“…and you don’t want your dad to run into Matthew. Otherwise he’ll know you’ve been shagging him all night.”
“It’s not like that. But we’re to go to the ballet together and watch Carol. You’re invited too.”
“The ballet? Most men don’t like the ballet. How did that happen?”
“It’s a long story. Carol’s got a job in Swan Lake and she wants us to go, you too….”
Mickey shrugged. “Are you sure you want me to go?”
“Yes,” Sophie said.
“I’ll have to bring someone along.” She scratched her chin in contemplation. “I mean I don’t want to be a third wheel.”
“Look Mickey, I need a favour. Could you possibly look after dad for about an hour? Keep him busy while I get Matthew out of my house?”
“I’ll do my best but there’s only so much we can do at a café. Perhaps we’ll do some latte art together.”
“I’ll appreciate whatever you guys do together. I’d better go as soon as dad gets back.”
***
Sophie eventually arrived at Clarks and almost immediately Bradley waved her into his office. As Bradley closed the door, leaving them alone, a nightmarish realisation swept over her. Something was wrong, very wrong.
His tall figure prowled, circling round the room. She felt like she’d walked into a lion’s den. His gaze flicked up and down until he stopped still. He stood close, too close. She felt goose bumps rushing up her arms as his mint breath touched her cheek; she could hear his breathing. This was one of his intimidation techniques. She’d learned it herself in a sales course he’d sent her on.
“You’re not on your game.” He rubbed the bottom of his chiselled face, a lazy grin appearing. “Kelly’s sealed a new deal. Joey’s Crisps. Signed for the entire chip range.”
She glanced from beneath her lashes. “That’s excellent news.”
“What’s happening with you? Tom Johnson from Barney’s Chocolate Bars. I thought they were practically in the bag?”
“We’ve a date set for a presentation.”
“I might have been wrong about you.”
Sophie shifted uncomfortably on her feet, folding her arms in front of her. “I don’t think that’s the case and I don’t see any reason for that remark.” Bradley’s comment kept revolving through her mind like she was stuck on a carousel. He might have been wrong about her. Might have been wrong? What did that mean? One thing was for sure, she needed to prove herself further. But how? She worked every spare moment she could. She was even attending the swimming lessons.
“You know you’re the same level as Kelly, a Junior Executive.”
“Oh,” she said, a pang hitting her guts as she processed the information. “I’ve increased my billing by fifty percent.”
He scowled and ran a hand through his hair. “The firm’s under immense pressure now. I’ve just agreed that Kelly….”
“Kelly?” Sophie shut her eyes, willing the words not to be true.
“Yes, Kelly, she’s got the killer instinct. She will give the pitch to Barney’s Chocolate Bars. Then maybe she’ll move onto the Silver account. We’ll reshuffle the management team around I think. It will be the best option for everyone.”
“What?” She flicked her eyes open. “You’re ripping me out at this stage? That’s insane. You know I have the relationship with Tom Johnson. We get along like a house on fire.” Sophie stepped back, her thoughts wild and unfocused.
“I’ve made my mind up. I’m sending an email out to the appropriate accounts people at Barney’s Chocolate Bars, letting them know Kelly’s going to lead the pitch. Then after her pitch to Tom Johnson, we’ll discuss how you will proceed in this firm, and on the Silver account.”
Sophie stared at him, speechless. He knew she’d put the hours in just for the chance of pitching to Barney’s Chocolate Bars. Now that she’d been given the go-ahead, he was taking it away from her.
“Please reconsider.” She pinched herself, feeling her nails dig deep into her thumbs. She needed to pull herself together, form an argument, and stop this from happening.
“It’s done. I just don’t know whether I can trust you with Barney’s.”
Sophie left Bradley’s office. An obstinate feeling surged through her body and she tried to push it down. She suddenly felt extremely hardly done by. She’d always put work in front of everything. How long would she keep doing that for? Especially since Bradley obviously didn’t appreciate her.
Her desk phone rang and she picked up the receiver, plastering a smile on her face.
