“I think I’ll go Saturday. What time?”
“It’s 1pm until 5pm. I could meet you there if you like?”
“Are you sure? Won’t you have couply things to do?”
She shook her head. “No, Johnny will be fine on his own for a bit. I’ll spend some time with you. Like you said you’re settling in and I should help you do that. We could go to Jax’s after.”
I smiled. “That sounds great. Thank you so much. I feel better for making some plans for the weekend. I’m determined not to wallow in that flat and to live my life.”
And next week I would get up the confidence to ask a guy out on a date. Waiter guy was handsome. Maybe I’d start there?
If all else failed there were two Cupids at my disposal and a dating agency nearby.
Samara
Phew. Operation Cupid was in process. I’d sorted out one half of the equation. Now how to get the other half there. A couple of days ago I’d waited in Jessica’s apartment while her bedroom window got replaced and it had given me the ideal opportunity to have a little nosy around. As soon as window guy left, I’d headed straight to the bottom of her wardrobe where sure enough I found a box with wedding photos and other bits in it.
The photos choked me up because both of them looked so damn happy. Completely and utterly in love. I could detect no single tingles from either of them in real life because they had already been matched and shot. They really did belong together. Life had just got in the way for both of them. However, they had serious hurdles to overcome before they could move forward.
But if I could get over my husband having been turned into a Whippet for a time then I was sure I could sort these two out. As I’d looked through the photos there had been a lot of the two of them sightseeing. In the photos they’d been younger and I assumed that they’d done this when they’d first got together, long before Lachlan started taking his work far too seriously and Jess had given up.
Somehow, I knew I needed to engineer them into this kind of situation, to remind them what they used to do. And I needed to act quickly now Jessica had announced she was ready to start dating again. The last thing I needed was for her to hurtle into a relationship that wasn’t going to work.
Max returned to the office from meeting Shelley.
“How are things?” I asked him.
He sighed. “Not ideal. I need to meet with Jess for an hour because Maisie’s date left her a bit sore and not in a good way.”
I had no idea what he was talking about but seeing as that went for 3/4 of his conversations I just nodded and followed him down the corridor to Jess’ office. He knocked and I followed him in.
“Why don’t I look after all the phones while you discuss things?” I said to them. “Work wise, I’m only still at the stage of looking through Rebecca’s files, and so far, everything is in order.”
“That would be great because I’m expecting a call from my mum. If you could answer and say ‘Max Wilkin’s assistant’ so she can think I’m a success, and you can say I’m busy on a trip to Paris or something, so I don’t have to speak to her either. Thanks, babes, that would just be epic.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’m okay. I’m not really expecting any calls.” Jess told me.
Damn. I needed her phone. Luckily, Max being the diva he is inadvertently came to my rescue.
“Jess, darling. I need all your attention. I’m on probation and pussy is just not my specialty. We need to get Maisie her ideal date and fast.”
I held my hand out for her phone, and sighing she passed it to me.
As soon as I was back out in reception, I typed a message to the phone number Lachlan had left on his business card.
Jessica: We need to talk. I’ll be at Withernsea Lighthouse at 1pm on Saturday. Don’t message me back, I won’t reply. If you’re interested in us moving forward, you’ll be there.
I pressed send, deleted it from the sent folder and hoped to God he listened and didn’t reply. Nothing came through for the next hour which made me think it could be okay.
I once more sat with the folders given to me by Rebecca and cross-referenced them against my print off. This time I found I had a match on my list that I did not have a file on. I felt excitement fizzing in my stomach. Well it was either that or too much antacid this morning. I clicked into the database for more information.
Holden Bisley
Julie-Ann Lane
Matched and point and clicked August 2017 by Rebecca Wilkins.
Outcome: Not together. Anomaly. RW
An anomaly? Like as in she’d got it wrong and they weren’t a match? It definitely warranted further investigation. Cupid wasn’t moving Rebecca to London for her brilliance so I had no choice but to try to find dirt and use Cupid as a stain remover, preferably Vanish. I called the telephone number we had on the system for Julie-Ann.
“Hello, Nails by Julie-Ann.”
Perfect. I could get a manicure at the same time as some information.
“Oh hello there. Could you tell me if having your nails done is safe when you are expecting a baby?”
“Yes, although you should always be cautious around fumes.”
“Hmmm, could I maybe just book in with you for a straight French Polish then?”
“Of course. I’m a mobile technician so when would you like me to come around?”
Even more perfect. I wouldn’t have to move. “When’s the earliest you could come? I’m going out to an awards ceremony on Friday evening, so the sooner the better.” I lied. “I’ll pay you extra for your trouble…”
Thursday night Julie-Ann Lane was at my door. I’d asked Johnny to make himself scarce, so he’d gone down to The Marine to have a few pints with his friends. He’d not needed much encouragement. I didn’t blame him. A night with me was usually a night accompanied by random moments of vomiting. I’d be glad when this stage passed that was for sure.
Julie-Ann was a friendly looking petite brunette with long glossy hair and a pout. She obviously enjoyed looking her best, care of fillers and fake tan.
