Honorable Intentions

by Pauline Saull

  “Did you know the business when my father owned it?” she asked.

  “No, sadly I only knew of it. I never met your father. I’m a recently new local, having relocated from Newcastle a couple of years ago. Is your father enjoying his retirement?”

  Arabella had moved closer to listen to her and Suzy told them of her parents’ joy with their new life in Spain, all the time fully aware that Amanda had followed Jake through the French doors out onto the patio. She heard the sound of her tinkled delighted laughter at something he said.

  Jake reappeared moments later and apologized for not providing Suzy with a drink.

  “Juice is fine for me, thanks.”

  He looked at her. “Orange, mango, lemon and lime?”

  Suzy smiled disarmingly. “Do you have pineapple?”

  Rubbing his chin, Jake grinned. “No. I do not have pineapple.”

  Suzy was aware that her mouth had tightened and felt he was trying to rile her. She was determined to keep her cool. “Okay, then I’ll have a glass of white wine. Sauvignon blanc if you have it.”

  Jake leaned forward to say quietly, “I do, but had I not, I would have gone out and bought some. I get the distinct feeling that I’ve done something to annoy you.”

  Suzy widened her eyes. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

  “Nothing. A glass of Sav coming up.” He turned away.

  Amanda had appeared, empty glass in hand. Her glance went from Jake’s retreating back to Suzy.

  “I hear you’re extremely busy these days,” she said coolly. “So how do you feel about this further interview…done alongside Jake of course? Something quite in depth about the future and where you see Porterhouse in say, ten years. Jackson’s quite keen on focusing on changes in the industry. If you have no objection we could do it here, today.”

  Before Suzy could answer Jake returned with a glass of wine for her. As she took it from him he smiled, causing her stomach to do a small flip.

  “If you’d all like to come outside the food won’t be long,” Jake said.

  Walking out into the sunshine, Suzy shielded her eyes. Beside her, Amanda dropped a pair of designer sunglasses over her eyes.

  “You didn’t affirm my question regarding the interview?” she said.

  “Yes. It would be a pleasure to do it with Jake on board too. If of course he agrees. I could quite look forward to it. Isn’t this view just marvelous?” Suzy walked to the balustrade and looked out over the green valley toward the sea, with the town nestled below to her right. “You can see everything from here,” she mused.

  “Pardon?” Amanda turned to look at her.

  “Oh, nothing. Just something I heard once.”

  “Jake sure had a good eye when he chose this place,” Jackson said appreciatively joining them. “The guy has an eye for good property.”

  A waiter appeared from the house carrying two large platters which he set on the table as the young woman by his side set out cutlery and condiments. Jake, at the barbeque, called out for everyone to take a seat because the food was ready, and they took their places at the immaculately set long bench with a large bowl of fragrant roses as its center piece. Jake placed two dishes, one holding an enormous lobster, the other a salmon, next to the platters of mixed salads and bread. He pulled out a chair for Suzy.

  “You’re next to me,” he said slipping into the one beside her.

  Talk was relaxed and easy, and Suzy found herself warming to Arabella on her other side, a small, slightly plump blonde girl with an infectious laugh. She worked, she told Suzy, as sub-editor to Sam and loved the job.

  “In fact,” she added, “if I had to choose another, it would doing what you do, though I have to admit I’d find the hard sell a bit difficult.”

  “Mm.” Suzy thought about this. “I’ve never used that tactic. When I go to do an assessment, I know more or less straight away whether I’m going to get the listing or not. And if it’s a negative vibe, I quietly back off and tell the people involved to call me anytime if they need further info. Usually, most people will get two or three agents in to give them an appraisal, and nine times out of ten choose the one who gave them the highest valuation.”

  Jake leaned across slightly to say, “And also nine times out of ten, that agent knows the high figure will never be reached. Many vendors become very disillusioned.”

  Suzy sat back a little as he spoke. He was so close she could smell the deeply sensuous aroma of his shower gel, or was it shampoo? She couldn’t be sure, and her nostrils quivered slightly.

  “Suzy,” Jake continued to Arabella, “is an excellent, and thoroughly honest agent who never overvalues. I admire that greatly. How’s the lobster?” He pointed to Suzy’s plate.

