Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘Watching you. Just to make sure you know what you’re doing. I’ll pour you some wine. Red okay?’

  ‘Fine, thank you.’ She busied herself with making the salad and put it into the bowl, a fine cut glass one he’d left on the table. ‘Lovely bowl,’ she remarked.

  ‘I like nice things. It was a present from my mother.’

  ‘Where does she live?’

  ‘She and my step father have a place in France. They are there for most of the year. I go over to see them every now and then.’

  ‘That’s nice.’ She wondered what his mother was like. Her own family were all so close, it seemed strange he only saw his own parents every now and then. ‘Do you have brothers and sisters?’

  ‘I’m an only child. Sad, isn’t it? They wanted more, and then my Dad died. It caused everything to change. I grew up going to boarding school, and then Mum met Jacob and eventually moved to France. I was determined to make my own life here and be successful. I’m not sure what I expected to prove, but here I am.’

  ‘I’m sorry.’ She realised she meant what she was saying. She relied on her family so much, she could scarcely contemplate not having anyone to fall back on. ‘What about Melissa? Does she have someone in tow?’

  ‘She’s a bit up and down. She had a partner, but it went a bit haywire. She is, in her words, resting.’

  ‘Oh dear. It sounds as if I’m here in the nick of time. Okay. What do I do next?’ Fiona was getting into her stride now, and beginning to enjoy her cooking experience.

  ‘Do you like cheese?’ She nodded. ‘Okay. Grate some and leave it ready to add to the mix. Then you need to beat the eggs in the bowl over there. Two each should be enough.’

  The lesson continued until two delicious looking cheese omelettes were ready to eat.

  ‘I did quite enjoy your lesson. Thank you,’ she said to her host.

  ‘I’m glad. It was fun. Let’s eat now, shall we?’ He poured another glass of Merlot and they sat down at the table.

  It was a delicious meal, and Fiona could hardly believe she had produced it.

  ‘I think omelettes are now my favourite food,’ she said when her plate was empty. ‘There’s just one thing. I’m not planning to be here to cook for you every night. You do understand that, don’t you?’

  ‘Of course. We can take turns. I’ll cook tomorrow.’

  ‘You’ll have to direct me when it’s my turn.’ She paused and looked thoughtful. ‘Exactly why am I here?’

  ‘I like you Fiona, I told you. Your father wanted someone from your firm here to help me. Well, to check on everything and make sure he’s getting a good deal.’

  ‘Do you always work this way?’

  ‘No. I came up to Norminster following exchanges of emails. I took my time to decide about selling. It was a done deal before I ever went up to meet your father. I brought you back with me. That part wasn’t exactly planned.’

  ‘What do you want me to do?’ she asked bluntly.

  ‘I’ll think of something.’ He obviously intended to tease her.

  If he wanted to sleep with her, well, he could forget that. She was not here for that sort of thing. She was nobody’s mistress, temporary or permanent. Well, not until she was good and ready. He smiled his killer smile and suggested they move from the table.

  ‘What music do you like?’ She thought for a while and, with a grin, suggested one of the boy bands. She did quite like them, but only when she’d heard them on her radio when driving somewhere. He rose and went over to the side of the room. He pressed a catch and a whole library of DVDs was exposed. He looked along the row and selected one. He put it into the machine and the concert began. She was amazed.

  ‘I can’t believe you actually have a DVD of this band.’

  ‘I like to be able to entertain my guests. Now, more wine?’

  ‘Thanks.’ She sat back on the luxurious couch and started to enjoy the concert. He sat on the other end of the couch, watching her. She glanced at him, wondering what he was thinking. Maybe her father had some plans she didn’t yet know about.

  Chapter Four

  It had been a pleasant evening, and there was no suggestion of anything out of the ordinary. She had been steeling herself as the DVD concert reached its end.

  ‘Is there anything you need?’ Adam had asked. ‘I’m feeling rather weary now. I can put on something else for you if you want, but I’m off to bed now. There is a television in your room if you want to continue to watch something.’

