Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  He was followed into the room by a tall man with looks that would turn any female’s head.

  ‘Hi. I hope I’m not intruding too much on a family party.’

  Fiona gulped, and went to shake this gorgeous man’s hand.

  ‘I’m Fiona. I work in the shop with Dad. This is James and my little sister, Paula.’

  ‘I’m delighted to meet you all. I mean it, I hope I’m not intruding too much on a family meal.’

  ‘Of course not. There’s always space at the table for one more.’

  ‘Well, thanks. It’s your birthday, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I didn’t have time to buy a present.’

  ‘No, please. I’m too old to get presents. Oh, sorry, this is Patrick. He’s our accountant.’

  ‘Patrick.’ He shook hands with him. ‘Pleased to meet you. We’ll need to have a meeting soonish.’

  ‘Fine. Let me know when.’

  ‘Okay, everyone. It’s all ready, if you’d like to come to the table.’ Jenny appeared, looking calm and in charge of everything.

  Chapter Two

  Another place was set at the table, with Adam sitting between Paula and Fiona, who constantly competed for his attention. Patrick was on Fiona’s other side, and felt slightly left out of things. The meal was a great success on the whole, though Adam answered no questions about his role in the proceedings.

  ‘So, what’s your background?’ he asked.

  ‘Uni after school. I did a course on business management. Then went into the shop with Dad and James. It seemed logical, but then I seemed stuck with it.’

  ‘And what would you rather be doing?’

  ‘I’m not really sure. I do feel sort of stuck in a rut in many ways. So what exactly do you do?’ asked Fiona.

  ‘I have similar businesses in the London area. That’s all I’m saying at the moment.’

  ‘And where are we going?’ she persisted. Adam smiled his killer smile and turned to ask Paula what her plans were for the future.

  At the end of the evening, the two men left the family, both thanking their hosts profusely. Fiona went to see them off. Patrick kissed her again, and she rather hoped Adam would kiss her too.

  ‘Can I drop you somewhere?’ asked Patrick.

  ‘If you wouldn’t mind. I’m staying in the hotel along here; I can walk if it’s out of your way.’

  ‘Of course not. I go that way anyhow.’

  Fiona watched as they got into Patrick’s car and drove away. She waved as they left.

  James and Mary had decided they might as well stay over, along with their children.

  ‘Then we can help with the clearing up,’ said Mary.

  ‘You’ve no need to dear,’ Jenny told them. ‘Stay, of course, but you don’t need to help.’

  ‘If we all help, it won’t take long. Fiona, you’re excused. It’s your birthday, after all.’

  ‘Well, thanks, but there’s no need. I’m capable of drying a few dishes,’ she replied. ‘Besides, Dad and James are talking secretly. I’m not welcome in there.’

  The females all worked together, and, soon, the kitchen was restored to its normal pristine state. Jenny looked exhausted, and was more than ready for bed.

  ‘I’m going to see what Dad and James are talking about,’ Fiona told them. ‘Nighty night to those of you going to bed.’ She went into the lounge where her father was deeply engrossed in conversation with his eldest son. ‘So, what’s going on? Why are you being so secretive?’

  ‘I don’t want to say anything yet. Not on your special day. We’ll talk tomorrow.’

  ‘No, Dad. I need to know now. Come on. It affects me just as much as the rest of the family. What’s going on?’

  ‘Okay. Well, I’m planning to buy into Adam’s business. If he’ll agree, pretty much to buy him out. He’ll stay with the company, of course, as a senior partner.’

  ‘Wow. That’s terrific. But doesn’t it cost a fortune?’

  ‘You don’t have to concern yourself about that. It’s all going to work out well.’

  ‘Oh, wow. What will that mean?’

  ‘I really don’t know yet. Please, don’t say anything to the others, will you? Nothing has been settled yet.’

  ‘Okay, Dad. So what’s the next move?’

  ‘Adam’s coming back tomorrow. We’re going to talk some more. Thrash out the deal. James will be there. Can you hold the shop? Serve any customers etcetera?’

  ‘I guess so. Paula will be in too. Does she get to know any of this?’