  “Delicious. Succulent. I have to confess I haven’t eaten it before.”

  “And this salmon is lovely Jake,” Arabella said.

  With the dishes cleared away, the group retired to the cane seating set around a low table where coffee and tea were laid out, and Amanda asked permission to start the interview.

  “All right with you, Suzy?” Jake asked.

  “Sure. Fire away,” she said to Amanda.

  Watched by her boss and colleagues, Amanda handled the interview professionally and easily, though Suzy sometimes had the impression she would have much preferred to have Jake on his own. Her whole demeanor changed when she addressed questions to him, much to Suzy’s secret amusement.

  When they’d finished, Jackson expressed pleasure with the outcome.

  “You two,” he said to Suzy and Jake, “are very relaxed together. Easy to interview, wouldn’t you agree, Amanda?”

  Amanda, looking to Suzy as though she had a pound coin stuck in her throat, nodded.

  “Oh, yes. Absolutely.”

  Soon afterward, the coffee and teapots empty and the afternoon rapidly cooling, Jackson suggested it was time for him and Arabella to take their leave. He thanked Jake warmly for his hospitality and cooperation.

  “You too, Suzy,” he said shaking her hand. “It’s been a pleasure meeting you.”

  Jackson and Arabella collected their belongings. Sam picked up his long trench coat and Amanda put her laptop away as they all walked out to the front of the house. Suzy, who had picked her bag up, followed.

  She felt Jake’s light touch on her arm.

  “Stay awhile,” he murmured. “You’re not in a rush are you?”

  Suzy felt a jolt of pleasure shoot through her. “Um, well, no. I have nothing else on. I did the ironing before I left, remember?”

  Jake laughed and Suzy, seeing the look of dismay which clouded Amanda’s face as she looked at them, felt remorseful. The woman definitely had a major crush on Jake.

  Not unlike me!

  In that moment as she waved goodbye to three people she barely knew, Suzy had time to allow her thoughts to wander and actually admit to herself for the first time just how attracted she was to him. Oh, she’d had moments in the past when her heart fluttered, jumped in his presence, but she’d put those down to the fact that yes, he was an extremely good looking man, so what woman in her right mind wouldn’t be affected?

  It was just a normal healthy reaction, she’d always told herself. And the kiss had given her a little push further along the path into his web.

  She turned away as the cars rolled down the driveway, unsure of what to do, noting that Amanda’s wave was distinctly directed at Jake only.

  “Would you like to sit outside or inside?” Jake asked.

  “Oh…outside, please, it’s still a lovely afternoon.”

  “Can I get you coffee? A cold drink?”

  “A cold drink would be nice, thank you.”

  “Mango, lemon and lime, orange?”

  Suzy laughed. “Too many choices again, I’m useless with them. I never could make a decision when given too many. Any of those would be lovely. I’ll leave it up to you.”

  Jake looked at her. “Too many choices, eh?” He rubbed his chin. “Are you like that about
everything?”

  “Mm. Well let’s say I’ve learned, or hope I have, to be a little more selective. In the past I’ve tended to jump in and make mistakes. Something I expect most of us do. Does it make it sound like a fault?”

  “Hey.” He laughed, holding his hands up. “I can’t find any fault with you.”

  “You’re too kind. Dad always used to give me choices when I was a child which irritated mum. ‘Fish fingers or beans on toast,’ he’d say, ‘or would you rather have Welsh rarebit.’ Mum would scold him. ‘Children,’ she said, ‘need boundaries, not choices.’”

  “Okay,” Jake laughed. “No choices. Lime juice coming up.”

  Suzy watched his back as he walked toward the house, the easy swing, the natural swagger which appeared to come so easily to tall slender men, especially when they had slim hips…and those tight jeans did accentuate them. She recalled the feel of her hands in his thick dark hair when they’d kissed, how her body had reacted pressed so close to his, and the strength in his broad shoulders and arms. She squirmed in her seat.

  Whoa Suzy!

  She gazed out across the patio to the view and wondered why he had asked her to stay behind. Surely there was nothing that couldn’t be said at the office? Though she had to admit the warmth rushing through her at the thought of time alone with him, in private this time, was extremely intoxicating. Couldn’t find any fault with her, he’d said!

