Page 82 of Lochlan

There's a light tapping on the door, and I'm afraid it's Kenzie. When she sees who's in my room, I've lost her forever.

I tread across the room, take a deep breath, and open the door. Geordie is filling up the door frame, another dark figure with displeasure on his face. I step aside for him to join the fan club, but he doesn't budge.

“You can come in, man, Fiona is here,” I say. “We might as well discuss how to transfer control of the California interests.”

“I was worried when you left as soon as the event ended. After I checked your office, I headed here. This is who I found about to knock on your door.” He steps aside to reveal Kenzie.

“Come in,” Fiona calls out as she propels herself from the chair, heading toward the newcomers. She's spreading her arms wide in a fake welcome. “How nice is it that both of you came to pay us a visit?”

They both walk in, with Kenzie staying close to Geordie, while Fiona tries to sidle up to me. I give her a look of warning to stay away and she takes a step back, chin thrust in defiance.

“It appears all three of you want to speak with me tonight, and I promise to talk to each of you.”

“Is it true that you lost control to Fiona?” Kenzie asks.

“Ian decided today,” Fiona answers. “We had a short meeting with him earlier after we finished serving lunch. I wanted to make an announcement at the luncheon, but decided we can have a special all-hands meeting next week to inform the workers.” Fiona narrows her gaze at Kenzie. “I know Lochlan promised to speak with you, but it's clear he's decided. Do you really want to stay around just to get dumped?”

“That's enough, Fiona,” I say. “She's a guest here and you'll treat her as such.”

Fiona huffs and saunters into the kitchen. Anger flushes Kenzie's face. “She's right, no need to speak with me. I've seen enough.” She turns for the door.

“Geordie, please escort Kenzie to her car. I'll walk you two outside.” Once I've closed the door on Fiona, Geordie walks to the end of the building out of earshot. “Kenzie, I didn't know Fiona was going to show up. I didn't invite her.”

“Were you hoping to get me out of the way first? Is this change of heart going to happen again after you spend a few hours alone with her and you're confused again?”

“I was waiting for you. When I heard the knock, I thought it was you. Will you give me a chance to explain?”

“Have you decided who you're going to choose?”

When I don't give her an answer, she turns toward Geordie. “I'm ready for our walk to my car.”

“I'll phone you later, I promise.” I say.

Kenzie doesn't give a response. She clutches Geordie's sleeve to pull him along. I slump against the door, watching them leave until they disappear around the corner.

CHAPTER35

REVELATIONS

LOCHLAN

When I return, Fiona has taken two tumblers from the cupboard and is splashing liquid into both of them. She offers me a glass. “I want to toast to our new adventure and our new life.”

I clink glasses with her and take a sip. “Now, it's time to take off your coat, because we're going to have a long, frank conversation.”

Fiona's eyes narrow into a calculating stare. “I'm all up for an honest discussion, but is there something special that you need?”

I nod my head to the window. “There's nothing to see outside except for a black abyss, so let's sit in the living room and get comfortable.”

Fiona removes her coat and places it on the peg by the door, then follows me. I motion her to the couch while I take the chair. She sits crossing her legs and leans her arm on the rest, waiting.

There's a long list of items I need to discuss with her. What she really wants to know is why I left her at the altar, but for her to understand my reason, we need to talk about our relationship.

“Do you remember when we met; is that still in your memory?”

She eyes me as if this is a trap. Gives a deep sigh before responding. “My parents took me to your residence for a garden party, celebrating something I don't recall. I don't think it was important to a twelve-year-old. I just did what my parents asked. There were other children playing a distance away from the adults. You and Geordie were playing a pushing game that nearly came to blows.”

“The reason we didn't come to blows is that we saw you walk by. At fourteen, I was noticing girls. I thought you might be someone from school I hadn't noticed. There was another girl there who was trying to talk to me. She supplied the information that you were twelve and the school you were attending. I decided you were too young to bother with, although you looked older.

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