  ‘I’m fine, thanks. I’ll go to bed too. Where’s the television in my room? I never noticed it.’

  ‘Oh sorry. I should have explained it. There’s a remote control thing beside the bed. It switches off lights, etc. and will raise the television from the bed’s footboard.’

  ‘Wow. All mod cons.’

  ‘Of course. Sleep well. Your first night in the big city.’

  ‘Indeed yes. What time do you get up?’

  ‘Whenever you’re ready. I’m an early riser, but you sleep as long as you want to.’

  ‘How early is early?’

  ‘I usually start around six.’

  ‘Good heavens. That is early. I’ll see when I wake up.’

  ‘Night then. Feel free to help yourself to anything you want. Make a drink or ... well, whatever.’

  ‘Thanks. Night then,’ she said.

  She decided to have a shower. It was a bit like the controls of a space ship, she decided. There were a whole range of temperatures, power of jets and everything else. As she stood there, being power showered, music began to play, and lights flashed in time. What ever had she pressed? She turned it off and dried herself on one of the large soft towels that hung outside the shower. She would investigate it further the next day. Now, she felt exhausted and almost fell into bed.

  Fiona lay in the vast bed wondering what on earth she had committed herself to. Here she was, staying in an ultra-modern apartment in one of the priciest areas of London with a man, devastatingly good looking though he was, about whom she knew nothing. Her own father had agreed that she move there with him. How could he have done such a thing? She felt somewhat cross about it, really, but, as she snuggled down in this wonderful bed, she had to admit, she was actually delighted. At last, she fell asleep, and woke to the smell of coffee. She glanced at her watch. It was eight o’clock. She picked up the remote control device and pressed curtains. Magically, they opened to reveal a perfect morning. She sat up in bed and pressed TV. From the footboard, a large screen television rose, and she pressed BBC 1. Breakfast television exploded into the room. This was the life. She clicked her fingers and muttered coffee. Nothing happened. She smiled and got out of bed. Would it be too awful if she went to collect a cup before she was dressed? She decided she’d risk it and put on her dressing gown.

  ‘Oh, good morning. You’re finally awake.’

  ‘Morning. Sorry, I slept like a log. Though I was never sure how logs slept.’

  ‘There’s coffee ready. What do you want for breakfast? There are cereals and toast available. Or you can cook some bacon and stuff.’

  ‘Toast and coffee will be fine. I usually have that.’

  ‘Good. The toaster’s in the cupboard near the sink. Slide open the door and you’ll see it. Coffee’s in the machine. Help yourself. Oh, bread’s in the fridge.’

  ‘Thanks. You sleep all right?’

  ‘Not bad. Now, once you’re up and running, we’ll talk about the shops, and you can decide where you want to visit first. Melissa will be over soon and you can talk it through.’

  ‘Fine. I’ll eat and then go and dress.’

  ‘I did wonder if you were planning to go out in that rather tasty little number. Nice.’

  ‘Sorry. I felt the need for coffee. I can take it into my room while I get dressed.’

  ‘No need for that. Get your toast and eat it. No hurry.’

  ‘I don’t want to meet Melissa at a disadvantage.’

  ‘I hope you’ll get on with her. S
he’s a bit off-putting at first, but I hope you’ll be fine.’

  ‘So a smart suit then?’ She popped some toast into the toaster and poured herself some coffee.

  ‘I’d think so.’

  ‘Okay. I will need to go shopping before too long. I took you at your word and didn’t bring much with me.’

  ‘We’ll go this afternoon. I suggest we all three go out for lunch. There’s a nice wine bar downstairs. If you go through the different shop details this morning and make plans for tomorrow, that will work.’

  ‘Fine. I’m really not sure what I’m supposed to be doing. Perhaps I can speak to my father and see what he thinks. He’s rather thrown me into the deep end.’

  ‘There are phones around the place. Ring him when you want to. The office phone is on a different line so you won’t interrupt anything.’

