by Brook, L M
Darcey”
My heart beats faster as I wait for a reply. Nothing comes. I sift through other emails and then he responds.
“Darcey we need to speak. Please call me.
Daniel”
No way am I going to let him dump me via the phone, text or email. He can damn well be man enough to do it face to face.
“Daniel I DO NOT want to talk to you right now. You can say all you want to when you get back next week.”
My phone begins to ring, it’s Daniel. Declining his call I put the phone onto mute. Another email immediately appears.
“Darcey please pick up the phone.
D x”
I’m starting to fizz at his persistence. My office phone rings.
“Hello Darcey Brooks.” I answer as I glare at his email.
“Darcey, please listen to me.” Daniel’s voice is needy. “Please don’t hang up, Darcey are you still there?”
I’m silent as I listen to his voice.
“I love you and we need to speak.” He sighs slowly.
“Daniel, you have a funny way of showing it. Do you think I’m going to give you the pleasure of dumping me over the phone? You can collect your stuff next week!” That felt good and without giving him a chance to reply I put the receiver down.
The phone rings again, I recognise his number and ignore the call. Then Daniel emails me.
“Darcey, I don’t want to finish anything with you. I want to make it right. Please call me when you’re ready to talk.”
Daniel X”
I’m furious. He’s so sure of himself, assuming I’ll simmer and want to talk to him. Well he has a long wait.
My morning is uneventful with one email from Anthony asking me to prepare data for competitor schools with league tables. He seems distant and preoccupied. I settle down to data collect. Angela puts through a call from Lola.
“Hi Darcey, how are you honey? Just heard from Daniel – the shit!”
I’m so pleased to hear from Lola she’s such a good friend even though her brother is no longer on my VIP list. I’m a little choked with emotion and can’t speak.
“You need some girl time. Are you up for a sleep over at mine on Saturday Night? I’m thinking drink, food, more drink, going to a club, dancing; chat up two worthy men and even more drink?
Taking a deep breath I reply. “Sounds good to me, I’d love to hit the town. I’m with Mum all day Saturday at Arcazia Hotel for a Spa Day but you’re welcome to join us?” Lola is exactly what I need right now although I did wonder whether Daniel had asked her to talk to me.
She sighs. “Oh I’m sorry I can’t make the Spa but come over at 6pm. We’ve some partying to do.”
“Looking forward to it already.” I enthusiastically respond. Girly time with Lola is always great fun.
My stomach tells me that I’m hungry so I close down Anthony’s reports and make my way to the Officer’s mess for lunch. Passing through the foyer I can see Anthony standing by his car. He is holding open the rear door for an attractive, tall brunette wearing cream tailored trousers and a tan, fitted, chiffon blouse. They smile at each other and look very comfortable in one another’s company. Anthony slides in behind her and then Nick whisks them off. Who is she? My mind immediately springs into action putting together stories foretelling that she must be his girlfriend. I now feel foolish for my recent behaviour when I actually thought that I may have some power over him.
Angela is seated alone by the window, with a healthy salad. As I approach her table she looks up and pats the seat inviting me to sit.
“Hello stranger, where have you been?” Angela continues to eat.
“Busy getting reports together for Anthony.” I place my tray down beside her.
“How are things with you and Daniel?” Angela stops eating and assesses my eyes for a reaction. You can’t hide anything from her.
“Not good.” I look down and tuck into my Macaroni Cheese. “He is screwing someone else.”
“I hope you told him to take a hike!” Angela puts down her fork with obvious outrage.
“I won’t talk to him and told him to collect his stuff when he gets back.” I don’t look up for her approval.
“Anthony is concerned. He asked me how things were with you and Daniel” Angela casually delves back into her salad.
“When was this?” I’m shocked at this comment and stop eating to look at her.
“This morning” she continues to munch.
“Shit!” My anxiety now switches to Anthony who obviously thinks that I’m letting Daniel get in the way of my work. “He must be still angry about walking out of the SMT meeting yesterday.”
