by Margot Scott
“Yes,” I reply, probably a little too quickly. “Yes, I’m still interested and will accept your offer.” I smile so big I thought my face was going to fall off. I felt giddy with excitement.
“Brilliant,” Alex said, smiling as well. He could feel her excitement through the phone line. He knew he had made the right decision, without a doubt. Not that he ever doubted himself. Ever.
“I’ll have Sandra email you all of your employment paperwork on Monday, including your work visa. I’m prepared to give you six weeks to make arrangements for your transition to London. I would like your first date of employment to be the first of April. Are you in agreement with this?”
“Six weeks is ample time,” I replied, already making a mental list of things I need to do. “And thank you again for this opportunity. I can’t tell you how excited I am.”
“And I as well. I look forward to seeing you then Katherine. Have a good weekend.”
“You, too. Good-bye.”
I hang up the phone and sit at my desk for a few minutes, the news still sinking in.
Holy shit, I got the job! Time to celebrate!
I quickly straighten up my desk and pick up my purse, closing the door behind me. I pull out my phone and send Heather a text letting her know I’m on my way to Magnolia’s.
Chapter 3
6 weeks later
“Miss Harris?” the perky blonde flight attendant gently tapped my shoulder. “Good morning, Miss Harris. Would you like some coffee?”
“Yes, please,” I mumbled, slowly stretching out my legs. Luckily, the flight was not packed with passengers in Business Class and both seats next to me were unoccupied. As I slowly began to wake up, blinking the sleep out of my eyes, I looked out of the window to see the Atlantic Ocean below, the white caps of waves making their way to land.
I glance around the cabin and see other passengers waking up as well. Businessmen already firing up laptops, ready to conquer the world. A woman tending to her small child. An elderly gentleman reaching for his glasses. A couple two aisles over, cuddling, holding hands, obviously very much in love.
It had been a whirlwind of activity the last six weeks. Packing my belongings and putting everything else into storage. Trying to decide what to take to London and what to leave behind. In the midst everything, I was able to locate online a furnished one bedroom studio flat in Battersea, a neighborhood just outside of London, called Coddingham Court. From the pictures on its website, it looks lovely. Quaint, bed and breakfast style, with a small courtyard in the back.
Saying goodbye to Heather was difficult. “You take care of yourself over there,” she said, tearfully.
“I will, promise,” I said, hugging her and trying my best to blink the tears back.
I had also gone home to visit my family before I left. Dalton, Georgia is a small, Southern town a little over an hour’s drive northwest of Atlanta. Known as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” with more than one hundred and fifty carpet plants, it’s where I grew up. My parents still live there, both working as managers at Meadowlands Carpets, a wholesale carpet outlet.
Dalton was a great place to grow up, a small town community where people passing each other on the street smile and say hello and are always willing to help out their neighbor. I had a happy childhood there. I’m the youngest of the family with two older brothers, Paul and Luke. For as nice a place Dalton is, I knew there was more out of there for me. I was lucky enough to get a scholarship to the University of Georgia, in Athens, Georgia, a very lively college town. After college it was time to move to the big city of Atlanta.
First Atlanta, now London. Not bad for a small town girl discovering the world.
My mother couldn’t have been happier for me. “Honey, I’m so proud of you,” she said, smiling, eyes shining with tears of joy. My mother is a crier. She cries when she’s happy, sad, hungry, angry. It doesn’t matter what she’s feeling, she will cry. During my visit she cooked my favorite meal – fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and fried green tomatoes. I’m definitely going to miss her delicious Southern food.
I look down at my food in front of me now. The breakfast meal service had begun. It wasn’t bad, especially for airline food – bagel, cream cheese, orange juice and a granola bar. I sipped my coffee, hot and comforting. Not too much longer and we would begin our decent into London. I lean back into my seat, thinking about my new life ahead of me.
Life was going to be different now. I could feel it.
Chapter 4
I step off the escalator and into the baggage claim area. I brought three suitcases with me, trying my best to travel light. I figured I could buy whatever I didn’t bring with me once I got settled in.
It was busy, people anxiously waiting for their luggage, hoping the airline didn’t screw up and send their luggage halfway around to the other side of the world. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw all three of my suitcases coming down the carousel.
I felt a light tap on my shoulder and turned to see a man, mid-forties. His hair was cut very short, almost shaved, wearing a navy blue polo shirt and brown khakis. He stood in front of me, smiling, pleasant looking. He had a relaxed way about him that immediately put me at ease.
“Hello. Katherine Harris, I presume?” he asked. His accent is British, very polite and proper.
“Umm….yes,” I reply warily, uncertain of who this man is and what he wanted.
“My name is Antonio Berra,” he says, extending his hand. “Mr. Alex McCall sent me to collect you. Please, let me help you with your bags.” He bends down, picking up one of my bags.
I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t expecting to have transportation arranged. I was actually looking forward to a cab ride in one of those cute black London taxi cabs.
“Oh. Alex McCall sent you to pick me up?” I ask, frowning slightly. How did he know when I would be arriving? I thought.
