“And what about your lovely mother?”
“Front row.”
“I can’t understand how Jack is still married to your mother.”
Tom laughed. “Careful now. I’ll tell her you want to dance with her at the wedding if you’re not careful.”
Hayden’s face contorted unusually, as he considered that thought. He shook it off. “Anyway, it’s probably for the best that Ellen doesn’t have any bridesmaids on the day.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Your fiancée doesn’t seem to have strong skills in picking female friends.”
Tom shook his head, and his smile rapidly disappeared. Of course he was referring to Chloe. The memory of what had happened while Ellen was held captive was still so raw. But Tom was the one who had made the mistake. It had been stupid to drink so much and take advantage of Chloe. It wasn’t the girl’s fault at all. “That’s an unnecessary comment, Hayden. What did you even know about Chloe? You probably never even met her.”
Hayden’s expression stayed blank, as he analysed Tom’s curt response. “True, but I heard certain things around the office of course.”
“You shouldn’t listen to office gossip. She was Ellen’s friend. The way she chose to end her life was tragic. I’ll always feel partly responsible for that.”
“Tom, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“Ellen still refuses to talk about what happened to this day. The memories upset her so much.”
“Yes, well, perhaps you should not push her.”
“No. Promise me you won’t say anything like this to her.”
“Of course not. If you ever want to talk about what happened, you know you can talk to me.”
“Thanks.” Tom couldn’t imagine sitting down with Hayden to have a deep and meaningful conversation. He was not that sort of friend. “In other news, I’m catching up with someone special tonight. You’ll never guess.”
“I assume you mean your lovely fiancée?”
“No, Elle has a dress fitting tonight, and...” Tom realised that it was unlikely that Hayden would have heard of the person in any case. “Actually, never mind. It’s supposed to be a secret anyway.”
“Fine.” Hayden was not fussed either way.
“What did you come in to discuss?”
“I just saw the April earnings for Europe.”
“And?”
“They are forty per cent higher than March.”
“I’m glad to hear it. It will help pay for this insanely expensive wedding.” He only wanted the best for Ellen’s big day, but was starting to be surprised by how much money could be spent on one celebration.
Seeing Hayden’s furrowed brow, Tom could tell his friend was obviously concerned about the March figures. “What is it, Hayden?”
“I have been watching the instability in earnings from that region for some time. I am now convinced that the March period appears to have been artificially low. I’ve correlated weekly sales figures against revenue for the past six months and I think I understand where the problem is.
“Go on.”
“Well, as you know, the European distribution and revenue are funnelled through Satinol’s holding in Germany.”
“Yes.”
“The new tax laws seem to be delaying the incoming receipts. Nobody foresaw this as far as I can tell.”
“What do you suggest?”
“We might have to consider a restructure in the region. If you agree, I’ll start work to identify the best solution.”
“Do you have any concerns about the overall growth in this region?”
“No. When earnings are smoothed out, we are recording sales figures six per cent higher than projected. But the cash flow issue needs to be addressed to improve the region’s performance.”
“Agreed. The other regions are also meeting or exceeding their projections. The accountants are predicting a very profitable year for the company. Hayden, this is partly due to your work, you know. Your vision last year of how to streamline the distribution channels is still producing dividends. Our cost base has come in at least five per cent lower every month since that change policy was implemented. Everyone in the company is benefiting from your contribution.”
“That’s what I’m here for.”
“You have done more than that. I’d be lost without you, especially since my head has been out of the game recently. Unfortunately for the business, I see now that there is much more in life to enjoy.”
“You can rely on me, Tom.”
Chapter 6
Ellen had been looking forward to her second fitting all week. The wedding dress was going to be stunningly beautiful once finished. Tom had managed to secure one of Melbourne’s best custom designers to create her gown at short notice. She had no idea how, but guessed that he had offered an insanely high fee.
The design team had made sketches based on Ellen’s descriptions of her ideal gown, but tonight she was going to wear it for the first time.
Unfortunately, Ellen received a text message at six o’clock to cancel the appointment. The fitting needed to be postponed, as Ellen’s dressmaker was ill. Ellen was disappointed, but not concerned - after all, the wedding was still two months away. She did a U-turn in the car, and headed back to Satinol.
After quickly calling Tom to see if he was free for dinner, Ellen was disappointed to find his mobile switched off. So she called his office number, confident that Elizabeth would know his movements.
“Tom Bradley’s office,” Elizabeth said politely.
“Hi Elizabeth, it’s Ellen. How are you?”
“Good thanks, Elle. Are you on the way to your fitting?” Elizabeth was very good. She even knew Ellen’s planned movements.
“It got postponed. I’m on the way back now.”
“Oh no. I can’t wait to see the dress.”
“You and me both.” It was nice that Tom had invited Elizabeth and her boyfriend to the wedding. After all, she spent just as much time with Tom as Ellen did.
“Are you looking for Tom?”
“Yes, I just tried his mobile, but it’s switched off. I forgot to ask what he was doing tonight. I was so preoccupied with the fitting.”
