Harper's Fate

by F. C. Clark

  ‘I landed a couple of hours ago. Just in time, judging by the state of you.’ Her arm remains in place.

  ‘I’m glad you’re back safe and sound.’

  ‘So, what’s with the SOS call and the drinking session?’ She downs her shot, never one to fail a mission that involves alcohol.

  ‘Let’s just say the last hour of my day has been… eventful.’

  ‘OK – there’s nothing we can’t sort out.’ Words of wisdom delivered by Kiki, my caring nympho friend.

  Harry and Molly stroll in together. Harry takes one look in my direction and realises that my world is far from peachy.

  ‘Hi girls.’ Molly arrives at our side and kisses us both.

  ‘Hi Kiki, have a good trip?’ Harry gives Kiki a kiss on the cheek. ‘So, misery, what’s with the face and the call?’ Harry, as usual, feels the need to mother me.

  ‘It’s been a bizarre couple of hours… But, first of all, how was France? Have you officially been accepted into Monsieur Raymond’s family?’

  ‘Yes, it was fab, and I’ve officially been accepted. We can talk about that later; what’s going on with you?’ Harry sits next to me.

  ‘Something happened at work.’ As ever, Molly is on point.

  I down the remainder of my tequila. I think that’s number four. I’m not sure; I seem to have lost count. One more measure for luck! I pour another.

  ‘My day started out fine… Then at five o’clock it all went tits-up.’ I take another sip from my glass, feeling the tequila burn as it leaves my throat and enters my body.

  ‘Go on.’ Kiki nudges my arm.

  ‘Well, at five… I… I met my boss.’ I sit up from the bar, knowing this will get everyone’s attention. Even Pete stops wiping the sides down. They’ve all tried to guess who they think he is, but no one guessed it was the Adonis.

  ‘Oh my God.’ Harry is almost bursting at the seams. ‘Go on, the suspense is killing me! Shall I guess?’ She almost claps her hands with excitement. Her concerns about my wellbeing have evaporated.

  ‘No, just bloody tell us.’ Kiki waits for nothing and executes everything at high speed.

  ‘Prince Charming.’ I await the gasps.

  Kiki nearly spits her tequila out. ‘No fucking way – the guy whose office you left your underwear in?’

  ‘Yes, the very one, and, yes, he informed me I did leave it there.’ I lay my head on the bar.

  ‘Bloody hell, what did you say when you saw him? I take it he knows who you are. Is that why he wanted anonymity?’ Harry hits the nail on the head.

  ‘If I may set the scene for you, just to confirm the horrific state of affairs I found myself in: I was preparing this evening’s meal, in my denim shorts – no T-shirt, just my bikini top… music on, enjoying the company of Rihanna.’

  Harry begins to laugh. ‘You were dancing… Are we talking full-on thrusting with the invisible pole? You do it all the time at home.’

  ‘I’m so glad I amuse you, little sis… And yes, the dance I perform all the time, shaking my arse… Then all of a sudden someone started clapping.’

  ‘Oh my God, how embarrassing.’ Molly covers her mouth with her hands.

  ‘I know… What with the floorshow and my lack of cook’s outfit… More than that, I can’t believe it’s him; he’s my boss.’ I moan again.

  ‘What did you say?’ Harry says.

  ‘I asked him why he didn’t tell me it was him. He tried to explain that he saw my name when Stella ran it through the security check… and he said that if I knew he was my new boss I wouldn’t have taken the job.’ My face falls as my mind becomes dejected.

  ‘That’s true – you wouldn’t have taken it.’ Molly reaches for my arm, sensing the uneasiness this revelation is causing.

  ‘I know, Molly. Christ, I feel so confused.’ I pour another shot.

  ‘So, are you going back?’ Harry gauges my sanity.

  ‘We did have a chat and he doesn’t want me to leave. But I’m not sure I can cope. I can’t even cope if he looks at me. What happens if he brings a girlfriend back to the house?’ I shake my head at the thought that leaves me wretched.

  ‘Kate, do you really like him?’ I know Harry wants the truth.

  I rub my forehead. ‘Harry, I don’t know him.’