  He returned with a tray holding two glasses chinking with ice and a jug of lime juice filled with segments.

  “Did you enjoy the interview?” Jake filled the two glasses.

  “Surprisingly, yes. I think it was the relaxed atmosphere. Amanda is certainly accomplished.”

  “Mm.” Jake took a drink. He pulled his chair around slightly so that they were facing each other and leaned forward. “I suppose you’re wondering why I asked you to stay?”

  Suzy raised her eyebrows. “Work possibly?”

  “Spot on. Northcote Manor in fact. I’m going out there early tomorrow to hopefully sign it up and I’d like you to come with me. Norris Shepherd will meet us there.”

  “Oh, yes, I’d love to come.”

  “I do like your fervor for everything,” Jake said, startling her. “It’s very catching. Tell me, were you always like this…as a child, youngster, I mean?”

  Suzy smiled. “My Dad always said I was impulsive, that I jumped in eagerly like an exuberant puppy, which I suppose is akin to fervor, enthusiasm.”

  “Yeah. I bet you were popular at school. Lots of friends?”

  “No, not really. Once I latched onto India Smith…she was Mary when we first met…I really didn’t feel the need for anyone else. We were attached at the hip from the age of eleven.”

  “Ah, yes. India Smith!” Jake sounded surprised. “She of the exotic pots, which I am now the proud owner of. I love her work. I didn’t know you two were friends.”

  Suzy crossed her first two fingers. “That close.”

  “She has a place down here somewhere, I believe. I’d like to call on her and see what her latest pieces are like.”

  Suzy took a card from her bag. “I think you’ll be impressed, but I’d advise you to call her first. When she’s seriously potting she doesn’t like to be disturbed.”

  “Thanks.” Jake slipped the card into his shirt pocket.

  “And what about you…your younger days?” Suzy said.

  Jake leaned back and stretched. “Oh, you know, the usual stuff. Too busy messing about to come out of school with anything of value. I think I disappointed my folks. Dad did once have hopes of me becoming an architect, but you need exam results for a career like that and I wasn’t interested in studying. I wanted to get out into the wide world and make my mark. Arrogant little beggar that I was!”

  Suzy laughed. “But you did succeed. That’s an accomplishment.”

  Jake nodded. “I can’t take too much credit for the way my life has turned out. I was very lucky that Dad had a business he was more than happy to let me run and build up. And of course I finally did get the architect degree which was a bonus. Because I love buildings of all kinds, that came quite easy to me.”

  “And what about your time in Saudi?”

  Jake frowned. “Good moments for sure, some not so good though.” He looked up at the sky. Black clouds were beginning to roll in. “Looks like rain,” he said.

  Taking that as a cue Suzy reached for her bag.

  “I must be going. Mum usually Skypes on a Sunday evening, I don’t like to miss her. Thank you for an enjoyable afternoon.”

  Jake walked her to her car. Opening the door for her, he said, “I’ll pick you up at nine tomorrow outside the office?”

  “Oh! I thought I’d meet you out at Northcote.”

  “I’d like us to travel together. I like your company. See you in the morning, Suzy.”

  Feeling slightly dazed but trying to remain cool, she slid into the car and started the engine, and he closed her door.

  As she drove away Suzy’s glance flickered once, twice, to the rear view mirror but Jake had disappeared.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jake arrived outside her cottage gate promptly at nine and Suzy was waiting. The day was overcast and cool and she pulled on a gray cardigan as she walked to his car. Smiling widely, Jake was already out to open the passenger door for her, a habit of his which greatly endeared him to her. Chivalrous, she thought.

  “How are you?” Jake asked as he slid into his seat.

  “Good, and looking forward to seeing Northcote.”

  Jake smiled. “You won’t be disappointed.”

  They drove for twenty minutes, discussing a program both had watched and enjoyed the previous evening.

  “I had no idea there were so many beautiful unusual birds in Australia,” Jake commented. “Did you see that display the male lyre bird put on? He’d even entice me! They put our little wrens in the shade.”

  “No! Never,” Suzy protested, and he laughed.

  They’d left the main road and turned off down a lane which, after about half a mile, divided off into five arms of narrower lanes. He took the second on the left and drove slowly down the bumpy track through a dense hedge of overhanging wild honeysuckle, bramble, and yew.