“Hi Sophie, it’s your father. I’ve just got back from Beans and I’m at your place and wanted to ask you about your internet connection. Is that okay? I know you’re often very busy in the office….”
“Call me anytime dad, you know I’m always happy to help,” Sophie said. She explained all the intricacies of wifi. “I forgot to tell you that I’ve set up three recruitment interviews for you if you’re keen? If you can, one of the recruiters can see you this afternoon. Can you make it? I thought with Christmas nearing, it might be good to lock this one in?”
“Of course I can make it Sophie.”
She looked at the receiver. “Dad, do you want to go over the questions they might ask you? We can run through some answers over the phone.”
“If you have time. I know how busy you get there.”
“Of course I have time for you.”
For the first time in ages Sophie decided to prioritise her family. After all, her dad really needed her. He’d lost his job and the police officer had called him a possible jumper. The situation with her dad was serious. Her dad needed her now. Not later. Bradley obviously didn’t have difficulty finding people to support him.
Sophie exhaled, asking questions about Roger’s resume. Her dad wouldn’t turn on her, not like Bradley. Her dad was her priority now and she couldn’t believe he hadn’t been in the first place.
As she coached Roger, a question wound around the back of her brain. What would happen if, God forbid, she was made redundant too?
Chapter 13
Early on Saturday morning Sophie crouched over the toilet bowl. Even hungover she felt better than she did now as her stomach performed internal gymnastics. Her guts jerked and the mere thought of collecting her things from Derek’s place made her head spin. She uncoiled her fingers from the white porcelain and raked her fingers through her hair.
Get a grip, Sophie.
Matthew was scheduled to arrive at any moment. She was sure to have pale skin, unkempt hair and bloodshot eyes from lack of sleep. She must look much like the resident vampire.
The last time she’d seen Matthew was when she’d been dragging him of her house, when he’d been still quite drunk. Drunk or not, he’d latched onto the fact that he was picking her up for the big move.
She stood up from the toilet bowl, unsteadily at first, and then strode to the bathroom sink. She grabbed her toothbrush and vigorously scrubbed her teeth. She scraped her tongue. She might look like a zombie but no one would accuse her of having rank breath.
Her hands shook as she applied makeup, drawing strokes of eyeliner. She perched between the cartons and suitcases. As she curved on lipstick, her gaze darted around the room. For the first time she acknowledged the half unpacked boxes. Temporary had become permanent. She’d better start getting used to the situation.
She feverishly brushed her long, brown hair. When was the last time she had had a cut? Her hair hung long and straight, to the middle of her back. Not one strand was frizzy. Yet she’d sported the same look for ages. Admittedly her style was conservative, though she wasn’t completely old fashioned. It had been years since she’d last worn a scrunchie or considered hair crimping.
The doorbell rang. Sophie rushed from her room and opened the front door. Matthew stood on the landing, as gorgeous as ever. Her stomach instantly tied itself into knots and she shook off the anxiety that urged her to rush back to the loo.
Matthew wore
jeans. The same sexy jeans from the other night when she’d flirted outrageously with him.
“Morning,” he said.
She closed the front door and scanned the street outside. “Where’s the Porsche?” she asked, looking round for his hot car. She hadn’t spoken to him about the practicalities of moving with a Porsche. Every girl loved to ride around in a Porsche, didn’t they? Sophie was no different. Who cared if they had to take a few trips backwards and forwards?
“I have a car habit,” he said and he gestured to a huge black Range Rover.
“That’s such a man thing to say.” She laughed and he laughed back. She nodded, remembering he was a multimillionaire. Matthew probably had six rare vehicles in his mansion’s garage. A Lamborghini was probably sitting there right now. “I drive a Beetle myself.”
“We can drive your Beetle if you like? I don’t mind.” Matthew replied. “Although, I might have more space in my car.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She surveyed Matthew’s manly, four wheel drive vehicle. “I’d be thrilled if you drove. Thanks.”
He opened the passenger door and indicated that she should climb in. He then went round the other side and leapt in himself.
