprised him. I’d kept the secret break-in just that. Secret. I didn’t want to have to go through it all again and rake back over things with Charlie. It was over, we’d ended on a good note eventually and it was best to let those particular sleeping dogs lie.
“He’s got a big heart beating under that badass body; he just likes to hide it. He loves you all more than you know, and certainly more than he’ll ever let on,” I smiled as Lucas nodded.
