Accounting for Love

by Chrissie Loveday

  ‘I love your window display,’ Fiona told her, hoping to diffuse the impending argument. The woman stared at her.

  ‘Thanks you. I do take a pride in showing off our new fabrics.’

  ‘And where do you buy them?’

  ‘I have a rep who comes round. He’s very good. I trust him.’

  ‘That’s good. And you have your own budget, I take it?’

  Adam was standing back, leaving Fiona to ask her questions. Mrs. Dainty kept looking at him for reassurance and he looked away, leaving her to answer on her own.

  ‘Well yes, I do. There’s never been a problem with me spending what I like. I hope things aren’t going to change.’

  ‘I don’t suppose they’ll change too much. It may be that we look at making bulk purchases between all the shops. That way we can often maximise profits.’

  ‘I don’t like the sound of that. Not at all.’

  ‘Why not?’

  ‘I like to know exactly what I’m buying. I don’t want other folk’s left overs.’

  ‘I’m not sure what your objections would be. I mean, if we can spend less by buying in larger quantities, then surely that would be a profit for you?’

  ‘I don’t like it. That’s all I’m saying. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and get the books ready for inspection. Though I doubt you’ll find anything wrong with them.’ She left them standing in the middle of the shop and disappeared into a room at the rear of the shop.

  ‘That went well,’ commented Fiona. She wandered round, looking at the neat rolls stacked on the shelves. Everything was in apple pie order, difficult to see but very tidily displayed. She felt some of the fabrics in her usual way. ‘Shall we go and look at the books now?’ she suggested. Adam bowed her along the way as someone came into the shop.

  ‘You have a customer, Mrs. Dainty,’ Fiona told the woman.

  ‘Oh dear me. And my girl’s off sick today. Oh it’s only that woman from down the road. She’s always coming in. Doubt she’ll buy anything anyway.’

  ‘Do go and see to her. I can wait till your books are ready.’

  ‘You can look now. They’re impeccable. You won’t find anything wrong there.’

  ‘Okay. Thanks.’ She sat down at the immaculate desk and began to look through columns of neat figures. ‘I can’t see anything wrong at all. They are very tidy though, aren’t they?’

  ‘Neatness is one of her virtues.’

  ‘I must say, she pays quite a lot for some of the fabrics. See, this is a linen mix. It’s very expensive. I wonder how much of it she’ll sell?’

  ‘I’ve no idea. Maybe it’s a loss leader.’

  ‘Hardly. Not the best choice.’ She was busily calculating various of the purchases and came to the conclusion Mrs. Dainty was paying over the odds for some things. ‘I think we need to curtail the amount of money she has. She may be making some sort of profit, but it could be much better. How many staff does she employ?’

  ‘Two, I believe. Part timers. She doesn’t have to pay their national insurance.’

  The discussion continued, and the manager was questioned thoroughly about her methods and employment details. At last, they were ready to leave, and thanked her for her help. She said goodbye to them, and they both felt she was saying good riddance.

  ‘That was exhausting,’ Fiona said as she lay back against the car seat. ‘I wasn’t sure about her ability as a manager.’

  ‘She’s a good friend of you know who. I suspect she is influenced as to what she buys. Melissa goes in there quite a lot. I think she buys some of the stock herself, doubtless at cost. She has a tame dressmaker she uses.’

  ‘Interesting. I’m bushed. Can we go home now?’

  ‘Of course. I need to do some other work tomorrow. We’ll go to Brent Cross on Monday, if that’s okay.’

  ‘Fine. Goodness, is it Sunday tomorrow?’

  ‘It certainly is. You can have the day off if you like.’ He smiled at her as he spoke.

  ‘I really should talk to my Dad. He’ll be going spare at hearing nothing. Not his style at all. You know, the shops weren’t very busy for a Saturday, were they?’

  ‘Maybe not. I think Saturdays are never the busiest day in Camberwell.’

  ‘So what do you have to do tomorrow?’

  ‘Check on various things. Make sure all is well in the world of finance. Oh, I don’t know. Just check up on everything in general. Why do you ask?’

  ‘I was wondering if we couldn’t do something? We both need a day off.’