  “As you can see,” he observed, “very little upkeep has been done for quite some time. But look at this.”

  He turned a corner and there before them, sitting on a lush lawn of wildly overgrown grass which sloped gently down to the deep blue sea beyond, sat the beautiful Northcote Manor.

  “Oh, my goodness. It’s breathtaking,” Suzy said clambering out of the car. There were no other buildings in sight to mar the view in any direction. Behind the house tree clad hills rose as though providing shelter from whatever the elements would throw at the old building. Mullioned windows glittered in the small patches of sunlight, breaking through the dense cloud and a vigorous wisteria interspersed with a prolific pink rose hung untidily over the wide oak front door.

  “It’s just perfect, Jake. I can see why you’re so excited by it.”

  “Yeah. I think we’ll be able to make stunning apartments out of the space.” He looked around. “Odd, Norris’ car’s not here yet.” He walked over to the broad steps on the porch and rang the bell. Suzy joined him and after what seemed an interminable wait, footsteps could be heard clattering across an uncarpeted floor. The door flung open and they both looked at the tiny figure of a straight-backed gray-haired lady leaning on a stick.

  “Yes?” she said imperiously. “Deliveries go around the back, don’t you know.”

  “I’m sorry,” Jake said. “I’m Jake Mason and this is Suzy Porter from the Porterhouse Estate Agency. We’re here to meet Norris Shepherd. I believe he has mentioned us?”

  “Ah! Yes, of course he has. Do forgive me, I have a habit of forgetting things just lately.” She smiled. “You’re on time. Most unusual these days.” She rolled her eyes. “The butcher can’t even be bothered to get here when he says he will. Stand
ards are slipping dreadfully. Well, then I suppose you’d better come inside. I’m Barbara Shepherd by the way, Norris’ mother, and as usual my son has taken it upon himself to behave true to form by leaving me to do his dirty work…like the little…well, least I say about him the better.” She held the door back. “Do come on in.”

  Suzy glanced at Jake, but he was intent on closing the door behind them. Hearing Barbara Shepherd’s words had filled her with the strangest sensation of unease. It reminded her of a time when, as a child, unable to wait for her father to strap skates on her, she’d dashed out onto an ice rink and her feet slid from under her, leaving her in a sprawled cold mess with a sore bottom. She didn’t have the sore bottom now or cold back, but something felt wrong. Avoiding any further looks in Jake’s direction, she followed Mrs. Shepherd through the high-ceilinged black and white checkered tiled hallway into a room on the left hand side where a large gas fire burned in the ornate fireplace. Curtains were drawn shut allowing very little light in, and the room was overfilled with antique furnishings and smelled stuffy from lack of fresh air. It was, though, impressive, with spectacularly molded friezes, a wonderful central ceiling rose, and high wooden skirting boards.

  “Please take a seat,” Barbara Shepherd said, indicating two Victorian armchairs. “I must apologize for the fact that I can’t offer you a pot of tea. It’s the housekeeper’s day off, so I make do with water when Norris isn’t here too.” She held out her arthritic, cruelly twisted hands.

  “Useless things,” she said. “I can just about manage to microwave my meals but I can’t hold a full kettle anymore.”

  “It must be very painful,” Suzy said.

  Barbara Shepherd turned to survey her with startlingly clear gray eyes.

  “I can see your father in you,” she said baldly. “Same eyes and jawbone.”

  “Oh! You know him then?”

  “Did. Once. A thousand years ago. We were at college together for a short while. Then he met your mother and he was lost to everyone else.” She smiled. “Good men usually go that way.” Her gaze slid to Jake. “So, Mr. Mason. Here’s the story. It’s not good, so let me quickly put you both out of your misery. My son will not be showing up today.” Her lips pursed. “He has no guts you see, never has, which would have his poor dear father turning in his grave if he knew how his son had turned out. Anyway, the fact of the matter is, before he scuttled off this morning Norris told me that he does not wish to sign Northcote with you, because he’s heard certain rumors that have unsettled him, namely that you’ll probably pull the old place down…Please,” she said as Jake was about to speak, “don’t look so worried. The idea wouldn’t concern me in the least once I’m not living here.”