“He has an early dinner reservation at Etards.”
That was one of their favourite restaurants. “Is it a business thing?”
“You know,” admitted Elizabeth. “I’m actually not sure. He got me to make a booking for two but he organised the meeting himself, so I’m not sure whom he’s meeting. Would you like me to page him? I’m sure he won’t mind.”
Ellen remembered that Etards was one of Margaret’s favourite restaurants too. Recently, he had mentioned wanting to catch up with his parents as well. “No, it’s okay. I might just drop in and say hi - unless it looks like a serious business thing.” Ellen concluded. “He’s probably just meeting his mum.”
After parking her car in the Satinol car park, Ellen walked two blocks to reach the restaurant while keeping an eye on her phone. Tom normally returned calls quickly, so she knew with confidence that his phone must still be off. She opened the door to the restaurant and explained to the waiter that she just wanted to say a quick hello to someone, but wasn’t sure if she would be staying.” The conversation felt quite awkward.
“Certainly, Ellen.” He stepped aside with a friendly smile. “Mr Bradley is at the back of the restaurant on the right hand side.”
He must recognise her. Ellen smiled back. “Thanks.” They had obviously been eating here more often than she realised.
The sound of laughter caught her attention, and Ellen’s eyes swung in the general direction. To her surprise, she saw Tom seated at the back of the restaurant with an attractive woman leaning towards him. She was obviously having a wonderful time, although Tom’s back was to Ellen so it was difficult to see if he was laughing too. It was only her laugh that Ellen could hear. The woman was vaguely familiar, with long black curls, pale skin and bright red lipstick. Her makeup was h
eavy yet perfect, and her tight fitted clothing stylish and modern. Both factors suddenly made Ellen feel underdressed, and she didn’t want to be in the same room with such a woman.
Before they had met, Ellen had read countless stories about Tom dating famous women like models and actresses. Who was she? It didn’t look like a business meeting of any sort. In fact, it looked like a date, if Ellen was honest with herself. They were sipping cocktails and eating from a shared platter of food. Ellen put the facts together in her mind: Tom himself had organised the meeting, he had his phone off, he hadn’t mentioned anything to her about the meeting, the woman was beautiful, and well-dressed, and the restaurant was expensive. It was the sort of place to bring a woman like this. All the factors suggested that this was a date.
Ellen racked her brain trying to place the woman’s face. She was definitely familiar – a singer perhaps? Tom was acting happy and carefree – he obviously wasn’t thinking about his upcoming wedding. Abruptly, Ellen realised she was in the way of a waiter and quickly retreated back to the street. She was not comfortable with the thought of barging into that meeting. Of course he wasn’t on a date, she told herself, but for some unknown reason, tears were beginning to form. It looked like a romantic dinner for two, there was no denying it.
Ellen found a seat outside and sat down quickly. She was being stupid but couldn’t help crying. What if it was real? What if Tom decided to end their engagement to be with a more glamorous woman? This woman was in her mid-twenties, and obviously more experienced and worldly than she was. How could she compete with that?
If only her best friend hadn’t had a personality meltdown, and jumped off their balcony. Chloe developed many faults in Melbourne, but she could have been relied upon to provide a friendly ear and warm hug. Reassurance was exactly what she needed, but Chloe was gone. The only other person in Ellen’s life with whom she felt any degree of closeness was Kane. Could she call her trainer in this situation? Without thinking anymore about it, Ellen whipped out her phone, and dialled his number.
He answered quickly. “Hey, beautiful. Have you come to your senses and decided to...”
Ellen started crying, even though she was trying to hold it together.
Kane dropped the humour straight away. “Ellen, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry,” was all Ellen managed to get out, quite embarrassed by her state.
“Don’t be. You know I’m here for you.”
His kind words were enough to calm her. “I didn’t know who else to call. I hope you don’t mind.”
“I’m glad you thought of me. Where are you?”
“Flinders Lane, near Swanston Street.”
“Do you want me to come and pick you up?”
Ellen wondered what Kane must be thinking. In any case, he was willing to drop whatever he was doing without a second thought. “I don’t want to disturb you.”
“Don’t worry about it. I can be there in five minutes.”
“Okay.”
“Don’t move. I’ll call if I can’t find you.”
He must have sped to get there, because to Ellen’s surprise, Kane did find her after only five minutes had passed. Even dressed in faded brown leathers, his strong upper torso was recognisable. He smiled at her after ripping his helmet off, seemingly only concerned with her wellbeing. “Elle, are you okay?”
She wasn’t and she knew she wasn’t, but tried to nod her head anyway. Seeing him did make things seem better in a way. She looked at her phone and realised that Tom might never call it again. Abruptly, she switched it off, preferring the empty, lifeless screen.
He looked at her with a compassionate gaze and led her to his bike. “It will be okay.”
Ellen nodded, wanting it to be true. She sat behind him, and watched as he started the engine. It kicked into life.
“Try and lean with me, and hold on tight,” he called out, pulling her arms around his waist to demonstrate.