“I doubt it,” Angela sips water. “Anthony was standing at the reception when Lola called this morning. Before I transferred her to you he heard me chatting to her about Daniel and that you won’t speak to him.”
“Oh no, he really thinks I’m not coping.” I instantly lose my appetite.
“I’m sorry Darcey; I didn’t mean to tell Anthony, he just happened to be listening in on the call.” Angela is genuinely apologetic.
We finish lunch and walk back to reception, Anthony’s car hasn’t returned and I head back to my office to hide feeling exposed of my embarrassing private life. The afternoon drags on as I complete my analysis and then email to Anthony.
“Hi Anthony
Please find attached the data you require. Let me know if you need anything else.
Darcey”
I lean back planning a quiet evening with take away pizza and of course a bottle of something chilled. My mother will be expecting a call tonight to arrange plans to meet on Saturday. An email from Anthony appears.
“Hi Darcey
Sorry I haven’t managed to get to see you today. Thanks for the report. I’ll take a look this evening.
Is your diary free to visit a local school with me on Monday? I’d love your opinion of a takeover/merger.
Anthony”
My heart leaps with excitement, I’m already planning in my head further analysis and a business case.
“Hi Anthony
Certainly, I’d love to come along. Please email me details of the school and I’ll get straight onto drawing up a business plan.
Darcey.”
My world suddenly has a purpose and I completely forget about Daniel and the possibility that Anthony may think that I’m not coping with my work.
“Darcey
We’re booked to see Dorton Prep School at 9.30am on Monday.
Anthony”
I lurch into gear and hum a tune as my desk becomes littered with various documents relating to Dorton Prep. This feels so good.
Arriving home my evening is taken up with preparing my business plan. I nibble pizza, sip wine and before I know it the time on my laptop is just after midnight. I stretch and yawn, feeling thrilled with my progress. I email Anthony, tapping the send button with a pleased grin on my face. As I’m about to close down a new email appears.
“Hi Darcey,
I loved the competitor analysis, just finished reading. I’ll discuss with you at some point tomorrow. Thanks for the Business Plan.
Can’t you sleep either?
Anthony”
I have a peculiar feeling inside. It is the dead of night, most people are tucked up and snoring but I’m communicating with this man I hardly know as his email penetrates into my private space. My curiosity is dancing, unnerved by the intimacy of the late night conversation. I hit reply.
“Hi Anthony
I didn’t realise the time. I was really enjoying the buzz of a new challenge.
What’s your excuse?
Darcey”
My body is tingling with excitement and he’s not even in the room with me.
“Darcey, your report was so riveting I couldn’t put it down!!
Anthony”
I laugh out loud. This is surreal, yesterday this man looked on me with contempt because I ignored him and now he sings my praises. I’m con
fused but also appreciative of his support.
“Anthony, thank you for being so understanding about my personal issue.
Darcey”
I didn’t know how much he had heard from Angela and I’m also aware that the problem could make our working relationship uncomfortable.
“Darcey
I know you most probably don’t want to hear my opinion but Daniel is a fool. If he has lost you, somebody else will be very lucky and proud to have you on their arm.
Anthony”
I grin from ear to ear.
“Anthony
You’ve really cheered me up, what a sweet thing to say. I must get to bed otherwise I’m going to be useless tomorrow. Goodnight
Darcey”
Friday brings the first spell of autumn with a frosty morning start. My leather knee high boots make a welcome return with my toffee-coloured, cashmere sweater and black woollen pencil skirt. Daniel texts to let me know that the interview yesterday went well and that he’ll be leaving this morning to drive to Valencia. He hopes that when he reaches his mother’s house we’ll be able to talk. I replied only to wish him a safe journey.
Angela searches for me to check in for an update to my life saga. She arrives with two steaming coffees and places herself on the corner of my desk as she soaks up any morsel of information I spill. Anthony arrives shortly bursting energetically into my room.
