“So you like him?” I ask lightly.
“I do, but I’m not sure he’s into women.”
What? “Really?”
“Yeah, I just got that impression. So, I guess it’s back to the drawing board. Still, I’m excited we’ll be living together soon! Who needs men when you have your bestie?” She summons Pixie onto her lap. “Not to mention the most gorgeous puppy in the world.”
I laugh. “Exactly.”
I’m not sure I agree with Charlie’s assumption about Elijah’s sexuality, but then it doesn’t really matter. It’s not like either of us would be allowed to date him anyway.
When I head off to bed, I get out my phone to switch it off for the night and see I have a bunch of missed calls from Kellan. That’s a little unusual, but it’s almost midnight, so I figure it’s too late to call back now.
He can wait until tomorrow.
***
Saturday is so busy, I forget all about Kellan. Charlie and I visit six open homes, all scattered between Wellington Point and my place at West End. We both like a little renovated Queenslander in Bulimba, and I put it on the list as a possibility to explore further if I’m able to sell my house quickly.
I fall into bed at home at the end of the day, exhausted. It’s only when I’m drifting off to sleep that I remember I didn’t contact Kellan. Oh well. I know Charlie thinks I’ve been too harsh on him, and it’s possible I have, but that doesn’t mean I still won’t be investigating him. I have my appointment tomorrow afternoon with Samantha, the first of his previous clients. It will be less awkward if I don’t talk to him until after that.
***
Samantha agrees to meet me at a café in the city. I’m using the same ruse as I did on Roxy, that I’m casting for a psychic TV show, and I need some references before approving Kellan as a contestant.
“He’s not a psychic in the traditional sense,” she explains to me once we’re seated with coffee. “He can only see soulmates, not the future.”
“But it’s kind of the same thing, isn’t it? Anyway, I’d like to hear how he went about the process. Did he phone you up and ask whether you wanted an appointment?”
She laughs. “Of course not. Kellan Gallo is a legend. People call him, not the other way around. I had to wait for four weeks to see him. But it was totally worth it. I met my guy a few weeks ago!”
“How do you know he’s the one?”
“Well, for a start, he looks exactly like Kellan predicted. Same height as me, hipster haircut, cute beard, dark eyes.”
“But couldn’t that describe half the guys in the city?”
“Oh, right, yeah. But he did mention Rob would have a tattoo of a blue octopus on his arm. To be honest, I was so drunk the night I met him, it didn’t even occur to me that he fit Kellan’s description. It wasn’t until we caught up again when I was sober that I noticed, and then of course, when he took off his shirt and I saw the tattoo, I couldn’t believe my eyes.”
Damn. I suppose that is pretty specific.
“Do you think Kellan’s prediction has put pressure on you now? I mean, knowing you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with a guy you barely know must be kind of scary.”
“You know what? Surprisingly, I’m really cool with it. It takes the angst away, since so many guys are commitment-phobes these days. I don’t have to worry that he’s going to disappear on me, and we can take it slow.”
Actually, that’s kind of a nice idea.
Her eyes light up as she continues to talk. “And the more I get to know Rob, the more I feel like Kellan’s prediction is just a confirmation, and not some weird self-fulfilling prophecy.”
“I guess there’s no way of knowing, though, huh?”
“I suppose not. But I don’t mind. I think Kellan was worth every cent, and if I had the choice to go back and see him again, I’d take it. So, are you going to put him on your show?”
I almost ask her what she means by show, until I remember my cover story. “Oh, right. Yes! Um, well, from your account, I’d say he has a pretty good chance at qualifying. Thank you for taking the time to see me today.”
“No problem. If you want to know anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask. Ooh, you can put me on there too if you like. I’ve always wanted to go on TV. I can vouch for Kellan with my own testimony.”
“I’ll keep you posted,” I say hastily. I gulp down the rest of my coffee and stand up to leave. “Thanks again. And congratulations on your happily ever after.”
She beams. “I know. It’s amazing, right?”
“It certainly is.”
I leave the café, not sure how I feel. I mean, it all sounded real, but obviously there must be some sort of catch I missed. Because there’s no way Kellan can actually do what he claims.
It is literally impossible.
NINETEEN
Kellan
I head into the office on Monday, determined to confront Beatrix. She can’t expect to hide after what she’s done. I went to her house on Friday night, only to find she was either out or pretending not to be there. And then I called multiple times, and she ignored me.
I make my way directly to her desk and stand over her.
“Have you been spying on me, Miss Mackenzie?”
Beatrix jumps. “Jeez, you scared me.”
“Good. Now, I ask again, have you been spying on me?”
“What makes you say that?”
“Well, actually, I know that you have, but I was giving you the chance to admit it before I called you out.”
“Okay, yes, I did talk to one of your previous clients. I assume Roxy told you?”
“Well, actually, she mentioned that someone dropped by, claiming to be from a TV show. I checked the bar’s surveillance and surprise, surprise, it showed you. So, tell me, did you discover anything interesting?” She doesn’t have to know what led me to the surveillance in the first place. Which I did eventually check on Saturday night. I wanted to be extra sure, especially since I was getting more and more worked up as time wore on.
