I think I’m in trouble.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to withstand Daniel’s charms for that long.
***
Over the next couple of hours, we eat some sandwiches, listen to heavy metal music and do jumping jacks in the middle of the floor. We talk a lot, but it’s mostly about superficial stuff like our favourite TV shows and pop culture from our childhoods. All the while, I keep checking the supplier website. No luck.
“Fancy a board game?” Daniel asks, sometime around 2am.
“That doesn’t sound very stimulating.”
“You’ve never played against me.”
“OK. What are we playing?”
“Scrabble!” He goes over to the directory and opens up an electronic version on the screen. “You’ll have to type your words in here.”
He positions the directory in front of the daybed so that I can sit beside him. We take turns swivelling it away from each other’s line of vision while we create a word from our letters.
“You can go first,” he offers generously.
“I’m pretty good with words,” I warn.
“Then let the competition begin!”
My first word is sweet, which isn’t overly impressive, but it’s a start.
Daniel responds with souk.
My next word is kiss.
Daniel raises an eyebrow at me.
I deliberately ignore him.
He follows that up with love.
OK, this is getting a bit weird. Daniel senses the change in mood and meets my gaze. I don’t know what to do, so I quickly look at my letters and type in another word.
Slime.
Daniel glances at the screen and laughs.
“And you say you’re good with words,” he teases.
“When I was younger and when Mum was making an effort not to drink as much, she used to be great at all these word games,” I confess. I’m not sure if it’s the intimate nature of the late hour, or that Daniel has made me feel so at ease, but I feel like I can talk to him about anything. “She even taught me how to do cryptic crosswords when I was twelve. I remember that summer quite clearly, because it was the only one where she was sober more often than not. We played Taboo and Balderdash too. Mia was still a bit young for that kind of stuff, so it was just mine and Mum’s thing.”
“Does it kind of feel like you’ve lost her now?” he asks gently.
“I don’t know if I ever really felt like I had her. Ever since I can remember, she’s been locked in her own world. I’m not sure what we’d even talk about if she was permanently sober.”
He goes quiet for a second, apparently deep in thought. And then, after seeming to confirm something within himself, he speaks again.
“I know what you went through.”
“You mean with your dad? Were you not close to him because he drank too?”
“No, I mean, I know what you specifically went through.”
I feel my brow crease. “I’m sorry, I don’t follow.”
“You know that time I gave you a ride back to your hotel?”
How could I forget?
“Yes…”
“Well, I…” He seems to be struggling with the words he needs to articulate his thoughts. “I had a moment where I experienced a few scenes from your life. When your father left…the first time you discovered your mother passed out drunk…when you left home and took Mia with you to protect her…”
I hold up a hand in disbelief. “Stop! Is this some kind of twisted joke? Why are you saying that?”
“It’s not a joke.” He points to a faint scar on my arm. “I even saw how you got that mark—from an iron your mother branded you with when she was angry about your father leaving.”
I gasp. He cannot possibly know that. Nobody knows that. Except for Mum, of course. And with the amount of alcohol she’s abused herself with since then, I doubt she’d even remember anymore.
“Why are you telling me this?” I say finally.
“Because I want you to know who I am. Who I really am.”
“Which is what? A psychic?”
“I don’t know. I’m not sure what I’d call it. But basically, if I have physical contact with someone, I’m able to see a few incidents from their life, like I can temporarily tap into their memories. It’s usually moments that left a deep impression upon them…times they found either inspiring or traumatic.”
Something dawns on me.
“That perfume you made for Rosie—that’s how you knew what to make?”
He nods. “I’ve been able to see people’s lives for as long as I can remember, and then when I went to that perfumery workshop with my mum, I discovered a way to use my ability in a practical way. If I could see a few of the positive moments, along with the bad, I could make something that would heal them. Rosie was an easy case.”
I sit there, trying to process everything he’s said. It doesn’t make sense, but why would he lie to me? And how would he know about the scar on my arm if he wasn’t telling the truth?
“How come you didn’t make a perfume for me?”
He smiles. “I did. After I dropped you off, I went straight back to the lab and made one, even though I wasn’t sure I was going to see you again. And when you did come back, I never really found the right moment to give it to you.”
“Where is it now?”
“At home.”
“Oh.” After another few seconds, I realise I want to know more.
“Who else knows about your…ability?”
“Just my mum.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Seriously? No one else knows? At all?”
“Mum and I decided that was safest. She saw the value in the perfumes I could make for people, but said I should never explain how I got them so perfect. Apparently it’s better to let them believe it’s just coincidence.”
“So why tell me?”
He fixes me with a look. “Because…”
A phone on the wall of our karaoke room rings. Daniel gets up to answer it. He talks in Thai, so I don’t know what he’s saying. I take the opportunity to check the supplier website on my phone.
It’s there! I quickly hold up the phone to show Daniel, and then busy myself logging on to the site. Within two minutes, I have placed the order and confirmed it. Finally!