“Good Morning.” He smiles at Angela who doesn’t take the hint to remove herself from my desk and room. “Angela, I need to speak to Darcey if you don’t mind.” He smiles sweetly with wide scolding eyes. “A coffee would be great, thanks.” He cheekily requests.
Angela sulkily leaves the room with an awkward grin in my direction.
“Right Darcey, the business plan is fantastic. Can you put together a power point presentation for Monday? I’ll arrange for the Director of Education at Mid Suffolk Council to meet us at Dorton Prep.” I smile because he reminds me of an excited boy. “What’s so funny?” he snaps probing my eyes for an answer.
“Nothing, I enjoy seeing you smile with excitement. You become so intense when you’re working on something.” I grin with a newly found confidence when I’m around Anthony.
Anthony leans forward closer with his hands on my desk as he looks directly into my eyes. His mystifying glare drills through to my soul. “Oh believe me Darcey; you’ve no idea how intense I can be when I get to work on something.”
My breathing stops and my heart races as we immerse ourselves in each other’s eyes, only inches apart across my desk. Neither of us moves and from deep inside me I find the courage to break the spell.
“Anthony anyone would think you were referring to more than just my business plan?”
His wicked smile fills his face and just as he is about to speak Angela appears in the doorway with a mug of coffee. He quickly straightens and thanks her for her speedy refreshment. As Angela slips away he turns sipping his coffee as he keeps eye contact with me.
“Darcey, Darcey, Darcey…” he pauses for a second or two. “You are very intriguing.”
Had I gone too far? Was he correcting me like a naughty school girl? I’m suddenly very outspoken and let rip with an outrageous sultry grin.
“Anthony I can be many things as well as intriguing!” Oh my lord what did I just say, well it’s out there now and what the hell will he make of it.
Anthony nearly chokes on his coffee in shock and I blush at his response. Oh no! I’ve gone too far and he obviously isn’t on the same sheet as me. I turn my eyes to my emails feeling a little silly. He walks slowly to the rear side of my computer screen forcing me to look at him.
“Darcey, I’d love to get to experience those other things.”
He challenges me with his words as my heart pounds. My eyes are deadly serious and probably convey “oh dear, I’m out of my depth.” I have to continue what I’ve started but I’m scared that we’re still talking in riddles and possibly at cross purposes.
“Would you now? Anthony what if you didn’t like what you experienced?” What am I doing, this is dangerous. I hardly know this man but he seems to make me want him.
“How will I know if I never taste the fruit?” He smirks and holds my stare. I’m totally at a loss for words, my eyes are wide with surprise and there’s no mistaking that statement.
My mind is running frightened at the proposal, what on earth am I doing? I’m not even out of a relationship with Daniel and have now adopted this brazen behaviour. I have to take control of this situation especially as he also has a girlfriend. I stand at my desk to counteract his towering presence.
“Perhaps one day you’ll get to experience the real Darcey but until then Mr Hunt you’ll have to imagine how sweet the fruit tastes.” I take a deep breath feeling pleased with my effort. My eyes are relaying a cheeky grin.
Anthony just stares in disbelief and releases a quiet chuckle. He registers my distancing stance and drops his eyes to the floor.
“Darcey, I look forward to seeing your power point presentation.” He turns towards the door and is gone.
I slump to my chair, wow what’s just happened? I crack on with some work to channel all of this electrifying energy.
The day passes quickly and 6.30pm is soon upon me. I remember I’m attending the Choir’s Song Evening at the Abbey. Powering down my computer, I apply my lip gloss and ruffle my hair before slipping into my coat. I then quickly text my mum to confirm I will pick her up at 8.30am in the morning for our pamper day.
The church is beautifully bathed in candlelight and hushed exchanges as people fill the pews. As I make my way to a space a few rows back from the front I smile at Duncan Shaw as I approach his bench.
“How is the world of Estates?” I whisper as I sit beside him removing my coat and muting my phone and tucking it into my suit pocket.
“Busy as usual, boiler packed up in the control tower so lots of complaining staff today!” He rolls his eyes. “How are things with Mr Hunt?”
