“You’ve already upgraded everything to within an inch of its life. The only way to go is to get rid of everything and begin again.”
Frowning, Harriet stared blankly at the computer screen where the error message was still blinking ominously. “How much will it be all up? On my estimation, I don’t think our budget will cover even the half of it.”
“And that’s where my company will come in. We’ll do the whole thing at no cost to you apart from the inconvenience while we set it up. New everything with as much future proofing as we can build in.”
It was hard to take in. “Do you have the authority to make that sort of commitment, Lucas?”
“It’s my company. I answer to a board, but I have discretion with the Community Technology Assistance Fund.”
He left the room abruptly and Harriet sucked in a breath. It was overwhelming. Unbelievable. Her mind spun at the implications. All of it. It would be worth tens of thousands of dollars. If anything, that brought home the difference between the Lucas from the past and this corporate high flyer.
She assumed he’d gone after his meeting with the CEO, so she was surprised when he turned up at the door of her office just before closing time. “It’s all sorted. We’ll start tomorrow. Is there anything urgent that needs to be done within the next week?”
Harriet sighed, looking at her screen. “Just the newsletter. It keeps collapsing when I do the mail merge.”
“Hang on, I’ll be right back.” He vanished from the doorway but reappeared again with his laptop and planted himself beside her. She tried not to squirm away when his arm brushed hers, raising goose-bumps that prickled under the skin of her arms and upper body. It was odd. He used to hate being physically close to people. She’d been one of the few exceptions but that was a long time ago.
“Show me what needs doing.”
He dived into the task, moving files and setting them up on the laptop, swapping cables to the printer and within twenty minutes the newsletters were finally printing. Harriet moved away, spinning one wheel with accustomed ease to bring her close enough to check the finished product, glad to breathe air that smelled of ink and machinery instead of…Lucas.
“This is brilliant. We can email the bulk of them, but we have someone coming in tomorrow to get a percentage ready for postage and I thought we might have to cancel. I appreciate the help. I suspect computer repairs and printing glitches are a bit below your pay grade.”
He smiled tightly at that. “It’s good to keep my hand in.”
“I suppose you have to do a lot more talking than playing with computers these days.”
“Selling the product means I have to do presentations, but I still spend most of my time in research and development. I have a reliable management team I can leave with the routine stuff.”
“I’m guessing you don’t have a problem presenting in public these days.”
He stiffened as he unplugged the last of the cables. Why had she invoked that particular memory? Guilt soured the back of her throat as Lucas turned slowly, meeting her eyes, his own bleak and cold.
“No. Not at all.”
Almost tangible between them, the recollection of his bumbling efforts to express any thought other than the technical language he felt comfortable in when they first met. The long hours leading up to his face to face interview for the prestigious research place at UCLA when she’d coached him using techniques learned in her drama classes, ensuring he was word perfect.
His mouth tightened and then curled up slightly in a sneer. He’d be remembering how she used it against him at their last meeting. His shoulders twitched in a half shrug.
“I guess you were right, practice does makes perfect.”
He started to pack up and Harriet closed her computer and grabbed her bag ready to head home, tucking it onto her lap. It was just as well the newsletter was under control as Thursday was one night when she had to get away on time.
As she wheeled down the corridor, Lucas joined her, still looking grim. To break the uncomfortable silence, she asked about what was to happen tomorrow.
“I suppose we won’t see you again. You have your minions to do all the hard yards I imagine.”
Halting at the lift, Lucas hesitated, unsure of what to say. He didn’t usually do more than a token visit, but this was different. Her pointed reminder of his youthful inadequacies had struck a sore spot. Maybe she hadn’t meant it that way, but it reminded him of how he’d felt when she’d turned on him so unexpectedly in the hospital.
It didn’t seem to matter that he’d got over them. That he had no problem dealing with business communication, though personal interactions still made him nervous. He rubbed the back of his neck, easing the tension. It was difficult to get used to looking so far down when talking to her.
“I’ll have several teams doing the work, but I’ll come by before it’s finished. I like to see projects through.” And I’d like the chance to ask a few more questions. “I’ll no doubt see you at some point.”
Exiting the lift in the car park, Harriet went immediately to a red hatchback sitting in the disabled parking bay right beside the lifts. He hesitated as they parted, wondering if she needed assistance but she waved at him dismissively with a muttered goodbye. From his BMW, in a nearby position, he had a perfect view of the Ford Focus with the metal hoist on the roof. He watched her open the driver’s door and manoeuvre her wheelchair close to the seat.
She used her hands to lever herself into the car and pull her legs in after her. Activating the hoist, she closed the wheelchair and hooked it on, waiting while it was pulled onto the roof of the car above her seat. When she closed the door, he started his car and drove away, his gut churning again. After all these years of nursing his resentment, it was surprising to find it being challenged as he saw more of the woman who’d changed his life for both better and worse.
“It’s no good, is it?”
Dragging his attention back to his companion, Lucas smiled ruefully. “Sorry, Angela. My mind isn’t on the job.”
