by Penny Henry
"Where the hell have you been Ali? Didn't you get my message?" Beth blocked Ali’s progress towards the table where four pairs of eyes studied Beth and Ali’s aggressive stances.
"As a matter of fact I've been in a conference all day," said Ali coldly. "I didn't get a chance to check my messages until an hour ago. I came straight here." She lifted an arm to check her watch. "I'm early," she said defiantly.
"I wanted to talk to you before the meeting," hissed Beth. "What's the point of having a personal account manager that's never available?"
"You're not the bank's only client, Beth. You may be one of the wealthiest but that doesn't give you the right to take out your frustration on me."
"Oh, I’m not just frustrated by your lack of courtesy, Ali. I'm annoyed that you’re not doing your job after all the promises you made."
"I can turn round and leave right now if you like, Beth. I will not have you telling me how I should or should not do my job. Do you understand me?"
Beth bit back her angry response. She was fuming. She stared at Ali’s unflinching challenge. The petite banker showed no sign of backing down. "You're here now. So I suppose we might as well get on with it."
"Looks like trouble in toyland," said Jacob under his breath as Beth and Ali walked stony-faced towards the staring group.
"What a shame," whispered Darren sarcastically. "And we were all getting on so well."
Ali pulled a chair from a neighboring table. Beth ignored her and dropped heavily into her own place. Ali acknowledged the muted greetings from the staring faces and got straight to the point. "Your proposals if you please, gentlemen."
Clive and Jacob handed over folders that were marginally thicker than those presented on Saturday. Ali accepted them all and leafed through the contents with a resigned sigh. "I realize that time has been limited, gentlemen, but you really haven't given me much to work with."
Clive leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together. "You must take into account that we have been hampered by being asked to obtain complex information over a weekend," he said softly. "I suggest that you review the proposals with Beth for agreement in principle before we proceed to the next stage."
"I’m looking for facts," snapped Ali, irritated by Clive's patronizing tone. "An agreement in principle would assume that Beth accepts the proposals without being in possession of the true costs involved. Time-share developments, in particular, are notoriously unreliable investments. In reality Beth would be asked to sign a blank check. I cannot advise Miss Thomas to agree to those terms."
Clive shrugged. "Perhaps we should ask Beth?"
All eyes turned towards the morose woman who sat unsmiling in her chair. She fixed Ali with a chilling stare before sweeping his eyes round the table. "I agree with Ali. I'll need a lot more than a glossy brochure to invest in a Spanish time-share development." She watched Ali breathe an audible sigh of relief. "But Darren and I want to make an offer on the house." Beth registered the tightness around Ali's mouth. "And I'm keen to go ahead with the restaurant company franchise."
"Beth, you can't!" blurted out Ali. "You’ll need a feasibility study from a professional consultancy firm before you even think about it. You’d be throwing away your money."
"Yes I can," said Beth flatly. "It's my money."
Ali glared at Beth. "Then you will do it against my specific advice.” They stayed locked in a battle of wills that excluded the astonished onlookers until Ali broke her gaze and sprang to her feet. "You’re a fool, Beth. Goodbye." She swept a withering glance across the smug faces that smiled at her before turning on her heel and walking off without another word.
"Well done, Beth." Jacob's voice oozed from his mouth like the silvery trail of a slug, coating the proceedings with a slimy sheen of self-satisfaction.
"Not now, dad," hissed Darren. He was alarmed by Beth's fierce grip on the arms of her chair and her tightly clenched jaw.
"I'll be in touch," snapped Beth, rising to his feet. "I'm going for a walk." Darren opened his mouth to say something. "Alone," added Beth abruptly.
They watched her depart in long purposeful strides still puzzled by her obvious anger but relieved that the meeting had not been dragged out. They had each got a result. Jacob was more than happy with Beth's commitment to the franchise scheme. Lucy was overjoyed. She had been left in blissful ignorance of Jacob and Darren’s scheme to push her out. Clive's time-share deal had been a long shot anyway, but the over-priced house was as good as sold.
