by M A Comley
“Hey, you don’t have to tell me that. I’m a financial expert, remember? My brother and I are always on the lookout for skilled workers. I think you’d be the perfect fit. We need a bossy boots to keep us in order.” He laughed. “You want to see the state of our filing system, correction, we don’t have one and we’re in dire need of one that works.”
Layla tutted. “Sounds like there’s a real mess to sort out. I’m not sure I would be the right person to tackle that for you. Anyway, I really do love my work at the solicitor’s. I get to read all the court documents as I type them, real eye-openers some of them, I can tell you.”
“Oh, do tell.”
The waiter arrived, interrupting their conversation again. He deposited their steak and chicken, asked if they’d like any accompaniments and then departed when they gave their answers.
“Go on, I’m eager to hear,” Harvey prompted.
She shook her head and stabbed her fork into a skinny chip. “I can’t, I’m sworn to secrecy.”
“That’s a pity. Maybe your tongue will loosen after a few glasses of wine.”
Another shocked expression. “No, definitely not.”
She tucked into her meal, using extra force to cut the chicken into pieces than he thought was probably necessary. She’s a feisty one. One wrong word and she takes umbrage. I’m going to have to watch what I say and do. I need to keep her onside for later.
“Tell me about your parents, are they still with us?”
“Of course they are, how old do you think I am?” she snapped.
He placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be mortified. “I’m sorry, the words slipped out. It’s just that my parents died when I was a mere teenager.” He lied, working on her sympathy gene to get him out of a hole.
He succeeded.
She slid a hand over his. “I’m sorry. I can be such a bitch at times. I didn’t mean to snap at you, please forgive me?”
He pulled her hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “Nothing to forgive. This is some first date, isn’t it? I keep raising subjects that entice you to bite my head off. Maybe we should call it a night instead.”
“Oh, no. Please, don’t do that. Believe it or not, I’m really enjoying myself. I know I need to control my emotions. My dad is always telling me the same.”
“Oh, okay, I thought you weren’t having fun. Why don’t we start over again, put all this behind us? Stick to safer subjects to discuss, like the weather perhaps?” He laughed, and she joined in.
“You call that a safe subject. I could talk for England on that topic.”
“There, problem solved then. You first, which season do you prefer?”
“It has to be autumn, the beautiful changing of the leaves, marking the dormant season which lies ahead. I have this picture on my bedroom wall. It was a photo my grandfather took many years ago whilst on a trip to the States. He stopped off at a lake and the reflection is, well, simply magical. The different rust-coloured trees reflected in the still water, it was difficult to see where the tree line ended, if you get my drift?”
“What a wonderful experience. I’d love to travel around America, but I wouldn’t know where to begin. We visited the usual tourist attractions when we were kids, such as Disney World, not that I can remember much, apart from the size of the meals and the number of restaurants there were around at the time.”
“Was that before you lost your parents?”
“Yes, that’s right. They died a few years later. Sorry…” He wiped away a fake tear that was intended to gain an extra dose of sympathy.
“It’s okay. Have you spoken to anyone about your grief?”
“I’ve tried over the years, but when it came to the crunch, I didn’t have it in me to attend the sessions.”
“That’s so sad. I wish I could help alleviate your pain and grief.”
He smiled, relieved he’d managed to hook her interest again. “I have good days and bad. I have my brother to ease me through the bouts of grief. He’s more emotional than me about our loss, so I’ve always had to remain strong for his sake. Sometimes, it’s good to be alone and just let the sorrow pour out of me.”
“Any time you want to release your pent-up feelings, I’m always here for you. Everyone needs a way of venting their emotions, it’s not good to bottle them up.”
“You’re very kind. Most of the time, I’m fine. Let’s change the subject again, I don’t want to be maudlin on our first date, this should be a time to rejoice. Tell me, do you like to visit the theatre?”
“Oh yes, I love it. My good friend and I sometimes book a weekend away in London. We get a thrill from visiting the sites and taking in a musical in the evening.”
“Ah, I’m not really one for musicals. I do, however, love a good Agatha Christie show; my brother and I venture up to London now and again, too. Maybe next time we go, we could go as a group. Is your friend single?”
“Cherry would die if I set her up on a blind date weekend.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean anything by that, sorry, here I go again, putting my size tens in where they’re not wanted.”
“Size ten, eh? My, what big feet you have.” She chuckled, finished the final mouthful of her dinner and pushed the plate to one side. “That was delicious, as always. I’ve never had a bad meal here, have you?”
“Never. I won’t be long.” He continued to tuck into his prime steak, enjoying the way it melted in his mouth with very little effort. He glanced up to see her studying him. His head tilted and he asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, I’m just sitting here, trying to figure you out. I’m a people-watcher. I’m intrigued to know what lies beneath the outer layer of a person.”
“I’m the same. Let’s play a game, see what the other’s perceptions are, okay?” She nodded and crossed her arms. “I’ll go first, I see you as someone who has deep frustrations. Not only in your working life but also your personal life as well. What do I mean by frustrated? Well, you’re desperate to see what life has to offer and sometimes, you fear taking the steps to achieve your dreams. How am I doing so far?”
