Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Okay. I’ll go and pack, collect Mum, and we’ll see you for lunch.’

  She left the office, and her father and brother stopped her on her way out.

  ‘What have you told him?’ her father asked.

  ‘I’m going back with him. I’m about to become a temporary mistress. Exciting, isn’t it?’ She left them staring after her, mouths open in interesting O shapes.

  Fiona drove back to her home, still laughing at the expressions on her brother and father’s faces. When she stopped the car, she thought about her so-called joke. Did he really expect her to be his mistress? Her eyes widened at the thought. Surely he wanted her to be some sort of business partner ... well, partner was probably a little of an exaggeration. But he must want her for her business input. Her university degree was in business studies, after all. He’d been interested in that snippet of information the previous evening. This was what she had believed when she agreed to his deal. Her father wanted her to go because she worked in the business. James couldn’t have gone because of his family commitments. No, this must be the right thing to do. She got out of the car and went inside the house.

  ‘Mum? Where are you?’ she called. There was no reply. She looked in the obvious places, but her mother wasn’t there. ‘Damn it,’ she muttered, wondering what to do. She looked in the garage and saw her mother’s car had gone. Maybe she was shopping and would be back in time for lunch. She went upstairs and began to decide what to take. Adam had suggested she only take a minimum of things, as they would go shopping. She liked that idea, and packed her best nightwear, toiletries and a couple of outfits. She put in her favourite jeans and a couple of tops. It was summer, after all, and reasonably warm. She wondered about packing her painting things, but decided that was something she liked doing in the past, and wouldn’t want to do it in town. Anything else she needed, she would get in town. She smiled at the prospect of living in town. It was something she and Paula talked of in hushed tones. It was something they both imagined would happen one day, and here it was, her day. She shivered with excitement. She also knew that Paula would be furious it had happened to her sister, and she had not been invited.

  The phone rang. She went to answer it, expecting it to be her father telling her to hurry.

  It was Patrick.

  ‘Oh, hi. I was just calling to thank your Mum for a lovely dinner last evening. It was good to spend time with you and your family. The first of many such occasions, I hope.’

  ‘I’ll pass your message on.’

  ‘So why are you home? I thought you were working today?’

  ‘I came home to ... to collect some things. Actually, I’m going to London. To work with Adam.’

  ‘Really? That wasn’t expected, was it?’

  ‘Well no. Not really. It’s all to do with this deal. Dad’s going to buy the business it seems.’

  ‘I suspected something like that was in the offing. I wasn’t expecting you to go back with him though. That rather pre-empts my next question.’

  ‘Oh? What was that?’

  ‘I was going to ask you if you’d like to go out for dinner with me.’

  ‘I’m sorry, but I won’t be around much. For the next few weeks, anyway.’

  ‘I see. Disappointing, for me at least. Can I know where you’ll be staying?’

  ‘It’s a bit confusing at the moment. But, no worries. I’ll let you know.’ She didn’t want him to know she was planning to stay at Adam’s home.

  ‘Just make sure you do. Perhaps I might come down to see you one weekend?’

  ‘Oh, well, I’m not really sure of my plans. But I’ll give you a call at some point. I must go now. Thanks for ringing. I’ll tell Mum you rang. Bye.’

  ‘Bye. Have fun ...’ but she had put the phone down, intent on her own agenda.

  Fiona scribbled a note to her mother, telling her to go along to the shop as soon as possible. She mentioned Patrick had rung to say thank you, and said she hoped she would be forgiven for leaving home this way, if her mother failed to join them for lunch. She decided to drive back to the shop with her suitcase, and then to return her car back to the house if necessary. She didn’t want to leave it parked outside the shop, as it might get vandalised.

  Slightly nervously, she went back into the shop, leaving her suitcase out in the car.

  Chapter Three

  It was twelve-thirty when Adam asked if they were ready for lunch. Jenny, their mother, hadn’t arrived, and Paula felt uneasy about closing the shop.

  ‘Suppose she turns up and finds it closed and all of us gone?’ she muttered.

  ‘I’ll call her mobile and see where she is,’ their father suggested. ‘It is important we’re all there.’