  ‘Yeah, but you’ve had this thing going – you know, all the letters. You said yourself they’ve been flirty, so he must like you.’ I touch Kiki’s hand, appreciative of honour amongst friends.

  ‘Different worlds, girls. Besides, he’s stunning, and I mean knock-you-on-your-arse-handsome – ask Barney. He took me to Vista on Friday and we saw Prince Charming at the bar. We caught sight of each other when I got in the lift – it completely knocked me off balance.’ I shake my head. ‘I started crying… I don’t think it was just seeing him. I didn’t cook for my boss that night because he was taking a friend’s wife out to dinner.’

  ‘You were jealous. So you must like him,’ says Harry.

  ‘Confused.com.’ I bury my head in my arms.

  Fiona appears with some drinks for the girls, and a mug of coffee for me, which is probably a wise choice of beverage.

  ‘Kate, I think you should stick at it. I sense something brewing…. in a good way.’ I love Fiona’s optimism. I just wish I had her confidence.

  ‘I don’t know what to think. He assumes I’m going back. What if this was a one-off? Maybe he won’t come home early again.’ I sit there, despondent.

  ‘OK. I think you need to take the bull by the horns: nothing ventured, nothing gained. Right.’ I can feel one of Molly’s sermons beginning. ‘You like the job. It’s serving a purpose until you get the job you really want – right?’

  I nod, feeling too exhausted to speak.

  ‘So carry on – you’ve got another interview on Monday. Besides, if something is meant to be, it will happen.’ As far as Molly is concerned, she has sorted out world peace, and we will all sleep at ease tonight.

  I wake before my alarm, surprised that my head is not pounding after last night’s excessive amount of tequila. The tightness in the pit of my stomach loiters. What can possibly go wrong today? I adopt the theory that it can’t be any worse than yesterday – or can it?

  I go in search of my moral guidance.

  ‘Bonjour.’

  Harry sits up and takes her cup from my grasp. I perch on her bed, ready for a morning discussion of my future at the palace.

  ‘How are you feeling now you’ve had time to sleep on it?’

  I smile. Harry knows I wish that I had slept on something other than emotional turmoil…

  ‘Kate Harper, you’re blushing. I think I can guess why. So, you’re going to work today?’

  ‘I don’t know what you mean, and, yes, the thought of going back to the lair doesn’t fill me with dread. I’m going to look at it as another day at the office.’ However, in my mind this is complete bullshit.

  ‘I’ll be late tonight; I’m seeing Raymond – will you be OK?’ Harry reaches for my hand.

  ‘I’ll be fine. It is what it is – I can’t change what’s happened. But I’m pleased it all went well in France; the pictures are amazing, Raymond’s house looks like a castle.’

  ‘It was beautiful and romantic. I really didn’t want to leave.’ Harry lies on her pillow wearing her usual lovesick puppy expression.

  I reach over and touch her arm. ‘I’m so pleased. If anyone deserves happiness, it’s you.’

  ‘And so do you. So let your bloody guard down. One day you will have to let someone in.’

  ‘Noted… Now I have to get ready. Don’t forget our girls’ night out on Friday. Molly said she’s been feeling sick, so I’ll ask Barney.’

  ‘Fine – I’m looking forward to it. You’ll probably need it by then, with all that pent-up sexual frustration.’ Harry laughs at her little joke.

/>   ‘Very funny, although you’re probably right.’

  The black door unlocks, and so do all the emotions I went through yesterday. Taking a deep breath, I walk in. The house is quiet. I walk past the office door, which is shut. The view makes me feel sick. Was I expecting him to be here today? Too bloody right I was, and now I’m full of disappointment. Shit, shit, shit.

  Standing alone in the kitchen scanning the fridge – no note and no boss – I predict a long day ahead.

  I take on a new role: clock-watcher. I continuously check the time, anticipating another visit. Sadly, the time arrives to set the dinner for this evening. I contemplate whether to leave a note… So, here goes, Mr Luke Sutton, aka Adonis, Prince Charming, shit-hot, fuckable, handsome man.

  Dear Boss,

  Clearly, you are not present this evening; therefore I thought I would send you to the other side of the world.