  ‘Can I remind you we agreed we’d go out somewhere nice this evening? The new dress?’

  ‘Oh yes. I had forgotten. I’d better perk up a bit then, hadn’t I?’

  ‘Indeed. So had I, actually. I feel shattered too. But no, we’re not staying in again. Not on a Saturday night. I’ll book a taxi so we don’t have to park and I can have a drink or two.’

  She began to cheer up, and the thought of dressing up was always pleasurable. She’d have to wear the shoes she’d been wearing all day, but hey, what did that matter?

  ‘Have you got any shoe cleaning stuff?’

  ‘What? Well, yes, I suppose so. What on earth made you ask that?’

  ‘I’ve only got these shoes, and they are pretty dusty.’

  ‘Then we’d better put that right.’ he swung off the road and turned down a couple of smaller roads. ‘I’ll park here. Round the corner is a lovely shoe place. We’ll buy you an new pair.’

  ‘I can’t. I mean, I shouldn’t.’

  ‘Nonsense. My treat. Come on.’ He leapt out of the car, and she had no choice but to follow him. Once she was walking behind him, he turned and clicked his car locked. He held out his hand and almost towed her along behind him.

  ‘Slow down a bit, please,’ she begged.

  ‘We need to get there before they close. Round a couple more corners and we’re there.’ She tottered on, firmly held by his hand. He stopped outside a rather exclusive looking shoe boutique. ‘Marie will sort us out. She’s very good.’

  ‘These prices are exorbitant,’ she protested.

  ‘It’s my treat. I told you. To complete your outfit.’ She was dragged into the shop. ‘Marie, how are you?’

  ‘Adam. I haven’t seen you in ages. Come and sit down.’ She led them to a bank of seats along one side of the shop. ‘What can I do for you?’

  ‘My friend here needs some shoes to wear with a sea green dress. We haven’t got it with us, but I’ll know when I see the colour.’

  ‘I have just the thing. Wait a moment.’

  He smiled at Fiona.

  ‘She’ll sort us out.’

  ‘Fine. I hope so but I hope you’re sure about paying so much. I mean to say, I can’t afford these prices.’

  ‘Stop worrying. I usually buy my shoes here anyway. Don’t take too much notice of the prices. I always get a discount.’

  ‘I gather this is the way it always works round here.’

  Marie arrived back with several boxes.

  ‘I wasn’t sure what height you want or the style.’ She opened the first box to show her a very high pair of shoes in a deeper shade than she knew her dress was.

  ‘I think something a little less high than those. The colour’s good though. I’m Fiona, by the way.’

  ‘Sorry. How are you?’ She took out several more shoes.

  ‘Oh wow. These are gorgeous.’ She slipped them on and stood in front of the mirror. ‘How much are they?’

  ‘Well, they’re ...’

  ‘We don’t need to know that,’ butted in Adam. ‘They are gorgeous, and, if you like them, we’ll take them.’

  ‘But I need to know ...’

  ‘I told you, you don’t. Wrap them up please, Maria. And remove the box.’

  She nodded, and did as she was told. She handed the bag to Fiona and took Adam’s card. He put in his pin and pocketed the receipt. Fiona knew they’d probably cost at least half her month’s salary. Actually, she needed to check on her current salary,
she reminded herself.

  ‘Well, thank you very much. I’m not entirely happy about this, but ... well, you’ve taken it into your hands, and I can’t do much more than say thank you.’

  ‘It’s my pleasure. I thought we’d go to a rather nice restaurant I know. You can dress up and do me credit. I shall enjoy taking you out.’

  ‘Again, thank you. I’ll enjoy dressing up in that gorgeous dress, and with these shoes to complete the outfit, well, what can I say?’ He reached over and caught her hand. He pressed it to his lips and smiled his wonderful smile. She felt her heart begin to beat considerably faster. He gave her hand back to her and concentrated on his driving. She found she couldn’t think of anything to say, and sat quietly as they returned to his flat. He opened the doors to the garage and parked in his usual place.

  ‘Here we are again,’ he said unnecessarily.

  Fiona collected her briefcase and the precious shoe bag, and followed him up to the flat. It had been an interesting day, and she was pleased at seeing two of their new shops. She really needed to speak to her father and also to her mother.