“I discovered that you predicted someone’s soulmate. And apparently, it came true.”
I’m about to argue with her but realise there’s nothing to argue with. Well, apart from her use of the word ‘apparently.’
“So, you finally believe me?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“I’m still trying to figure out how you do it.”
“I’ve already told you. You just won’t listen.”
“But what you do isn’t real! There’s no science behind it.”
“I don’t know how to argue with that. I know it’s real, and hundreds of third parties agree with me. I’m not sure what else I can say to convince you.”
She sighs. “Then say nothing. I have a busy day at work, and I need to focus.”
“Do you plan on meeting with any of my other clients?”
She reddens and doesn’t reply.
“Then I think I should be allowed to talk about it. You’re calling my integrity into question. Not to mention jeopardising one of my income streams.”
She looks at me defiantly. “If you’ve got nothing to hide, you shouldn’t object to me enquiring about what you do.”
I throw up my hands in surrender. “Fine. Do whatever you want. But I expect a full apology when you realise you were wrong about me. And if I lose customers, I’ll be coming to you for compensation.”
“Any customers you lose will be your own fault. You’re a fraud and should not be making money from vulnerable people.”
I stare at her, my blood starting to boil. Damn this woman. I’m about to say something I know I’ll probably regret, but Charlie appears.
“Morning! Kellan, would you be a dear and get me IngenTech’s file? I have a meeting with them this morning, and I’d like you to sit in with me.”
I smile brightly at her. “Sure.”
I narrow my eyes at Beatrix, trying to warn her wit
h my eyes.
She’d better not ruin my matchmaking gig.
***
Beatrix
I feel kind of bad. I know I’m being harsh on Kellan, but I can’t help it. The guy claims to be able to do something that cannot be done.
I’ve decided Samantha is an anomaly. I mean, even a stopped clock is still correct twice a day. And if I did believe Kellan was genuine, it would mean my whole career, and everything I’ve ever learned is wrong. I can’t deal with that.
Just before 5pm, Elijah calls me into his office. I haven’t had a chance to talk to him much since he started, so I assume he wants an update on my department and how the preparations for Singapore are going.
But when I sit down in front of his desk, he gives me a warm smile. “How are you doing, Beatrix?”
“Uh, good?”
He chuckles. “You’re not sure?”
“Well, are you asking in terms of work or…?”
“However you want to respond. I know I’m your boss, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk to each other on a more casual level too.”
My stomach does a little flip. Elijah wants to talk to me on a casual level?
“Okay. I guess everything is going well. Singapore’s all on track, and the department is implementing the strategy Charlie and I put in place to increase our market reach…”
“And how’s it going with Kellan?”
“He’s uh…he’s fine.”
“Because I’ve noticed you aren’t utilising him as a resource. Is there a problem between the two of you?”
“Oh, no. Nothing like that. I just don’t really need his assistance. Charlie seems to have him busy, though.”
“Do you think Charlie is relying on him too much?”
“No! Not at all. It’s just the way things have worked out.”
He fixes me with a stare. “Is there something going on between you and Kellan that I should know about?”
I almost shriek my reply. “Of course not! I promise you, whatever you’re thinking, it’s wrong. We’re not enemies, and we’re definitely not…” I almost can’t get the word out, “…lovers. I assure you, it’s all completely professional.”
He taps his hands on his desk. “Good. I’m glad we’ve sorted that out, then. So, does that mean you might be free for a drink this evening?”
My eyes widen. “A…drink?”
He smiles. “Yes, you know, what people do at a bar?”
“Um, is anyone else coming?”
“Do you want anyone else to come?”
“I…I don’t know. Do you?”
“I’m sure I’ll find your company stimulating enough on its own.”
I blush at his use of the word ‘stimulating.’ “Oh, okay. Sure.”
He looks at his watch. “I’ll see you out the front in half an hour.”
“Great. See you then.” I stand up and almost trip over the chair in my haste to leave.
What was that all about? Am I going on a date with Elijah? Or does he just want a friend in the workplace?
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced the latter is the case. He just needs a friendly face, someone he can rely on at work to…wait, does he want to use me for intel?
I’m so confused. I’m tempted to go back and tell him something came up. But then I decide I’m just being silly. I can handle a simple drink with the boss on a Monday afternoon.
It’ll be fun.
***
Okay. Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to this.
I am so nervous that I’m second-guessing myself again. As soon as I see Elijah out the front of the building just after five, I wonder how I’m possibly going to act normally.
I have a crush on the guy, and he asked me out for a drink on my own.
He turns and smiles at me when he sees me coming out of the big glass entry doors.
“Shall we?” he asks, holding out a looped arm.
I look down at the gesture. “Uh, I know you said we can be casual, but if people saw me touching you, they might get the wrong idea,” I say awkwardly. I mean, I would like nothing other than to cosy up to this gorgeous man right now, but not in public.
He changes his gesture to a sweeping hand. “Of course. Sorry, I’m not good at that whole workplace social etiquette thing.”