Sophie buckled in and suddenly felt a stab of concern. She swallowed.
“You feeling alright?” he asked, searching her face.
Sophie’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment. “Sure.” Yet her voice quavered as she replied.
The car accelerated and they were on their way to Derek’s place. Sophie watched as he shifted the gear stick.
Panic suddenly gripped her as the car careered down the empty streets. “We’re going to be early,” Sophie murmured. “He won’t have left for football practice yet.”
“There’s no traffic,” Matthew answered.
“Should we ride around the block or something?” Sophie asked.
“I’ve got a better idea. I’ll take you out for the best coffee in town.”
***
Matthew parked his car on Upper Street in Angel. “Come this way,” he instructed.
They hurried past the bike store, the boutique butcher and the Italian deli. “You know we’re near Mickey’s café.” Sophie guiltily charged past the dry cleaners, recalling she’d left a pair of boots to be repaired there and not picked them up. Sophie knew Angel well, considering she lived in Highbury, the neighbouring suburb.
“I’m taking you to a place that makes the best coffee in town.”
“Wait a second,” she called to Matthew and rifled through her large handbag. She extracted odd items. Of course she had everything else, except the shoe repair docket.
Sophie eyed the little man behind the counter in the dry cleaning store. She hoped he was one of those understanding blokes; surely everyone lost their dry cleaning receipts at some stage? She couldn’t be the only one.
Besides, the shoes had been waiting for collection for at least six months. It wasn’t as if people were breaking the door down, trying to steal them. If the man behind the counter didn’t believe her, then they’d reenact the Cinderella story. Sophie’s foot would glide into her boot and she wouldn’t turn into a pumpkin.
There was a slight tug on her arm. “Sophie what are you doing?” Matthew stared at her, and gestured further along the street. “We’re almost there, shall we continue….”
With a fleeting look at the dry cleaners, she turned to face him. “Just got distracted.” Sophie nodded and followed him further down Upper Street.
He eventually stopped outside a trendy café with large glass panels. An array of pastries and meringues beckoned to customers from the window. Sophie licked her lips from the memory of tasting the chocolate mud cake. She had tasted it several times, for she knew this coffee shop intimately. They stood outside none other than Beans, Mickey’s coffee shop.
Sophie raised her eyebrows. “This is a surprise.” Her fingers coiled into fists.
Matthew beamed. “You wait until you taste the famous skinny cappuccino.” A bell jingled as he pushed open the shop door. The aroma of coffee immediately filled Sophie’s nostrils as she stood in the doorway.
Mickey stood behind the coffee counter, vigorously polishing her coffee machine.
Sophie hesitated stepping inside, her heart beat somewhat louder. She was unsure what was happening here. She felt set up, for this couldn’t be a coincidence. Did the pair arrange this meeting? Was this something to do with Derek?
Sophie turned immediately to face the cake display. Her breathing was fast and she pretended to examine the produce. Her brain worked in overdrive because she felt somewhat betrayed. This was Mickey, the girl she’d known since she was a kid.
The pair of them had arranged an intervention. How dare they interfere?
With hands on her hip Sophie turned round from her position examining the cakes. It was time to give them both a piece of her mind.
She strode to Matthew who already stood at the counter, grinning at the menu. Mickey looked up from polishing her coffee machine. A slight scream escaped Mickey’s lips and she dropped her cloth. Mickey raced round the counter and flung her arms around Matthew’s neck. She hugged him hard.
Sophie’s heart beat fast in her chest as she watched Mickey hold Matthew. Finally Mickey released him and Sophie realised she was invisible, standing behind Matthew. His broad shoulders practically blocked her from Mickey’s view.
“I haven’t seen you for an eternity,” Mickey scolded Matthew playfully. Her green eyes glittered. “Where have you been for the last year? I’ve missed you and our chats.”
Sophie swallowed. Was this coincidence simply that: a coincidence? Her chest tightened, as Mickey threw her head of long red hair back and laughed.
