Chapter Nine
Meeting the journalist
The following day at work, Sophie sat down in the same private room that Mr. Sandalwood had offered Adam's business men to talk in. An interviewer had came over from the local gossip magazine. Apparently, Mr. Sandalwood had called him over because he was an expert at gossiping about love stories and all that stuff. Mr. Sandalwood had advised this man, Dillon, to talk to Sophie, because she was getting married to Adam Attenborough. Sophie hadn't wanted the story to go too far, because she wasn't actually marrying Adam, she didn’t even know him, but anyway, she liked spreading it for her own joy and entertainment. She also liked all the attention she was getting. It had never been like this before.
Today she was planning on making the story very straightforward.
Dillon entered the room, with a thick notepad in his hand, plus a pen and a copy of his magazine.
"Hi, I'm Dillon," he said breathlessly.
"Pleasure to meet you, Dillon," Sophie said. "I'm Sophie."
"Yeah, I know that. So, this Adam Attenborough ... do you like him? Is he cute?"
"Yes and yes." Sophie raised her eyebrows. He wasn’t really asking proper questions, to be honest, they had obvious answers.
"Well, can you tell me how your relationship began?" Dillon asked, rushing into the main story.
"Well, it sort of went like this: I was at the airport and this random bloke I didn't even know strolled up to me, one hand in pocket, one hand behind head. We started chatting, and then he asked me if I would marry him out of the blue. I said no, he asked a second time, I said no again, he asked a third time, in a proper begging mode so I said OK, fine," Sophie lied. She tried to make up a good story that would top the lists of magazine articles, because this was no ordinary romance.
"Interesting," said Dillon, scribbling down notes on his pad, exaggerating to make it more appealing to the audience. "Wanna say anything else?"
"Give Adam my love," Sophie said cutely.
"Oh, that's so nice," Dillon gushed, a lopsided grin taped on his face. He continued scribbling away in his notepad. "You're nice. No wonder Adam's in love with you."
"And I'm in love with him as well,” Sophie corrected.
"Yup."
Sophie didn't even know Adam. She'd never even seen him, either.
"Oh, and here's a copy of my magazine, if you want to have a look,” Dillon offered.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Sophie shoved it straight back in his face.
Chapter Ten
The scandal
Adam Attenborough sat down at his desk, appalled. Sophie's story had now come out in Dillon's magazine. Adam was speechless. Who was this Sophie? And why the hell did she start all these ridiculous rumours?
He sipped his coffee quietly. He had only read the headline: ADAM AND SOPHIE IN LOVE but he knew that he'd read enough. Everyone had kept on teasing him about it in his office, and he didn't even know what the hell they were talking about.
"Would you like me to read it out to you, sir?" Mike offered. Adam was about to object, but Mike had all ready started reading:
“Who would have thought a very wealthy business man (and a dishy one too, at that point) and a lonely girl (but a sexy one too) working in bog standard adverts would have fallen in love? But keep your eyes peeled, folks, because it has all ready happened. Adam Attenborough and Sophie Steele are in love.”
"That's enough, thanks Mike. I'm in enough of a bad mood all ready, and I don't want to hear any more. So please, just for now, I'm begging you; SHUT UP!" Adam roared viciously.
"Sorry, sir. My mistake. I've met this woman and she's by no means trouble,” Mike confessed, but he couldn’t control his laughter. “So the thing is, what are we going to do about it?"
"We could phone the magazine editors and tell them it's all lies," Chris suggested.
"No, that's not enough. Then the whole thing would turn into a massive scandal, and I’d be accused of being too embarrassed to tell the world about this story. The press makes up all sorts of bullshit.” Adam paused. “We need to think of a better punishment. Let me meet her."
"We’ll arrange an appointment for sure," Mike said. "I'll phone the office."
"OK," Adam agreed. "But do it quickly. This fucking little bitch has a lot to explain."
"Ooh, getting feisty, sir! Haven’t heard you swear in a very long time!" Chris grinned.
"Just shut up, Chris. Stop wasting my time by showing me, your fucking BOSS, that you believe this crap. Now go to Mike and help him with whatever he needs doing - you got that?"
"Yes, sir," Chris replied obediently, his head bowed down low.
Chapter Eleven
Driving to the office
Adam Attenborough sat in his expensive car. Every inch of the car was beautiful: it was the most perfect glossy white, with state-of-the-art facilities inside. It was incredibly comfortable, with padded seats and a portable television for entertainment. This car was one of Adam’s most prized possessions.
The drivers name was Rhys Downend. He had a smug pink face that made him literally look like a pig in human form. He was always drenched in sweat, for reasons too disturbing to explain. The car reeked of him, so Adam would have to get it sprayed with a hell of a lot of air conditioner, and would have to take extra special measures in distinguishing the damp on the drivers seat from where Rhys was sitting.
“To Sophie Steele’s house, or office, please. She needs a good talking to,” Adam ordered.
“OK, sir. You do know that as her office is quite a distance away, you’ll have to pay quite a lot? It may round up to fifty quid.” Rhys paused. “And then you’ll have to give me a tip because I’m a very handsome bloke who’s pulling all the girls in to look at your car.”
