by Carrie Stone
Back in the suite I made us hot drinks and checked my emails whilst Edward prepared for his meeting.
Ronnie was urging me to get the final press release version across to him and I had yet to discuss with Sam the arrangements for the luxury weekend prize winner. I sighed to myself; the next couple of weeks were going to be busy. All the more reason to enjoy the weekend ahead of me.
Hearing the shower facet turn off, moments later Edward stepped into the bedroom still wet, with a small towel wrapped around his waist. I felt myself flush as I looked at him, lustful adrenaline coursing deep within. He looked at me, catching my expression.
'I hope you're not having naughty thoughts' he said smirking. I felt my face heat up even more, as I desperately tried to maintain my composure and concentrate on my emails.
'Don’t be so ridiculous; I'm just thinking about work.' I drummed my fingers on the table and bit my bottom lip, narrowing my eyes as if in deep business thought.
Edward removed his towel and walked past me to the wardrobe. Unable to avert my eyes from his perfectly formed body, my head turned in his direction. He spun around quickly, catching me off-guard.
'Ha! Caught you' he joked walking towards me.
I gave in to him as he gently took my hands from my laptop keyboard, stood me up and kissed me, leading me towards the bed.
An hour later I set off towards Grafton Street, Edward's money burning a hole in my purse, waiting to be spent.
I headed directly to the large department store that had caught my eye earlier with its window display. Passing through the revolving door into the cool store with its lightly fragranced ambience, a frisson of excitement and contentment buzzed through me. I hadn't been this happy in a long time. Not only was I on a weekend break with an amazing man, but I had money in my pocket and a store full of exquisite treasures to explore.
Allowing myself a leisurely stroll amongst the various sections, I lingered at the bag display picking up a small suede holdall perfect for travelling. I could benefit from a new holdall, especially now that I might be making more impromptu trips with Edward. I dared to allow myself to imagine Edward and I taking another trip together, suede holdall on my arm. No large yellow suitcase in site. Edward would be impressed.
My eye was drawn to a dusky pink, shiny rucksack in the shape of an elephant. It was adorable. A perfect little girl's rucksack. My breath caught in my throat. Maddie. She'd be the ideal recipient for such a gift.
Chastising myself, I let the thought slip away as quickly as it came. Edward had only just discovered Maddie; it certainly wasn't my place to be buying her gifts, especially as I hadn’t even met her…
Picking up the bag, I quickly walked towards the cashier before I had a chance to change my mind. It was Edward's money I was spending - surely he'd be happy I put it to good use on his daughter?
Moments later and with one pink elephant rucksack purchased and wrapped, I headed out of the store, drawn towards a neighbouring shoe shop. My heart fluttered with anticipation as I surveyed the window display. Was it normal to experience such a rush of excitement when seeing row upon row of divine styles?
I'd once read that shopping was better than sex. The feeling that flowed through me as I walked into Zuldo left me wondering if the article may have been accurate.
The layout inside was far smaller than the grandeur impression of the exterior. Brushing past an elegantly dressed woman trying a delicate cream leather stiletto, I watched as she slipped the shoe onto her foot; the perfect fit, her legs appearing more defined and elongated. She smiled triumphantly into the mirror at herself. The young assistant beside her caught my gaze.
'Would you like any help madam?' she said in a strong Irish accent, well matched to her fiery red hair.
She'd called me madam? I was twenty eight, not forty eight years of age.
'Just browsing, thank you' I said, politely hiding my distaste at being aged twenty years. The woman was slipping off the cream stiletto and handing it back to the assistant.
'I'll take them please' she instructed kindly.
Collecting the display shoe from the shelf, the assistant placed it in the box and walked towards the counter. I continued browsing the store, slightly disappointed to find that nothing was catching my attention in a must-have way. The cream shoe had been by far the best in the shop, both versatile and flattering. I would have to try them for myself.
'Excuse me' I said, grabbing the attention of the attendant as she passed. 'Do you have those shoes in a size four?' I asked, indicating the box she was holding.
