by Nicola Jane
We spoke to Ms Caldwell’s ex-boyfriend Daniel Hatchet. In a tearful interview he told us that he was left heartbroken when Alivia finally announced her love for her new boss after just one week of knowing him. She left Mr Hatchet telling him she could no longer live a lie. He says that the business they built together, D.A property services, has an uncertain future ahead of it whilst he tries to get over his shattered heart.
Vass has previously been reported to be dating child hood sweetheart Clarisse Underwood. All we know for sure is that Vass Fraser has them queuing up and what we want to know is, is it because of his bad boy reputation of sex and booze or the reportedly net worth of one billion pounds that attracts the hordes of women just dying to get some of the action.
Clarisse places her hand over mine, “It’ll blow over. I wouldn’t worry too much, by tomorrow it will be someone else in the gossip column.”
“But today it’s me. My parents read this Sunday paper, they don’t even know that I’ve split up with Daniel,” I cry.
“Then isn’t it time you told them?” asks Clarisse.
“And say what exactly? Sorry I didn’t tell you a month ago but I’ve left Daniel, been stalked by some psycho old guy, I’ve moved in with a girl I’ve known a week and I have a new job oh and please don’t believe the papers, I’m not shagging my playboy boss.”
Clarisse laughs and then presses her lips together when I glare at her, “Well perhaps don’t say it like that.”
I bury my face in my hands and groan, “This is all Daniels fault, why would he speak to the news papers and where did they get these pictures?” My mobile vibrates to life, “Oh god it’s my mum,” I groan.
“Answer it, get it out of the way,” insists Clarisse.
I take a deep breath and press accept. “Hi mum,” I say making sure I sound bright and breezy.
“Alivia Jayne Caldwell you’d better start explaining,” she says sternly.
“You’ve seen the newspaper then,” I sigh, “It’s all lies mum.”
“So you haven’t left Daniel?”
“Well that bit is true and the bit about me getting a new job,” I explain. I hear a sob on my mums end, “Don’t get upset mum, I’m fine I promise.”
“Poor Daniel, you left him for a man that is always in the paper with different women,” she cries.
“No,” I screech, “I’m not in a relationship with Vass mum, he’s my boss. Daniel lied to the papers to get his five minutes of fame.”
“That poor boy must be heartbroken,” she sniffs.
“I’m the one that’s heart broken, Daniel cheated on me,” I snap.
“Oh my god, there is so much you haven’t told us, are you okay?” she wails.
“I’m okay now. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to worry you and dad. I’ve got a new job and I’m sorting myself out. I’ll come over and tell you everything soon, just don’t listen to the papers, it’s all lies.”
I disconnect the call after reassuring her over and over that I’m fine and I’ll go over to see them next weekend. Clarisse gives me a sympathetic smile, “Being friends with Vass comes at a price,” she sighs, “I’m used to it but I get why you’re pissed.”
“At least my parents know now,” I mutter. The door swings open and Vass enters the kitchen. His face is dripping with sweat and from the shorts and vest I can only assume he’s been running.
“Morning,” he huffs placing a brown paper bag onto the worktop and then helping himself to a bottle of water from Clarisse’s fridge. I watch open mouthed as he unscrews the bottle top and drinks it in one go, crushing the plastic and putting it in the bin. He turns to us both and gives a cheeky smile. “Breakfast,” he says nodding to the bag.
Clarisse opens the bag and smiles, “You are creeping,” she says glancing at him.
“Maybe,” he grins, “Am I forgiven?”
Clarisse hands me a freshly baked chocolate croissant, it smells amazing. “It isn’t up to me, I haven’t been plastered all over the Sunday papers,” she says. They both turn to me.
“It’s not Vass’s fault,” I mutter, “He didn’t go to the press. It’s Daniel I’m mad at,” I say. He knew my parents didn’t know and he thought to tell them in the worst possible way.
“So, anyway, you were right Riss, me and Annalise aren’t going to work,” announces Vass.