Ellen hadn’t been on the back of a motorbike, and the idea of doing something new and reckless suddenly seemed like a good idea. They roared down the laneway, and into the main street, and accelerated. The bike was faster than she would have imagined, and the feel of the wind stronger. She caught her breath, surprised by the exhilaration. It was a new way to experience the city, and Ellen would have enjoyed the ride, if she wasn’t hurting so much on the inside.
The distraction didn’t last long, and before long, they pulled into the multistorey car park attached to Kane’s apartment building. He had described it, and it was vaguely how she had imagined it, but Ellen had never been there before. Once Kane turned the engine off, the pain she had been feeling quickly returned, and the tears ran down her cheeks again.
He led her inside, and sat her on the couch, where she cried inconsolably for the next couple of hours. At some point, Kane made dinner and she tried to eat a mouthful or two. However, the only thing that tasted right was the wine, and thankfully he continually topped up her glass without being asked. It was gradually numbing the pain and blocking out the memories of seeing Tom with that beautiful woman.
Ellen was starting to question certain aspects of the relationship which she had previously taken for granted, and Kane just listened patiently. The evening passed quickly and a warm haziness started to spread through Ellen’s body.
“I’m probably over-reacting,” she kept saying to him.
“Maybe,” was all Kane would say, trying not to draw any conclusions.
Ellen’s head started to spin when she tried to stand up.
“Wow, I’ve got you,” Kane said, leaping to his feet to support her wobbly frame.
“I think I’ve had too much to drink.”
“It looks that way.”
“Kane,” Ellen said, with genuine appreciation. “Thank you for looking after me tonight, and for listening. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t answered your phone.”
“I want you to promise to call me again, day or night. If you need me, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you.”
“What are friends for, right?”
Ellen looked around. “I should go. It’s late.”
Kane shook his head. “Not a good idea. You can hardly walk, and I’ve had too much to drink as well. You can crash in my spare room. I’ll give you a ride home in the morning.”
“Are you sure?” That option sounded easier and smarter.
“Actually, I insist.”
Kane led Ellen into his spare room where she found a comfy bed waiting. He kicked a few things out of the way and found a new toothbrush and oversized tee-shirt for her.
She had talked her heart out tonight, and everything should have been looking better, but to Ellen’s horror, as soon as Kane shut the door and wished her goodnight, the world started to close in around her. Her emotions went into overdrive. If Tom decided he didn’t love her anymore, how would she recover? Her life revolved around him; his love defined her in a dangerous manner. For the first time she saw how risky it was to give everything you had to one person; to trust that person enough to give him the keys to your heart. If Tom changed his mind about their relationship, Ellen’s world would be broken into a thousand pieces. It would be impossible to mend the damage. Why hadn’t she seen this before?
Ellen’s mind was racing so fast, and when the tears came again, they seemed endless. Her door creaked open again after a few minutes. “Sorry, Kane,” she whimpered.
He walked in and sat on the edge of her bed. “It’ll be okay in the morning, you’ll see.”
“I can’t see my future anymore,” Ellen said, trying to explain. “It used to be so clear.”
“Hush now,” he soothed. “Things have a way of working out for the best.”
“I don’t think I’m going to be able to sleep. Every time I close my eyes, images of that lady with Tom start to crowd my mind.”
“Ah,” said Kane, rushing out of the room. “I know what you need.” Ellen could hear drawers opening and closing as he sear
ched for something in the bathroom. “Got it,” he called out. He returned with a packet of pills. “Sleeping tablets.”
Ellen was prepared to try anything in order to get to sleep; anything for this night to be over.
“One should be enough, given your slender frame,” he advised.
“I’ll have you know that I’ve been piling on the muscle recently,” Ellen joked, while wiping the tears away. The crying seemed to ease naturally when Kane was there.
Kane gave her one of the pills and a glass of water. “You’ll sort everything out tomorrow. Just try and get some sleep tonight.”
“Thank you, Kane.”
Ellen shut her eyes and imagined being asleep. She ignored the negative feelings and images of the woman laughing while touching Tom’s arm. Had that really happened? It was becoming hard to discern her memories from her imaginings.
A few hours later, Ellen awoke, unsure of where she was. It was so dark. Her head was heavy and hazy, and she couldn’t remember going to bed. Was she at Tom’s house? It was hard to breathe properly and even harder to open her eyes. What was going on? She’d never felt so confused. Where was Tom?
“I need you, Tom,” she called out. “Are you there?” There was no answer. “Baby, I need you. Are you there?”
Before long, warm arms encircled her and kissed her. Tom had a way of making everything feel better. He carried her to his bedroom, and before long she was warm and secure in his welcome embrace. Her head was still so heavy, but she fell deeply into a peaceful sleep this time.
Chapter 7
Kane watched every movement Ellen made. She was still asleep even though the sun had risen half an hour ago. Its light streamed through the window bathing his bedroom in a beautiful glow. It was the most perfect morning of his life.
A Family Affair - First Born Page 3