“Samara?”
“Yes, come in. Would you like a drink?”
“Just a water please.”
I directed her into the kitchen, and we sat at the kitchen table after I’d got us both some water. We made polite chit chat about my pregnancy and then I was able to ask about her love life after I told her where I worked.
“I’m single unfortunately. I can’t get a past love out of my head. Stupid isn’t it?”
Actually, it was perfect.
“Oh no. Was it a bad break up?” I asked.
“He moved to Denmark. Just like that.” She looked wistful and started staring into space rather than polishing my nails. “I’d thought he was the one, you know? Then I got a card from Moonpig. Couldn’t even write me a note or call me. Just said he’d had the offer of a lifetime and he couldn’t turn it down.”
My records gave no indication of Holden having moved to Denmark. His current address was in Hull.
“Anyway, I’ve dated since, but I’ve never felt the same way about any of them, so I’ve chosen to stay single. Unless my heart pounds the way it did every time I met Holden, I’m not interested. I often wonder what he’s doing now. I bet he met a Danish woman and had beautiful babies.”
“Well, if you wanted, I could check our database to see if I could find him? You’d have to fill out the proper forms, but maybe he’s still single and I can get you guys back together?”
Her eyes lit up. “Seriously? Where are the forms? At least I’d get to know one way or another and that way if he is married and has children, I can finally lay that ghost to rest and move on with my life.”
“I just so happen to have some forms in my bag.” I told her. “As soon as my nails are dry, we’ll get things in motion.”
An hour later I had gorgeous nails and a completed application form. Soon I would have my first Aftercare project complete, I had no doubt. But now I needed to investigate Holden Bisley. T
o find out why he’d ended things with Julie-Ann, if he was still single, and why Rebecca didn’t want me to know about them.
“How did you get my number?” He spat down the line on Friday morning.
Uh oh. “I’m a private investigator so I have lots of contacts at my disposal not easily found by others.” I lied. Max’s eyes burned holes through me as he mouthed ‘Tell me’. I nodded and carried on listening to a panic-stricken man.
“Oh God. Did she find me? I knew I’d not moved far enough away. She’d promised she’d leave me alone. I told her I moved to Denmark for Christ’s sake. Then there was the restraining order. I mean she almost lost her job.”
Oh dear. It appeared the reason the match hadn’t gone so well was because one half was a stalker. She’d seemed so nice too.
“I’m sorry. I’ll tell Julie-Ann I was unable to find you. Once again, please accept my apologies and—”
“Did you say Julie-Ann? Julie-Ann Lane?”
“Yes, why who did you think I meant?” But as I said the words, I knew his answer.
“Rebecca Wilkins.”
I finished my phone call satisfied that I would definitely get my first Aftercare success, and if I wanted, I could potentially destroy Rebecca’s career.
Max was like an excited puppy dancing at the side of me. “Tell me. Tell me what that phone call was about. I can smell gossip, it’s like pheromones to me.” He sniffed the air and went, “mmmmmm.”
“You have to promise not to say a word, and it’s going to be difficult because it involves your sister.”
“Scout’s honour.” Max pulled Rebecca’s seat up to my desk.
“Okay. So when I went through the paperwork there was a couple Rebecca hadn’t included. Turns out your sister stalked one of them to the point he pretended to move away.”
Max’s forehead creased. “But the database would show her he didn’t.”
“Ah yes, but I believe her access to his details is restricted. Holden says that she almost lost her job.”
“Holden? Is his surname Bisley?”
“Yes, why?”
“He was her first crush. Lived on the next street to us. He was two years above her at school.”
“Well, what I can’t work out is that despite the fact Holden and his match Julie-Ann were smitten and have never stopped thinking about each other, they’ve never got together. Both were told by your sister that the other had moved away, and somehow, they’ve never been able to find each other. Things just aren’t adding up. Anyway, I’ve arranged for them to meet tomorrow evening at The Marine. Do you want to come and witness my first success?”
“Hell, yeah, baby girl, and also can we eat there? Been told the veggie sausage and mash is amazing and I love me some sausage.” He accompanied this statement with a perverted style laugh.
“So you know how my side of things are progressing; how goes it with Maisie? We need to make sure she meets her own match.”
“I could always strike one and set her on fucking fire.”
“Max!”
“Well, she went out last night to meet a guy called Steve and walked straight back out of the bar because he wore Hush Puppies and she won’t have anything whatsoever to do with dogs.”
“Oh God. Something will come to you, I’m sure. Or maybe you’ll have to come to my team and undateables really are that—undateable.”
“No. I refuse to believe it. I will find her something if it kills her.”
“I don’t think that’s how that saying goes.”
“Well it opens up more possibilities if she’s a ghost.”
“Yep, don’t think the police will buy that excuse for murdering a client somehow.”
“Ooh. Talking about cops. Has there been any progress with Jessica and the sexy sergeant?”
“Nope.” I said while I considered confessing all.
“Samara Leighton. You have that look on your face that you get when you’re being naughty. Spill, girlfriend. What have you done?”