Matthew shrugged. “I’ve been away travelling,” he said. “But I couldn’t stay away from Beans for much longer.”
Mickey laughed and tilted her head flirtatiously up at Matthew. He looked extremely pleased to see her too and ran a hand through his blond hair.
Sophie opened her mouth to speak, yet words failed to form.
“Where’s Rebecca?” Mickey asked and raised a manicured eyebrow.
Matthew flinched at the sound of Rebecca’s name and momentarily avoided meeting Mickey’s eyes.
Realisation struck Sophie and she felt a little light headed. Of course. Matthew and Rebecca must have been customers of Beans.
Matthew gulped. “Michelle, I want you to meet someone.”
“Please call me Mickey.”
“Mickey,” he paused. “This is my good friend Sophie.” He looked back over his shoulder and stepped aside to push Sophie forward. “As I said Soph, this is my favorite cafe in the world. I’ve been coming here since Beans opened.”
Mickey’s jaw dropped. An ear-to-ear grin reached every corner of Mickey’s face. She released a howl of delight.
“Easy tiger,” Matthew muttered as Mickey launched at Sophie and embraced her.
“What are you doing here? Both of you? Together? How do you even know each other?” Mickey’s gaze flittered between the pair.
Matthew stared at Mickey, taking in her long red hair. “You know each other?”
“We certainly do,” Sophie said. “This is Mickey, my best friend. She was supposed to come out that night we had drinks….”
“So you’re not just my fabulous customer Matthew. You’re Matthew Silver, the swimming coach,” Mickey said. “It’s nice to formally meet you.” She extended her hand and the pair grinned moronically and pumped palms.
“Yeah, we spoke on the phone only a few nights ago to organise the big move,” Matthew said wearing a sheepish expression on his face. “Such a small world.”
The light in Mickey’s smile faded. “Um….” A line etched in her forehead.
Mickey grabbed Sophie by the arm and dragged her to the rear of the café, leaving Matthew standing alone by the counter. Mickey gestured madly at the wall. “Recognise anyone?” she said. “There’s a picture of Matthew about five years ago when Bean
s opened.” She shot a glance over her shoulder, toward him and then looked at Sophie.
“Oh wow, he hasn’t changed a bit.” Sophie touched the picture in the newspaper cutting. A younger Matthew stood next to an attractive girl with long auburn hair and lovely eyes; it could only be Rebecca.
“This is hard to say but….”
“I can’t believe you already know each other,” Sophie interjected.
“This picture was taken when the shop opened,” Mickey whispered. “What I’m trying to say is that … well…I’m not sure if you realise, but Matthew has a long term girlfriend.”
“I know all about Rebecca.”
“So you know they’re together?”
“Pardon?” Sophie cocked her head toward Mickey, focusing her attention on her friend. She wasn’t quite sure how to answer the statement tactfully.
“Or did they break up?”
“I don’t think they broke up but….” Sophie swallowed. “It’s more complex than that.”
“So you know about Rebecca? Sophie how could you….” Mickey hissed, suddenly taking the moral high ground. “What are you going to do? What about the ballet?”
“What’s that?” Matthew said, approaching slowly. “So did Sophie already speak to you about the ballet?”
“Yes.” Mickey’s face was set like stone. “Will Rebecca be coming too? I haven’t seen her for a while.”
Matthew’s face twisted. “I can’t imagine you have.” He swallowed and thrust his hands into his pockets.
“Did you want your usual table?” Mickey’s voice trilled. “The table you and Rebecca always sit at?”
Sophie wiped away a bead of sweat from her forehead as Mickey glared. Her best friend tapped her foot, anger brewed in every part of her body. Mickey wasn’t afraid of a little bit of confrontation. Someone needed to stop her. Everyone knew the temperament of a redhead and Mickey was no different.
Matthew’s face paled and he turned round the room. “How about this table overlooking the garden?” He gestured toward the window and strolled quickly to it. “We’ll try something different for today.”
Skinny Dipping (Skinny Sagas) Page 14