“Yes.” Antonio replied. “The car is parked directly outside, Miss Harris. If you could follow me, please.” He began to walk towards the door, two of my bags slung over his shoulder, and pulling the other.
I followed Antonio towards a silver Mercedes sedan. He places my bag and the rest of my luggage in the trunk of the car and walks around to open the door for me.
“Thank you,” I said, sliding into the buttery soft leather seat, appreciating the luxuriousness of the vehicle. I wondered if Alex arranged airport transport for all of his new employees.
Not that I was complaining. It was a nice gesture. I just thought it was a little out of the ordinary. Maybe everything Heather told me about Alex was true. I pushed it out of my mind.
Antonio pulled away from the curb. “Your destination, ma’am?” he inquired, glancing at me in the rearview mirror.
“Coddingham Court, please. In Battersea.”
The sedan glides smoothly along the highway. Looking out of the window, I settle in for the drive to my new flat. I could get used to this.
One hour later I arrive at my new flat. It’s even lovelier in person. A three story white-washed brick building with a deep blue awning at the entryway and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. In the center of the property there is a small but beautiful courtyard with a fountain, the scent of English roses drifting throughout. A black, wrought iron railing wraps around the entire property. I’ve leased the flat for six months, thinking that will give me enough time to decide if I need to find something else or remain here. The owner and manager of the property, Mary O’Donnell, who I met while checking in, seems like a kind, sweet lady. She told me she and her husband renovated the entire building a few years ago.
“There you are,” Mary said while handing me the key to the flat. “All set. Third floor, room number eight. And please let me know if you need anything, dear,” she says, smiling kindly.
I take the elevator up to the third floor, walk down the hallway, trying to find room number eight. It’s the last room at the end of the hallway. I open the door and walk i
nto the flat. It’s exactly like the pictures online. It’s cute and charming, with pretty flower printed wallpaper. A chair with plaid covering sits in the corner. Walking through to the bathroom, I find an antique claw foot bathtub taking center stage. I stand in front of the windows overlooking the courtyard, the warm light filling the room, and can’t believe I’m here. I hug myself with excitement. I unpack my bags and then take a much needed shower.
Afterwards, I’m suddenly overtaken with tiredness. I can barely keep my eyes open. Jet lag has definitely caught up with me. I crawl into bed and fall into a deep sleep.
Alex stands in front of the window of his penthouse suite, overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. He brings the glass of whiskey to his lips, rolls the liquor over his tongue, swallows. He hears the padding of feet on the hardwood floor, the sound of the shower. He wished she would leave so he could sit and think in silence.
From behind him, a pair of arms slide around his waist. He smells her perfume. It makes him feel nauseas. “Why don’t you join me,” she murmurs, laying her head on his back, reaching up and stroking his chest.
Alex turns and gives her a tight smile, slowly pushing her arms down. She stood in front of him, naked. “You go ahead. I’ll be in my study, I’ve got work to do. I’ve left cab fare on the table. Thank you for a lovely evening, Linda.” He hoped she would leave without any further conversation.
“It’s Lesley.”
Linda, Lesley, it didn’t matter to him what the hell her name was. All he wanted her to do was leave. He hated this part. It was so easy to get them into his bed, hard to get them out. Alex went to his office study and closed the door.
Thirty minutes later he heard the sound of the woman gathering her things. He looked at the display of security camera monitors. Alex took great care with matters of security and had a state-of –the art home security system installed. Alex watched the brunette slide her feet into black five inch stiletto heels. She picked up the money for cab fare, called out “goodbye.” When she got an answer of silence in response, she shook her head, put on her coat, muttered “asshole,” under her breath. Alex watched her open the door, heard the sound of the door clicking shut behind her. He immediately pushed a button which locked the front door. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. He was always glad when they left.
He sat and thought about work. It’s what he always thought about. It was his passion. Alex had founded McCall Enterprises at age thirty-seven and in just five years he had built a worldwide luxury hotel empire. He worked all the time. And when he wasn’t working he was chasing women.
Work and women. Not a bad life, he thought.
Chapter 5
I awake to the screeching sound of my alarm clock. Monday morning, six a.m. First day at my new job. Surprisingly I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be. I’ve kept myself busy the past week, unpacking and settling into my new flat. I’ve done some grocery shopping at a nearby neighborhood supermarket.
I shower and spend what seems like an eternity trying to decide what to wear. I had picked out an outfit the previous night but it seems all wrong now. I want to look effortlessly pulled together. I choose a burgundy colored pantsuit with a black button down shirt. I slip on a pair of black leather loafers that have a delicate gold a tassel on the front. Gold ball studs in my ears. A coat of mascara with just a hint of rose colored lipstick. I take a long look at my reflection in the mirror. Okay, this is the right look. Polished and professional.
I hail a cab. No Mercedes pick up this morning.
I arrive to work at eight o’clock sharp. The receptionist is already there, busily typing away. She looks up at me and smiles.
“Hello, Katherine. Welcome to your first day. By the way, my name is Sandra.” We shake hands. She seems more relaxed than the last time I saw her.
“Thanks, Sandra. Should I wait here for Mr. McCall?”