  ‘Not yet. As I said before, let’s get the deal sorted. She’s not planning to stay in the business anyway, is she?’

  ‘No. She’s just there to earn money during the summer holidays. I think she’s planning to go to America soon. All very interesting. I shall look forward to tomorrow. Not least seeing Adam again. He’s quite a man.’

  ‘We thought you were getting on pretty well with Patrick,’ remarked James.

  ‘He’s nice enough. I like him but that’s all.’

  ‘No thoughts on marriage to him then?’

  ‘Certainly not.’

  ‘But you invited him to your birthday meal?’ said James.

  ‘Yes, but that was mainly because he invited me out to dinner. There’s really nothing to it. He’s a nice enough guy, but I don’t want to marry an accountant for goodness sake. I’m going to bed now. You two can talk about me when I’m not here.’

  Fiona left them and went upstairs, feeling a little disturbed. If everyone else thought she was interested in Patrick, whatever must he think? She really should dispel any thoughts he might have as soon as possible. She unclasped the necklace he’d given to her and put it into the box. Should she return it to him or not? Perhaps not, as it was a birthday present. It was difficult to know how to deal with the situation.

  She awoke early the next day and got ready to work in the shop. She couldn’t wait to know what was going on. If she took a little more trouble than usual with her appearance, of course it had nothing to do with the thought of meeting with Adam again. She put on her best high heels and a smart suit, and coiled her hair neatly into a chignon.

  ‘You look nice today, dear,’ said her mother. ‘Now what do you want for breakfast?’

  ‘I’ll just have coffee, thanks. Don’t worry, I’ll get it. You need to take things more easily.’

  ‘I’m fine. You should have something solid though.’

  ‘After that gorgeous meal last night? I think I ate enough to last me all day today, and possibly tomorrow too. It was lovely. Thank you so much.’

  ‘Don’t mention it. It was nice to have Patrick here too. When are you seeing him again?’

  Fiona sighed. Not her mother too?

  ‘Depends when he comes into the shop next.’

  ‘I see. No plans I need to know about then?’

  ‘None at all. I’m sorry. I hate to disappoint you all, but there really are no plans for me and Patrick. I’m going in a bit early today, so I’ll love you and leave you. The kids will be up soon, no doubt. Give them my love. Bye now.’

  ‘Bye dear. Have a nice day.’

  Fiona drove to the shop and parked behind the store. Her father was already there, sitting in the office. She knocked at the door and went in.

  ‘Everything all right?’ she asked.

  ‘I’m not sure. Not really. I’m just trying to get everything straight before Adam gets here.’

  ‘I’ll leave you to it then. When’s he due?’

  ‘Don’t know. Can you straighten the curtain display? It all looks a mess.’

  ‘Okay Dad.’ She went through to a perfectly normal looking display and tidied around it. Obviously, her father was very concerned about the business ... let’s face it, his life, she thought. What was going to happen? She had no idea. James arrived and went straight into the office. She heard someone at the door and went to look. It was still half an hour before opening time. Adam was standing there, looking as fresh as the morning. He obviously didn’t know there was a bac
k entrance for staff, so she went to let him in.

  ‘Fiona. You’re looking very nice this morning. Is this your normal shop-wear?’

  ‘This old thing? Yes, of course,’ she lied. ‘Dad’s in his office with James. Shall I show you through?’

  ‘I’d like a tour of the shop first. Will you show me round?’

  His voice was enough to charm the ducks off the water, she was thinking. She’d be delighted to show him round ... round just about anywhere he wanted to go.

  ‘Of course. This is the main showroom, obviously. We have the new dress fabrics here, and all the haberdashery items to one side. Over here.’ She continued her tour, so very aware of his devastating looks and his apparent interest in what she was saying. She wished she could be saying witty things to amuse him, but his face was quite non-committal. He followed her through to the curtain department, and she stopped. ‘You don’t really want to be listening to all of this, do you?’

  ‘I’m sorry?’ he said perfectly seriously.

  ‘You don’t really want me to tell you about the latest designs in curtain fabrics or dress materials. It’s all so obvious, isn’t it?’ She saw his mouth twitching, and, suddenly, he broke into a broad grin.