'I’m terribly sorry madam.' Wincing, I tried not to roll my eyes at her comment. 'These are the last size four and they've already been taken.' She smiled apologetically and continued towards the till.
My heart sank. The shoes would have been the perfect footwear for my recently purchased brown silk dress. Why could I never be the person to get the last pair.
I looked towards the elegant woman, watching as she rifled in her expensive designer handbag for her purse. She probably didn’t even need those shoes. Undoubtedly she had enough money to buy the entire store if she so wished.
'I’m terribly sorry, I seem to have misplaced my purse' the elegant woman was saying, a look of embarrassment sweeping across her face. 'Would you be so kind as to put these shoes to one side for me and I’ll return later to pay for them' she asked pleadingly.
Ha! She didn’t even have her purse in order to buy the shoes. Surely it was store policy that they couldn’t preferenciate customers, especially if I was willing to buy the shoes instead.
The assistant smiled, causing me to frown.
'Of course, that's not a problem' she said kindly. 'Let me pop your name on a note and we'll set those aside. I'm off duty soon but my colleague will be able to assist you' she said, offering the lady a pen and paper to write her name.
Watching in mild shock at my ill fortune, the elegant lady scribbled something and handed it back to the assistant. Pinning the note to the box, the assistant looked up.
'OK Germaine, we've set those aside and I’ll leave a message you'll be back to pay and collect them.'
Thanking the assistant, Germaine exited the shop, as I followed her lead, unaware of my irritated glances in her direction.
Grafton Street quickly lost its appeal after another hour of numerous unsuccessful shoe shop visits. Ironically, I had discovered and purchased a stunning biscuit coloured dress in a small boutique off the main street, which wouldn’t be in its full glory unless I found a cream shoe to team with it. The likelihood was slim indeed.
Glancing at my watch, it was almost time to head back to the hotel. Edward would be finishing his meeting and I still needed to check my emails. I'd had enough shopping for one day.
Walking towards a small bistro I sat down and picked up the menu. A delicious array of mouth watering options danced in front of my eyes. I looked up, spotting the waitress approaching to take my order, my eyes drawn in surprise to the green metallic shop front behind her. Zuldo.
'Can I get a latte and a brie and spinach panini please' I requested distractedly, as an idea formulated in my head. The waitress began jotting against her notepad as I abruptly stood up, surprising even myself, and making her jump.
'Sorry but I have to go, scrap that order.'
Picking up my bags with a sense of purpose, I headed towards Zuldo, heart pounding. Was I really going to go through with this?
My palms were sweating as I walked through the entrance doors into the familiar shoe haven, heading straight for the counter. A middle aged woman stood at the till arranging shoes into boxes.
'Hello' she said smiling pleasantly. 'Can I help you?'
I smiled as warmly as possible. 'I’m here to collect some shoes that were set aside for me. Although I'm unsure if my sister came in earlier and already picked them up' I lied confidently. The woman bent down under the counter.
'Let's see' she said checking the shelves. 'What name were they under?'
&
nbsp; 'Germaine’ I said quietly, looking around discreetly to ensure that the real Germaine hadn’t chosen the same moment to appear.
The assistant placed a box in front of me with a note pinned to it, lifting the lid to reveal the delicate cream leather creations. I nodded excitedly.
‘Yes, those are the ones.’ Looking at the shoes again was confirmation that my decision had been the right one. They were meant for me.
My heart thudded as I paid the assistant, all the while holding my breath in fear that I would be caught out. No sooner had the cashier handed me the receipt and newly purchased shoes, I turned on my heel and made a rapid exit from the store. Satisfaction flooded through me as I scuttled along O'Connell Street, towards the hotel. Mission accomplished.
Edward was already waiting for me as I walked into our hotel suite, happily swinging my shopping bags.
'Hello, good shopping trip?' he asked looking up from his laptop, a frustrated expression on his face. I carefully placed the bags down and went across to where he was sitting.
'Yes, I got a few nice bits' I said cheerfully, sitting myself down next to him and kissing him on the cheek.