  ‘So, what’s the big deal?’ asked Paula. ‘You’re all in on it except me.

  ‘We’ll talk over lunch. Big changes are afoot.’

  ‘Come on. Tell me the basics. I deserve to know that at least.’

  ‘Dad’s buying Adam’s business. Or rather buying into it.’ Fiona had decided not to play around any longer. ‘And I’m going back with him right away. Don’t worry. I’m going to look after our interests to the best of my ability.’

  ‘You’re going back with him? No wonder you looked so dumbstruck earlier. Where are you going to stay?’

  ‘With Adam. Initially at least.’

  ‘Wow, some folks have all the luck. Think he’ll have room for me to come too?’

  ‘Sorry. I don’t think so. I’m not really sure what’s going to happen yet. Will you drive my car home for me?’ She knew this would soften the blow for her sister.

  ‘Sure. Can I use it while you’re away?’

  ‘I suppose so. Take care of it though. I don’t want to find it’s been bashed in any way.’

  ‘Some slight compensation for missing out on all the fun.’

  ‘I’m not entirely sure it’s going to be fun. Watch this space. I have to admit, I’m a little nervous. I don’t really know what the deal entails.’

  ‘Okay. Mum’s round with Mary and the kids,’ her father told them as he came out of his office. ‘She drove them home. She’ll join us at the hotel for lunch.’

  ‘Good. Shall we go then? I’ll close the shop and turn the sign round.’ Paula was anxious to know what was going on, and wanting it to happen.

  ‘All right. We can go out of the back door.’

  They all trooped out, locking the doors carefully. Paula turned the sign round to closed and went to join the rest of the party.

  Adam turned out to be a generous host. He bought champagne for everyone and insisted on paying for the meal. They were in a private dining room, and so he was able to make a speech.

  ‘I’d like to toast a family firm who are about to expand into the wider market. With the downturn in the economy, everything has become more difficult in the retail market. I’m working on a deal with a television company to provide fabrics for a new programme they’re starting soon. I propose to spend more time working on this. It means my day-to-day work will change in my shops. With your father’s offer to buy into my business, I shall be able to devote more time to this enterprise and, though I maintain my interest in the shops, I shall spend less time in them. And, finally, I welcome the addition of Fiona to our London branch of the company. She will accompany me back to London this afternoon. To Theobald’s,’ he said, raising his glass.

  ‘To Theobald’s,’ everyone raised their glasses.

  ‘Fiona, dear, are you all right with this?’ Jenny asked her daughter quietly. ‘I mean to say, it’s all come as a bit of a shock.’

  ‘It was a shock to me too, Mum. But I think it will be all right. I’ll be in touch anyway. Phones and emails and all that.’

  ‘Oh dear. I really don’t like you going like this. Won’t you come home first and talk about it? Pack some things?’

  ‘I went home this morning. My case is in the car. Paula’s going to drive my car back. I left you a note. Oh, and Patrick phoned to say thank you for having him
last night. Was it really only last night? It seems like a century ago.’ She found herself burbling somewhat. It must be nerves, she thought.

  ‘Well, I just hope you know what you’re doing,’ her mother warned.

  ‘I’m a big girl now, Mum. Don’t worry.’

  ‘Are you ready?’ Adam asked.

  ‘Course. I just need my case from my car. I’ll get it.’

  They all went outside while Adam settled his bill. They stood around awkwardly. Fiona took her case out and gave the keys to her sister.

  ‘Don’t damage it, will you?’

  ‘Course not. I’ll drive carefully and wrap it in cotton wool whenever I park.’ Paula was delighted to have a car to herself for a spell. Adam came out with a collection of matching luggage. Fiona was rather ashamed of her somewhat battered looking case, but she smiled and cheerfully stowed it in his capacious boot.

  ‘Right then. Bye everyone. I’ll see you soon.’ She got into the passenger seat and waved her goodbyes. They stood in a row, looking a little bemused. As they drove away, she really wondered what she was doing. She smiled at Adam and settled down for the long drive. She remained quiet as they drove away from Norminster and got onto the London road.