“What do you mean?” I ask curiously. Surely he understands in an office with a ban on colleagues dating, he’d get that me practically holding hands with him in full view of everyone could be problematic? But then, it was Steve who set the no-fraternising rule, so maybe Elijah doesn’t think it’s worth enforcing?
“I don’t mean anything. Never mind. Is there a favourite place nearby you like to frequent? Maybe somewhere quiet?”
My heart flutters. Somewhere quiet? Does that mean what I think it means?
I glance across the road, wondering if I should take him to the secret bar in the back alley. I know Charlie practically dragged Kellan there, but I’m not sure I’m ready to introduce my boss to the place yet, no matter how good looking he is.
“Actually, there’s a bar down on the edge of the river that looks fun. They have happy hour from five to six during the week.”
“Great, lead the way. I don’t know Brisbane very well yet. I just moved up from Sydney.”
“Yeah, I heard you asked for a transfer, but I don’t know much else about your background. I guess it was all a bit hectic with Steve leaving…”
“I know. Poor Steve. But I’m going to try and keep his legacy going. He’s got some great people here in Brisbane.”
“He does.” We start walking between all the skyscrapers on Eagle Street and down the steps to the edge of the river. I point to the bar nearby. Admittedly, it looks a little busy, and there’s a live band playing, but I figure I can plead ignorance. It’d be natural to assume that an outdoor venue would be quieter.
“This is a bit livelier than I expected,” he says.
“We can sit over there,” I say, pointing to a table with two stools over at the edge of the seating area.
“Sounds good. What would you like to drink?” he asks.
“Just a glass of sparkling wine, please.”
“Done. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I take a seat and look out at the water. I love this part of Brisbane. Actually, I love all of my city. Even the touristy parts, despite being local. I watch one of the paddle-steamer function boats cruise past, followed by an oversized party yacht, presumably heading over to pick up its evening clientele. The Story Bridge is lit up in the distance, its lights pink tonight, giving this part of town a festive air.
Elijah returns with our drinks and sits down. “What do you do for fun in this city?”
“You know, I’m probably not the best person to ask. I’m a bit of a homebody.”
“I find that hard to believe.”
“It’s true. I mean, I have to travel for work so much that when I’m in town, I tend to just stay in. The only socialising I really do is with Charlie, and we’ll usually just hang out and watch Netflix.”
“Is this that whole ‘Netflix and chill’ thing the young kids are talking about these days?”
I laugh. Elijah can’t be more than thirty-five, but that comment makes him sound like an old man. “Actually, no. I guess that’s originally what it meant, but now it’s more widely acknowledged that it refers to inviting someone over for…” I trail off, embarrassed. How are we already talking about sex?
He notices my discomfort and smiles. “Oh, right. Sorry. My mistake.” He takes a sip of his drink and looks around. “This city isn’t as bad as I expected it to be.”
“You expected it to be bad?” I’m quite protective of Brisbane. Just because we don’t have a world-famous bridge or the Opera House doesn’t mean we’re inferior. And if he didn’t like the idea of this city, why did he request a transfer?
“It’s just after coming from Sydney…”
“I know. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, though.”
With anyone else, I would proceed to list all of the city’s virtues, but I restrain myself with Elijah. I’m sure he’s just making conversation.
“I already am. So far, I’ve had some great food and enjoyed the botanical gardens and the river. Plus, the locals are pretty nice too.”
He gives me a meaningful look, and I blush. Is he flirting?
“Yeah, we do have some pretty good restaurants,” I say neutrally.
“What’s the nightlife like?”
“Oh, uh, from my limited knowledge, the Valley has some cool clubs. I guess the city is more restaurants…”
“There’s a casino, right?”
“Yeah. In the old treasury building. I haven’t been there for a while, though.”
“Why don’t we go now?” he says, eyes lighting up.
“You want to go to the casino? Now?” Didn’t he ask me to bring him somewhere quiet? The casino is kind of the exact opposite of that.
“Sure. It’ll be fun. Don’t you love the whole romance of casinos? The roulette tables…the people dressed like James Bond extras…the cocktails…”
I laugh. “I’m pretty sure the last time I went to the casino, no one was dressed like a James Bond extra.”
“Still, I’d like to see it. Please take me. I hardly know anyone in this town. I need a guide.”
I can’t think of any real reason why we shouldn’t go, so I nod. “Okay.”
I feel like Elijah is trying to rush me to finish my drink so we can leave. I wish he’d relax. The casino is open twenty-four hours, so it’s not like we have to get there before closing time or anything.
He finishes his wine and stands up. I quickly gulp down the rest of my glass, and we head on up the street.
I have no idea what to expect from the rest of the evening.
Elijah is giving out a bunch of mixed messages, and I don’t know how to respond.
TWENTY
Beatrix
I’m not sure what kind of stuff I should be discussing with Elijah on the way to the casino, but he doesn’t seem particularly interested in making conversation. He’s walking so fast I can barely keep up—which I guess could be a reflex action from years of working in Sydney. Cities aren’t exactly conducive to relaxing strolls, although I do admit, I like to occasionally wander around on a Sunday morning when nothing’s open. There’s a sort of haunting beauty to all those empty buildings.
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