'Are you OK?' I asked hesitantly. My stomach lurched. He was avoiding my eyes. Surely he couldn’t have found out about my shoe fiasco already? Had I been caught on CCTV? The realisation of my actions sank in.
Edward closed his laptop and put his arm around me, drawing me close to him and kissing me passionately. All thoughts of my fraudulence drifted away as I lost myself in his embrace.
'I am now' he said, pulling away from me and smiling. 'I had a rather heated business meeting with a client; I’ve suggested a follow up dinner, tomorrow evening. Partners included'. Edward looked at me. 'I think you'll like his wife, I’ve met her before. She runs a health food business.'
I nodded enthusiastically. He had used the word partners. I tried to stifle an excited laugh, Edward considered me his partner. Not a woman he was seeing, but a partner. The type of word that usually indicates, or precedes, marriage. The laugh came out like a funny sounding squeak. Edward looked at me strangely.
I hadn’t imagined in my wildest dreams that less than forty eight hours after leaving Spain, I'd be holed up in a luxury hotel with Edward.
I couldn’t bear to envisage the disappointment and hurt that I’d feel if things changed once we left Ireland. I had to make every moment count.
Seductively, I straddled Edward, slowly unpinning my hair and allowing it to tumble loosely down. Removing my top in one swift motion, I pressed my breasts against him and looked firmly into his eyes, noting his surprise and lust. I had wasted far too many years being prudish and shy with other partners. It was time to show Edward that I could be his every fantasy.
CHAPTER THIRTY FOUR
The rain fell hard against the windows waking me with its gentle tapping. Opening my eyes I noticed the empty space beside me. I vaguely remembered Edward whispering to me whilst I was in a sleepy state that he was going for an early morning jog. There had been no contemplation on whether to join him. In addition to my tiredness, my body ached in places I didn't know it was possible to ache.
The previous afternoon and evening was a vague blur of passion and room service. Any plans we'd had were casually discarded, as the hours had ticked by.
I got up, walking straight towards the bathroom with the intention of showering, before tucking into the pre ordered breakfast that awaited me. The idea of revelling alone in the luxury of the grand suite was an enticing one. Not thirty minutes later I was seated at the dining table, newspaper open, pouring myself an orange juice when my mobile rang. Instinctively I knew it would be Stella.
Picking up my phone, her name flashed across the screen. Edward would be back at any moment. I answered hastily.
'Hey hon.'
'Lizzie, where are you?' Stella asked, urgency and exasperation in her tone. Something was wrong.
'I’m in Ireland, is everything OK?' A feeling of dread entered my consciousness. What if something awful had happened? It wasn't the time or place to be weighed down with Stella's issues, but my loyalty was with my family.
'Ireland!' Stella's shriek pierced my ears and I held the handset further away as her voice gave rise to hysteria. 'What are you doing in Ireland?’
I felt myself prickle. Could I not go anywhere without having to inform her of my every step? Or had my mother put her up to finding out where I’d disappeared to? Irritation replaced all thoughts of worry as I bristled at her shocked response. Allowing a few seconds to pass, I kept my voice even.
'I’m in Ireland with Edward. He asked me to join him here.' Biting down on my lip, I waited for the usual barrage of questions. Stella's voice softened uncharacteristically.
'It’s about time you were lavished with attention. But once you return to the UK I really need to see you.'
I put down the carton of orange juice I’d been holding. Stella's kind comment had been hinged with a desperate edge, causing me concern.
'Stella is everything OK?' Where was my composed, stoic sister? Something was amiss.
'Things are fine Lizzie, nothing for you to worry about. You just enjoy yourself and let me know when you're home.’
‘As long as you're sure?’ I asked, relieved that whatever her issue was, it would be able to wait. Although I was concerned for my sister, the thought of spending my final day alone with Edward outweighed anything else.
'Positive. I'll speak to you soon, petal' Stella said softly before cutting the call. I sat staring at the screen. I loved Stella dearly; she'd been more of a mother to me than my mother at times. However she hadn't called me petal in years.
