Page 83 of The Facilitator 1

“I did, until he sold out, ofcourse.”

“And nowwhat?”

“Now I transfer to one of Mackenzie’s companies. It's all a little in the planning stages right now,” Isaid.

“How exciting foryou.”

I didn’t think she was being condescending, and I hated the fact that she was actually a pleasant person. I didn’t want to like her, but I did. She was friendly, talkative, andinteresting.

I certainly didn’t want to see her place her hand on Mackenzie’s arm, to defer to him when menus were placed on the table and she asked him to choose for her. I didn’t want to see her smile up at him. My stomach lurched when he smiledback.

“I wanted to see as much of the U.K. as I could while I was here. Mackenzie has offered to show me around London, but where else should I visit?” she askedme.

“If you have enough time, the South West is wonderful. My mum lives in Cornwall and it’s one of my favourite places,” I said, once I’d placed myorder.

“I’d love to see some of Scotland, too.” She looked over to Mackenzie. “Maybe we can dothat?”

Before he answered, I excused myself. I didn’t need the ladies, just not to hear hisreply.

I sat in a cubicle for a few moments. I couldn’t imagine Scott and I being so civilised. I began to wonder what had caused her to have an affair. Or had she? I only knew what Gabriella had said.Daniel had stolen Mackenzie’s wife. I had no idea what that actually meant, or even if Addison and Daniel were stilltogether.

Did Mackenzie still love her? Was that why he wasshowing her around London? I wasn’t jealous, or at least I didn’t think I was, I just needed to know where I stood in that relationship. Maybe I didn’tstandanywhere.

When I thought I’d spent enough time away, I returned to hear her laugh at something Jerry hadsaid.

“I’d love to spend a little more time with you guys,” she said, as I sat. “You are a funny guy,Jerry.”

There was no opportunity to answer as the waitress placed our meals on thetable.

Jerry and Addison chatted through lunch, Mackenzie joined in when required, and I stayed mostly quiet. I’d lost my appetite and pushed most of my food around my plate. When I finally laid my cutlery down, having given up on eating, I noticed the others had finished theirmeals.

Another bottle of wine was ordered, and as much as I wanted to drown myself in alcohol, I opted forwater.

“How long are you in town, Addison?” Jerryasked.

“I’m not sure, I guess that depends on Mackenzie,” shereplied.

I kicked Jerry on the ankle before he could ask any more. He frowned at me, in a not so subtleway.

“Sorry, getting comfortable,” I said, with asmile.

“We’re off to the theatre later, I’ve been dying to see a show,” shesaid.

“What are you seeing?” Iasked.

“Les Misérables, Mackenzie was able to secure a box for us. I’m soexcited.”

“I’ve seen it, many times. It’s a wonderful show. I’m sure you’re going to enjoyit.”

“We saw it on Broadway, some time ago, but seeing a show in London just has to be done. I’d also like to see some Shakespeare, maybe at the open-air theatre in Regent’sPark.”

“I’d wait for some nicer weather for that,” Isaid.

A pot of coffee and four small cups were placed on the table. Mackenzie poured. He slid one over to Jerry and Addison picked hers up. Mackenzie handed me a cup and as my fingers brushed his, I felt a spark of static. I wouldn’t look at him though. I could feel his stare, but I mumbled my thanks and raised the cup to mylips.

I willed the time to speed up and was thankful when I saw Mackenzie glance at hiswatch.

“We need to get going,” he said, as he waved at a passing waitress to gain herattention.

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