Jacob raised a finger to summon a waiter. "I think this justifies a round of drinks. I believe we all have something to celebrate."
They began to relax and only Darren spared a second glance in the direction that Beth had taken. He knew Beth well enough to know that there was more to her foul mood than a mere falling-out with Ali. Beth was seething like a capped volcano. There was only one possible reason he could think of. It seemed implausible and it wasn’t something he was about to share. The only explanation lay in Ali’s doe-like eyes. Ali was in love with Beth. Now he had an explanation of why Beth had refused him in the bedroom. It was time that Darren did something about the interfering bank employee. A plot began to hatch in his fertile mind. He allowed himself a smile. Ali didn't know who she was dealing with. The buoyant career of the brilliant young banker was about to hit the rocks.
Chapter Thirteen
Beth walked until the riverbank petered out. The dried earth of the pathway was blocked by an impassable track overgrown with hogweed and spiny hawthorn. She turned reluctantly to retrace her steps at a slower pace. Ali had been right. She was a fool. She had been furious and refused Ali’s advice out of a fit of childish pique. She had desperately wanted to put things right between them. Instead she had made things worse. She had been upset that Ali hadn't called her and jealous that there had been other demands on her time. She was angry with herself for being unable to face the truth. She was in love with Ali.
She still had disturbing thoughts of Tom. Maybe if things had been different. If Tom had showed the slightest interest in getting to know her better. Maybe then she wouldn’t be so obsessed with Ali. But the truth was that she was. The more that she argued with Ali, the more she wanted to be with her. The more she needed Ali to love her back. Had Darren been right? Was she just another wealthy client? Or had Tom been right in what he said? Was she simply reflecting the love she thought that Ali felt for her?
Darren had barely entered her thoughts. Poor Darren. He had no idea of the turmoil in her head. Or that he was about to be married to a seriously neurotic woman. How did she expect to be taken seriously by the vultures that were circling over her money? It was about time she faced up to her responsibilities. She had been acting like a love-struck teenager. She hadn’t spared a thought for what Darren must be going through. If was about time she came to terms with her own failings. Darren had sacrificed everything to help her run her affairs. She owed it to him to make good on her promises. She would buy the house and marry Darren. She would repay his faith in her by funding the franchise scheme that he had set his heart on. She wasn’t changing her mind.
That left Beth with one thing left to do. She needed to call the bank and make an appointment with Kierran. She was in need of a new account manager.
"Good morning, Beth." Kierran was his usual charming self, shaking Beth's hand warmly and ushering her into the privacy of his office. The appointment was convenient for both of them. Kierran had wanted to see Beth too.
"Take a seat, Beth. How are you? How is Darren?"
"We're both absolutely fine. We’ve been keeping busy." Beth was a shade surprised that Kierran had thought to inquire after Darren. There was no love lost between the two men and Kierran was not one to conceal his feelings.
“Actually, I spoke to Darren yesterday afternoon, Beth. It was late and he happened to catch me leaving. He told me about your problem."
Beth was intrigued. "Really? My problem? Darren didn't mention it."
&n
bsp; "I expect he was trying to save you the embarrassment."
"I'm not sure I follow, Kierran."
"It was about Ali. I'm not certain that Darren would appreciate me letting you know, but I don't like working behind people's backs." There was a hint of criticism in Kierran's voice that put Beth on edge. "I’m assuming you’ve came see me about the same thing."
Beth crossed her legs and sat back. "Tell me, Kierran. What exactly did Darren say?"
"That Ali was becoming a nuisance," said Kierran bluntly. "Darren seems to think that Ali is infatuated with you, Beth. He thinks her emotions are getting in the way of her making good business judgments." Kierran paused and raised his eyebrows. He was finding this difficult. He had always regarded Ali as the complete professional. "Darren is of the opinion that Ali is manipulating you. He feels that you deserve greater respect and that the bank should take responsibility for its employees. Consequently, I have relieved Ali of your account and taken the responsibility back. That’s why this meeting is convenient for both of us."