Daniel, now off the phone looks at me expectantly. “Good news?”
“Perfect news!” I am so happy that I reach out and hug him. He hugs back, a happily surprised expression on his face.
And then I remember I’m still going back to Australia in a few days. I shouldn’t be getting involved with a man. Especially one I’m worried I won’t be able to forget if…
I pull away. “What was the phone call about?”
“Oh, it was just the staff wondering if we wanted to order any alcoholic drinks, because the bar is closing soon. I told them no.”
“Right.” I look at my watch. “I can’t believe it’s almost 4am.”
“Yeah…” He seems subdued. “Should I take you back to the apartment?”
“I guess so. Thank you again for staying up all night with me.”
“My pleasure.”
He drives me back to my building. All the while I go back and forth, contemplating whether I should make a move or not. It doesn’t help that I’m pressed up against his back and it feels like the most natural thing in the world.
We finally pull up at the kerb outside the apartment. I climb off his bike and remove my helmet. Daniel removes his too. Damn, he looks amazing.
I’m suddenly lost for words. “Uh, thanks again. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“You will,” he says firmly. And then looks at his watch. “Although, I suppose it will be today.”
“Oh God, I’m so sorry. I didn’t even think about the fact you have a business to run and that you’ll probably be needed in there soon.”
“It’s fine. Totally worth it.” His eyes do that twinkling thing I love.
“Alright, well I’ll see
you in a few hours.”
I turn to leave. My heart is pounding. I want to kiss him so bad, but I know it’s not a good idea. I put one foot in front of the other, heading towards the door.
That’s it. I’ve made my decision.
“Chloe?”
His voice is soft, and I can hear all his unspoken thoughts with that one word.
Screw it. I spin around and run back to him, throwing my arms around him and pressing my lips to his.
He seems to hesitate for a moment before responding. And then he’s slowly wrapping his arms around me, pulling me tight and kissing me as if his life depended on it. All logic disappears except for how good and right this feels. Daniel is the sweetest, kindest, most beautiful man I have ever met. I am supposed to be here in this exact space in time right now.
Eventually, I pull away and look at his face in awe. His eyes seem to reflect the same feeling. And then he clears his throat.
“I was going to tell you that you left your purse behind.” He points to my handbag still perched on his bike seat.
I blush. “Oh, sorry. I…”
“Shhh…” He shuts me up by kissing me again. “You…” he punctuates his words with individual kisses. “Are…” Another kiss. “Absolutely…” This time one on my neck. “Beautiful.”
I think I might actually swoon.
He places one more gentle kiss on my forehead and then pulls back. “I’ll let you get some sleep. Don’t rush to get to the perfumery today—take as long as you need.”
I feel a little stab of disappointment. Why is he leaving? Doesn’t he want to come upstairs with me?
And then I catch myself. Chloe, he’s being a gentleman. That was your first kiss. Of course he’s not going to invite himself up to your apartment for a sexy rampage.
I sigh. “OK. I’ll see you soon.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “We’ll talk more later.”
Talk? Who wants to talk?
I pick up my handbag and give him a little wave. “Bye.”
I don’t turn back to watch him leave. I’m afraid I might make a fool of myself and run after him for one last kiss if I do.
When I get inside, I slide my back down the closed door and sit on the floor, feeling dazed.
I am in heaven.
TWENTY-FOUR
I’m feeling too alive to sleep. I have a quick nap around 6am for an hour or two and then wake up with a big grin on my face. I don’t think I have ever felt this happy.
I sing sappy nineties boy-band songs as I shower. Then I take a bit longer than usual to pick out my outfit for the day—a coral-coloured skirt with a flippy hem, and a black racerback singlet. And when I eat my simple breakfast of fresh tropical fruit, I’ve never tasted anything so perfect in my life.
I hurry into the perfumery just before ten. The distinctive cumulative scent of all the materials makes my heart sing as I walk through the door.
The shop is empty, but I can hear noise out the back.
Gan is in the back room on the computer. He looks up and smiles when he sees me. “Hi, Chloe. How are you today?”
“Good. Great!” I try not to look too excited. I don’t want everyone thinking there’s something wrong with me.
I glance over to the lab and see Daniel talking to Kannika. My heart sinks.
“Has Daniel been in long?” I ask casually.
“Yes, a while,” he says. “He has been asking strange questions this morning.”
“What kind of strange questions?”
“Just about past orders and inventory.”
“Why is that strange?”
“I don’t know. It was like he was trying to figure something out, but he wouldn’t say what.”
“Oh.”
Kannika starts to exit the lab, but Daniel calls for her to stay.
He’s talking in Thai, but from his body language and Kannika’s reaction, I sense she’s being defensive about something. Daniel hasn’t seen me yet because of where I am sitting, hidden by the computer. His attention is completely focused on Kannika.
“Do you know what they’re saying?” I whisper to Gan.
“He is asking about the ambergris order you needed for Rosie.”
“Oh.”
