by Penny Henry
Beth listened with mixed feelings. There was no denying the successful formula that the small team headed by Lucy had created. Beth wondered of Jacob and Darren had considered that with Lucy ousted they would need to recruit someone with equal flair and determination.
"We've been tossing around a few names." Lucy had entered the conversation. "Nothing has been decided yet. My opinion is that we first need an inexpensive site on the industrial estate to set up a school for franchisees so the formula can be faithfully repeated and monitored.” It was the first sensible thing that Beth had heard. Lucy carried on, “Jacob and Darren think we should buy properties and go in with all guns blazing.” She looked hard at the uncomfortable father and son.
Jacob glanced at Darren with the look that said the sooner we got rid of Lucy the better. Jacob took over. “Lucy has her point, Beth. And she is the majority stock holder.” He didn’t add for now as an honest man might have done. “We, that’s Darren and myself, have a different opinion. But as you are to be our generous benefactor we suggest you look over the proposals and come to your own conclusion. I’m sure that Darren would be happy to guide you on the pros and cons.” He winked at Darren as if the job was already done before dropping a brown folder on top of the property details and time-share brochure provided by Clive. "It's all in there, Beth. We need a quick decision.”
Things were moving too fast for Beth. Darren, his perspiring father, Clive Francis and Lucy sat quietly staring at her. Each of them wanted an answer or a check now. Beth was starting to panic. Where was Ali when she needed her?
"Good afternoon, gentlemen, Miss Phillips. Please, don't bother to get up"
Beth breathed out such a huge sigh of relief that she felt she must have sounded like the whoosh of a jet leaving an aircraft carrier’s deck. Ali's timing was perfect. She had appeared from nowhere like a friendly genie. She dragged a chair from a nearby table and set it next to Beth's, leaning towards her and speaking to her quietly, "Sorry I'm late. I ran into Alfie in town and stopped for a chat." The look in Ali's eyes told Beth that Alfie had talked of something other than business. "Still, I'm here now, what's going on?"
Beth reached forward to gather the information packs and hand them to Ali, briefly explaining what had been covered and what decisions she had been asked to make. Ali studied the documents intently for a few minutes, asking the occasional question, leafing to and fro between the packs. Darren, Jacob and Lucy sat stony faced, glaring at the petite intruder as she pinched her lips together in concentration. Clive studied his manicured hands. Beth was breathing more easily and strongly aware of the alluring feminine scent that drifted to her nostrils from the sensuous woman that sat at her side.
"Well," declared Ali finally, "I can assure you all that Miss Thomas won't be making any decisions today. And certainly not based on this sketchy information." She tossed the folders onto the table. “We will be requesting additional comprehensive packs from all of you.”
The three men turned as one to drill a look at Darren. He braced himself and spoke the one word softly. "Beth?"
"I'm sorry, Darren. I have to agree with Ali. The bank employs her as a senior financial advisor. There would no point asking her along simply to ignore her advice."
Darren looked angry. He raised his voice. "So what now, Beth? Do you want to lose the house, is that it? You’d rather listen to her than the man you’re supposed to be marrying. ”
Ali answered for Beth, addressing Darren directly. "The private purchase of the house is, of course, a decision that rests entirely with you and Beth. I would only mention that I believe the property to be grossly overpriced. That is a matter between yourselves and your agent. And as for the franchise operation and the time-share opportunity." Ali swept her eyes over the three male faces. "I would advise my client to insist upon full financial projections and certified business plans before agreeing to even look at them further." Then she stared at Lucy. “Well done, Lucy. Yours was the only sensible suggestion that I came across.”
Lucy smiled her thanks.
"But we have deadlines to meet," protested Clive. "You may well be depriving your client of a lucrative business deal for which he may feel obliged to hold you personally responsible."
“Don’t you mean she?” Ali didn’t know the man and took an instant dislike.
“Of course. A slip of the tongue.”