Beth sat unspeaking. She was unable to think straight. There was a chill at the base of her skull that was starting to creep down her spine. The frosty fingers were freezing her bones and sliding icy fingertips round her heart. "I’m so sorry, Kierran. I can’t think what Darren is talking about. He is grossly over-exaggerating. There have been some disagreements concerning my choice of investments, of course. But Ali has behaved with absolute correctness. I will personally vouch for her integrity. It was my fault. I chose to ignore her advice and I take full responsibility for that." She caused Kierran to sit up with the passion in her eyes. "Darren has stepped way over the mark, Kierran. What Darren said mustn’t reflect on Ali in any way."
"Thank you for saying that, Beth. I have every confidence in Ali." He shuffled some paperwork. “Of course, it does mean that my decision stands. There is obviously a clash of personalities between Ali and Darren that would make the previous arrangement unworkable."
Beth expelled a breath. "I understand, Kierran. That was something I wanted to talk to you about. Darren has become over-protective since the Lottery win. He is suspicious of any advice that conflicts with his own." Kierran looked at Beth suspiciously. "And I’m sure you know that Ali is not easily intimidated. The situation has become a bit of a nightmare. As much as I hate to say it, I think you’ve probably made the right decision. I’ll really miss Ali.”
"Thank you, Beth. I can assure you that Ali's career with the bank won’t be affected in any way." He phrased his next words carefully. "You do realize that Darren may not be the best person to rely on for financial advice, don't you, Beth? From Ali’s reports it does appear that Darren has a lot to gain by steering your investments into certain areas." Kierran was on dangerous ground but he considered Beth a friend.
Beth wasn’t about to take offence. She was under no illusion that Darren would be content to play the doting partner. He had his own ambitions. But Darren could still do that and they would be happy together. "I completely understand what you're saying, Kierran. I appreciate your concern for me. But you don't know Darren the way I do. I know he’s brash and rude to people but he has a heart of gold. We plan on getting married very soon. He just wants the best for me."
Kierran looked at Beth almost pityingly. "Well, that must be your decision, Beth. You know where I am if you need me. I’ll always be here for you."
Beth left the bank with a warm goodbye from Kierran and sadness in her heart. She was walking away from a woman who lifted her heart and lightened her step. There was something about Ali that made Beth want to grin with the pleasure of being in her company. It was this simple joy that Darren had detected and responded to by slurring Ali’s good name. She felt a rush of anger at Darren’s thoughtless action. It was a jealous knee-jerk reaction that could have cost Ali her career. Beth had stated her commitment to Darren. There had been no need to drag Ali's name through the mud. She hadn't deserved it. Beth had certain principles. She had always planned to honor her promises to Darren - despite her misgivings and heart-breaking attraction to Ali. She expected equal respect from Darren in return.
The afternoon was hers to do with as she pleased. Darren’s new car had arrived earlier that morning. It had been prepared in record time. Beth’s surprise at the arrival of the stunning vehicle had been doubled by the sight of a Ducati 899 Panigale motorbike being unloaded from a trailer. Darren had sworn it had been part of the deal. Anyway, it had only cost £12,500 to buy the brilliant sports bike. He had been like a kid again. He had reminded Beth of the times she and her brother had spent fooling around on bikes with Beth clinging to Darren’s back. He had ignored the new Mercedes to go for a long ride. Beth didn’t have the heart to send it back. She considered that it was probably best that Darren wasn’t around to bear the brunt of her anger with his latest escapade. His absence would give her time to calm down and contemplate a future without Ali. She supposed it had to happen. She couldn’t expect Ali to hang around on the off-chance that she would break up with Darren and they’d have a chance to test their love. Darren had probably saved Ali’s career. This was the best way for all of them.
She told herself the same thing over and over as she drove back to the hotel, hoping that eventually she would believe it. She was still repeating it in her mind when she walked into the foyer and found Ali waiting for her.