  This evening’s meal consists of satay chicken, egg fried rice, pak choi cooked in garlic and ginger, and prawn crackers with a chilli dip. This meal comes with a breathe easy warning…

  In the fridge you will find mini cheesecakes with a gingernut biscuit base… Shhh, don’t inform your trainer…

  Cook x

  PS: Did I scare you away?

  My predictions were accurate. The day was unjustifiably long. However, my head hitting my pillow at night was by far the most welcome feeling I had all day.

  The next day I walk to work with self-confidence, iPod buds firmly in my ears, allowing music to radiate positive thinking. I don’t do well when I ponder. So with that in my mind, and Maroon Five singing loudly in my ears, I let positivity run through my soul.

  I shut the black door and continue my usual walk-through. I stop at the office doors – they’re open. Holy shit, is he here? Maroon Five didn’t prepare me for a surprise visit. I peer round the door and feel the touch of a hand on my shoulder that makes me scream. I turn to meet Luke’s gaze. However, I can’t hear a bloody thing. My lip-reading skills are pretty useless. He reaches up to my ears and removes my ear buds.

  ‘You shouldn’t have your music so loud, especially if you’re crossing roads.’ His implacable expression scolds me.

  ‘Sorry, Dad.’ I laugh – not a crack appears on Luke’s face.

  ‘I’m serious – if you didn’t hear me, then how would you hear a car coming towards you?’

  ‘Point taken.’ I feel completely chastised. He does it so well.

  ‘Why aren’t you at work?’ Am I allowed to ask?

  ‘Sometimes I work from home.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘How are you, Kate?’

  ‘I’m fine; nearly had a heart attack because of my boss.’ I smile. Have I cracked another joke, or is he still playing Dad?

  ‘That’s a shame you only nearly had one; I’m quite good at CPR.’ His lips curl, delivering the best fuckable grin. Oh shit. I blush – how do I bloody answer that? Or shall I hold my breath and drop to the floor. A diversion is needed for my own sanity. Food.

  ‘Did you enjoy your meal last night?’

  ‘Very nice. My airways are clear, thank you. Was there a reason you wanted to send me halfway around the world?’

  He moves from the doorway that we’re loitering in, and walks towards his desk. Christ, he looks handsome this morning – even more than usual – wearing jeans and a pale blue shirt, hanging loose. The shirt looks like the one I borrowed when he got me wet.

  I stay safely at the periphery to his office.

  ‘Figure of speech, Luke, as it was Chinese food.’

  ‘I thought it was a message. Maybe you’re trying to keep your distance from me.’ He speaks, with a lingering look on his face and no smile; undeniably it’s a look full of provocation.

  ‘I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.’ How does he paralyse me to this degree? I need strength to deal with this man, who tortures my mind and upsets my balance. I have no choice but to keep him quiet. ‘Have you had breakfast? I can make you something.’

  ‘No, I haven’t.’

  ‘Any requests?’

  ‘No, you seem to be able to cope with my needs – so far.’

  Oh fuck, stop talking. Thanks to his simple words, my body dissipates to a sexual puddle on the floor. I quickly depart his office.

  I speedily make a hearty breakfast and place it on the boardroom table. Thankfully Luke is on the phone, which allows me to exit his lair safely.

  God, I feel happy he’s here, in his home. Undoubtedly, I’m falling for a man who is out of my depth. The only choice I have is to work to stop my thoughts drifting down a dark alleyway!

  I wonder if Luke is aware that today is Jerry’s birthday. I finish baking a chocolate birthday cake for my little piece of Ireland, leaving it standing next to his gift; two tickets for a Star Trek convention. Who would have put Jerry and Dr Spock in the same sentence?

  Assuming Luke has a healthy appetite all day, I go ahead and prepare lunch. Parma ham, caramelised onion chutney and mozzarella panini. The office doors are slightly ajar, and with no free hands I simply walk in. Instantly my eyes are drawn towards his desk, watching him work. Wow, he is stunning just sitting there, lost in thought, not trying to put me off balance but concentrating on world domination. Although he intimidates me, this is my problem, not his.

  ‘Luke – lunch.’ There is no response. I raise my voice slightly. ‘Luke.’

  He looks up, wearing a dazed expression. Is this how he works, lost in the midst of his empire?

