Page 19 of King of Hearts

My heart stammered, my eyes racing over his words a second and third time as I contemplated the implication of his message. I knew many of the journalists on our team worked after hours, but a late meal seemed a little out of the ordinary. There was no denying I was attracted to him and this was going to influence my decisions as I contemplated the looming deadline. Tactically ignoring the tiny flutter in my stomach at the idea of what tonight would look like, I acquiesced and began packing my desk.

If I was meeting him for a meal, I needed to change because today was casual Friday and I couldn’t show up in tights and a t-shirt. Plus, I needed to maintain some form of connection to work to remind myself this was not a date. Even if a small part of me maybe wished it was.

“Yes, we’re having dinner tonight.” I aimed for nonchalance but Marlee didn’t even pretend to fall for my charade.

“You’re going on adatewith Andy Gloss?” Shovelling another spoonful of cereal into her mouth, she shook her head incredulously.

“Luckily for you I have earphones in or half of the city would have heard you. It’s not a date. It’s work.” Self-conscious, I glanced around and was glad to see most people absorbed in their own worlds.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. Where are you going?”

“Not sure. He said he will pick me up.” I shrugged, glancing up to see it was safe to cross the road. I was close to home now and then it would be time to get ready. The anticipation increased with each minute and even talking to my bestie wasn’t doing anything to calm my nerves.

“He is coming to yourhouse?” Marlee screeched, reaching her preferred soprano to indicate her excitement.

“Why is that such a big deal? I’m not trying to impress him. He is picking me up so we can continue ourworking relationship.” I nodded my head as if I too was totally convinced by my words and not wondering if I would have enough time to have an ‘everything shower’. I mean, I had to consider all possibilities and given the many, many months it had been since Barbara saw anyone other than her silicone friends, she needed attention.

There was no rhyme or reason to these meetings, judging by our history, yet he still invited me to dinner despite my inundation of personal anecdotes and unqualified assessment of his character. Which meant it wasn’t farfetched to consider a variety of outcomes when seeing him.

As if reading my thoughts, Marlee giggled and began to make inappropriate gestures using her hands and mouth. I quickly brought the phone to my chest so the pedestrians closest would not fall victim to her hilariously crude act as I joined her laughing.

“Is he interested? No. Would I turn down that six foot hunk of raw sexual meat? Also no.” Marlee snickered and I grinned surreptitiously.

A lady next to me scoffed loudly, covering her child’s ears as she shot me a look of disgust. Grinning at her sheepishly, I turned the corner and headed for the basement of the most derelict apartment building on the street – mine.

“Anyway, I’m nearly home and your dramatic rendition is scaring the children. I’ll call you afterwork.” Unlocking my front door, I heaved a sigh of relief at the silent apartment. Paul was obviously still in the office which was one less worry.

“Work,she says. Sure, Sure. Yes, call me later, mole.”

It was unlikely that I would need to be this thoroughly prepared, yet it didn’t stop me racing to grab my razor, butterscotch body scrub and my exfoliating mit – just in case.

Chapter Twelve

Andy

It isa business dinner,I told myself as I glanced in the mirror one final time before leaving the house.

I’m purely meeting a contractual agreement, I internally reiterated as the lift doors opened and Graham greeted me with a nod.

It is easier to keep the same interviewer,even if she knows jack shit about me or football.

“Andrew, how are you on this fine evening?” The older man asked, walking alongside me as I headed outside where my driver would be waiting.

“Good thanks, mate. How are you?” I stopped a few metres from the door wanting to give him the time he deserved. Graham had worked here as long as I’d lived in the building which was almost three years now. I’d rented other places in the city, always close to work, but my parents wouldn’t get off my back about making a good investment so when Cooper’s dad – a realtor in the upper niche market – sent me this one, I didn’t think twice. It turned out to be a great purchase and I still loved everything about the place. The doorman included. He valued the privacy of the tenants in addition to showing genuine care for our wellbeing, which meant he had my respect.

“Same as always. Eileen has me on some new health kick.” He said glumly as he patted his stomach. “It means I’m no longer supposed to eat a croissant for afternoon tea.” He guiltily looked back towards his station which very clearly held the remnants of a pastry.

Chuckling, I patted him on the back. “Secret is safe with me, Graham.”

“Where are you off to tonight looking so dapper? A date perhaps? Maybe with that blonde lass who visited a few weeks back?”

Mentally slapping myself for forgetting he had the memory of an elephant; I shook my head. “Definitely not a date.”Great, now I was convincing him and myself. “But yes, same woman. She’s a journo and we’re meeting again to continue with an interview. Part of the contract.”

Graham nodded knowingly, smirking as he opened the door for me to exit. “She works Friday evenings. She must really enjoy herjob. Have a good night, Andrew.”

Ignoring his insinuations I raised my chin to thank him. “Cheers, Graham. Lay off the pastries, yeah?” I added cheekily.

Jumping into the black car idling outside, I greeted Sergio and confirmed he had the correct address for our destination. I generally utilised Serg when I ventured out for anything other than work as he was discreet and kept conversation to a minimum. Even though this wasn’t a personal outing, I thought having him drive would be good in case anyone spotted me and decided to conduct an interview of their own or invaded my space as they seemed to enjoy doing.

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