“You aren’t even doing the meal justice. At a thousand dollars a head, you could at least try and get your money’s worth by eating the steak.”
Picking up his cutlery, he hesitated. He considered Angela a friend, but only in relation to the work place. He kept his private life separate. “Why did you invite me? You know I’m not into the social round. I usually just send money to these charity events.”
“I know. You’d much rather be at home playing with your software, and I mean that in the strictest sense of the term. I wanted your company of course.” She laughed throatily. “I seem to be full of double-entendre’s tonight.”
Alerted by something in her voice, he looked up. Her honey blonde hair was piled on her head in a sophisticated style that looked unbelievably complicated, her immaculately made up face, model perfect. No one would guess the five-year age advantage she had on him. Her mouth, red and lush had a humorous quirk that wasn’t reflected in her sherry coloured eyes.
They were giving out signals that set off alarm bells. He looked away, staring down at his hand, at the pale band of skin on his ring finger. The mark was fading rapidly but he still wasn’t ready. And he still had to deal with present day Harriet Emerson. “Ange…”
“Don’t say it, Lucas. I already get the message.”
“You’re a beautiful woman.”
“But it’s not enough, is it?”
“Not for me. Not right now. But…I’m the classic computer nerd. Happier playing with my software…in the strictest sense of the term.”
She laughed and the expression in her eyes softened. “You’re probably right. We work too well together to put it at risk for something that isn’t going anywhere. Besides, I’ve already won the pool. Enough to buy myself a nice pair of Jimmy Choo’s.”
“What pool.”
“The one running here in your head office. Betting on who would manage to break through and get you to go on a date.”
He didn
’t know whether to be offended or flattered. The idea that people were watching him, commenting on his lack of social life was faintly disturbing. Maybe they had too much leisure time. He might have to do something about that. “You made enough to buy designer shoes? That’s some serious money.”
“It’s been running for over a year. Ever since you came back more or less permanently from the U.S.”
“I see. And you claimed the pool on the grounds of me agreeing to partner you to this dinner.”
She licked her lips nervously and took a long swig of champagne. Maybe she’d remembered his reputation for not having a sense of humour. “Within the terms of the bet this counted. Is it a problem?”
“There speaks the lawyer. No, it isn’t a problem. But I’d be grateful if you would discourage any further such…outbreaks.”
“Absolutely. In any case the drought is broken so they’ll probably lose interest.”
“I hope so.” Her face remained slightly flushed. He was too socially inept to be a suitable long-term escort for someone like Angela. Not when she was used to class acts. Like her world-famous journalist ex. “Have you heard anything from Stef since he left?”
The colour in her face deepened. “No. Last I heard he was in Eastern Europe. I’m sorry Lucas. I shouldn’t have mentioned the betting pool.”
“Changing the subject? Very well. Perhaps you can answer a question for me. On the strength of those Jimmy Choo’s.”
Warily she nodded, her fingers gripping the stem of her glass. “Of course.”
“Why do women lie?”
“What a strange question.” Her body language changed instantly, from defensive to alert. “Do you mean habitual lying? As in criminal behaviour. Or normal women who would usually be honest.”
“The latter.”
Placing her champagne glass on the table she cocked her head, scrutinising him intently. “I suppose you won’t tell me the story.” She snickered. “I take it that look means no? Very well. Sometimes we might lie out of pride or hurt feelings. Maybe to save someone else’s feelings. I think most women I know would lie to save someone they love from being hurt. We’re emotional creatures at heart.”
Lucas nodded, shifting his gaze to the half-eaten meal. “That’s pretty much what I thought.”
“Does it help?”
“Maybe. I just have to figure out which one of the above.”
“Is it important?” Her hand came to rest on his and the flash of a camera jolted him from the reverie. He withdrew his hand smoothly as the photographer moved onto the next table.
“Probably not. But I like everything clear cut. I don’t like loose ends.”
Picking up the champagne she grinned, “Tell me something I didn’t know.”
He forced himself to laugh. “I’m that easy to read.”
“No.” Angela shook her head. “No, you’re not.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re a complete enigma to most of your staff. There was even a suggestion that a man might win the dating pool bet.”
“You can reassure yourself on that one. But I don’t see that my employees need to concern themselves with my personal life.”
Her finger lightly brushed the faded mark on his hand. “They can’t help wondering. Widowed or divorced?”
“Stupidity. One of those dim-witted things you do when you think with other parts of your anatomy instead of your brain.”
“What happens in Vegas?”
He looked away, focusing on the swirling dancers. It was as good a diversion as any. “Something like that. Five minutes in that crazy town and anyone could get sucked in.”
“It’s over?”
“It never really began. But that doesn’t make my life open slather.”
“You’re a phenomenon, Lucas. A software billionaire with an international presence. With just a touch of mystery. Its natural people are interested. It doesn’t hurt that you aren’t a skinny weed with coke-bottle glasses.”
No, his looks had never been the issue. “Can we get off this subject? I don’t think my skull will cope with the undue expansion of my ego.”
Laughing, she agreed, leading the conversation into innocuous waters.