"Beth!" Ali jumped up from the leather bench. She was staring with eyes wide open and looking for all the world like the little girl who had lost her sheep. Ali was nervous and it was showing.
Beth’s first impulse was to take Ali into her arms and hug the waif-like figure to her breast. She could whisper that everything was going to be all right and stroke Ali’s hair as she snuggled into Beth’s shoulder. Instead she swallowed hard and offered Ali her hand.
"Hello, Ali. This is a nice surprise." Her voice wasn’t sounding as confident as it had in her head. "I didn’t expect to see you again. I've just come from talking to Kierran.” She added it casually as if it would explain everything.
Ali let Beth’s hand drop. She gazed into Beth’s eyes until Beth thought she would simply fall into the liquid pools of gold and melt in Ali’s eyes. "I... I wanted to say goodbye." She filled her lungs with air before she spoke again, "And I wanted to apologize for any upset I've caused."
Beth weakened. "Please don't blame yourself, Ali. It was entirely my fault. I took advantage of your kindness and acted like a complete idiot."
“Thank you, Beth. That's very generous of you.” She gave Beth the cutest look from beneath her charcoal lashes. "But I have to take some of the blame. I was appointed by the bank to manage your account... I became personally involved with you. I'm sorry, Beth. That’s all I have to say." She made a sudden move to walk round her. Beth panicked. She couldn't just let her walk away. No matter what she had spent the last thirty minutes telling herself.
"Ali, don't go. Give me a chance to explain. We can get a coffee." Beth’s face was shining as if she had discovered the meaning of life. "Please?"
Ali smiled despite herself. Beth was hard to ignore. She thought about it for all of two seconds. "Okay, Beth. But it's against my better judgment. I really should be catching up with the clients I've been neglecting for you lately."
"Aah, well, if you will take days off during the week," she said wickedly.
They fell silent as they walked through to the lounge, remembering the glorious day they had spent together. Beth had just bought the beautiful car and they had strolled along the seafront before eating at the Mariposa. The bitter-sweet ending to the day was a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of their relationship. Perhaps Beth had been right.
“Maybe it’s better this way.
"Maybe it's better this way."
They had said it at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed. Beth's pretty laugh blended with the silvery note of Ali's giggle. They had spoken the same sentence but their words held a hollow ring.
"It really i
s, Beth." Ali's voice took on a serious note. "We’ll end up hurting each other. You can marry Darren. I’ll carry on with my career at the bank. I'm told I have a bright future."
"I know you have, Ali. But who will watch out for me now? How will I ever replace you?
"You’ll soon forget that I ever existed, Beth. Darren will see to that." There was a note of bitterness that was impossible to disguise.
They sat in thought as the coffee arrived. Beth paused until the waiter had served their drinks. “You’re not so easy to forget, Ali."
Ali giggled engagingly. "You've only known me for a little while, Beth. I'm sure my brother would have enlightened you to my bad points, my terrible temper and my stubbornness."
"Actually, Asif had only good things to say about you. I think he’s hoping for someone to come along and take you off his hands."
Ali lowered her eyes. "That's brothers for you. I hope he didn't mention a dowry."
Beth grinned. "He said he might have to sell the Yamaha DV 600."
"Now I know you're lying. He’d rather sell Vindia."
Beth spluttered in her cup. “Ali, you’re terrible.” They laughed together. There was a magic surrounding their closeness that fate had decreed was not to be. They talked lightly, discreetly avoiding the issues of Darren and Beth's contentious business strategy. Ali told Beth there were plans for her to take a post at the area office in the not-so-distant future. Beth asked about Ali’s brother and his wife. Their conversation was never stilted. Ali raised the subject of Beth's ambitious charity foundation.
Beth was hesitant. She seemed embarrassed. "Actually... It's not the sort of thing that Darren wants to hear about at the moment. He said the right things but I could see it in his face. I think I need to concentrate on what’s going on now before I turn my attention to something that big. It’s going to be a demanding project, especially as I don't have you to help me anymore." There was a note of anxiety in her voice