Her eyes sparkled and her lips parted in a glimmer of a smile. “Maybe. Go on.”
“Well, I can tell how determined you are to bide your time. You know that by being patient, the right opportunity is going to fall into your lap when you least expect it.”
She unfolded her arms and clapped. “That’s amazing.” She dipped down and looked under the table and then sat upright. “I was just searching for your crystal ball.”
It was his turn to laugh. “Never had one, I don’t believe in that stuff, do you?”
“Sometimes. It depends how good the person is, there are so many fakes out there. In all walks of life.”
“You speak the truth. It’s your turn.” He mimicked her by inclining his head and folding his arms, copying her to await her response.
“Hmm… let’s see. You come across as someone who knows his own mind, maybe the fact that you run your own business is a telling sign on that front.” He nodded. “You exude confidence, but beneath the skin, you’re a little boy crying out to be loved.”
He unfolded his arms, narrowed his eyes and pointed at her. “You’re cheating, we’ve already established that I’m still grieving the loss of my parents.”
“I am not. Even if your parents were still alive today, I believe I’d be saying the same thing. I’ve met men like you before, you’re lacking the emotions that make you a whole person. Therefore, you spend most of the time putting on a false façade. The person you show to the world, although nice, isn’t a true reflection of what lies beneath.”
Wow! You’ve hit the nail on the head, baby, as you’re about to find out later. “I hate to tell you that you’ve got it wrong, but truly, what you see is the true me. Yes, I’m grieving and possibly hurting inside, but I’m not afraid of showing it.”
“Okay, I was wrong. Though in a way I was right.”
“You were. Tell me what your aspi
rations are?”
“Mainly to find a soulmate who I can be happy with. I would want to explore the world together. Someone who hates arguing as much as I do. Go on, say it, I’m seeking the impossible, right?”
“Not at all. I hope you find the person you’re searching for.”
A mellow silence filled the gap between them as the waiter returned and whisked their plates away. “Would you care for dessert?”
“Layla?” Harvey asked.
“Oh, go on then. I can always spend an extra twenty minutes on the running machine at the gym tomorrow to compensate. I’ll have the salted caramel profiteroles, please.”
“That sounds divine. I’ll have the same.”
“Cream or ice cream?” the waiter asked.
“Ice cream,” Layla said, cringing.
“The same for me, thanks.”
The waiter left.
“How long have you worked at the solicitor’s?”
“Around five years. I started working there when I was twenty-one.”
“That’s a long time, especially these days.”
The conversation continued to flow for the next hour or so. Then, Harvey took a punt on hooking her inquisitive nature once more. “Do you like to fly? Or do you have an aversion to it?”
“I love flying. Detest the take-off and landing, like everyone else, but I really enjoy the bit in between.”
He glanced at his watch, it was almost eight-thirty. “Have you ever seen Hereford and the surrounding area at night?”
She frowned. “No, I can’t say I have. What are you suggesting?”
“I need to visit the gents, then I have a surprise for you, if you’re up for it?”
“I’ll contemplate that while you’re in the loo.”
He recognised the sparkle in her eyes that told him all he needed to know. Harvey left the table and went upstairs to the toilet. He fished his phone out of his pocket and typed out a text message to his brother.
Leaving the restaurant soon. Should be there within forty-five minutes, if everything goes according to plan. H.
His brother’s response came back within a few seconds.
Plane is fuelled, ready for departure. High winds are forecast for later, so get a move on.
Harvey adored flying in adverse weather conditions, it added to the excitement. He returned to the table, adrenaline tearing through his veins at the prospect of what lay ahead. “Have you decided?”
“I think so. I’m going to give it a miss tonight. Maybe, if the offer is still on the table, we could go at the weekend. That is, if you still want to see me after I’ve rejected your proposal.”
He pinned a smile in place, hoping to cover up his disappointment. “Of course. Whatever suits you. I’m thrilled there’s a second date on the table, glad I haven’t screwed things up by assuming you’d be up for a bit of adventure.”
She paused and then smiled. “Go on, then. Let’s do it tonight, why not?”
He punched the air and gathered her shawl off the chair as she got to her feet. He placed it around her shoulders and took the liberty of kissing her cheek. “You won’t regret it,” he whispered seductively.
“I’m excited beyond words. If you hadn’t left me at the table to mull the proposition over, I would’ve rejected it out of hand. After all, I barely know you.”
“Come now, you know enough about me to know that you can trust me. Let’s get out of here. My pilot is ready and waiting.”
She froze on the spot and stared at him. “What? How?”
He chuckled. “I was confident you would say yes and made the arrangements while I was in the toilet.”
She laughed and led the way to the door. Harvey paid the bill before she could open her purse. “I know what we agreed, but please, have this one on me tonight. You can pay next time.”
“See, that’s your confidence shining through again. Okay, I agree. Thank you.”
The cashier took the card payment, and they left the restaurant. “Did you come by car?” Harvey asked.
