by F. C. Clark
‘I would be grateful.’ We stand and I help Mr Jones with his jacket.
‘Everything ready for tomorrow and Luke’s birthday?’
‘I think so, but I’m worried that he won’t play my game. You know what he’s like.’
‘He may surprise you.’
‘I’ll be surprised if he does as he’s told. Do you have your note?’ I ask.
‘In my pocket.’ He gently pats his jacket.
‘Good, don’t forget.’
‘I’ll call you when he collects his suit and his next clue.’
My phone vibrating wakes me. I’ve had the worst night’s sleep, knowing that my master plan begins at the godforsaken time of four o’clock in the morning!
Quickly I get up and head for the spare room to get ready, not wanting to wake the birthday boy. Within half an hour I am ready for France, in black skinny waxed trousers with an elasticated waist, a satin V-necked T-shirt and black dinner jacket, plus black patent Chelsea boots for comfort. I’m ready to embark on my plan, but I need to leave Luke his first clue. Quietly, I creep into our bedroom and leave a note on my pillow.
My dear husband,
Happy birthday to my favourite person in the entire world.
As you might be aware, I am not with you this morning – it’s all part of my birthday plan. Your day has been mapped out for you.
This is your first note. It should give you a clue that will help you find your next note. Your birthday treat is a scavenger hunt – and your prize is me (I hope this is not a disappointment).
Each note holds a clue and you must follow all the instructions. I think today may test you a little!
I will meet you later. In the meantime, you will not be able to contact me. Before you hyperventilate, Max is with me.
Your first clue is: eat me… Happy birthday, my delicious husband. I love you.
xxx
Job done, I head towards the kitchen.
‘Morning.’
‘Kate.’ Max looks at me. ‘Everything ready?’
I nod and adjust the cake sitting on the counter. It has a note resting on the top, reading eat me. Two small words that changed my life.
‘Ready?’ he asks. ‘The cases are in the car.’
‘OK.’
Max decides that we should leave through his apartment – less noise. I sit in the back of the Range Rover for the short journey to Valerie’s house. Luke’s birthday gift is a night away in the stunning Hotel Le Meurice. That was where Luke told me he loved me for the first time, and it was probably there that I knew I would spend the rest of my life with him. This also gave me an excuse to ask Valerie to join me, as we have two appointments with potential fabric suppliers close to Paris. Win-win!
Soon we arrive at Valerie’s house. Max gets out of the car to help with her luggage. She slides into the back seat next to me.
‘Morning,’ I say.
‘Hello, Kate.’
‘Sorry it’s so early. I had to leave before Luke woke.’
‘He’s in for a surprise when he wakes.’
‘I hope so.’
‘I’m looking forward to seeing the suppliers.’
‘Me too.’
I’m not as thrilled as my inner cupid, who is delighted. I love the fact that Valerie and Max are oblivious to my cunning plan – or are they? I think after a quick tour of the two fabric suppliers I will have a terrible headache and will need to rest, leaving Max and Valerie to entertain themselves.
We arrive at City Airport where we are greeted by Luke’s friendly staff. I booked one of Luke’s jets under an assumed name, in case he checked. Once our luggage has gone through security, we have a coffee before we board.
My mobile phone pings. Caller ID – Boss.
‘Here goes.’
I open the message.
Dear Kate,
It seems that you have left me alone on my birthday.
However, it would also appear that you have a plan… You know how much I love a Harper–Sutton challenge.
Be safe. I love you
Your hunting husband xxx
I chuckle.
‘Well?’ Valerie says.
‘So far so good! Rosie said she would call once he’s found the next clue.’
Feeling the need to wish him a happy birthday, I send a text.
Dear love of my life,
I love a Harper–Sutton challenge too.
Find me, Luke. No cheating – that means you can’t use my watch. Besides, I have been planning this for weeks.
I love you xxx
We board the plane, a smaller aircraft than Luke’s personal jet. I sit next to the window, placing my bag on the adjacent seat, leaving the only two remaining seats opposite me. I wish Luke was with me holding my hand. To distract me, I retrieve a baby book from my bag, to discourage Max and Valerie from talking to me. I hope they will take the chance to talk to each other.
After the short flight the plane descends and lands smoothly at Orly Airport. Max acts as our baggage handler, wheeling a trolley with our luggage to the waiting limousine. Our first appointment is a forty-minute drive away, and the second appointment is much closer to the hotel. As we drive, I call Rosie.
‘Hello?’
‘Rosie, it’s Kate – how did it go?’
She begins to laugh. ‘It was hilarious. He told me your note said eat me. At first he looked in the fridge, then he asked me.’
‘Really? I thought he would have guessed.’
‘No, he didn’t. I nodded towards the cake.’
‘And?’
‘I told him he had to eat it, and he thought you meant the entire cake!’
‘I’m sure Jerry was on hand to help.’
‘He was! Anyway, he cut the cake and found the note. Good job you wrapped it in a clear bag.’
‘Did he seem happy, or was he…’
‘No, my darling, he was laughing. Actually, I think he was excited. He couldn’t believe you put a note in the cake.’
‘Good, I was praying he would play the game.’
