“Right back to work, boss - I bid you adieu. Oh and for God’s sake, throw the Minnie Mouse numbers in the bloody bin, you’re over 10 years of age now!” I watch as he wiggles his way back to his own work area. The man was as refreshing as his bright lime cravat.
*****
“I’m down here!” I holler to the person who’s just entered my front door.
“Only me - I need a pee but here, shove that in the fridge and I’ll be back in min.” The bottle of Chardonnay hits my chest with an oomph and I smirk at my mate’s candidness - only Abs would make an entrance like that.
“Do you want me to order the veggie combo now?”
“Yeah - with chips. Ooh and that garlic mayo they make in-house that would kill vampires within a ten mile radius - I’m not seeing Nathan until Sunday so I can go all out - unfortunately R Pat won’t be flying through our windows tonight.”
Shaking my head on a grin, at her unique humour I dial Aldo’s and order our usual, throw in a chocolate fudge cake to share for after’s and set about getting our trays, plates and cutlery for teas on knees. I still find it hard to eat pizza without a knife and fork and enjoy it and amongst our friends I’m definitely in the minority.
I can hear Abby’s arrival as she heads back downstairs chattering with each step. “That’s better - I’d been busting since I set off. Did you ring the order in?”
“All done and will be with us in 20 minutes. Come – let’s go veg out on the sofa and I want to hear all about Nathan and you.”
“Do you want me to carry anything, love? Trays, glasses, pillow to assist with the weight of your humongous nosey nose?”
My giggles are instinctive and we both chuckle at her silliness. “No, no and no! I haven’t got a humongous nose! I’ve everything upstairs already… including nosiness in abundance.” I add with a grin over my shoulder and head off up the short flight of stairs to the cosy entry-level lounge, throw out with a dramatic toss of my hair, “I’ve also got news.”
“Ooh sounds juicy. Me too.” She heads immediately over the mirrored console table that houses the vase with the roses I’ve received to date. I can see her mentally counting. “You got another one - when?”
I nod. “The sixth. Came yesterday with some message about us ‘needing to communicate and meet up’.”
“Well, I’ll agree with that. They’re beautiful though aren’t they - even when dried?”
“I know, I can’t bring myself to throw them away. Too bloody sentimental for my own good.”
“Something vintage about dried roses isn’t there and I love the diamante - bit of bling; very stylish! No matter what we say about these Silver men, they have taste in bucket-loads - spose we have Bitzi to thanks for that?”
Abs refers to Nathan and Sebastian’s twinkly-eyed mother, Elizabeth Silver, known to her friends as Bitzi. She was a force to be reckoned with when crossed and a blessing when you were in her favour - the latter was something I had truly received firsthand experience at Seb’s house-warming party when Toni had showed her talons. “Bitzi is one of a kind and her sons adore her.”
“She scares me shitless!”
“Don’t be daft, once you get to know her she’s wonderful. I promise.”
“I’m meeting them properly next weekend for Sunday lunch - Nathan insists her gravy is better than the gravy at The Babes in Arms.”
“No! Really? Wow, you must go then.”
“Are you teasing me, you mare?”
“Of course not, I’m deadly serious. The Babes in Arms pub gravy is to-die-for.” I wink back at her sulky face, still pretty despite the downturn to her mouth. “Honestly, Abs, this is brilliant news. You and Nathan are taking the next step forward and meeting the parents.”
“Well, we’ll see. Let’s hope there’s no surprises in store.”
“What like they’re Fred and Rose West in disguise, desperate to bury you in the back garden? I can assure you they are lovely and not serial killers.”
Her laugh fills the room, and she takes a gulp of her drink before continuing. “No, I was thinking more along the lines of praying that he doesn’t turn out to be called Gaylord Focker!”
I grin at the character from one of our favourite films. “Well, I bloody hope not or that would mean Sebastian would be a Focker too - actually he’s been a Royal Focker for the past week, so that’s pretty apt. What could his first name be though?”