  ‘So, tell me something about yourself,’ she invited, hopeful of finding out what she was in for.

  ‘I live in a large flat near the city. I’m thirty, unmarried, unattached. Had a girlfriend a couple of years ago, but it didn’t last.’

  ‘And your business?’

  ‘I have three shops around the area. At least, your father will own the majority of them. I’ve kept enough of them to have an interest. This is partly why you’re here. This and because I like you.’

  ‘I’m really not sure about all this.’

  ‘It’s too late for fears now. You agreed to come and, well, you’re on the way.’

  ‘I could go back.’

  ‘You could. But you’d be jeopardising your future. Your family’s future.’

  Fiona sat in silence for a while. What on earth had she done? They were reaching the north of London. The traffic was beginning to build, and she remained silent, assuming he was navigating the traffic.

  ‘Are you all right?’ Adam asked.

  ‘Fine.’

  ‘You’re very quiet.’

  ‘I thought you were busy driving.’

  ‘I can still talk. If you want to, of course.’

  ‘I’m thinking too. I’m starting a life with someone I don’t know, who is a powerful force in the business my father loves and spent his entire life building up. No wonder I’m quiet.’

  ‘You need to stop worrying for a while. Think about living in London. You’ll find it very different to life in Norminster.’

  ‘I’m sure I will. There are some things I’m looking forward to. But it’s all been so fast. Such a massive change in my life. Oh, I expect I’ll get over it. It’s just beginning to hit me. Do you work alone?’

  ‘I have a partner.’

  ‘And what is your partner’s name?’

  ‘She’s called Melissa.’

  ‘A woman?’

  ‘Yes. Why, does that surprise you? Surely you believe in equality?’

  ‘Well, yes of course. I was just surprised. So, tell me about her.’

  ‘She’s a similar age to me. Obviously talented and very switched on. She lives next door. We mostly work from home, so you’ll see her regularly.’

  Fiona immediately felt jealous of the woman., though why she should, she had no idea. Fortunately, she said nothing. She felt the arrangement was slipping away from her control. What had she been expecting? Was this gorgeous man going to take her into his bedroom and sleep with her? ... though sleeping was far from her mind. What a ridiculous phrase it was. Sleep with ...

  ‘Nearly there,’ Adam announced.

  ‘Great,’ she murmured. She felt very nervous and didn’t want to show it. She hoped she could maintain her calm for the next few critical hours. If she hated everything, she could always catch a train back home, couldn’t she? He drove into a large car park, using a card to open the gate.

  ‘Okay. Here we are,’ he said rather unnecessarily. ‘I’ll get the cases out of the boot and take you up to the flat.’

  ‘I can take mine, thanks. You’ve got a lot more to carry than I have.’ She found herself shaking slightly, but tried her best to cover it.

  Adam went to the main door and slotted his pass card into it. He went inside, holding the door for her. There was a lift, and he went towards it. She followed him. Up one flight and he got out, once more holding the door open for her.

  ‘This is my flat. Melissa’s is that one over there.’

  ‘Right,’ she replied feebly.

  ‘Welcome home. It’s probably in a mess. I left in rather a hurry yesterday and hadn’t intended bringing anyone back with me. There’s the office, this is the lounge and kitchen diner through here. My bedroom over there. Yours will be in the back. Think that’s about it. You have your own en-suite. Only a shower, I’m afraid. If you want a bath, you’d have to use mine.’

  ‘I only ever shower, thanks. I’ll take my case in there, shall I?’

  ‘Please, feel at home. I’ll make some coffee. I assume you could do with one?’

  ‘Thanks. That would be good.’ She pushed open her bedroom door. It was a lovely room. Light and bright. There was a definite green theme to it. The walls were light green, the restful colour most interior designers recognise, and the bedcover white with greenish patterns on it, in the same fabric as the curtains. It was a massive bed, she thought. She opened the en-suite door and saw a small but eminently practical room. It was all lovely, and she felt very comfortable with it. She wouldn’t mind being a temporary mistress in a room like this, she thought with a smile. She went back into the kitchen.