  ‘I’m going to call my Father next. I also want to speak to Mum. Reassure them that I’m okay and still living.’

  ‘Use the office. I’m going to have a shower and relax a bit.’

  ‘Oh, I was going to use my mobile.’

  ‘No need for that.’

  ‘Okay, thanks.’ She went into the office and dialled her home number. ‘Mum? Hi, it’s me.’

  ‘Fiona. I’m so pleased to hear from you. It’s Fiona,’ she was telling someone else. ‘Yes, I know you want to speak, but I’m going to speak first. Your Father is anxious to talk to you. How are you? Is everything going well?’

  ‘Fine, thanks. I’m really enjoying it all. I’ve been out to two of the shops today but I’ll talk to Dad about them.’

  ‘And how is the lovely Adam? Is he behaving properly?’

  ‘He’s fine. And yes, he’s behaving properly. Very properly.’

  They chatted for a while longer about her life and the shopping, though she didn’t mention the clothes Adam had bought for her. She felt her mother wouldn’t somehow understand. At last her mother handed her over to her father.

  ‘Tell me about the shops,’ he said without any preamble.

  ‘One of them is quite small, but seems to be doing a reasonable trade. I liked the manager. He has a good buying policy. The other one is lovely too. It’s in a better position in the high street and has a higher quality about it. I need to go through the figures again, though. I feel there’s something slightly odd about the manager. Well, not odd, exactly, but I need to study her books to get a proper picture. Don’t worry, Dad, I’m looking into it all very thoroughly.’

  ‘Should I come down, do you think?’

  ‘Not at all. Leave it to me. I’m working well with Adam. Melissa, his partner, is the fly in the ointment. But I can deal with her and the rest of the business. Don’t worry. Okay?’

  ‘I’ll give you to the end of next week. Then I shall want a full report, accounts, the lot.’

  ‘Fine. I shall do my best. I have to say, I’m really enjoying being here. It’s such a challenge, and one I was really ready for.’

  ‘Yes, well don’t get too carried away by the excitement. You’re there because I’ve sent you. I’m perfectly capable of coming down myself and seeing exactly what is going on.’

  ‘Please, Dad, let me do it. I’ll be in touch again soon. Bye now.’ She put the phone down quickly before he decided he was coming himself. This was something she really wanted to sort out herself, and without his interference. She knew it was really his deal, but this was her chance. She left the office and went through to the lounge. Adam was sitting near the window, inevitably drinking coffee.

  ‘Everything okay?’ he asked.

  ‘I’m hoping so. He’s given me till next weekend to send him a full and complete report on the shops and business in general. I just hope I can do it all by then.’

  ‘I think you should. We still have to sort out Melissa, but maybe we can see her tomorrow. There’s coffee in the pot. Pour yourself a cup and come and sit down by me.’ She did as he suggested and went to sit near him. ‘I don’t want you to spend the evening worrying. I’m sure it will all work out in the end.’

  ‘Maybe. I don’t like the fact we’ve found so many errors though. It means the deal is flawed. I don’t want to find my father is buying into a load of trouble. It isn’t too late for him to draw back.’

  ‘I’m sure it will be alright in the end. It is still profitable, and, with the television deal, it will all work out very advantageously for us all. Except maybe Melissa. I can take the losses easily, but I doubt she’ll take it quite so equably. Let’s banish all office talk from now on.’

  ‘But ...’

  ‘No buts. No more talk for the rest of the day. Okay?’ He smiled his killer smile and she nodded. What was there not to like about his idea?

  ‘Agreed. From now on it’s fun all evening.’

  ‘Good. Now, if you’ve finished your coffee, go and get glammed up. I can’t wait to see you in that dress and with your new shoes. And wear your hair in the chignon again. It really suits you.’

  ‘Yes, sir. Anything you say, sir.’ She went through to her room and was soon splashing under the shower. She was singing as she washed, a number from the charts. She came out and realised she could hear the same song in the lounge. He’d put it on for her. How sweet was that? She opened the door so she could hear it properly and stood listening, her hair wrapped in a towel and a bath towel wrapped round her. She jigged round in the doorway in time to the music.