The door opened and Edward walked in, soaked through in his joggers.
'Morning' he said, kissing me on the cheek and pouring himself a coffee. 'Awful weather out there' he reached across for the newspaper.
Ignoring him I bit into my toast, pre-occupied. On reflection, perhaps I hadn’t been as supportive to Stella of late as I could have been. If she was entertaining office flirtation then maybe problems at home with Miles and the children were worse than I had anticipated. It wouldn’t hurt me to make a special effort to see her once I landed tomorrow morning. Besides, the thought of her Sunday roast made my mouth water. I would call in advance to make sure she was cooking. Edward broke into my thoughts, looking up from his newspaper.
'I’ve arranged for a car to take us to Drimnagh today. There's a castle there that I thought you might like to see.'
'I'd love that' I replied, silently wondering if Edward had access to a bottomless pit of money. Had he never heard of public transport?
As much as it was convenient to be chauffeured everywhere I didn’t want to become too comfortable with this luxurious lifestyle. In less than a day, I would be back living in my flat share and fighting for a standing space on the London Underground. A chauffeured car would be as distant in my reality as a genie's lamp.
'Wouldn't it be fun to take a bus or the train there?' I ventured quietly. Edward looked up from his newspaper in surprise.
'You want to go by train?' he said raising his eyebrow questioningly and suppressing a smirk. I felt a little ridiculed.
'Yes I do, as a matter of fact' I retorted, smiling sweetly at him. Edward smiled in return and gave a little nod of his head.
‘Whatever you want, we shall do. Train it is then.' He looked back down and continued reading his newspaper.
Grinning to myself triumphantly, I took a sip of my fresh orange juice. I would show him just how much fun public transport could be.
----------
We arrived in Drimnagh, my shoes squelching as I disembarked from the train. Edward followed closely behind me, shielding his face from the lashing of rain that poured from the skies above.
I was determined to keep a smile on my face despite the circumstances. The train had been overcrowded and we'd only managed to find one unoccupied seat. Edward had insisted on me taking the seat and himself standing for the entire one h
our journey.
In the guide pamphlet I had picked up at the station, it had suggested taking a stop prior to Drimnagh to explore a small fishing village. Unfortunately I had misjudged the distance between the station and the village.
Three quarters of an hour spent walking in heavy rain, with an umbrella that blew inside out every five minutes, did little to lift our spirits. At least we were now in Drimnagh, a little wet but both in one piece.
'It's stunning' I said, turning to Edward and pointing at the beautiful green countryside that stretched into hilly regions either side of us.
'I know, it's beautiful; and the Castle is only twenty minutes on foot in that direction' Edward said, pointing east. I stopped walking and looked up at him.
'Have you been here before?' I asked in disbelief.
Edward laughed. 'Of course I have.' He looked down at me, eyes twinkling. 'And the last time I came, I also took the train on a rainy day' he said with a grin.
I felt myself flush with embarrassment. The chauffeured car now made sense. He'd been trying to save me from a disastrous journey and I’d automatically judged him for it.
'Edward' I began slowly, turning to face him. 'I'm so sorry. I had no idea' I stammered apologetically.
He lifted his finger to my lips, his face still smiling warmly and affectionately at me.
'Shh, no apologies. We're here now and we are going to make the most of it.' He took my hand in his and we headed east towards the castle, oblivious to the rain and water puddles underfoot.
----------
We arrived home in time to briefly relax before preparing for dinner. The castle had been a magical experience. Edward had claimed to know much of its history and I’d listened enraptured as he'd relayed stories of battles and destruction. Some so elaborate that I wondered if he'd invented them himself.
Putting the finishing touches to my make-up, I admired my dress in the mirror as Edward whistled to himself in the bathroom. We were meeting his client in less than thirty minutes at the restaurant. Carefully taking my new cream shoes from their box and ignoring the large 'Germaine' note still attached, I slipped them onto my feet. Although they were slightly higher than I was expecting, I was reminded of the elegant woman in Zuldo as I looked at my reflection. My calves slender, and my ankles delicate.