Ali smiled at Clive's clumsy attempt to pressurize her. "I hardly think much will alter over the weekend. You have forty-eight hours, gentlemen. That will take us to five o'clock Monday afternoon. If everything proves satisfactory, then we may be in business. Until then, thank you for your time."
That was it. The meeting was over. Beth sat stunned as the men returned their paperwork to their briefcases and everyone began to rise from their chairs, mumbling between themselves and nodding goodbyes as they departed to start work on Ali's very clear requirements. Clive fell in at Lucy’s side. She had been pressing her thigh against his for most of the time they had been sitting there. He could well get something out of the disastrous meeting after all. Darren was the last to move. He was glaring at Ali and firing imaginary needles into her heart until Jacob called him to walk with him. He left without a goodbye.
"What the hell happened?" Beth's tone wasn’t as thankful as Ali might have expected. "I know you were trying to protect me, Ali, but didn’t it occur to you I might have wanted to say something?”
Ali was stunned at the sharpness in Beth's voice. "Quite frankly no, it didn’t, Beth. There wasn’t anything that made any financial sense. Lucy may have some good ideas and she’s made a great success of the restaurant. But there is a huge risk in expanding into franchising without the proper research."
"It isn't always about the bottom line, Ali. Sometimes it’s about people. I know the business and I know what Lucy has achieved. I think the idea has possibilities."
"My advice is to stay well clear, Beth," insisted Ali. "How long do you thing Lucy will survive against Darren and his father? You can’t make a decision like this with your heart. You need to take a cold hard look at the figures."
“I’m doing something about protecting Lucy. We’re buying Alfie’s shares, remember?”
“It’s not enough, Beth. You need professional advice. You can’t just go throwing your money around.”
"You sound just like a banker, Ali," said Beth sarcastically. "Don't you ever just go with your gut feeling?"
Redness burned across Ali’s cheeks. She looked hotly at Beth. "I tried it once but it seems I got it wrong. It’s not something I’ll be doing again."
Beth dropped her gaze. "Now is not the time, Ali. I really need your help with this."
"I’ve told you what I think, Beth. If you’re serious about the franchise scheme you’re going to need a lot more information before you give it any proper consideration. And you’re going to need guarantees concerning the management structure. Anyway, why would you want to help someone like Lucy?"
Beth felt the color rush to her cheeks. Alfie had obviously told Ali the whole sad story. "That's none of your business."
"Fine!" retorted Ali. She sprang to her feet and snatched up her briefcase. "You are at total liberty to ignore my advice. Hey, it’s only money, isn't it?"
"Come on, Ali. Please... sit down." Beth had over-reacted and was instantly regretting her hasty words. "I need to talk."
"Then talk to your fiancé," she hissed. "I will not be used by anyone. I will be here Monday at five o'clock as the bank's advisor. Just in case any of them has the nerve to show their face. But from now on it's strictly business between us, Beth. Goodnight."
"Ali, please…"
Ali spun to stare fire into Beth’s eyes. "You're a fool, Beth. Sort yourself out before you lose everything." She half-ran from the lounge with Beth's eyes burning into her spine, brushing past an inquisitive Darren on his way back in.
"What's wrong with your little friend?" asked Darren, plumping himself down in an armchair. His father had told
him to stay close to Beth and keep an eye on Ali. It didn’t appear to matter now. Ali had been upset and it didn’t look like she’d be coming back. He watched Beth as she rubbed her eyes with the heels of her hands. "You look tired, sweetheart." He reached out to pat her thigh. "I think someone needs an early night. I’ll leave you to it.” He stood up and smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning, Beth.”
Beth looked up, startled by Darren’s reaction. She had expected a bitter tirade against her decision to take Ali's advice. Darren must have seen that Beth needed his support. He had come through for her. Darren didn’t care about the money. He hadn't walked out in a huff but come back to make sure she was okay. He was looking out for her. It was just as he had promised. Just as he always would.
Chapter Eleven
"Cheer up, Beth."
Tom’s first words were music to her ears. She had rung his bell and waited feeling like a naughty school girl. She hadn’t known where else to go. Darren had left her sitting in an empty lounge. His words had surprised her, but as good as his intentions were he had shied away from physically comforting her. She needed to be with someone that didn’t hate her or expect something from her.
