Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  They went down in the lift together and outside. He was looking a little abstracted and said nothing. She showed him various beds and commented about them. He muttered something in response, and, at last, she led him to a seat, strategically placed alongside one of the beds.

  ‘Right now, Adam. I want to know exactly what’s troubling you. You’ve become like a bear with a sore head since we got back, and I want to know why. What’s been going on?’

  ‘I don’t want to bother you with it. My problem entirely.’

  ‘Is it to do with Melissa and her mistakes?’ He didn’t reply. ‘Come on. Please. Between the two of us. We’ll decide what to do later.’

  ‘She did some creative accountancy as she calls it. Basically, she’s trying to get more for the company than it’s worth.’

  ‘And?’

  ‘She wants more than her share out of it, and I can’t decide how to get round it.’

  ‘What are the options?’

  ‘I pay her what she claims she’s owed, and then I get less. A lot less, with part of my share being kept in, so that I remain a part of the business. Or, I come clean to your father, and he pays both of us less for the business.’

  ‘Sounds like a no-brainer to me. Tell Dad and he pays you both less. It sounds logical.’

  ‘You don’t know Melissa’s father. He works in the city and is a, well, he’s pretty bombastic. He’s likely to cut up rough if his dear daughter doesn’t get a good profit.’

  ‘But if she’s trying to fiddle it?’

  ‘He certainly won’t see it that way. She’ll tell him how right she is and how I’m trying to mess her about.’

  ‘I knew I instinctively didn’t like her. Something about her that set my teeth on edge. Thank goodness I don’t have to work with her for much longer.’

  ‘You see things so clearly, don’t you?’

  ‘It’s the way we are in my family.’

  ‘I’d hope you won’t say anything to your father just yet. I need to spend a lot more time going through the books. I suspect this state of affairs has been going on for quite some time.’

  ‘I won’t say a word. Promise. Now, what are you planning for dinner tonight? Play your cards right and I might help you.’

  ‘I’m not sure about that. But thanks for listening. You’re quite a girl.’

  ‘Only the best for you.’ Now why did I say that? she asked herself. ‘Come on. Dinner calls.’

  They went back upstairs and he took his pasta dough out of the fridge. He made it into sheets to make into lasagne, leaving it to dry on the side. She watched him, fascinated to see how he made the sauces. Meat, tomatoes and herbs with plenty of garlic, and then a rich cheese sauce.

  ‘I always thought you bought these things ready-made. I didn’t realise you made them from scratch.’

  ‘At least I know exactly what’s in mine.’

  ‘Oh, no horse meat, you mean?’

  ‘Precisely. Doesn’t your Mum make it like this?’

  ‘Possibly. I don’t think she’s ever made pasta though. How expensive is a pasta machine?’

  ‘Not sure. Not too much for one like this.’

  ‘I might buy her one. She’d love it, I’m sure.’

  At last, the lasagne was put into the oven, and he busied round tidying the kitchen.

  ‘Do you want some wine?’

  ‘Well, yes please. I should buy some myself. It’s not fair to keep drinking yours.’

  ‘I buy it by the case from my wine merchant. No worries. You’re my guest, anyway. What do you like best?’

  ‘I really don’t mind. The Merlot we had yesterday was lovely. I do like red wines. Well, with red meat, of course. And a few other things as well.’

  They began a long chat about wines and which to serve with what food. They agreed about most of them and managed to drink quite a lot of the bottle while waiting for their meal to cook. When it was ready, he poured the remains into their glasses and they sat down.

  ‘I have to say, this is just about the best lasagne I’ve ever tasted. Thank you so much. Delicious. Where did you learn to cook like this?’

  ‘It’s a bit of a hobby of mine. Bit like you with your dressmaking I suppose. I did it because I like to eat well, and you sew because you like to dress well.’ When they had finished, he asked her to excuse him. He wanted to spend more time in the office. ‘If you put the dishwasher on, that would be terrific. Then help yourself to any DVDs you fancy. You know where they are, and I presume you can work the equipment.’

  ‘That’s fine. Thanks. You’re sure I can’t help in any way?’