  She spread butter on the hot toast and sat at the breakfast bar munching it. It was delicious bread. When she had finished, she went back to her room, showered again and dressed. She wore her best navy suit with a white shirt beneath it. She coiled her hair into a chignon again and felt ready for anything. Even Melissa. She slipped on a pair of red shoes, her one rebellious item of clothing, and went into the kitchen. She loaded her breakfast things into the dishwasher and went over to the office. She knocked at the door and opened it. There were several computers set round work benches round the edge of the room. There was a small area to one side with comfortable chairs and a low table, presumably for meetings. Adam was sitting at one of the computers, evidently intent on what he was doing.

  ‘One minute,’ he muttered.

  She wandered round, looking through the window and at the various computers. They were all showing spread sheets or graphic designs. It was all very different to her father’s set up. Did he know what he’d got into, she wondered?

  ‘Right,’ Adam said, and turned away from the screen he’d been using. ‘I’ve put up spread sheets for the three shops we own. They will show where we are with profit and actual stocks. These are just brief summaries, as I didn’t want to overburden you with information initially.’

  ‘Thanks. I appreciate that. So, where are they all situated?’

  ‘This one is in Streatham, this one is Camberwell, and this is the flagship shop at Brent Cross.’

  ‘Crikey, they are much bigger than our place.’

  ‘Don’t believe it. These two are really tiny little shops to serve local communities, then there’s Brent Cross. This is a main shop, and the one we’re hoping to use for the television programme.’

  ‘Tell me more about that.’

  ‘They are planning to do for sewing what cookery has done for the country. It’s a bit of a gamble. They’ve tried it in a small way. Part of craft programmes around Christmas. This is designed to encourage people to start sewing again. Too many things have been imported cheaply, so people don’t sew any more. We’re hoping this will start a new trend.’

  ‘Sounds great. I do some sewing. The only way to afford the sort of things I want to wear. Mum sews, of course. Things for the grand-children, mainly.’

  The doorbell rang.

  ‘That’ll be Melissa. I’ll go and let her in.’

  Fiona tided her hair and brushed down her suit with her hands, though why she should fuss, she wasn’t sure.

  ‘Fiona, meet Melissa.’ She held out her hand to shake.

  ‘How do you do?’ she said politely. She looked at the new arrival. She was dressed in navy trousers and a loose top. At least, it looked loose on her. She thought she’d never seen a thinner woman. Tall and with a mass of red hair, she made an imposing sight.

  ‘Hi,’ she drawled. ‘What do you think of our little empire?’

  ‘I’m only just beginning to get to know it. It certainly looks impressive on paper. Or should I say on screen.’ She smiled.

  ‘Don’t be fooled, darling. It looks better on the screen than in reality. Two of the places are really pokey. Little more than market stalls trying to grow up.’

  ‘An interesting description.’ She felt uncertain of what she was supposed to say and decided to try to play it cool. ‘And what exactly is your role in all of this?’

  ‘Oh, this and that. You know how it is.’

  ‘Not really. But I need to know.’

  ‘Daddy’s bought me into this. I help Adam with stuff.’

  ‘Melissa’s father helped me out when I was having problems. Your father will hopefully end that now.’

  ‘How much does my father know about your shops?’ she asked, feeling suddenly suspicious of what she was learning. Adam and Melissa exchanged glances.

  ‘He knows the financial situation, and he’s seen pictures of them. He knows what the stock situation is. What else would he want to know?’

  ‘Fine. And do you actually own the premises or rent them?’

  ‘We rent two of them but own the third.’

  ‘And that one is presumably the cheapest part of town?’

  ‘Well, yes. We got the chance to buy it recently, and so we did.’

  ‘I’m gasping for a coffee, darling. Shall I go and make some?’ Melissa was clearly bored by the conversation, or was she being wary?

  Fiona felt uncomfortable with her, nor was she too happy with the way her conversation was going. This whole set up seemed strange. This flat must have cost a fortune and Melissa had a similar place. What was the background to the pair of them? The shops they owned didn’t provide enough income for this way of life. She really needed to speak to her father. It was difficult though, at the moment. With Melissa in the kitchen, and Adam in here, there was nowhere she could go to speak in private.