Looking down I recall our earlier discussion and decide to give the edited version.
“Good, we’re working well together. We’re just getting to know one another.” If only he knew how literal that statement is.
The choir is majestic and so talented. As I listen to each song my senses come alive and the hairs on the back of my neck prickle. As they sing I’m overcome with the angelic lyrics.
My phone interrupts my enjoyment vibrating rudely on my hip, while stowed in my pocket. Glancing down I view the text on display.
“Something about churches! Must be those candles.”
I hold back a giggle and smile to myself. Anthony is texting me from inside the church. Without making it obvious I want to turn my head to search for him. Another text vibrates on my phone.
“I want to taste the forbidden fruit.”
I put my hand to my mouth to muffle a laugh. Duncan looks across with a puzzled expression.
Where is Anthony? Immediately a text vibrates in my hand.
“Need to speak to you.”
I chuckle quietly as the choir ends and after a short speech by the vicar everyone shuffles moving towards the exit. I become aware of an arm across my lower back. The church being busy makes it difficult to turn and acknowledge the guiding gesture. The crowd disperses around me as we reach outside. I turn to meet Anthony’s glare as he directs me with an arm to his car.
“You’re so bad you will go straight to hell Mr Hunt.” I smile as Anthony continues to move me towards his car.
“I hope so, that’s where all the bad girls go!” Anthony smirks and Nick waves as we come into view.
He opens his rear car door and nods for me to take a seat inside. I’m baffled by his invitation.
“Anthony, I have my car here.” I point to my Z4 gleaming under a street light in a nearby bay.
“I want to talk to you.” He indicates for me to step inside.
“Good evening Nick.” I wiggle across the back seat and Anthony shuts the door.
“Good evening Darcey.” Nick smiles in the rear view mirror.
“What are you doing this weekend?” Anthony is leaning forward in his seat facing me. “I thought we could work together on the business plan in preparation for Monday.”
I look down at my hands with a grin on my face. Is he still pursuing the candles and fruit experience? He seems to be offering a business meeting so I shouldn’t prejudge his so called good intentions.
“I’m having a pamper day tomorrow with my mother and then going into town with a friend for the evening.” I raise my eyes to gauge his next suggestion. He looks pensive and I feel terrible letting him down.
“I could meet you Sunday?”
Anthony immediately looks happier and smiles in agreement with my proposition.
“That would be great, shall I come to you?”
“Yes about 10am, I can cook us some lunch.” My thoughts now turn to my untidy apartment with no food in the cupboards. I’ll have to do some cleaning until late this evening after a swift visit to the supermarket to restock.
“That sounds fantastic.” He twists aware of Nick sitting quietly in the front seat.
“Oh you will need my address?” I realise pulling out my phone to text Anthony.
“No need, I have it.” He smiles.
“You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?” I shift awkwardly in my seat with a smirk.
“Yes probably,” he replies arrogantly.
I lean forward to whisper in his ear so that Nick is excluded.
“Mr Hunt, this fruit is out of bounds Sunday. You have a girlfriend and I’m still seeing Daniel.”
He sniggers and whispers slowly causing a shiver down my spine.
“Daniel is history and what girlfriend?”
Anthony’s defiance sparks off a new hunger to learn more about him. I decide this is a good time to leave as my inquisitive nature is placing me in deeper water. I reach for the car door handle and push open to escape.
“See you at 10 on Sunday.” I twirl in my seat as his hand runs down my back to my bottom.
“Have a good Spa day and evening.” Anthony shouts behind me.
CHAPTER 3
Arriving home from the supermarket I set to preparing my home made Thai Chicken soup which will be delicious reheated for Sunday lunch. I pack away food, replenishing the bare cupboards and fridge as I drool over the Key Lime Pie that I plan to serve for pudding after the soup. Munching on a toasted cheese sandwich I turn my thoughts to cleaning my untidy apartment. I dance to Rihanna as I hoover, dust and clear away. The telephone rings on the breakfast bar as I switch off the hoover and notice it is 10.05pm.