“Hmmm - what about Mutha?”
Our belly laughs continue and after several minutes I need to stop and take a breath. “I can’t breath. You are so daft. Honestly, you’ll love them and they will adore you - who couldn’t?”
“Dave’s parents.”
“Hunny, Dave’s parents were Fred and Rose West so you never stood a chance and Dave was seriously screwed up. You weren’t the problem - they were.”
“Thanks, babe. You always have my back.”
“I do but it works both ways.”
We settle cosily into the cushions, wine glasses in our hands and gossip at the ready. “I’ve missed this - I feel like I haven’t had a proper Abby fix in forever.”
“I’ve been here, babe - you were just in a fog for most of it - you’d checked into The Lovesick Hotel.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been so pathetic, Abs.”
“Not at all - that’s what friends are for. To tell you to your face how pathetic you are and help you do something about it!”
We laugh in unison and I take a large gulp of my wine, the cool crisp flavour coating my throat and warming my belly nicely. “Well things are better. I mean he’s definitely not off the hook yet but he’s explained who Ray was and why she was there.”
“I should fucking hope so, I mean you need to sort it but he’s got some major grovelling to do.”
“Easy, lioness, I didn’t want him at The Ashton at first either but once I saw him, saw how unsettled he was and so un-Seb-like I had to hear him out. I just wish we could keep things simple between us, like we used to - it appears that that is something we’ll never be able to achieve again. All I have to do, is look into those beautiful, soulful bedroom eyes of his and I’m weak, desperate to climb on board and jump his bones!”
“Hmm, definitely an in the genes, Silver kind of superhero skill - Na has it too. I melt like warmed chocolate at his touch, his voice, his…”
“Exactly - you see where I’m coming from now.”
“Yes…Yes…Yes!!!!” She delivers a brilliant Meg Ryan impersonation from the movie when Harry met Sally and her giggles earn her a whack with the silk pillow on my lap.
“Dirty bitch.”
We are interrupted, by the clanging of the doorbell and I jump up to answer it, pay the pizza delivery boy and settle down to plate up our slices.
“Ahh, bliss. I’m bloody ravenous.” Abs digs in, speaking with a mouth full of crust. She is the only person I know to eat pizza, crust first.
“Me too. I need carbs tonight.”
“You do - you’ve lost weight.”
“I know I have, but I’ve not been hungry at all. Tonight I could eat a scabby donkey!”
“What were you going to tell me?”
“Oh yes…” I smile about my little secret and launch into the tale of Seb’s email invitation to accompany him to Dubai and the hotel launch. Hearing the words, make it seem real and I feel butterflies buzz around in my belly. “Of course I can’t go.”
“Why the bloody hell not?”
“Well Finn, for starters.”
I wait for her to finish her mouthful, before she continues. “Can your mum and dad not have him for then - I know she would want you to do this? It was only the other day she’d said to me how much you need a break. We’ve all been really worried about you, Lu.”
“I know, hun and I appreciate it - my mum said the same thing to me but I just thought if I were to go away, it would be with my son.”
“Lu - you can’t miss out on this opportunity to spend some full-on, uninterr
upted, loved-up time with Seb; as a couple. If you are going to give him another chance, that is? It appears that he’s trying to make up for things and you need to meet him halfway - its only fair if you want to try make it work. Plus, it sounds like it could be a great work opportunity for Elysium.”
I mull over her words; they make crystal-clear sense. “I do want to go…you don’t think Finn would figure I’d deserted him?” Like Niall!
“Hun, if it makes you feel better, say to yourself it’s ALL business. You have to earn a living for you and your son. Besides, I have a feeling my news will sway you…”
I look up with a questioning frown, “Oh?”
“Yep - because, guess what?”
“Abby, just tell me - I hate surprises, you know that.”
“Ok spoilsport. I think you should go on this trip of a lifetime with Seb and then attend the launch party of The Jannah Hotel in Dubai… because… Nay and I are coming too!”