Gan is quiet for a second as he listens more. “He is also asking her about Maynard.”
“Who’s Maynard?”
“A German man who was one of our clients last year. I didn’t like him.”
The cogs in my brain start to whir. “He’s German?”
Gan looks at me curiously. “Yes. Why?”
“What is Kannika saying now?”
Gan listens again. “She is saying she doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
“Do you believe her?” I ask.
“She does seem to be acting funny. I don’t know.”
“Can you ask Kannika who the German guy was that I spoke to a couple of weeks ago? He was asking for her.”
Gan’s mouth drops open. “He was?”
“Yes. He wanted to talk to her and said something about calling off a deal.”
Gan stands up. Daniel and Kannika look over, surprised.
“Oh, hi Gan,” Daniel says. He then glances over at me. I hold my breath. But then he smiles so warmly that I know everything is going to be OK.
Gan starts talking in Thai.
Kannika shoots me daggers and Daniel gives me an enquiring look.
“Is it true you had a caller with a German accent asking for Kannika a couple of weeks ago?”
I nod.
Daniel’s face turns dark as he switches his attention back to Kannika. He talks in a low voice, in Thai. Kannika looks unrepentant.
When he’s finished, she flushes slightly and then walks out, acting like she doesn’t care.
Daniel stands, staring into space for a moment and then heads in the direction of the car park. As he leaves, he shoots me an apologetic look. “I’ll be back soon.”
I nod again, feeling a bit deflated.
Gan doesn’t seem to know what to make of the whole situation. “That was unexpected,” he says, shaking his head. “I can’t believe Kannika was working for Maynard this whole time. He was one of the worst people I ever met. So arrogant. And he had no respect for Daniel.”
Ah. So that’s what was happening. I’m guessing her problem with me was twofold. Jealousy and fear of me saying something that would reveal her secret.
“What was she trying to achieve?”
“From what I overheard just now, she was spying on Daniel for Maynard. Finding out our prospects and poaching a lot of our customers before we had a chance to finish consultations. She might have been sabotaging our orders too, like your ambergris. And I think Daniel suspects she may even have stolen inventory for Maynard.”
“That’s awful.”
“It is.”
“So what happens now?”
“I don’t know. Daniel just fired her, but I don’t know where he’s gone now.”
“Maybe just to cool off? I can imagine he’d be pretty upset.”
“Yes. Maybe.”
“I guess I’ll just do some work in the lab until he gets back. Hopefully Rosie will be in soon.”
“Good idea. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Gan.”
I busy myself, preparing as much of Rosie’s stuff as I can without the new supplies. But at least now I know the delivery is going to arrive. And the chances of it being destroyed again with Kannika gone are minimal.
I realise I never found out what happened to Rosie yesterday. I was so distracted by my kiss with Daniel, I forgot to check in with her this morning. I hope she shows up soon. We have lots to catch up on.
Poor Daniel. He must feel so betrayed, giving Kannika a job all this time only to have her stab him in the back. I wonder what Maynard promised her.
I reach up to one of the higher shelves, and my eye catches something in the corner of the ceiling.
A surveillance camera.
“Yes?”
“Do you mind coming here for a moment?”
He comes over to the doorway.
“Is everything OK?”
I point to the camera. “Does that work?”
“Yes, of course. These materials are worth a lot of money. We have surveillance in case there’s a break-in.”
“Do you have a copy of the tapes?”
“Uh, yeah. It is an old-fashioned machine with video tapes. They are stored in a cupboard near the computer. Do you want to see if they show Kannika stealing our stuff?”
“Amongst other things. Do you ever look at them?”
“Not unless Daniel asks me to.”
“Can anyone access the tapes if they want?”
He ushers me out to the back room and points to the cupboard. “Only people who are invited back here. The cupboard isn’t locked.”
“OK, thanks.”
I go over and open the cupboard. There are dozens of tapes all lined up next to each other.
“How does your system work?” I ask, reading the labels.
“There is one for each day of the month. We overwrite them all starting on the first. I told Daniel we should turn digital so we can back-up all the copies for longer, but he didn’t think it was necessary.”
I run my fingers along each tape. I stop at last Tuesday and pull it out. “Is there anywhere I can look at this?”
“Uh, yeah, we have a TV and VCR for workshops. It’s on a trolley in the storage room. You can get it out and just plug it into power.”
“Thank you.”
I go over to the storage room and find the trolley. I wheel it out and position it so that Gan can’t watch it directly. After plugging the power cord into the socket and inserting the tape, I rewind it for a few seconds and then press play.
It’s a grainy black and white image, but it’s clear enough to make out the lab. The time in the corner indicates it’s mid-afternoon. There’s not much happening, just staff popping in and out to collect various materials.
I fast forward to later in the evening until I find what I’m after.
There.
I check to see if Gan is still curious about what I’m up to, but he’s occupied with something on his computer. I look back at the TV and feel my pulse racing. I can’t believe it’s all captured there on camera.
Perfume Therapy Page 19