Page 55 of Where She Is
He chokes out a laugh. “Dressed like what?”
“All handsome in that suit.”
“You know I’m going to the board meeting at the farm.”
I ponder for a second. “So, you don’t have women in this meeting?” He knows what I’m up to, but he won’t bite.
“Only Jennifer and you know her.”
“Actually, I don’t. I still haven’t met Jennifer in person and she could well be a sex goddess waiting to steal you away.”
He laughs, “She’s lovely, but not my type.”
I place my index finger to my lips, “Hmm, I’m not so sure, and how come she gets to go and I don’t?”
He lets out a heavy sigh, “You know why. It’s her job, and she attends every board meeting. We only need one PA there. If you’re that eager, maybe you should speak to your own boss and ask him if you can take a turn.” I pout, but my smile gives the game away and he can see I’m playing. Despite the humour, there is something else bothering me, but it’s a lot more sinister. “Will she be there?”
Daniel is still under the impressionI’m joking, “I just told you—”
“Not Jennifer. Freya. Will Freya be there?”
His smile drops, he gets up from his chair and strides towardsme. “I can handle Freya. I’ve been doing it for years. Now is no different, all right?”
I don’t answer at first, not because I’m stubborn, but because my mind throws all sorts of scenarios at me. Daniel places his hands on my shoulders and gives them a reassuring squeeze.
“Hannah?”
“Yes, okay.”
“Good. You have to trust me on this.”
I smile sadly and nod my agreement. “I do.”
“Okay then, and you’ll be here tonight when I get home?”
There’s a chance he will see Freya today, which makes me anxious. “Do you want me to be?” He lets out a huff and rubs his fingers on his forehead as if in pain. “Would I have asked otherwise? God, you’re hard work this morning woman.”
I laugh at him and his fake headache. “Yes, of course I want to stay.”
“Good. Now go to the office, do what you have to do and get back to me!”
“Yes, sir.” I salute before I lean in for a long lingering kiss and leave to meet the ever-patient Jack. He is waiting by the car and appears more receptive today. I get a “You’re welcome” after my “Thank you.” It’s a hell of a step forward.
Once I’m in the office, I power up my PC and flick through some paperwork on my desk. It looks too much like hard work right now, so I dump it all in my in-tray. So much for a paperless office. I sift through my emails next. Richard has left me a message about his change of schedule. The board meeting is running over and he won’t be back this afternoon.
I have a very busy morning myself as I sort out appointments and update spreadsheets. By the time I’ve updated a client presentation for Richard, I realise it’s nearly midday and I haven’t had a chance to stop for coffee. I spot Maddie as I stretch myself out of my chair and she mimes taking a bite. I respond by mouthing, “Yes” and nod my head vigorously. I closemy PC and collect my jacket, while Rob briefly enters my thoughts. Daniel told me not to worry about his impending visit, but I can’t help it. I have to make that phone call. Perhaps I should talk to Maddie about this. It would be good to get a girl’s perspective.
I love the hustle and bustle of the city streets. There’s an incredible atmosphere and coupled with a sunny afternoon, my Tuesday is going pretty well. Maddie and I try to choose healthy food. She knows of a good deli around the corner from our office. Fresh sandwiches made to order, salads, dips and homemade cookies. They have it all.
We head to Hyde Park where we find an empty bench by the memorial fountain. Our talk is of office gossip and nothing of importance until finally, I update her with the Rob situation.
“You really need to call him, Hannah and set a few things straight.”
“I agree, although Daniel said he would deal with it.”
Maddie looks at me if as I’ve gone mad, “That can’t happen.”
“Tell me about it.”