“No, by bus.”
“Ah, that’s great. My car is waiting for me around the corner.”
They rounded the corner to find the limo parked at the kerb.
“No way. Is that yours?”
“Of course. I prefer to travel in style. Any objections?”
Her eyes widened. “None at all. It’ll be my first time. How exciting, two thrills in a single night. How will you top this on the second date?” she giggled.
“I’m sure I’ll think of something exceptional, I always do.”
The chauffeur opened the back door and Harvey gestured for Layla to get in first, then he climbed in after her. She settled into her seat and surprised him by slipping her hand into his as she took in her plush surroundings.
“This is divine,” she whispered.
He leaned over and gently brushed his lips over hers. “Only the best for you, Layla.”
She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. She remained in the same position until they reached the airfield. He exited the car and held out a hand for her to take, then led her up the steps to the plane.
“Wow! All this is yours?”
“It is. Here, take a seat, let’s get you comfortable for the journey.”
He supported her by the elbow and walked towards the executive chair. He lowered her into the chair and dipped under the table to collect the piece of rope he’d placed there earlier. She took one look at it and kicked him in the shin. She screamed, sensing what was about to happen, judging by the fear he read in her eyes.
“Hush now, no one can hear you. Be a good girl, don’t make me mad. If I get mad, I’ll end up hurting you.”
“I don’t want to go with you. I refuse to. She bounced out of the chair and shoved him backwards with a strength that caught him off-guard. She attempted to run towards the door, but he promptly regained his balance and pounced on her. Grabbing a handful of her hair, he tugged her. She screeched, swore several words a young lady should never spew out of her mouth and spun around to face him, her eyes blazing.
“Come on then, arsehole, show me what you’ve got. Sorry, did I forget to mention I’m a black belt in karate?”
His eyes narrowed, trying to figure out if she was telling the truth or not. She assumed the position, her knees bent, her slanted hands out in front of her, ready to chop at him.
He tipped his head back and laughed.
Aggrieved, she inched forward, toppling on her heels. He clenched his fist and with their gazes locked in defiance, he lashed out before she realised what was happening. She stumbled, dazed. “Arsehole, am I? Well, little lady, I’m about to show you what this arsehole is capable of doing to a feisty bitch such as yourself.”
Again, she recovered her composure and bounced back onto her feet, yelling as she flew at him. This time he was too quick for her and successfully stepped to the side before she could make contact. Layla ended up hitting the wall and rebounded back into his arms. He twisted her to face him; her forehead was split open. “You’re going to regret doing that. You and I… we could’ve been good together, for a while anyway. Now, well, you’ve pissed me off and are about to suffer the consequences.”
She surprised him by lashing out. Her fingernails ripped a deep gash into his left cheek. He grappled for her wrists and managed to secure them, then he slapped her a few times.
The door to the cockpit flew open. “What the fuck is going on, Harvey?”
“Daniel, help me, she’s out of control.”
Daniel came to his rescue, and between them, they suppressed her fighting spirit enough to tie her up.
“Okay, let’s get out of here,” Harvey suggested.
Daniel turned and closed the door behind him. Harvey hoisted the steps up himself and locked the outer door. He grinned as the spark of an idea coursed through his warped mind.
He returned to his seat and stared at Layla who now seemed resigned to her fate, tears dripping onto her cheeks. She whispered, “
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lash out. I’ll do anything you want, just please, please untie me.”
Harvey glared at her and shook his head. “What kind of fool do you fucking take me for, lady?”
Her eyes narrowed. “You’ll be sorry. I know people in high places, you’d be wise to remember that.”
“Look around you, bitch, and you think I don’t? You think it costs a pittance to run this plane? My wealth is often seen as an influencer to others in business and everyday life.”
“Ha, as if. You’ll get your day in hell. I won’t let this drop, you’d be foolish to think otherwise.”
“We’ll see. You’re not going to be around long enough to do any damage to my enterprise. I have something very special planned for you, feisty lady.”
“Such as?” she demanded, her defiance notching up the scale.
“You’ll see soon enough. For now, enjoy the ride.”
The plane taxied down the runway. He studied Layla carefully. She’d told him over dinner how much she feared the take-off during a flight. She closed her eyes, and her mouth moved now and again, as if she was muttering a silent prayer. Once the plane had levelled out, she opened her eyes and let out a relieved breath.
He smiled tautly. “See, nothing to worry about, was there?”
“Fuck off!”
“Now, now, is that any way to treat someone who is about to give you one of the biggest pleasures in your life?”
She frowned and asked, “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’ll see. Only a few more minutes now.”
She glared at him again, an utterly intense stare that if he didn’t have self-assurance gushing through his veins, might have unnerved him.
He waited a few more minutes and glanced out of the window at the lights below until there was only darkness beneath them. “Remember when I promised I’d show you the area at night? Well, you’re about to see it first-hand, so to speak.” Harvey yanked Layla by her bound hands to stand her upright. He was aware that her tied ankles would assist in restricting her movement. He flopped her over his shoulder and walked a few paces to the door of the plane.