  ‘I’ll let you know.’ He disappeared into the office and she settled down to watch something. She had to admit to feeling a bit cheesed off. She almost felt disloyal to her family, but she had promised to say nothing, not yet. At ten-thirty, Adam was still working. She went into the office to see if he wanted anything.

  ‘Coffee?’

  ‘That sounds wonderful. I’m likely to be up for most of the night. Coffee will keep me going.’

  She went back to try to sort out the marvellous machine. It couldn’t be too difficult surely? She pulled open the drawer and assumed she needed to put the coffee into there. But where did one put the water? She couldn’t see. Eventually, she decided there was nothing for it but to go and ask Adam.

  ‘Sorry, but I can’t see where to put the water into the machine.’

  ‘It’s plumbed in. Put the coffee in and press whichever button you need. Usually number six.’

  ‘Okay. Thanks. Sorry to disturb you.’ She went back and pressed the button, feeling rather silly. A few minutes later, there it was. Perfectly brewed coffee. They had to have one of these machines at home. She’d ask her mother about it. She poured a mug for Adam and took it into the office. ‘With milk and a little sugar. Hope that’s right.’

  ‘Fine, thanks. Are you going to bed now?’

  ‘I thought I might. If that’s okay.’

  ‘Course. Sorry I’m so busy. Once I’ve got my head round it all, we can talk about the future.’

  ‘Okay. Night.’

  ‘Night,’ he muttered abstractedly.

  She lay in bed, thinking about her future. Soon, things might be happening, and she would have a role to fill. At present, she felt as if she was on holiday, which, in truth, she was. Should she tell her father about the things that were going on? She’d promised Adam that she would say nothing until he’d sorted things out, but she had to admit to feeling a little guilty. No, she told herself. If she hadn’t come back with him, she wouldn’t have any hint that anything was wrong. On the other hand, this was exactly why she was here. She’d been sent down to look into the books and see that all was well. What a dilemma. Fiona did not sleep well that night.

  The next morning she was up early. She went into the kitchen and made some coffee. She took it out on the balcony and looked over the lovely city. She heard a sound behind her and turned to see Adam. He looked dreadful. Pale and dishevelled, he looked as if he hadn’t slept at all.

  ‘Morning,’ he mumbled.

  ‘Morning. You look as if you’ve been up all night. I made some coffee.’

  ‘If I drink any more I shall be flying. But thanks for the thought.’

  ‘So how are things?’

  ‘Pretty dreadful, actually. I can’t think how I could have left Melissa to do so much on the financial side. She has a degree in business studies, after all. It always seemed like an intrusion when I asked to see the books. She’s a difficult woman, I admit that. But we’re in a mess. I wonder if you shouldn’t go home and cancel the whole deal. It might be fairer. To your family, I mean.’

  ‘And is that what you’d prefer?’

  ‘I’m trying to be fair to you. I tried to tackle her about it yesterday, but she was too busy going out. Now I’ve looked into the books, well, we’re pretty near the bottom. The price I agreed with your father will just about cover the bills, with very little left over for our investment. She’ll never
agree to taking less than she thinks is due to her.’

  ‘I see. So, you’d better show me and tell me the worst. Don’t forget, I too have a degree. I haven’t really been involved in any of this, so I’m coming with a clean sheet.’

  ‘And what about your parents? Your family?’

  ‘We say nothing to them until we have a clearer picture.’

  ‘I’m afraid it looks pretty clear to me.’

  ‘Then you have to make it clear to me too. I’ll go and dress and we’ll start work.’

  Chapter Six

  It was fortunate for both of them that Melissa didn’t turn up for work. Adam was desperately tired, and, once she was into the system and realised how it all worked, Fiona suggested he went for a shower and a rest.

  ‘If you’re sure. If Melissa comes in, just ignore her. She’ll hate it, but just continue along the lines you’re following. I’ll go and take a shower, anyway. Oh, and help yourself to something to eat. Can’t have you fainting on me.’

  ‘Shoo. Go and rest.’

  ‘Thanks Fiona. I do appreciate what you’re doing. It must be difficult for you.’