‘He bounced out of the house.’
‘Bounced?’ Does Luke ever bounce? ‘Thanks, Rosie. We’ve just landed in Paris.’
‘OK, have a lovely time.’
‘Will do. Bye.’
I look across at Max and Valerie. ‘He laughed at the note in the cake. First one done, just the rest to go.’
‘You’re bloody mad, Kate. Actually, the pair of you are bloody mad,’ Max says.
‘I’m madly in love with him. I know that sounds cheesy but I don’t care. God knows how he’s going to take Barney’s note.’
‘I think it’s sweet,’ Valerie says.
We arrive at a large glass office building in the middle of nowhere. I’m here to see a company called International Fabric Distribution, IFD. We are greeted by two members of staff who speak perfect English. They show us around the manufacturing area, then give us a tour of the showroom, which is filled with the most stunning materials, from lace to faux leather.
They give us some fabric samples and a price list. It surprises me that they have heard of Harper Jones. Not only were they aware of the ready-to-wear collection we took to New York, but they are a fairly new business and want to invest in an equally new fashion label. Harper Jones seems to fit the bill.
The three of us return to the car after our tour, delighted.
‘I’m shocked,’ I say.
‘I never saw this coming. The show was only last week, but the feedback has been incredible.’
‘I’m so pleased for Mr Jones.’
My phone rings. Caller ID – Stella.
‘Kate, how are you?’
‘Good, Stella, and you?’
‘I’m very well. So, Luke came to the office.’ She goes silent
. ‘Sorry, Kate, just checking he can’t hear me. Well, anyway, he arrived an hour ago. I wished him happy birthday, he frowned at my gift – you know what he’s like.’
‘I do.’
‘Immediately, he asked me about a note. He showed me the one from the cake, which I thought was hilarious, telling him he had to go in search of world domination.’
‘I always say that to him.’
‘Anyway, I handed over the note addressed to 007 from Cinderella. He found it highly amusing. I reminded him that Cinderella stated he must leave the office no later than twelve o’clock… Oh – hang on.’ Silence once again, but this time I can hear his voice in the background. ‘The plan is on target.’
‘Thanks, Stella, I owe you.’
‘Have fun and look after those babies.’
‘I will. See you soon.’
My shoulders relax and a smile washes over my face.
‘I take it the plan is working.’ Max shakes his head in disbelief that Luke is going along with it.
‘Yes, Mr Cynical. Stella gave him her note. I addressed it to 007 from Cinderella.’
‘Where does he have to go next?’ Valerie asks.
‘Barney’s studio for a dance lesson.’
Max and Valerie break into hysteria.
‘No way will Sutton go along with that.’
‘He will if he wants the next note. I did tell him that today might be challenging.’
We arrive at the second meeting: Garcia Morel, a much smaller establishment. They too make us feel welcome and – of course – speak fabulous English. This makes me feel completely inept for the second time today. I wish I’d paid more attention to my French teacher. The fabrics they offer are higher-end, with matching price tags, which would affect our customers. The two companies seem to be polar opposites: IFD is a new business that wants to take over the world of fabrics and Garcia Morel is a family-run business that has been passed from generation to generation, not too dissimilar to Jones Tailors.
After a couple of hours we leave, armed with another set of samples and price lists – homework for the Harper Jones crew. Feeling exhausted after the early morning and two meetings, I need to sleep.
My phone rings. Caller ID – Plus one.
‘Did he do it?’ I blurt.
‘What do you think?’ Barney laughs. ‘I tell you what, babe, I nearly pissed myself laughing.’
‘So he did?’
‘All I can say is, ask him how to do a shuffle ball change.’
‘No! He didn’t!’ I giggle.
‘When he turned up with his note from Stella he knew there would be trouble ahead, or at his feet… What did your note say?’
‘First I called him 007.’
‘Cheeky, but on point, babe.’
‘Exactly, and then I wrote “put on your dancing shoes and ask my plus one for some moves”.’
‘OK, so he arrived with a face like a busted arse. I knew straight away there was no way he was going to dance.’
‘Was he miserable?’
‘Not really. He did laugh once we came to an agreement – hence the shuffle ball change.’
‘I can’t believe he’s going along with it.’
‘Knowing his prize is you?’
‘Do you think he’s enjoying it?’
‘Bloody hell, what Sutton doesn’t want to be the centre of attention?’
‘Thanks, Barney – I owe you.’
‘Yeah, you do. I’m stocking up, babe. I’ll hit you with a massive IOU.’
‘Bye.’
Twenty minutes later we arrive at Hotel Le Meurice. What a building – not only for its beauty, but also for the history it holds for Luke and me. It was here he told me he would always be with me – which he meant literally when he gave me my beautiful birthday gift: a watch with a tracking device!
It’s uncanny, but Max and Valerie’s rooms are next to each other. Max, of course, escorts Valerie to her room, then me. We agree to meet in an hour. Alas, I fear the start of the headache from hell…
I lie on the bed wearing a white robe, perusing the room service menu. A telephone call is in order.
‘Kate?’ Max answers abruptly. I’m beginning to think Luke got his charm from Max.