  ‘Very nice,’ said Adam. ‘And what do you do as an encore?’

  ‘Sorry. I’ll go and dry myself. As an encore.’ He crossed over to her doorway and reached for her.

  ‘How about this as an encore?’ he said, putting his arms round her and kissing her. She pressed close to him, feeling his body though his robe. They were both standing there, neither of them wanting to separate, and neither of them knowing what to do next. The door opened.

  ‘Only me. Just coming to see what you’re doing. Nice,’ said Melissa. ‘Don’t stop on my account. Any coffee going?’

  The pair sprang apart, looking guilty, though quite why they didn’t realise.

  ‘I’d like my key back, please,’ said Adam. ‘I can’t do with you popping in whenever you like.’

  ‘They try locking your door. You left it open, as usual. Now you’ve got a bit of crumpet living with you, you need to be more careful.

  ‘Do you mind?’ Fiona said furiously. ‘I am not a bit of crumpet. I happen to be staying here temporarily.’

  ‘Okay. So you’re his temporary mistress. No skin off my nose. So, what are we doing this evening? I do happen to be free.’

  ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but we are going out for a nice dinner.’ Fiona was still smarting from the woman’s comments.

  ‘Excellent. Give me a few minutes and I’ll change. Where are we going?’

  ‘You’re not invited,’ Fiona told her.

  ‘Of course I am. Aren’t I, darling?’

  ‘Not really,’ Adam said, helpless in the onslaught.

  ‘Not really. I think that means yes, of course you are, darling. Five minutes. I’ll be back.’ She swept out of the door and left them standing there, wondering what on earth was happening.

  ‘I suppose we couldn’t be ready in four minutes and get out before she’s back?’ suggested Fiona.

  ‘I doubt we’d make it. I’m so sorry. She’s going to spoil our evening entirely.’

  ‘Let’s forget our ban on talking shop. We can deal with the problems of Melissa while we eat.’

  ‘I like that idea. Okay. Tonight is “sort Melissa” night. I’ll take you somewhere special another time. But still wear that lovely dress and the new shoes.’

  She went into her room to get ready. She didn’t hurry, and took time to coil her hair as A
dam requested and finally put on the dress. She twirled in front of her mirror and slipped on the shoes. Perfect. She clasped a simple gold chain round her neck and felt really good. She went into the lounge and saw Adam standing there. He looked gorgeous, dressed in his dinner jacket and a neat bow tie.

  ‘Wow,’ was his only comment.

  ‘I might say the same to you. You do scrub up well.’

  ‘You look amazing. The shoes are a perfect match.’

  ‘So where’s the white witch?’ He laughed and put his finger to his mouth.

  ‘Melissa’s in the office doing something or other. Are you ready?’ he called out.

  ‘Sorry,’ mouthed Fiona with a giggle.

  ‘Have you been working on the accounts?’ she demanded, coming out of the office. She was very well dressed in a black and gold evening jacket worn over a long black skirt.

  ‘I certainly have. Why?’

  ‘They don’t look quite the same as when I left them.’

  ‘We’ll talk over dinner. Are you going to drive, or should I get a taxi?’

  ‘Get a taxi, darling. I don’t want to find I can’t drink for the entire evening, and I’m sure you won’t either.’

  Adam went to phone for a taxi, and Melissa looked at Fiona critically. She clearly couldn’t think of anything unflattering to say and said nothing.

  ‘Haven’t you got some wine, darling? We can’t just stand here waiting for the taxi.’

  ‘They’ll be here in a few minutes.’

  ‘Excellent. Time to have a glass or two of wine. Where are they? Usual place?’

  Adam closed his eyes. This woman was a nightmare, and the sooner he was rid of her, the better.

  Chapter Eight

  At last, the taxi arrived, and they all went down. Melissa had managed to drink a couple of glasses of wine and was happily sitting next to Adam. She seemed to treat him as her personal escort, ignoring Fiona, and doing her best to leave her out of any conversation. Fiona sat back and watched the manipulative woman, smiling to herself at the way she played Adam.

  ‘So, where are we going?’ Melissa asked.

  ‘Misami’s.’