“I’m sad, Tom.”
“We can’t have that. Give me a second, Beth. I’ll grab a shirt and be round in a minute.”
Beth’s eyes swept across Tom’s broad chest. “Mmmm, maybe you shouldn’t bother.” She was already feeling better.
“Beth, you are a little minx. You’re not too big to go over my knee you know.”
“Oooh, Tom. Promises, promises.” She had changed into a silk blouse, sheer black hold-ups and a knee-length cardinal red skirt before leaving the hotel. The results would have been interesting.
“Clear off and put the kettle on.”
He didn’t even take a minute. The kettle was on and Beth was feeling a warm glow inside. She was feeling something she hadn’t felt in a while. Not since her last evening with Tom. Not even with Ali. There were no tensions or hidden agendas. She was simply feeling happy.
“I know, no milk. I brought some with me.”
Beth turned round. Her stomach flipped. He looked even better with a shirt on. She had to turn round and reach into a cupboard to calm herself. He had left the shirt loose and buttoned the bottom half. The top still revealed his masculine chest. The sleeves were partly rolled up and his faded blue jeans were stretched over muscular thighs. Likeable, friendly Tom was hot.
“Th... Thank you, kind sir.” She turned round feeling more composed to finish making the tea. Tom wasn’t the type to be impressed with gah-gah eyes. “Sit down, you big lump. You’re making the place look untidy.”
Tom looked around the messy apartment. “Yeah, right. Like you’re the house-proud type. Don’t think you’re gonna get far in the housewife-of-the-year competition this year, Beth.”
“You cheeky...” She threw a sponge and Tom batted it back at her.
They both laughed and Beth saw that behind the twinkle in his eyes was sadness.
They carried their mugs into the next room and Beth looked at Tom. “What’s wrong?”
“What makes you think there’s something wrong?”
“I can see it in your eyes, Tom.”
“My grandmother... She recently passed away. She lived with me. That’s why I used to knock when you got a bit loud.”
Beth put her hands to her face. “Oh, Tom! I’m so sorry. You should have told me. If only I’d known...” They slumped on the sofa.
Tom managed a half grin. “But you weren’t to know, were you, Beth? It was a peaceful end.” The big man’s eyes were glassy. “My mother lives abroad and my gran never wanted to go into a home.” He blinked back tears. “I could never have let that happen.”
He sat tall on the sofa but Beth pulled his head down to her neck. “Forgive me. Tom. I’m spoilt and selfish.”
Tom sat up. “Don’t say that. You’re nothing of the sort. I only wished I’d knocked more often. We could have got to know each other. Gran would have liked you.”
Beth wrinkled her smooth brow. “It’s funny, Tom. I feel we already do. That we’ve known each other for years. I... I feel close to you. Maybe we knew each other in an earlier life.”
Tom brightened up. “You know, I think you may be right. I know I was a roman emperor in a past life. It’s all coming back to me. Yes, you were one of the handmaidens that washed my feet.”
“You brute!”
Beth threw herself at him and pounded on his chest with her small fists. Tom kind of grabbed her wrists and dragged her across his body, rolling her over and smacking her sharply on the buttocks.
“Oww, oww, oww.” Then Beth was helpless with laughter as he lifted her bodily and plunked her next to him with her legs trailing across his thighs.
“I told you, young lady. You’re not too big to go over my knee.”
Beth saluted. “Yes sir!”
Tom got serious. “Okay, Beth. Tell uncle Tom your problems.”
“I couldn’t. Tom. Not with what you’ve been through. It must have been awful for you. I can’t begin to imagine. My problems are nothing next to that.”
“Wrong,” said Tom. “They are your problems, Beth. They’re unique to you. No one can judge anyone else’s feelings. Come on, or it’s over my knee again.”