Clarisse looks at him in shock, her croissant paused halfway to her mouth, “What? You dumped her?” she gasps.
“There was no relationship to dump, but yes I walked out of there this morning realising that she’s seeing too much in to it.”
“Thank goodness for that. You know your Grandmother was never going to accept her anyway.”
“It makes no difference now does it. Time is running out, I need to face the fact that I’m never going to be the full owner of The Luxe.”
“Why?” I ask, suddenly intrigued.
“Nothing for you to worry about Liv. You have enough shit going on right now. Who the hell thought creepy Keith would be that crazy?” he asks.
I shudder, wrapping my arms around myself, “I was not expecting that. Do you think he would have hurt me if he hadn’t of been caught?”
“Don’t think about that, it isn’t worth it. Let’s just be thankful he was caught when he was,” says Clarisse.
“Why don’t I take you girls out for lunch today? My way of apologising for the newspaper bullshit. I think we all need cheering up right now.”
I nod in agreement, “That would be lovely.” We agree on a time and Vass leaves, saying something about getting rid of Annaliese from the club.
Lunch time rolls around and Vass sends a car to collect us both. It drops us at an expensive hotel in central London. It usually takes weeks to book a table here. We find Vass already sitting in the bar area with his usual glass of water. He has a bottle of Champagne waiting for us on ice. He greets us, kissing both of us on the cheek. He looks handsome in his shirt and jeans, the sleeves rolled up revealing his tattoo’s.
“Who did you fuck to get a table here at such short notice?” asks Clarisse with a smirk.
“I don’t have to fuck to get a table Riss, just my name is enough,” he says with a cocky wink.
“Of course, the amazing Vass Fraser gets anything he wants. Did you get rid of Annalise?” she asks.
Vass groans dramatically, “It was not a pretty scene. She is going to cause me all kinds of shit I just know it.”
“Did she sign a gagging form to stop her telling everyone?” asks Riss.
“Of course. I warned her before she left that I’ll take her for everything if she goes to the press. I don’t think she’ll do that but I know she’s going to get to me in other ways.”
“It isn’t your fault, you were straight from the start and she knew the deal. Stupid her for thinking you’d fall madly in love.” I want to ask about the deal or what exactly Vass and Annalise were up to if it wasn’t a real relationship but I don’t feel like they’d tell me. Instead I listen to them talk whilst I drink the champagne.
Thankfully lunch soaks up some of the alcohol because I am starting to feel a little woozy but once the plates are cleared another bottle of Champagne arrives at the table. Riss tops up our glasses and it feels rude to not drink it. The pair have so much in common, it’s nice that they are such good friends but I feel like the third wheel. Maybe Vass only invited me because I was there and I feel this is the perfect time to ask my question.
“Riss asked me to rent her spare room,” I say. Vass looks between us and then shrugs. “I didn’t want you to think I was stepping on your toes. She’s your friend,” I add.
“And now she’s yours,” he says simply. Riss gives me the thumbs up.
“I just need some air,” I say, standing on wobbly legs and heading outside. I want to move in with Riss but I’m not sure how I feel about seeing Vass like this, out of work. I get the impression that he pops in to see Riss all the time. It’s hard enough working for him without seeing him out o
f work.
A guy sidles up to me. He’s a nice looking guy, around my age and tall with a square jaw and a nice smile. “Hi, I saw you inside. I’m Guy,” he says holding out his hand.
I shake it, he has a firm grip and his hands are huge. “I’m Alivia,” I introduce.
“I know this is really forward but can I buy you a drink?” he asks. It wouldn’t hurt to have the distraction so that my mind is not full of Vass. I nod and follow him back inside. We sit at the bar and I look over to where Riss and Vass are sat. Riss grins but Vass looks less than impressed. I guess it is a bit rude coming for lunch with them but then having a drink with someone else.
“I’m staying here for the week,” says Guy, placing the Gin and lemonade in front of me.
“Nice, bet that’s costing you a fortune,” I say, “I live Tower Hamlets way.”