Adam snorted. “Shut up, Rhys. The money doesn’t matter right now. I’m a rich man, but I know where my money is going. I can tell you that you’re NOT one of those things. Anyway, all I’m interested in is seeing Sophie.”
“You really do think a lot of your love, don’t you, sir?” Rhys grinned, his teeth goofing out.
“Do you actually believe in all that rubbish? Honestly, why did I hire you?” Adam shook his head in pity.
“Sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to offend you,” Rhys said innocently, even though he would have never taken his words back.
“Apology accepted. Now, drive, and drive quickly, I’m leaving a lot of my paperwork just to go on this trip.” Adam coughed, because the smell of Rhys was starting to transport heavily around the car. “For the sake of friggin’ hell, open the windows, Rhys!” Adam bellowed.
“Yes, sir.” Rhys didn’t complain, even though he couldn’t smell his own stench.
Within a split second, the car came to a sudden halt.
“RHYS, YOU RUDDY DRIVER! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE NOW?” Adam yelled.
“We’re in a traffic jam, sir. I can’t help but to slow down.”
“Shut up, you spotty pig. Get a life.”
Rhys could feel himself blushing to the roots of his greasy black hair, which was building up a nest of nits, and even more sweat.
“You’re so hopeless, Rhys. Wind the windows down some more, I need some goddamn fresh air.”
Rhys did as he was told.
Adam stared outside as the wind lapped on his face, making him feel cool and fresh, and rather more relaxed.
Outside, a beautiful young woman was skidding to a halt on her pink, flashy motorcycle. She had long, swishy, black hair, right down to her waist, and her looks were to die for.
It was Sophie Steele.
The only problem was that Adam didn’t know she was Sophie. He wasn’t much of a celebrity fan. He hardly watched TV, and he never paid attention to the adverts, even though that was what Sophie specialized in.
Amazed and stunned by her beauty, he looked outside and watched her.
Sophie was standing by a woman who led a school for children with disabilities and mental issues. The woman was with all the children she helped a
nd taught. They were standing by a huge museum, surrounded by unlocked black gates. But because the children were disabled, they couldn’t get through. Sophie questioned the guardian and asked what the problem was.
“Hi, madam, I was just wondering if you needed any help,” said Sophie.
“Well dear, you’re right, I do need help. I can’t get the children inside the building. Can you be of assistance here?”
“Sure, ma’am. I’d be glad to.”
Sophie took placed her hand onto one of the children’s. She helped her onto the gate, and guided her into the building, by pushing the gate gently with the child’s.
She did this with each and every one of them. It was hard, but she knew that it was worth it. Adam continued the stare at her, cupping his hands on his face in awe.
Sophie was now talking to the teacher. The teacher was thanking her for her kindness. Sophie couldn’t do anything but smile, and she rode off on her motorcycle. A wide grin stretched across Adam’s face, because of Sophie’s kindness.
Rhys wolf-whistled quietly. “Ooh, Adam, you’ve got yourself a crush!” Rhys murmured, smiling.
Adam blinked. “Shut up, Rhys, and mind your own business.”
“OK, OK, no need to take out your temper on me,” Rhys said, his voice dripping with heavy sarcasm.
The traffic shortened, and soon, Adam arrived at Sophie’s office.
Chapter Twelve
Love at first sight
Adam was at the foot of Sophie’s office, knocking on the door.
“Come in,” Sophie said abruptly.
Adam Attenborough went inside, and literally jumped to see the exact same woman that he’d seen helping the disabled children.
“Yes?” Sophie snapped, to get Adam out of his own little dream world.
“Oh, err …” Adam stammered, embarrassed and confused.
“Are you here to find out more about the latest magazine story?” Sophie smiled.
“Oh, yes, I was just wanting to tell you why …” Adam began.
Sophie immediately interrupted him, and launched into her fictitious story about her romance with Adam Attenborough, the exact same one she had told to Dillon, but exaggerated a lot more.
“Well, it sort of went like this: I was at the airport and this random bloke I didn't even know strolled up to me, one hand in pocket, one hand behind head, in a proper check-me-out kind of way. We started chatting about all the different celebrity scandals, like what’s hot and what’s not, and which couples are made for each other and which aren’t. Then he proper looked me in the eye, and you see, it was just like love at first sight. He started telling me how beautiful I was, and how we were both a match made in heaven. Before I knew it, he asked me if I would marry him, like, totally out of the blue! I said no, he asked a second time, I said no again, he asked a third time, in a proper begging mode, like, I’m gonna die if you don’t marry me, so I said OK, fine.”
Adam stared at her, open-mouthed. What the bloody hell, he thought. Who the hell does she think she is? What am I meant to say now? Boy, she should become a book writer. That was the most ridiculous waffle I’ve ever heard in my life.
Little did Sophie know that it was Adam Attenborough before her, looking baffled and defeated.
“Oh, err, right.” These words were the only ones that Adam could manage.
“You are acting very strangely … Is there something bothering you?” Sophie asked him, concerned.
“No, of course not,” Adam said quickly, but he still seemed to be in a daze.