Beth giggled. She really wouldn’t have minded. But Tom was being serious. She took a breath. “I hope you’re not easily shocked.” Tom grinned and shook his head. “Okay. I think I’m in love with another woman.” Tom didn’t blink. “But I’m supposed to be getting married to my childhood sweetheart who won’t have sex with me.” She took another huge breath. “I’ve had sex with men and women. Lots of them. Naughty sex.” Tom picked up his mug and sipped while he listened. He rested one hand on Beth’s legs. It was over her skirt and just above the top of her stockings. Beth felt hot and moist between her thighs. She kept her legs together and concentrated. “I... I think I’m a nymphomaniac.” She sniffed and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “Everyone wants my money, Tom. Sometimes I think I’m going mad. I don’t know who I can trust anymore. And I can’t tell the difference between love and infatuation.” Beth breathed out. Tom was smiling. “That’s it. You can walk away from me now if you want to.”
“What sort of friend would I be then?”
“Don’t you think that I’m disgusting?”
“Durr, no. You’re just kinda mixed up, Beth. Have you done anything illegal?” Beth shook her head. “Was the sex between consenting adults?” Beth nodded.
“Then you’re just a healthy young woman who’s confused about her sexuality. You’re bi-sexual, Beth. You have a very high sex drive.” He grinned. “You’re every man’s dream!”
She punched him before giving herself time to think about it. It sort of made sense. “Can I get help for it?”
“Ah, now I can help you there. I know an excellent phsyco-dynamic counselor that would be happy to help you. Her name is Tina and she’s a good friend of mine. I can call her and fix something up if you’d like me to.”
“Tom! You wouldn’t, would you? That would be fantastic. I know I have to do something to help myself. Maybe counseling is the answer.”
“You’ve already taken the first step, Beth. Admitting you need help. Now tell me about the money side of things.”
She started from the time that Darren had turned up at her flat. She told him about Lucy, her crazy relationship with Ali and the sex with Richard in London while Darren had been out. She rambled on until she arrived at earlier the same evening and how she needed to be with someone that wouldn’t judge her. She wanted to be near someone that she felt safe with. The big man was the only one that fitted the bill. She hoped he felt suitably honored.
Tom grinned at that before starting to talk, “I know something about the law, Beth. I’ve also had run-ins with some shady characters in my time. Are you ready for what I’m going to say? You may not like what you hear.”
She squirmed in
to the corner of the sofa. “I’m ready.”
“Keep Ali by your side, Beth. She’s infatuated with you. And you could simply be reflecting the apparent love she has for you. But it doesn’t sound quite right to me. I’m not sure. Don’t commit yourself, Beth. As for the lovely Lucy - why not take advantage of her talent if you intend to expand the restaurant side? But try not to fuck her again.” Beth looked suitably shocked. “The casual lover thing has to stop. You’re worth more than that, Beth. Sooner or later it’ll be with the wrong man or woman. You could end up hurting a lot of people in the process. Tina will help you with that. Darren is the difficult one. Is he just a pawn of his father or is he a cunning bastard that wants to rip you off for everything he can get? Either way he wants to control you. Go with your heart, Beth. Stop trying to rationalize everything. Be more assertive. You might just be chasing a dream. Jacob and that other clown Clive Francis are con-men. I can have them killed of you want to me to. Just say the word.” Beth looked at Tom with big eyes. “I’m joking.”
Beth cracked up. She laughed until tears were running down her face. Then she flung her arms round Tom’s neck. “Thank you, Tom. Everything you said makes sense.”
“It’s easy to talk about it, Beth. The hard bit is having the courage to follow it up. It won’t be easy. Behavioral patterns aren’t easy to change.”
“I’ll try, Tom. I promise.” She looked shyly away. “Tom...”
“Yes, Beth?”
“Do you have a girlfriend?”
“Not right now. I’ve been too busy looking after gran.”
Beth didn’t need to think for too long. She paused for maybe two seconds to run through what Tom had said in her mind. She didn’t think she was breaking any rules. She looked into the big man’s eyes and kissed him. Tom was hesitant. He must have been thinking the same things as Beth. His resistance lasted for another second.