“What?” My screech is mixed with laughter and excitement as we giddily jump up and down on the sofa.
“Yep. I promise we are. Nathan worked on The Jannah too for a while so he’s invited and I’m his plus one.” She smirks with a sassy shoulder shrug. “We are going to have a total ball!”
“A Black & Gold Masquerade Ball from what I’ve heard.”
“Ooh really? How utterly, divine. Oh my God what are we going to wear?”
“I know - I’ll have to buy or hire something. It all sounds very glam doesn’t it? I only found out as I googled the hotel and then did my research from there. It’s only on the Friday night though and Sebastian wants me to fly out with him on the Saturday prior to that? That’s a full six days before?”
“Nathan and I fly out Wednesday and we’ll meet you there. Then we will all travel home together on the Saturday / Sunday.”
My frown is met with a know-it-all look and she ignores my silent questions. “Don’t pump me for more information. You’ll see. Just go with it.”
I chew on my lip, watching her lovely face, bursting with excitement. There was definitely more to this than she was letting on but I decide not to push and instead button it and continue eating my pizza in silence, all kinds of things buzzing around in my head. I’m so happy that Nathan and Abby are coming with us. It will be so much fun.
I think it’s high time I had a chat with my lovely parents…again. I know Finn would be fine, providing I bring him home some goodies but I’d miss him dreadfully.
“Earth to Lulu! Where’d you go?”
“Sorry - I was just juggling some things around in my head. It all sounds very exciting doesn’t it? But before we go away we have The Ashton Launch weekend and I for one can now really look forward to it.”
“Ooh yes, Nathan and I are booked in to share a room - together; eek!”
I smile at her exuberant facial expressions but understand how important it is to her, as it’s the first time they’ve stayed in a hotel, together. “I know you daft thing - I arranged it. I know James Marcell has spent a small fortune on this do, and invited only the elite of the elite for the evening soiree but the rest of the weekend, we’ll be able to spend time together, just the gang.”
“That sounds fab and just what we need. Are you ready for that with Sebastian so soon after reconciling?”
“Honestly, I don’t know but I want this, Abs. I need this. I’m just scared, you know?”
“I understand, Lu but you can’t shy away from love forever just because your ex cheated on you. Sebastian is NOT Niall, he’s just a hell of a lot more irresistible to women, especially psycho bitches.”
I smile fondly at her. “Well, Friday night we arrive and have Dinner. Saturday is a day of enjoying the facilities on offer and chilling as a group. Colin said there’s Clay Pigeon Shooting, off-roading and Falconry planned, before the party on the evening. Two night stay with plenty of play.”
“Sebs and Na and no Toni or Ray!”
We clink glasses and settle back to begin our movie for the night. I flick through the Sky box office movies and hover over one, then a second consecutively. “So, what we going for? Thriller or Rom Com?”
“Thriller - no brainer.”
“Denzel it is.”
*****
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuuuck!” His blasphemy reverberates around his office. That fucking friend of hers needs to go – she’s always meddling and in the way! Every time he wants to be close to Lu for a “meeting or even just a drink” of late, she seems to be… well, there - hanging around like a bad smell! Maybe she bats for the other team?
She had given him some nice little tidbits of gossip though - so wasn’t totally useless. So, they were going to Dubai? How the hell was he supposed to compete with that - flash bastard! He knew about the hotel launch but didn’t think Lucia would be going - she had a kid! Silver went away on business without her all the time. And how was he going to stand being away from her for a week? Maybe he was due a holiday - maybe he could get himself invited on the trip, encourage them that his talents would be required to drum up business for them? He could speak to Lucia or Seb? He’d probably be left at home to pick up the pieces like always.
