Page 33 of Love Is: Two Bodies One Soul

ChapterTen

Monday morning,George was huffing and puffing in his usual start of the week lousy mood, made worse because his prize writer was late for work.

Kate sent a text to Owen to warn him and took a sip from her third cup of extra strong coffee, excitement shimmering through her. She was about to set her plan for revenge rolling. No one treats Kate Fitzgerald as if she’s disposable, she thought, not even Xander Scott. And besides, she thought again, belatedly realising there could be another outcome from her plan. Instinct was telling her Owen was lonely. She knew Lexie was too – Miles didn’t make her happy, was always letting her down. Arrogant man thought he was Prince Charming. So why not Lexie and Owen? On looks alone, Owen and Lexie were made for each other. Two beautiful people, one exotic location – surely that was recipe enough for a perfect romance.

Smiling inwardly at the thought of a little matchmaking, Kate checked with Pete in accounts that the bank balance could take the hit of two business class tickets to Hong Kong with an onward connection. There was no such luxury for the hop to Thailand, but at least Lexie and Owen would have comfort for the long-haul part of their journey. Pete was surprised George had sanctioned anything above economy, but under Kate’s onslaught of ‘do you not know who Owen Kingsley is?’ he caved in and confirmed there was enough money.

Ten minutes later, Kate was congratulating herself on a job well done. Owen’s ticket was booked and paid for. She’d emailed his itinerary and began the process again for Lexie. It was easy to enter the name Alexandra Scott instead of Alexander Scott. Only the very eagle-eyed would spot the difference. Most people who knew the twins thought of them as Lexie and Xander. Very different names. Kate stopped, finger poised to click buy, sudden anxiety intruding. What if Lexie had changed her mind? She picked up the phone and keyed in a Brighton number.

‘Lexie Scott Photography. How can I help you?’ Lexie had her business voice on.

‘It’s me, Kate.’

‘Are you okay? You left before I woke up.’

‘I didn’t want to disturb Sleeping Beauty. Think how angry Prince Charming would be if he found I’d woken you first.’

‘There isn’t a prince charming.’

‘What’s happened to Miles?’

‘I dumped him last Friday night. He’s been messing me around for ages.’

‘Why didn’t you say?’

‘Your need was greater than mine. Anyway, I’m not hurting. Miles wasn’t right for me, so better to get rid sooner than later.’

‘Oh, Lexie. You’re so strong,’ Kate said, smiling to herself and thinking, Miles being sent packing was great news. Now Lexie was free for Owen. Wow! This plan just got better and better!

‘You didn’t answer my question,’ Lexie interrupted Kate’s thoughts. ‘Are you all right?’

‘Frail. That train journey this morning was dreadful. The way they cram the commuters in is worse than a cattle truck. It must break human rights law. But I’ll live. We need to talk about …’ Kate lowered her voice and masked her mouth with her hand before she said, ‘… the trip.’ She shot another look around the open-plan office and continued whispering, ‘I wanted to check you’re still okay with Paradise?’

‘Are you having second thoughts?’ Lexie asked. ‘It’s all right if you are. People agree to crazy things when they’re drunk.’

‘I wasn’t drunk.’

‘I was,’ Lexie muttered.

‘Well, I wasn’t, and I’m not having second thoughts. I’ve already booked your ticket, only got to pay for it, but I thought I ought to check with you first. Do you still want to have an adventure with Owen Kingsley and help me teach your brother a lesson?’

‘Of course, I do. Xander deserves to lose out for a change.’

‘And your passport is up to date – you’ve got over six months on it?’

‘Yup.’

‘What about vaccinations? You need some for Thailand, but there’s still just enough time to get them done … I think,’ she added, not at all sure what she’d said was true.

‘I’m okay. I had all my jabs when I went out there two years ago.’

‘Great. Then we have lift-off!’ Kate clicked pay.

A moment later, the confirmation email pinged into her inbox, and she said, ‘I’m emailing your e-ticket and the itinerary.’ She pressed send. ‘There! It should be in your inbox any moment.’

‘What if Xander wants you back?’

‘That’s not likely, given his history, and it’s too late to come up with objections now, Lexie.’ Kate slumped over the phone. ‘As you said last night, Xander takes what he wants and then moves on. I’m a discarded husk.’

---