Sometime later, as they circled the dance floor, he was jolted out of his comfort zone again by the mention of a name. “Who did you say it was?”
“John Favreau from Emerson, Schwartz and Cooper.”
“Is that Jack Emerson’s firm?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“I met him years ago. Have you come across him? He’s in your field, isn’t he?”
“More than in my field. When I was studying, he was the man to be. Top corporate lawyer in the state and probably among the top in the country. Government had him on tap as an advisor. I understand he still does some advisory work since he semi-retired.”
“I didn’t realise he’d cut back on work.”
“Is it a problem? Were you wanting to consult with him?” She sounded slightly affronted.
“Of course not. We’re perfectly happy with your work. I was just surprised. He wasn’t that old.”
“True enough. It was for family reasons. His daughter was smashed up in an accident. An only child. I understand it was pretty rough on the family. Especially as it had happened before.”
Lucas missed a step and apologised tersely. “Before?”
“They lost a son. Years ago, now. Before I graduated.”
Something Harriet hadn’t talked about. “Sounds like the daughter’s accident was common knowledge.”
“Not at all. I was working with John Favreau on a class action at the time. I had the insider goss.”
He knew the answer, but something forced the words out. “What sort of accident?”
“She was out with her boyfriend on a motorbike when a truck ran into them. Poor kid. The boyfriend received only minor injuries. It was her graduation night too. That seems to happen way too often.”
Struggling for something to say that wouldn’t give away his inner turmoil he eventually found a suitable but inadequate response. “Yes. I believe so.”
It was a relief to deliver his date home at the end of the night. He needed time to think.
She extended her hand with a wry smile. “Thanks, Lucas. If I ask you out again would you accept?”
“I haven’t been great company. I’m sure you can do better.”
“I’m not asking for more than a date for the odd function. Since Stef left, it’s…awkward. People are used to us being a couple and now they don’t know what to say. I’ve some more charity functions between now and the end of the year that I must attend, and they expect me to be a plus one. If Stef were still here it would be different.”
Hunching his shoulders, Lucas considered her request. She was a damn good lawyer and good to work with. He owed her for all the help she’d given making the transition from the US. “I’ll help you out for the odd thing, but only as a last resort.”
Her teeth gleamed in the light from her door. “You won’t regret it. I’ll even pay for the tickets.”
“I’ll pay for my own. But thank you anyway.”
Driving home, he wondered if he’d done the right thing. Not the sex thing. Two lonely people thinking of someone else was nothing but trouble in the long run. Trouble he didn’t need. She’d been right about them working well together. He’d been out of touch after the years in L.A. and her knowledge of Australian corporate law was extensive.
But if people were already talking about him… Tossing the car keys on the kitchen bench, he poured himself a glass of water. What did it matter anyway? He was near enough to single, even if he didn’t feel it…
The light on his landline was flashing and he groaned inwardly. Why his mother couldn’t just ring his mobile and be done with it? He listened to the rambling message twice before deleting it. It was nice to know she didn’t keep her criticisms for her youngest son. He’d have to go to the aged care home tomorrow an
d sort it out. Which meant he wouldn’t have time to drop in to LearnAble and speak to Harriet.
Oh, yes, Harriet Emerson. The one thing his snob of a mother thought he did right. She wouldn’t believe the break hadn’t been his fault, his choice. “You’re just like your father. All looks and no substance. You can’t even talk like a normal human being.” It still amazed him that classy Rosemary Telford had married his taciturn tradesman father.
His sister Jocelyn, in her usual forthright manner, said she’d fallen in lust with him and it was true that the eldest, Paul, had been substantially premature even for a “Honeymoon baby”. Her resentment had coloured all their lives. His siblings had left home at the first opportunity. With less options, Ted Hall had simply keeled over and died on the job.
Checking his schedule, he slotted in a visit to the well-appointed residential facility. It would have been so easy to do what had to be done from the safety and distance of his Malibu home. The long incoherent letters had been easier to handle than face to face interactions. But with Paul tied up in England with his wife’s family business and Jocelyn in Canada with her husband, he was the logical choice to come home and keep an eye on their ailing mother.
His business could be run from anywhere and the state government had offered good incentives to bring the lucrative company back to Australia. The temptation to look up old friends had come later.
Harriet arrived home from her basketball game tired and sore. It had kept her mind off Lucas but only until she parted from her team mates. Memories long held back were hammering at her brain. How could a few months so many years ago, matter so much? Sitting in the shower, she sponged herself down under the pounding water. Forcing back the memories was as futile as holding back the tides.
Tucking herself into bed, Harriet dragged a pillow under her legs and set her laptop on her knees. She only really used it for work, keeping her social media presence around the organisation. It was too much of a time suck otherwise, and her friendships were mostly local. Picking up the memory stick from the bedside table she hesitated, guilt nudging at her. Years ago, her mother had taken everything else away. Everything that remained of her time with Lucas. She hadn’t known about the photos and Harriet didn’t remind her.
Tell Me No Lies Page 3