It was time to step it up – the listening devices had been fun, helpful even but he craved more, needed more information and he couldn’t seem to get close to Lucia, not in the way he wanted to. He was tired of watching her from afar. Oh to be next to her; to taste her – to experience every part of her that that bastard Silver seemed to be enjoying. Just the thought of the two of them together made his teeth grind together and fists clench. The fucking flashy prick had it all – swanning around in his expensive cars, partying in the big showy house and now he was supposedly about to make gafucking-zillions on the latest Silver Construction project in Dubai. Of course he was – it always came easy to the most undeserved and sanctimonious of men. He was the one who did all the work around here – he should be the one coining it in.
He clicked onto a file on his desktop, and Lucia’s face opened up to him with a smile. Her sexy green eyes were sending him that secret knowing message – he knew it – full of desire, only for him. It was a photograph from the night of Suzie and Gino’s 80’s themed party – he’d taken it without her knowledge and spent some serious hours photoshopping himself in beside her so that they looked like a happy couple. He’d been there that night, spent some time with her but no one had taken a picture of him, with her by his side - with anyone for that matter. No it looked like they’d been there as a couple - were a couple.
“She looked damned hot in that dress, it was so short you could almost see her pretty little cunt winking out the bottom – she’d done that for me - it was her way of showing me that whilst she fucked someone else, she was thinking of me!” he murmurs slyly to the empty room, his voice escalating as he becomes more sure of his opinions.
No, Lucia was obviously seeing Sebastian to make him jealous and it would never last – rumour had it that this was all just a proposition anyway. Why would she degrade herself like that though, when he could offer her so much more and had made it clear to her that he was interested?
Taking a sip of his black coffee he took a deep breath, as an excited flush began to run over his body. I need to see more of her and the only way I can do that is to watch, as well as listen. I need to get inside.
*****
By ten o’clock I’ve answered my emails, ordered some supplies and resolved a major wallpaper catastrophe for Colin at The Ashton. I’ve also spoken to my Mum. Regardless of trying to talk myself out of a romantic trip with Sebastian, Nina Myers was having none of it. “You are going. That… is…final… and I won’t hear another word on the matter.”
“But, Mu…”
“Sshh, listen to your mother. I’m serious, Lucia Amelia Myers.” Her authoritative tone makes me smile. She always gets bossy when she’s irritated and my middle name is reserved for special occasions such as these, when she reverts to parent mode.
“Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and you need to grab onto it with both hands.”
I wonder whether she means Business or Sebastian - I’ve a feeling it’s the latter and I’m happy to do just that. “Finn will be fine with us, as you well know and soon you’ll be home, all rested and relaxed and in better spirits to be the best mum you can be to him. You’re shattered, hunny and you need this break.”
She’s not wrong there.
“You’re just happy that Seb & I are finally giving it a go.” I snort inelegantly.
“Of course I am – it’s about time you two saw what everyone else did. But I just want you to be happy and not beat yourself up for wanting love and a career - it is possible, my lovely girl and you’re an amazing mother.”
“Well, I learned from the best, Mum. Love you lots. I just feel guilty as I’m away this weekend too at the launch of the new rooms I’ve been working on at that hotel in Holdgate.”
“Well we’ll have Finn then too.” Bless her.
“You don’t need to but I appreciate it. Niall, as you know has been finally stepping up to the mark, and is having him on Saturday night. Friday Finn’s coming with us and we’re having some fun on Saturday with the gang and then he’ll go off with Niall to sleep at his and I can schmooze at the soiree.”
“See! He’ll love that.” Yes he will.
“Thanks, Mum, I always feel better talking to you. Look I better go, I’m off to see a new client in a bit but we’ll chat more over the next few days about next weekend’s plans.”
“Not a problem, that’s what Mum’s are for, as you well know. I just want to see you happy, poppet.”
“I know, Mum, love you.”
I think I am finally happy in every part of my life, but it scares the hell out of me.
We say our goodbyes and on a fond grin I end the call, just in time to grab my portfolio, iPad and bag. Time to bring it and meet my new client Mrs. Walters.
*****
The One Addicted (The One Trilogy Book 2) Page 7