  ‘I won’t tell you again.’

  ‘Okay. I’m going.’

  She decided she needed to see how things had gone from the earliest days. To start with, they seemed to make a profit each year, and it grew as the business grew. She looked at the sheets that had been submitted for tax. All well and good. Bills had been paid and the shops seemed to be in good shape. What was the problem? She couldn’t see what had gone wrong. Then she noticed the past two years. One of the shops was showing scanty profits, but one of the others had risen immensely. She looked at the expenses and saw they had risen out of all proportion. Why on earth was administration costing so much? She flicked back and saw it had been paid to a secondary company, Tyler Incorporated. Who on earth were they? She put the name into Google and tried to trace it back. There was nothing. She looked at the company’s website and typed it in there. Non-existent. So how had so many thousands of pounds been paid to a non-existent company? It made no sense at all. Unless ... no. She didn’t like her very much, but surely Melissa wouldn’t defraud her own company? Or her own half of it? She found a notepad in a drawer and began to make notes to herself.

  Apart from this one massive payment, things weren’t looking quite so confused. The financial papers all looked reasonable. She looked at the previous year. Once more a huge payout to Tyler Inc. had been made. This one was from a different shop. She noted it down. She really needed to know who Tyler Inc. were. Whoever had paid this out had been clever. One shop one year, and the other the next. How could Adam have let this happen? He must have his mind occupied elsewhere. He’d said he had other money. Perhaps he needed to manage things a little better. She leaned back in her chair. At least now she had something to go on. She felt she needed a break and got up to make herself some toast. She glanced at her watch. Amazingly, it was already after midday, and she hadn’t had any breakfast. Perhaps it was something more like lunch she needed.

  In the huge fridge, she found some smoked salmon. There was also salad and various other oddments. She thought of seeing if Adam would like something, but decided sleep might do him more good. She quickly assembled a salad and took some slices of smoked salmon to add to it. Then she made a second plate and covered it and put it back in the fridge. It was a hot day, and she took it out on the balcony. It was good, and she ate hungrily. As she turned to go and fetch a drink, she realised she was almost next to Adam’s window. She glanced in and saw him lying naked on his bed. He had a lovely body, long a lean and without an ounce of fat anywhere. He lay on his stomach, sprawled out and as if he hadn’t a care in the world. She smiled, imagining lying next to him and feeling that smooth skin next to her own. She shivered and went back into the kitchen. She could savour her thoughts and keep them entirely to herself.

  When she had finished her lunch, she went back into the office and her screen. She had barely started to look when the door opened. She turned, expecting to see Adam, but she was disappointed. It was Melissa.

  ‘Oh, it’s you. Where’s Adam?’ she drawled.

  ‘He’s asleep. He was up all night, going through the books.’

  ‘I’ll go and wake him.’

  ‘Leave him. He’s exhausted. Let him wake when he’s ready.’

  ‘But I need to see him.’

  ‘I have a few questions for you. Perhaps you can give me some answers.’

  ‘I must get some coffee before you start.’ She left the room and went into the kitchen. Several minutes later, she still hadn’t returned, so Fiona went to look for her. She was sitting by the breakfast bar, scoffing the salad she’d left in the fridge for when Adam awoke.

  ‘I made that for Adam,’ she almost shouted.

  ‘Oh well. He’s asleep anyway. Very nice. I must go and take a shower now. I’m only just back from last night. I wanted something from petty cash. I’ll take what I need and see you later.’

  She went into the office and helped herself to a handful of notes out of the cash tin.

  ‘Aren’t you making a note of how much you’ve taken?’

  ‘Too boring, darling. Adam knows what was in there. Ciao.’ And she swept out.

  Fiona felt herself boiling over with rage. Who on earth did this woman think she was? She made more angry notes on her pad. She’d eaten the meal she had prepared for Adam and left her dirty plates on the table. She’d made coffee and left the pot full of dregs. She used this place as her own kitchen extension. Adam seemed to let her too. Or perhaps he didn’t mind. She shook her head in exasperation and got on with her work.

