At one of these interminable ‘drinks dos’ I am expected to attend, I do my best to put on a polite face. But I’m having trouble.
I have the mayor on one side, “Since the plans were made public for the new City-Scape layout the share value has soared, Richard….”
And my head of corporate law on the other. “There are still some legal obstacles to overcome….” argues Lazenby.
I am unsympathetic. “That's what I pay you for.”
What I pay you a lot for….
…. So, stop whining and do your job.
Listening to the mayor droning on, I nod politely, trying to appear interested but, in fact, my attention is half on the gathering at the other side of the room.
As Charlotte and Elizabeth are chatting by the bar. Michael arrives, strolling across the lounge with that easy half-smile that is his habitual expression. Charlotte spots him and moves aside to make room for him.
“Hi, Michael.” Elizabeth's eyes are bright as she looks up at him.
He returns the smile. “Hi, Beth. Lovely to see you.” He holds her at the shoulders, giving her a quick peck on the cheek, but no more, then moves to hook an arm around Charlotte’s waist.
A complete gentleman….
What she wants from him is a table ender….
How do I feel about that?
Astonishingly, I find I don’t mind.
“Hi, Michael. How ‘ya doing? Your usual?” The barman holds up a bottle.
“Sure. I'm doing good, Matt. You?”
“Oh, can't complain….” Matt pours a beer into a frosty glass. “….and if I do no-one’ll listen.” His face falls. “Evening, Mr Alexanders. What can I get you?”
James, sober-faced and leaning heavily on a cane, makes his way to join the group. “I’ll have the same thanks.” Michael pushes a bar stool his way and he eases a hip over the seat.
Trying not to be obvious about it, I watch Michael, how careful he is of Charlotte. His attentiveness. His obvious care.
James too, of course, but James is her Dom and the difference shows. He expects her compliance. Michael is much more relaxed….
My attention, all unwilling is pulled back to the tedium of my own group. The damn lawyer is still whining at me. “We need to overcome the environmental objections to the plans.”
“What environmental objections?” I snap. “The land is already brownfield; old industrial or derelict, the area is like a demilitarised zone and….”
report that came
“That blasted report was sponsored by Hatheringtons,” I point out. “They’re still sore that we got in first. And that we have a better Technical Director than
so on current projections,” drones Lazenby,
They’re
fake humility. “That being the case, we can expect gross profits around thirty-three per cent,
tunes out
where Elizabeth is standing by the bar with the Threesome. The four of them are laughing and joking and
to Charlotte, but all the while wearing a broad grin as he tells some story. I
was chatting
who is Chloe? An old girlfriend?” She casts across to Charlotte, then
she’s committed
it away. “Not exactly. Chloe is an old friend of
Michael winks. “And James….”
usual sombre face quirks in
looks between the two unlikely-seeming friends.
drops, and she looks between the two men, a hand raised to her mouth. “Both of them? And….
shrugs and Michael slips an arm around her waist, kissing the top of her head. “That was then.” He
looks flabbergasted.
he props himself on the barstool. He looks comfortable and I’m happy that I’ll have my architect back in
story that now has Elizabeth and Charlotte in stitches. Even James begins to crack
I strain to hear over
there and made a play for
Kris?” gapes Charlotte. “Doesn’t she know what
about being able to take on any Dom in the club…
and James' mouth
that Kris has blistered her ass. She dashes behind the bar and starts grabbing glasses
Elizabeth is staring in astonishment, a hand pressed to her
bouncers grabbed the pair of them and threw them both
end?” Even
and Daniel were there. They offered
leaning in James’ direction and has one arm hooked through Michael’s.
company I’m keeping. After a long
Mayor, my architect is trying to attract my attention.” With
welcome at
you drinking,
you’re having. It seems to put a smile on everyone’s
my arm, but her eyes keep
She's curious.... Intrigued
admit it to