  ‘You’re quite right. But it’s always good to see someone trying to sell something to me. Especially a beautiful woman.’

  Fiona felt herself blushing. Nobody ever called her beautiful.

  ‘So, what do you want to see?’

  ‘Nothing in particular. I simply wanted the opportunity to be with you for a while. But, I suppose you’d better show me into your father’s office. I’ll see you later?’

  ‘Of course. I’ll be around all day.’ She felt nervous being near him and knew she’d soon be saying something silly. ‘It’s over here to Dad’s office.’

  ‘Thank you very much.’

  ‘Dad? James? Here’s Adam. I’m sorry, I don’t even know your full name.’

  ‘Sullivan. I’m Adam Sullivan. But Adam is just fine. Thanks very much, Fiona.’

  ‘Not at all.’ She left them and went to open the main shop doors. It was slightly early, but she doubted if anyone would come through them. She spent a lot of time during the morning hovering around her father’s door, hoping to hear something, but she failed miserably. At ten-thirty, she went to knock on the office door to ask if they’d like coffee.

  ‘Come in for a moment,’ her father asked her. ‘I presume Paula can mind the shop.’

  ‘Well, yes, I expect so. We’re hardly inundated with customers at this time of day. I came to ask if you’d like coffee.’

  ‘I’ve made a proposal to Adam. I’m prepared to buy the company, lock stock and barrel. But I’ll need you to go to London and live there.’

  ‘Really? When?’

  ‘As soon as possible. There’s a lot to discuss and to be sorted. I know you’ve wanted a new challenge, as well going to live somewhere else. This is your chance.’

  ‘I’ll need to find somewhere to stay though.’ Her father looked at Adam.

  ‘You can always come and live with me,’ he replied.

  ‘Live with you?’ she spluttered. ‘How do you mean, live with you?’

  ‘Share my apartment. Live with me.’

  ‘Live with you? What would I be expected to do?’ The idea was preposterous. She didn’t know him, and he didn’t know her.

  ‘We can discuss terms once you’ve agreed to it. It could be fun.’

  Fiona stared at her father and brother. They looked somewhat bewildered by this suggestion. She stared again at Adam. Living with someone like him could be a deal ... could be something she might enjoy. But in cold blood like this? It could take some courage on her part. It would be like ... well, being a prostitute.

  ‘Oh, I’m not sure about that,’ began her father.

  ‘I’m very well behaved, and she won’t be in any danger. It’s a well-protected flat.’ Fiona looked slightly uncomfortable.

  ‘I’m sorry. I really need some time to think about this. Why me?’ she asked.

  ‘It’s a good deal.’ Her father seemed okay with the idea, if not the living accommodation. She wondered why. He’d never shown a great deal of interest in her ideas, or even what she wanted to do. Now, it looked as if she was a part of some deal that would deprive her of her liberty and freedom to follow her dreams.

  ‘I need you there to sort things out. You have the ability. James can’t go because of his family. So, it’s up to you. What do you think?’

  ‘I’m not sure.’ What on earth was her own father asking her to do?

  ‘You could stay with me for the time being. I have a large apartment in London. Lovely views. You’d have your own room, of course.’

  ‘Oh. I see. That makes it all right, does it? I thought you were inviting me to actually live with you.’ Adam had the grace to laugh, but he still had that twinkle in his eyes, didn’t he?

  ‘We’d be sharing living space and working together. I am very easy going. I think we’d get on well together. I’ll be here for a while longer, so you don’t have to decide immediately.’

  ‘Well, thanks for that,’ she said with a deal of sarcasm. ‘I expect you’ll wait till at least lunchtime.’

  ‘Absolutely. And I’d like us all to lunch together, if you don’t mind closing the shop. You can give me your answer then.’

  ‘I’ll go and make some coffee,’ she said feebly.

  Her mind in a whirl, she went out of the office and into the little kitchen. She piled three cups and saucers onto a tray and made a pot of coffee. Paula came into the kitchen.

  ‘What’s going on? You look as if you’ve seen a ghost.’