“I’m here on business.”
“What kind of business?” I ask.
“I’m a writer,” he says, “And you?”
“Marketing,” I say taking a large gulp of my drink.
“And you and your gentleman friend are just…” he waits for me to fill in the blank.
“Oh Vass?” I ask, “No me and Vass are not together. I work for him.”
“And you’re out on a Sunday drinking Champagne?” he asks with a laugh.
“We have mutual friends. Vass is totally not my type,” I say with a nervous laugh.
“Really? So good looking, fit bachelors are not your type?” he asks. I frown, his statement confusing me. How does he know that Vass is a bachelor. I mean, I know he is well known but it just seemed such an odd thing to say and then a realisation hits me.
“Oh my god, you’re from the press,” I hiss.
“Talk to me Alivia, it’s better to print an honest story rather than lies. Are you and Vass an item?”
“No, I just told you we aren’t,” I snap.
“But you like him, who wouldn’t. Poor wench from the dregs of London meets rich playboy and tames him, it’s a great story,” he says with a shrug.
“Poor wench?” I repeat, “How dare you.”
“Your parents live in a council owned property. You weren’t rich growing up was you. You wanted a rich guy and when Daniel wouldn’t add your name to his business you moved on,” he says.
I stand, outraged by his lies, “What are you talking about. I helped Daniel build his business and he cheated on me,” I snap, “I walked away with nothing.”
“And so you wanted revenge, is that why you’re following Vass like a puppy dog? Of course if you walked away with nothing then the billions Vass has will help.”
Tears fill my eyes, “It doesn’t matter what I say does it, you want to paint me as the money grabbing poor girl.”
“If you don’t talk I can only go on the facts I have in front of me,” he shrugs.
I feel Vass approach before I even see him, something about his presence makes itself known. The reporter looks up at him and smiles, “Mr Fraser, how’s things?”
“He’s from the press,” I sniff.
“Do you make a habit of going around harassing women and making them cry”? asks Vass calmly, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
“I was simply asking for the truth,” says the reporter.
“The truth is, I am single. I have been for a long time. Ms Caldwell is my employee and we are having a business lunch with my office manager. There is nothing between me and Ms Caldwell apart from business and there never will be.” I shut down the sudden emotion that his friend-zoning statement evokes inside of me. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have a meeting to get back to,” adds Vass leading me away.
“Sorry Vass I didn’t know. I thought he was a nice guy,” I say.
“Do you make a habit of letting strangers buy you drinks?” he asks.
“Well no but he seemed nice,” I mutter.
Vass
I’m not sure why I feel so mad at Liv for having a drink with some guy she just met. It’s not like she isn’t single. She is entitled to drink with whoever she wants.
“You girls enjoy the rest of the afternoon, I have to go and see my grandmother and give her the news she’s been wanting.” I stand. Alivia looks hurt but I don’t have time to analyse that because I have to be away from her before I wrap her in my arms and kiss her hurt away.
My grandmother is at her usual Sunday hangout. She likes to tell everyone she is a member of the Tennis Club but she doesn’t actually play any tennis. I take a seat and she looks up in surprise.
“Vass what a nice surprise. Jean is winning this match,” she says nodding to the two ladies playing tennis on the court in front of us.
“Great. So you didn’t like her?” I ask and she sighs heavily.
“It’s not that I didn’t like Annalise Vass, I’m sure she is a lovely girl but I know it’s not real.”
“It is real, what do you want to see exactly before you will accept my choice?”
“She doesn’t look at you with love and devotion. You think you can fool me that you are settled and in love by bringing the daughter of a billionaire. She might not be after your money Vass but she isn’t a good person,” she says.
“I don’t know what you want from me,” I groan.
“I want it to be real.”
“Well thanks to you and your appalling behaviour me and Annalise have split up,” I say.
“Oh that’s good news,” she smiles.
“No it isn’t. I’m coming alone to dinner this evening.”
“Bring Alivia. What a lovely girl she is,” she says.