  ‘Lunch.’ I nod towards the tray.

  ‘Sorry.’

  I hover at the boardroom table. ‘I didn’t want to disturb you, but I thought you might be hungry.’

  ‘Thank you.’ He joins me at the table.

  ‘I hope you like panini.’

  ‘Are you not joining me?’

  ‘No, I’ve already eaten.’

  He nods whilst he takes a bite.

  ‘Careful, they’re hot.’ I feel slightly awkward, but I have a question.

  ‘It’s Jerry’s birthday?’

  ‘Yes. I haven’t seen him today.’

  Not allowing him any time to question me, I offer my thoughts. ‘I have a balloon and a gift for him; also I’ve just finished making him a birthday cake. Would you like to join me in the kitchen, wishing him happy birthday?’ He looks at me, slightly bewildered. ‘Oh… That’s if you want to.’ Have I overstepped the boundaries of employee and boss?

  ‘Kate, my time with Jerry and Rosie is during the morning, or if there’s a problem.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I just thought as, you’re here…’ This feels bizarre. ‘Look, I didn’t want to go ahead and not ask you; it’s just a cake and present, it’s no big deal.’

  He stops and places his food on the plate.

  ‘Celebrations are rare in this house…’

  ‘OK.’ Crap. I shouldn’t have asked.

  ‘Of course I will join in.’

  ‘Just come to the kitchen when you’ve finished your lunch.’ I tell him, rapidly exiting the room.

  Twenty minutes later Luke appears in the kitchen with his tray.

  ‘I’ll call Jerry?’ I say, sensing that Luke feels a little uncomfortable with the situation.

  ‘Fine.’ He checks his watch – time is money.

  Rosie walks through at that point, armed with linen.

  ‘Rosie, can you call Jerry? I have his birthday cake.’

  ‘Kate, you didn’t have to do that.’ Rosie’s face tells a different story, knowing Jerry will enjoy every second of his special treatment.

  ‘Luke and I will wait in the larder and surprise him.’ I clap, pleased with my birthday plan.

  ‘OK.’ Rosie disappears in search of her husband.

  As ever, my plans are not well orchestrated. I now stand in a confined space with t
he man I am trying to distance myself from… Oh, shit.

  ‘Luke, grab the balloons behind you and I’ll light the candles.’

  I’m amazed he took my orders. I light the candles and turn. Luke is now within kissing distance – the danger zone.

  ‘Small space for such strong heat.’ He says ambiguously. Not only do words fall from his delicious lips, his face delivers a smile that speaks volumes: kiss me, and then fuck me… Yes please.

  ‘It must be the candles, Mr S.’ I surprise myself that I have the ability to communicate.

  ‘Are you sure?’

  Of course I’m not bloody sure.

  ‘Kate.’ Rosie disrupts my thoughts.

  ‘Ready, Luke?’

  ‘Always.’ He almost laughs.

  Thank God I’ve turned away. My face has more heat glowing from it than the bloody candles.

  I’m not sure who is more shocked with the birthday gesture, Jerry or Luke.

  ‘Kate, I don’t know what to say; these tickets are brilliant. I’m just…’ Jerry pulls me tightly to his chest. ‘Bloody brilliant.’

  ‘Happy birthday, Jerry.’ Luke shakes Jerry’s hand, followed by a small embrace, as he looks across at me.

  ‘Jerry, don’t you dare think I’m going with you… You know I don’t like Star Trek. It’s never going to happen.’ Rosie waves a finger, a sign of ‘never’ being a ‘maybe’. Of course her words translate to ‘I will do anything for my husband’.

  We continue to celebrate with tea and cake. Jerry chats to Luke about his love of Star Trek. I can tell by Luke’s face this close proximity with his staff is new territory for him, but Rosie and Jerry are not fazed at all by the presence of their boss or the fact that we have now officially been introduced. I wonder what Luke told them regarding the anonymity; I decide not to question either of them about it.

  Ready to serve Luke’s evening meal, I knock as I enter his office.

  He looks up from the boardroom table.

  ‘Would you like your meal in here?’

  ‘Yes. I really don’t have time to stop.’

  ‘OK.’

  I return with a tray and place it on the table.