“What’s your name, anyway?” Sophie asked.
“Oh,” Adam mumbled. He was going to have to make something up or otherwise, he was going to die of embarrassment. “My name’s Mitchell. Mitchell Anderson.”
He didn’t want to tell Sophie who he really was, now that they’d got to know each other a little.
“Nice to meet you, Mitchell. I really appreciate you coming here.” Sophie smiled broadly, signalling the door to him so that he could leave.
“My pleasure,” grinned Adam, ignoring her signal. He felt charmed at how prettily she’d smiled at him. Maybe it was love at first sight.
Suddenly, Sophie’s phone started ringing. She picked it up. It was another person questioning about the Adam Attenborough and Sophie Steele romance. Sophie once again launched into her made-up story, yet even more exaggerated than the one that she’d just told to Adam Attenborough, or in her eyes now, Mitchell Anderson: “Well, it sort of went like this: I was at the airport and this random bloke I didn't even know strolled up to me, one hand in pocket, one hand behind head, in a proper check-me-out kind of way. His jeans, were like, proper pulled down low, so I could see his boxers. We started chatting about all the different celebrity scandals, like what’s hot and what’s not, and which couples are made for each other and which aren’t. He asked me all about my personal life, and what I do for a living and all that lark, so I was just there, like, proper confiding in him. I can pull any hottie I want, you know what I mean? Yeah, and he was absolutely fucking gorgeous, let me tell you that right now. He proper looked me in the eye, and you see, it was just like love at first sight. He started telling me how beautiful I was, and how we were both a match made in heaven. Before I knew it, he asked me if I would marry him, like, totally out of the blue! I said no, he asked a second time, I said no again, he asked a third time, in a proper begging mode, like, I’m gonna die if you don’t marry me, so I said OK, fine. And you know what happened then?! He produced a ring for me, as if he knew that all this was going to happen. I was like, so impressed! It was a proper gorgeous ring, right. And then before I know it we’re both snogging each other like crazy.”
Adam shook his head whilst he laughed. Sophie pointed to the door, yet again. This was another signal for Adam to leave.
Adam looked slightly disappointed. He expected Sophie to let him back in, and they would both have a whirlwind romance in her office.
Goddammit, what’s happening to me? She’s being a complete bitch, and I’m there, letting her go on about it. And I even faked my name. Holy shit, I think I’m falling for her. Adam blinked, and slapped his head, twice for good measure. He needed to face reality once more. He fixed a smile on his face, no longer the soft and casual Adam Attenborough he was in the office. He was now a businessman again.
Outside, Rhys was waiting, as promised. From the cheerful look on Adam’s face he knew for sure that Adam and Sophie had now made up.
Chapter Thirteen
A great day out
Rhys drove Adam back to his office. He tried chatting about Sophie, but Adam just tried to change the subject quickly, in the most specifically un-suspicious way. Rhys knew that there was something going on, but he didn’t say anything.
The next day, when Adam Attenborough announced everyone a rest day off work, he went to visit Sophie, by walking down to her office. It was strange, walking down the streets of London, not knowing what to do or who to say hello to. Adam used to live in the United States of America, but since his family originated from the United Kingdom, he decided to move there permanently, instead of just going on holiday there every few years.
When he arrived, he saw Sophie sipping from a mug of coffee, and wearing a blue top with pink leggings.
Adam’s mouth automatically turned into a wide grin. Sophie stood up.
“Hi, Mitchell. Nice to see you again.”
“You too!” Adam exclaimed, a little too enthusiastically.
“Since I’m free now, let us walk around town. That way we can get to know each other more.”
“Anything for you,” Adam couldn’t help the words escaping from his mouth, and his dimples were showing. He didn’t know how much of a fool he was looking like. He blushed in embarrassment.
Sophie raised her eyebrows, but couldn’t help grinning. “Right, let’s go!”
Sophie joined his side as they walked through town. Adam explained to her that he wasn’t from the UK, so she told him about everything in the
town.
She introduced every place. Daisy’s coffee shop: where you could buy bagels, baguettes, biscuits, cookies, cupcakes, buns … slices of sprouted Wheat-berry toast with creamy butter or jam and a mug of steamed milk … an almond biscotti served on the side of a cappuccino … a chelsea sweet bun with coffee or tea … chocolate mousse with a crushed cashew nut topping … rich chocolate cake with custard sauce … pear and apple crumble … everything was delightful in her shop!
The next place she introduced was Raj’s newsagents. Raj was a plump, jolly Indian fellow. He sold every delightful sweet a child could imagine: Crunchie chocolate bars (which he had a special offer for: twenty eight for the price of twenty seven), gobstoppers that lasted for a full day (only 15p each), every product Cadbury’s ever sold; Cadbury Wishes, Cadbury Advent Calendars, Endless Wispa’s, Chunks Cartons, milk chocolate coins, milk chocolate Santa’s, Snowbites, Chocolate snowmen, Buttons tubes, chocolate Christmas tree decorations, Mousse snowmen, Endless Crunchie’s, Freddo Faces Tubes, Snowy Delights, Creme Eggs … and that was just on Christmas!
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