“Alivia is my employee,” I snap.
“Not according to the newspapers,” she says with another smile.
“You really have to stop this meddling; between you and my mother you’re driving me mad.”
“Your mother agrees with me, she doesn’t want you to end up alone. Finally something we agree on.”
“But this way you are forcing it. How can it be real when you are forcing it?” I ask.
“You’re looking in the wrong place, just like your father and your grandfather.”
I groan in frustration, “I’m coming alone this evening,” I repeat and stand. I know this will piss my mother off because it’s a couple’s dinner. She likes things done properly.
That evening, I arrive late to dinner. My mother’s driveway is cluttered with cars. I hand my keys to the parking attendant. I go straight to the large white tent that was erected especially for this event. The theme is white and so inside I’m not surprised to see most of the females in white. I opted for a white shirt and black trousers. I wanted to avoid the whole John Travolta look. The seating attendant looks at her chart and then walks me through the throng of tables to my seat. The charity speeches have begun and so I fix my eyes to the stage as I lower into my seat, avoiding any glares at my late arrival from my mother.
It takes me a second to realise that the seat next to me isn’t vacant, it should be because I didn’t bring a guest. I manage a quick glance to my left and my eyes freeze. Alivia stares awkwardly at me. I glare at my grandmother who is sitting opposite me on the large round table. She gives me a little wave and a smug smile.
“I am so sorry, I thought you knew I was coming,” whispers Alivia into my ear.
“My friends move you in, my family invite you to their charity functions, you really are moulding yourself in to my life,” I hiss. Her eyes widen and she pushes her chair back, it makes a screeching sound which causes nearby people to look over. Alivia’s cheeks colour and then she turns and walks out. I sigh and inwardly groan; it isn’t her fault that everyone else is using her as a pawn in this ridiculous game. “That’s all your fault,” I growl across the table at my grandmother.
I catch a glimpse of Alivia storming across the garden towards the house as I step out of the marquee. “Alivia, wait,” I shout but she continues. My leg muscles scream in protest as I turn my walk into a jog to catch up with her. My earlier work out has left me aching an
d sore. I reach out to grab her arm but she pulls loose and continues towards the house. I stop, frustration coursing through me, “Alivia stop now,” I order and to my surprise she does. I give a satisfied nod as I step in front of her. “That was out of order, I apologise,” I say.
“Well thank you for the apology,” she snaps and then goes to walk around me. I block her, placing my hands on her shoulders to hold her still.
“Wait,” I say, “I don’t feel like that at all, I really honestly don’t mind that you’re moving in to Clarisse’s, you’ll love living there. I’m pissed at my grandmother not you, she keeps meddling in my life.”
“Why?” she asks, placing her hands on her hips. I like the attitude she gives me.
“Because she’s asking for the impossible and pushing me to find it.”
“What’s so impossible?” she demands.
“She wants me to settle down,” I huff. Alivia laughs. “It isn’t funny.”
“I thought it was something terrible,” she grins, “You said impossible.”
“Impossible for me, I don’t want to settle down. I like my lifestyle and I don’t understand why she can’t just let me be happy in my own way.”
Alivia takes a seat on the grass, hitching her long dress to her knees and folding her legs. She points to the space next to her, “On the grass?” I ask doubtfully. When she nods I sigh and lower myself next to her.
“What is so impossible about settling down? I mean how old are you now, like thirty-five?” she asks with a cheeky wink.
“Thirty,” I scowl at her, “And every man in my life, my father, my grandfather, all thought they wanted the settled down life and all it brought was misery and grief. This lifestyle doesn’t allow for vanilla relationships with a boring sex life and,” I huff, “I don’t bloody well know, kids.” I say.
“So just tell her you don’t want to settle down,” she says with a shrug. A passing waitress is carrying a bucket of Champagne and I stop her and take it.
“I’ll also have some water please,” I say to her and she rolls her eyes and stomps back towards the house. I pop the cork on the champagne and hand it to Alivia.