Damn it. “Okay, so I’ve arranged to meet Jess tomorrow to show her the lighthouse.”
“Erm, okay. I don’t have to go do I?”
“No. I’m not going either.”
“Okay, this is a very confusing conversation. It reminds me of my mother trying to explain to me why Rebecca could grow a moustache and I couldn’t. Dark hair versus light. Makes such a difference.”
“Max.”
“Okay, okay. Carry on.”
“I’m not going, but… I sent a message from Jess’ phone asking Lachlan to meet her there to talk.”
Max got his phone out of his pocket and did his fake ringing noise.
“Is that Withernsea Funeral Directors? I’d like to book an advance slot for Saturday, just after 1pm probably.” He quipped.
“Samara, what were you thinking? She’ll kill you.”
“Well I have no choice do I because Cupid himself has decided that Jess and Lachlan are one of my cases.”
He did a dramatic jaw drop and then placing his hand under his chin he closed his mouth.
“Suddenly, my quest to get Maisie a date seems so much easier.” He smiled at me. “Good luck. It was nice knowing you. I do look good in black though.”
He flounced back to the reception, just as Rebecca walked through the door.
“What’s with the long face, Samara? Oh you were just born that way?” She dropped her bag at the side of the chair and switched her laptop on. “Things not going so well, sweetie? And I’ve had another successful day of matches. Looks like one of us is set for the top and the other is set for the dole queue.”
“I have another business, remember? Plus, I’m confident that my first Aftercare clients will be together very soon.”
“You have some clients? Who?” she asked.
Shit. I couldn’t tell her about Jessica and Lachlan, and I definitely couldn’t tell her about Holden and Julie-Ann.
“I’m saying nothing until the matches are in the bag.” I turned to my desk and made sure there was nothing on screen or on my desk to give her any heads up should she come looking.
“Hope it’s flame retardant, though I’ll be ready and waiting for the meltdown.” She smiled at me sweetly.
Yep, there was no way I was helping her to a promotion. It was definitely time for Rebecca to get what she deserved.
A one-way trip out of my life.
Jessica
I was looking forward to some girly time outside of work. I’d dressed casually in jeans and a jumper and added a thick Winter coat. The lighthouse was in sight when I got a text.
Samara: I’m not coming today. I have bad sickness. So sorry. Have fun. Hope you see a familiar face that can keep you company instead.
My stomach sank. Great. No day out in the company of a friend after all. Instead, it would be another day by myself. Maybe I would head down to Jax’s on my own after the lighthouse and introduce myself. I needed more friends.
“Hey, Jess.”
I swivelled around quickly to find Lachlan standing behind me. The first thing I noticed was he was wearing a dark navy coat. I’d always loved that colour on him.
“Lachlan.” I acknowledged. He carried on staring. “Well? Do you want something?”
His mouth narrowed, then he spoke. “Jess, I got your phone message about needing to talk. I agree, so I came to visit the lighthouse with you. I’ve been meaning to come anyway and find out some Withernsea history.”
I placed a hand on my hip. “What are you talking about? What message? I’ve not sent you a message.”
Lachlan tapped into his phone and turned it around to show me. There was a message sent from my phone. I checked the time it was sent, and all became clear.
“Samara. I’ve been set up. I’ll kill her.”
Lachlan’s face clouded with disappointment. “You didn’t send it?”
“No, an interfering Cupid rep did.”
Realisation set in and he schooled his expression. “Got it. You don’t want to talk
after all.” He began to walk away and then he turned back after a few steps. “I can visit another time. You go in.”
I was about to nod and then I thought otherwise. We did need to be able to be civil to one another. We could start today. “No, it’s fine. Let’s go see what the view is like, shall we?”
He paused and then he nodded and turning back around we bought our tickets.
One hundred and forty-four steps took us to the top and to the view across Withernsea. It was fantastic but I could barely breathe by the time I got to the top, and Lachlan was the same.
“Some things have changed.” He puffed. “We used to be able to climb to viewpoints without almost collapsing.”
I laughed. “Yeah, I don’t run anymore. I haven’t for a long time.”
“Me neither. Perhaps I need to start again. I could run along the beach front and the beach. Should be quite a workout.”
“Yeah, it’s a good idea.” I turned back to the view.
“So how have you been, Jess? Really?”
I looked at him. “I’m okay. I love my work. The jury’s still out over whether my move to Withernsea was a good idea. There was nothing wrong with my previous job, but I fancied a change.”
“Is the jury still out because of what my father did? Because I’m here.”
I shook my head. “No, because I have to make new friends and it’s not something that comes easily to me.”
“I know.”
We stared back out of the window, but rather than looking at the view, I could take a guess that we were both currently being transported back to the scene of our first meeting.
“This party is lame, isn’t it?” I turned to see the most gorgeous man talking in my direction. Surely, he couldn’t be speaking to me? I looked behind me. No one else was there.
“Sorry, am I interrupting? Are you looking for your date?” He asked, staring past me.
Cupid and Psych (Cupid Inc Book 2) Page 7