  It was a large open plan set up, with the one huge room covering all the needs. The lounge area was to one side, divided by a wall unit. There was a dining table and chairs at one side, and a breakfast bar next to all the working area.

  ‘Have you got all you need?’ Adam asked.

  ‘Yes, thank you. It’s a lovely room. Very calm and peaceful.’

  ‘I’ve put the coffee on. It won’t be long. I’m afraid I drink coffee all the time. I can get tea, if you want it. There’s a built-in coffee machine. You’ll soon get the hang of it.’

  ‘I might want the occasional cup of tea,’ she commented in something of a daze.

  ‘Okay. We’ll have a list on the table and you can write down anything you want and can’t find. There’s a freezer in the utility room. Oh that’s through the kitchen. And the balcony stretches along the entire side of the lounge and bedrooms. Now, how do you like your coffee?’

  ‘Black, please. This is quite a place. How long have you lived here?’

  ‘A year or so. They were only finished then. I was the first occupant. Melissa saw this place and fell for it. Her apartment matches this, only the other way round. Now, what do you fancy for supper? We have stuff in the freezer or we can go out.’

  ‘I won’t want very much after the large lunch. I’m happy with anything.’

  ‘Okay. We’ll stay home and maybe discuss strategy.’ He seemed as nervous as she was feeling.

  Fiona sat near the window, staring out at the view. It was all a bit much for her. She sipped the excellent coffee, still wondering why she was here and what on earth had possessed her to come here. Was Adam expecting her to cook? Was she about to be some sort of housekeeper? She smiled to herself. If he knew what sort of lousy cook she was, she’d still be stuck at home, eating her mother’s excellent meals. Her mum had always kept them out of the kitchen for the majority of their time, preferring to do the cooking herself. If it was left to her, Adam may well starve. Unless he liked boiled eggs, she thought. She could manage that.

  ‘Do you fancy an omelette?’ he asked her.

  ‘If you can cook one, it would be lovely.’ She hoped he’d take the hint and realise she wa
s useless in the kitchen.

  ‘Course.’ He looked at her quizzically. ‘I take it from that comment, you can’t make omelettes?’

  ‘Correct. In fact, if you want me to cook anything, you’ll have to provide me with step-by-step instructions. I’m afraid I’m useless.’

  ‘Then I shall teach you.’

  ‘Teach me?’

  ‘Indeed. No time like the present.’

  ‘But I haven’t unpacked yet. And I need to change. This is my working suit.’

  ‘Okay. You go and make yourself comfortable, and I’ll get out the ingredients.’

  Fiona went into what was now her room. She unpacked her clothes and hung them in the large wardrobe. It looked pathetic, her few items hanging in a space large enough for the contents of most boutiques. She changed into her jeans and a simple top. At least it was her favourite, turquoise, which brought out the colour of her eyes. She unclasped her hair and brushed it, leaving it hanging loose. She could have done with a shower, but decided she had left Adam alone for long enough. With any luck, he’d have made the omelettes by now and she might be spared her cookery lesson.

  No such luck. He was standing in the kitchen, surrounded by equipment and various ingredients.

  ‘Ah, good. You’re here.’

  ‘Sorry to keep you. I never realised all this lot was necessary for a simple omelette.’

  ‘I thought we’d have salad with it and maybe some nice bread. What do you think?’

  ‘Fine. So what do you want me to do? I can wash lettuce leaves okay. And slice bread.’

  ‘That’s a start. How are you at making a salad dressing?’

  ‘I think we usually get it in a bottle?’ He was pushing her here.

  ‘I like a simple vinaigrette. Chop up some garlic and put it in the jug. Go on. Do it.’

  Awkwardly, she picked up a large knife and began to chop garlic. She dropped it into the jug.

  ‘Okay. Now add oil and wine vinegar.’

  ‘How much?’

  ‘I like one third vinegar to two thirds oil. Add salt and pepper and stir it together.’

  ‘That’s all very simple.’ She did as she had been told and set it to one side. ‘Now what?’ He listed the ingredients for the salad and indicated them on the table. She smiled at him. ‘And what are you doing while I assemble this lot?’