  ‘Can I ask what price my father proposes paying you?’

  ‘I’d rather you asked him. I’m not sure how much he wants you to know.’ Adam smiled as he spoke, and she felt his charm once more taking over.

  ‘Okay, well I need to speak to him. Find out how much he knows about this business. Is it all settled, for instance? Or are we simply finding out about it?’

  ‘We have agreed on a price. The documents are almost ready to be signed. But, nothing is signed yet.’

  ‘I see. Where can I go to speak to him?’

  ‘I’ll leave you in here. I’ll go and get some coffee. I’m not sure what Melissa is doing. She’s been gone for long enough to have fetched the coffee from Brazil.’ He left her, and she dialled her father’s office number.

  ‘Hi Dad.’

  ‘I was hoping you’d phone. How are things?’

  ‘I’m not really sure. How much do you know about Adam and his set up?’

  ‘I know his asking price seemed reasonable. He has three successful shops. I’ve looked into it all very thoroughly and got references from several people. Our lawyers think it seems like a good plan. I felt instinctively that I could trust him. I gather you don’t feel quite the same?’

  ‘I’m just not quite sure. There’s something strange going on. Someone called Melissa seems to be a partner or something.’

  ‘I don’t know about her. Keep digging. Find out whatever you can. I’m not supposed to be signing yet awhile. How’s the flat?’

  ‘It’s amazing. Quite superb and very expensive. Doesn’t quite fit the picture, actually. Don’t worry. I’m fine and being looked after. Give my love to everyone.’

  ‘I will. Don’t be too suspicious. Try not to spoil things for us.’

  ‘Okay Dad. Bye.’ They both hung up. She sat for a moment or two, contemplating his words. She couldn’t put her finger on it quite, but she felt distinctly uneasy. She rose and went into the kitchen. She was interrupting some sort of argument between Adam and Melissa.

  ‘I’m sorry, but you are wrong,’ she was saying. Her back was towards Fiona, and she was unaware of her presence. Adam tried to shut her up and offered some coffee. The woman swung round and smiled. ‘Ah, Fiona. I was about to offer you some coffee. How do you like it?’

  ‘Black please. Thanks.’

  ‘How was your
father?’ Adam asked.

  ‘Fine, thanks. It seems all is well with the deal, so far.’

  ‘Excellent. Melissa is evidently going out this morning when she’s finished her coffee. I suggest we go through some of the figures, and then we can go shopping. I’ll be happy to take you.’

  ‘Thanks. I don’t want to drag you away from your work though.’

  ‘No problem. Melissa is off to visit one of the shops. There’s a bit of a problem brewing, but nothing she can’t sort out.’

  ‘Okay. Thanks. I’ll go back into the office now and have a look at the spread sheets.’ She took her coffee with her and hoped Adam would follow her. She could hear him arguing with Melissa and tried, unsuccessfully, to hear what was being said. Eventually, she heard the external door open and close and assumed the woman had left. She looked at the screen in front of her and tried to make sense of it all. She knew a little about spread sheets, and decided to ask Adam to make things clearer to her. She tried hard to remember what she had learned ages ago, and, slowly, it began to make sense.

  ‘How are you doing?’ asked Adam.

  ‘It’s starting to make sense. I’d like to look at the year end balances of the individual shops. I know you’ve shown them all to Dad, but I need to make sure I’m fully in the picture.’

  ‘Sure,’ he remarked. ‘I’ll call them up.’ He pressed various buttons and up came the information she’d requested. She stifled the wow that sprung to mind.

  ‘It looks reasonable,’ she said after studying the numbers. ‘I take it this is profit?’

  ‘Well, yes. I think so.’ He looked slightly uneasy.

  ‘What is it?’ she asked.

  ‘I’m not sure. I have the feeling these figures may not be quite right. Melissa does these lists. I suspect she’s made the odd mistake or two. Maybe I’m wrong.’

  ‘In what way?’

  ‘I didn’t think we’d made quite that much. Not recently, at least. Can you leave me to look at this? I am a bit concerned. I really don’t want to cheat anyone.’