  She worked steadily through the books and by four o’clock she had a pretty good idea of what Adam had discovered. It was largely due to the thousands of pounds that had been paid out to Tyler and other companies, with no benefit to their own company. She had a pretty good idea of the person who had benefited most. They simply must tackle her about these payments and as soon as possible. She wondered whether to go and wake Adam. The thought of going into his room and seeing him lying there naked, put her off. She decided to go and knock on his door.

  ‘Adam?’ she called gently. ‘Adam, it’s after four o’clock. You’ll never sleep tonight if you don’t wake soon.’

  ‘Hmm?’ he murmured. ‘Yes, I’m coming. Sorry, what time did you say it is?’

  ‘After four.’

  ‘After four. After four? Oh good heavens. I’ll be with you in a minute.’

  She closed the door softly, having taken a sneaky peek into the room. She hoped he hadn’t realised, but it had been worth it. Perhaps one day, she might see him awaken from a different aspect. She liked the thought very much. He’d suggested she might go home and forget the deal, but she knew she didn’t want to do that. Not one bit. Somehow, she wanted to make this whole thing work for them all.

  He came into the office, rubbing his eyes and looking stunning in one of the new shirts. It was a dark blue, and made his eyes look very dark. He wore it with light coloured chinos and made a spectacular addition to any room.

  ‘You needed that sleep,’ Fiona commented.

  ‘You bet I did. Sorry to have left you alone for so long. How did you get on?’

  ‘I had a visit from Melissa. She ate the lunch I’d prepared for you, made some coffee and left with the contents of the petty cash box.’

  ‘Sounds pretty much the way she goes on.’

  ‘But why do you let her?’

  ‘It’s simply easier.’

  ‘I have a few questions you might be able to answer. Who are Tyler Incorporated?’

  ‘I ... I’m not sure. Some company Melissa introduced, I believe.’

  ‘And what exactly do they do for you?’

  ‘Something to do with taxes. Software maybe? You know, I have been neglecting this side of things for too long. I have a personal property portfolio that I’ve been sending my time working on. When Melissa suggested selling on this enterprise, I
thought it seemed like a good plan. She wanted a load of cash out of it, and on paper it seemed like a good idea. She’s bored with the business and wanted out. I thought if I kept my interest, or partly anyway, I could manage some of it from down here, and, with the television angle, it might be okay. If you want to confess all to your father and go home, I shall quite understand.’

  ‘The heck I will. I want to see her squirm and if she ends up with nothing, all well and good.’

  ‘You’re quite a girl. I was expecting you to look through the books, briefly, may I add, and tell your father all was well, and pay Melissa off and things would get on pretty much the way they had been.’

  ‘Oh no. That’s not the way our company works. I may have been taking life easy lately, but things are going to change. I’ve got the bit between my teeth now.’

  ‘Excellent. Let’s go out for dinner and celebrate.’

  ‘I’d rather we talk through things here, actually.’

  ‘Okay. I’ll send out for something. I’m actually starving. Missed lunch and breakfast too, come to think of it. What do you like? Indian? Chinese?’

  ‘It’s not yet five o’clock. I doubt there’ll be anyone cooking at this time.’

  ‘That’s point. Pizza. They keep going all the time. I’ll order pizzas. Flavour?’

  ‘Don’t mind. No pineapple though. I hate pineapple.’

  He went off, and she heard him ordering pizzas with everything on, except one without pineapple. She smiled, waiting for him to come back.

  ‘No parcel delivery or anything today?’

  ‘I’ve no idea. Where does the mail get left?’

  ‘Downstairs. I’ll go and check.’ He disappeared and came back a few minutes later, carrying a large box and several envelopes. ‘One for you.’ He handed her the large box.

  ‘For me? Where’s that come from?’

  ‘You’ll have to open it to see.’ Why was he smirking? That was a definite smirk on his face.

  She ripped along the cardboard strip and lifted the lid. There lay the wonderful dress. Sea green and beautiful.

  ‘Oh,’ she whispered. ‘When did you get this? I mean to say, you shouldn’t have. It was far too expensive.’