“No, I’ll show you to your office and then give you a quick tour. At the moment, Alex is on an early morning conference call with investors from China.” She walks towards the door leading to the rest of the office. “Come with me.”
Sandra leads me down the hallway. We walk towards an office which is just outside of Alex’s massive double oak doors. She opens the door, switches on the light.
“This is your office.” Sandra takes my coat. “Feel free to bring in any personal items you like.”
“Great,” I reply, knowing I probably won’t bring anything personal to the office. No photos, no cute little knick-knacks. I prefer to keep professional life and personal life separate.
Sandra gives me a tour of the building. “So, I understand you’re from the Atlanta office,” she says, making conversation. “That’s quite a move to make.”
“It is. But I was in need of a change. And this was such a great opportunity for me.”
“Have you ever been to London before?” she asks.
“No, apart from my interview, this is my first time in London.” I reply.
“Well, I’m sure you’re going to love it here. London is such a wonderful city, so much to see and do.”
I notice security cameras at the end of each hallway. “What’s going on with all of the security cameras?” I ask curiously.
“Oh, those. Alex is big on security. Always has been.” She shrugs her shoulders and gives no more information than that. A bit strange, I thought. Or paranoid.
I meet two other executives – Harold Smith, the Chief Financial Officer, and Marvin Kelly, Chief Operations Officer. So far, so good. Everyone seems really nice and welcoming. Later, I watch a couple of videos regarding company policies and procedures. Before I know it the morning has flown by.
Finally, Alex emerges from his office. He walks over, knocks on my door and enters.
“Hello, Katherine. My apologizes. I’ve been on a conference call which lasted longer than I anticipated.”
“Hello, Mr. McCall. Yes, I understand,” I reply. Alex nods, a small smile playing on his lips. My heart suddenly beats a little faster, my breathing quickens. “Uh, Sandra has given me a tour of the office. I’ve watched the company videos. And I’ve made a start with organizing my office, labeling folders and such.” I say. Stop rambling, I tell myself sternly.
“Very good. It sounds like you’re settling in nicely. And please, call me Alex.” We hold each other’s gaze.
“Right. Alex.” I said. He was wearing a dark grey suit paired with a burgundy tie and matching pocket square. The man is a sharp dresser, I’ll give him that. He was even better looking than I remembered. I hope his good looks would not be a constant distraction for me. I tore my eyes away from him and looked down at the folders on my desk.
“Let’s go to my office. I want to brief you on an upcoming development.” Alex said, all business. Thank goodness, I thought, feeling a sense of relief. I was ready to start working.
Following Alex into his office, I sit down in front of his desk, pen and notebook in hand, ready to start taking notes.
“I’ve just secured investors for the London Cosmopolitan Hotel. It will be a new development with demolition of the existing building in two weeks. Opening of the hotel is scheduled in six months.”
McCall Enterprises was known for hotels all over the world, but especially it’s Cosmopolitan Hotels. It was the company’s signature hotel line with a Cosmopolitan Hotel in every major city in the world.
“Since it’s a Cosmopolitan Hotel, it will be ultra -exclusive. Private club with membership only. First class restaurant. I want this hotel to be the premier hotel in London.” Alex paused, his eye shining brightly. He was in his element.
I was busily taking notes. This was a big project, one that I could sink my teeth into. A project where I could prove myself.
“Of course, I want to stay on schedule and under budget.” I could hear the determination in his voice. Alex McCall was known for building exquisite, high-end hotels that also managed to stay within budget and on schedule. It was
a testament to how well he ran his business.
“Of course. I’ll start securing contracts with designers and architects.”
“Excellent. Keep me updated on everything.” He looks at me, his gaze lingering. “Oh, and by the way, welcome to your first day. I’m pleased you’re here.”
“Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”
I stood to leave, glancing at him quickly, trying to concentrate on work. I could feel his eyes on me when I turned to leave his office. I could feel the excitement that it gave me.
Alex watched as Katherine closed the door behind her. She had performed well. Attentive, alert, ready to work. Alex sensed she was hungry for a big project like the Cosmopolitan. Alex also sensed she was attracted to him. He liked that. It gave him a sense of power which was a turn on for him. Unknown to Katherine, he had been watching her while he was in his office during the conference call. He wanted to study her while she was unguarded. Observing someone when they thought no one was watching was always the best way to really get to know them. And he wanted to know everything about Katherine.
Chapter 6
It was an unusually warm and sunny Saturday. At least, warm and sunny by London standards. The weather here was a bit different than what I was used to in Georgia. I decide to go out for the day, ready to enjoy London. It seemed like all I had been doing since arriving was working. It was time to get out. Do some shopping and sightseeing.
Springtime in London is enchanting. The deep freeze of winter was finally subsiding and bright, colorful flowers were beginning to bloom. Hyde Park was scattered with people lying on blankets and playing ball, taking advantage of the warm weather. I put on a pair of sunglasses, look up at a cloudless blue sky, and felt the warmth of the sun on my face.
I stroll through the streets of London with no particular destination in mind, allowing myself to go wherever the city takes me. I stop and order a coffee at the closest Starbucks. The city was buzzing with activity. People darting in and out of shops, tourists snapping photos, and cars whizzing by.