‘Hi, I’m too tired to go out and I feel sick. Would you mind meeting Valerie? Explain to her that I’m exhausted.’
‘Do you need anything? I can come and sit with you.’
What? Now I feel guilty.
‘No, the early morning has caught up with me, that’s all.’
‘OK.’
‘Also, I don’t want Valerie to be on her own tonight. I’ve made a reservation in the restaurant for you. Make sure you wear your navy suit and pale blue shirt – it makes your eyes look stunning.’
‘Kate!’
‘Sorry, Max, I’m going to be sick. Have fun and don’t leave Valerie alone in a strange city. Bye.’
I know he’s on to me. Oh well, they still have lunch and dinner together – fingers crossed that one of them makes the first move.
After my bath, and feeling full from the delicious room service sandwiches and French pastries, my phone rings. Caller ID – Mr Jones.
‘How did it go?’ I ask.
‘I could ask you the same question, young lady.’
‘Really well. Oh my God, the first company, IFD, knew who we were and had photos of our collection from the fashion show.’
‘Impressive.’
‘I know, Valerie and I were floored. They really want our business. They love that we are new and quintessentially British. They want to attach their name to our brand.’
‘That sounds positive.’
‘The other company, Garcia Morel, was really quaint – you would have loved it. It reminded me of the stories you told me about when you travelled through France.’
‘It sounds like you’ve had quite a day. I shall look forward to our meeting next week.’
‘Me too. So how was the birthday boy?’ I ask.
‘Agitated, but also excited.’
‘Good. Did he tell you Barney taught him a shuffle ball change?’
‘He said that visiting Barney was the most challenging task.’
I laugh. ‘So, how hot does he look in his new suit?’
‘Refined and exquisite.’
‘Perfect. I can’t wait to see him.’
‘Without a doubt he feels the same. However, he did seem quite taken aback with the lining of the suit.’
‘I know it’s cheesy, but I do love him.’
‘Yes, you do, and the silk lining also loves him.’ We laugh.
‘So he understood the note from Barney?’
‘I think quoting “damsel in distress” was a clear clue as to where his next note would be.’
‘Good… Did you read the note I gave you?’
‘No, he read it aloud… “Go to the very beginning of your life”.’
‘His mum and dad – I knew they wanted to see him today.’
‘How thoughtful, and, yes, he understood. Have a fabulous evening. I’m sure you will.’
‘Thanks, Mr Jones. Love you – bye.’
Though I was deceitful to Max, there’s an underlying truth: I feel exhausted. Waiting for Luke, my eyelids are already beginning to close.
The sound of my phone ringing stirs me. I feel disorientated. Caller ID – Livy.
‘Hi.’
‘Kate, my lovely, I have called you a few times.’
‘Sorry, I fell asleep.’
‘Oh, I didn’t mean to disturb you. Are you feeling OK? And my grandbabies?’
‘A bit queasy. It’s worst this time of the day.’
‘My boys made me feel nauseous at all times of the day!’
I yawn. ‘How was Luke?’
‘Amused. You have been a busy girl.’
‘What do you give a man who has everything?’
‘I understand, although today he does seem surprised.’
‘Good surprised or stroppy surprised?’
‘No, good surprised. When I gave him the box to open, he looked at me rather strangely. I explained that he had to complete the surprise then he could have the last remaining envelope.’
I laugh. ‘How did he do?’
‘Well, the Lego jet I thought was a marvellous idea, and of course he made it in record time. I then gave him the last envelope, which made him laugh: his passport and a ticket. Very clever, Kate, it was plain to see that he was taken back by all the notes. He showed them to us.’
‘I thought it would be fun. I wanted to show him how much he means to me.’
‘He knows, my darling, he knows. Kate, I don’t think you realise what you bring to his life.’
‘Thanks, Livy.’
‘He left about forty minutes ago. I assume he must have boarded the flight or at least he’s waiting to board.’
I lie on the bed and wonder what he’s thinking. I have one more call to make.
‘Stella Trevant speaking.’
‘Hi, Stella.’
‘Kate, I was just going to call you. Luke took off about five minutes ago.’
‘Thanks.’
‘Has it gone to plan?’
‘So far so good. Have you spoken to him?’
‘Not for a while. Now have fun.’
‘I will. Bye.’
I chuckle to myself and kick my legs on the bed. Now I have to get ready for dinner.
I check my reflection in the mirror. I’m wearing a simple bias-cut black dress that skims my bump, but it does resemble a mid-length nightdress – silk and lace! I’m in black Louboutins with poker-straight hair and smoky eyes.
After a brief conversation with his air staff I know he’s on his way to the hotel, so I grab my Chanel bag and make my way to the restaurant, where I’m shown to our table. My waiting game is nearly over. The restaurant looks beautifully romantic, exactly as I remembered it, and incredibly busy. I stand out like a sore thumb, dining alone!
I sit with a glass of sparkling water, lost in thought. Suddenly, I feel someone watching me, and I know he’s here. I turn towards the doorway. There he stands in his new black suit, looking so manly, so handsome, so Luke Sutton. My heart pounds. I stand up.