  ‘I really don’t believe what I’m hearing.’

  ‘What? Come on. Tell me about it.’

  ‘I can’t. Not now. I’ve got to take this coffee in there.’

  ‘Are you offering them milk? And sugar?’

  ‘’Oh. Yes. Of course.’ She put the tray down and poured milk into a jug. ‘Where’s the sugar?’

  ‘Right there. In front of you. What’s up Fi?’

  ‘I’ll tell you later. There’s someone come into the shop. Go and serve them.’

  Fiona carried the coffee tray into the office and set it down.

  ‘Only three cups? Aren’t you joining us?’ Adam asked.

  ‘I’m needed in the shop.’

  ‘Couldn’t James go and help? I’d like to talk to you a little more.’

  ‘Fine. I’ll make my own coffee,’ James said. He looked grumpy and went off with rather bad grace.

  ‘So what do you want to talk about?’ Fiona asked.

  ‘I’m sure you have loads of questions to ask me. Don’t let us keep you, if you need to go into the shop,’ Adam said to her father. He looked very uncomfortable, and took his coffee with him as he left. ‘Now then, Fiona. I’m sure there are things you want to know about me.’ She gulped, and then decided to go ahead and ask a whole load of questions.

  ‘Okay. Are you married?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘Haven’t found the right girl yet.’

  ‘Do you want to be married?’

  ‘Eventually.’

  ‘Why me? To live with you?’

  ‘I like you. I see potential in you. And your father seemed to agree to it.’

  ‘Did he now? I’m not so sure about that. I must speak to him about that. And what is this potential you see? As what?’

  ‘Business partner. Maybe as someone I’d like to know better.’

  ‘You only met me for five minutes.’

  ‘A little more than that.’ His mouth was twitching, and at last he allowed himself to smile. It really was a killer smile. His dark grey eyes were still twinkling, at least, she was sure they were.

  ‘I simply don’t understand why I have to come to London with you.’

  ‘It’s your father’s idea. Not mine. I’m merely offering you some accommodation. Now, are you willing to come or not?’
<
br />   Fiona thought about it for ten seconds and decided.

  ‘Okay. I’ll come. I’m not sure what my mother will say. You’re sure it was my Dad’s idea?’

  ‘To come to London? Yes, it was. But with my full co-operation. I think it’s a great idea.’

  ‘I’ll speak to him again.’

  ‘Okay. You do just that. He’s offered me a good deal.’

  Fiona went off to speak to her father.

  ‘You really want me to go to London with Adam?’

  ‘Certainly. I’ll need you there to sort things out. You can keep me posted about everything that goes on in his shops. On a day-to-day basis. And, if you’re not comfortable with living in his apartment, you can soon find somewhere of your own to live. It just seemed like a reasonable solution. But there’ll be no nonsense. You know what I mean. I’ll have an undertaking from Adam before you go.’

  ‘What will Mum say?’

  ‘You can leave it to me to deal with your mother.’

  ‘Okay. If you’re absolutely sure. I’ll go with Adam, though I’m less than convinced by what you say.’

  ‘Good girl. It’s about time you really used your degree profitably.’

  She went back to find Adam, and told him of her agreement.

  ‘Great. Go home now then and pack your bag. Bring what you need for a while, but we’ll go and buy you some more London outfits when you’re there. I’ll be around here till lunchtime. We’ll all have lunch together and then we shall set off. Make sure your mother is there too, won’t you?’

  ‘I’ll try. Are you sure about this? I mean, really sure?’

  ‘Oh yes. Quite sure.’

  ‘You’re weird. You know that, don’t you?’

  ‘You’re very direct. I like that. We’re going to get on really well, you know.’

  ‘We’ll see. How long do you think I’ll need to be with you?’

  ‘Initially, for a week or two. We’ll discuss it all later.’ She stared at him in amazement. She’d thought this was a permanent arrangement. She could easily stick it for a few weeks, anyway. Who wouldn’t, she thought? A good looking man like this one? He clearly knew what he was doing in his life. She could certainly do with a bit of his influence in her own life.