No Filter Page 8

  ‘I’ve got a friend who’s about to sign a contract with a cosmetics company in conjunction with her blog. Would you have a minute to run your discerning eye over it and just check that everything’s as it should be, before she does?’

  ‘Hmm…’ Greg pondered down the phone. ‘This favour – is it a “whenever you’ve got time” kind of favour or the “I need it done like yesterday so that I can get her into bed tonight and she can show me exactly how grateful she is” kind?’

  ‘Greg,’ Charlie said, the warning clear in his voice.

  ‘Oh, come on, mate. Give me a break. Mel and I have barely slept since the twins were born. If we ever get near a bed these days, it’s certainly not to do anything that might involve creating another kid! You’ve got to let me live a little vicariously through my happily still-single friends. So, is she pretty? Of course, she is. Since when did you ever date anyone that wasn’t?’

  Charlie by this time had removed his hand from my arm and was now rubbing his right temple with two fingers, while studiously avoiding looking at me.

  ‘Have you finished?’

  ‘I suppose,’ Greg replied.

  ‘Good. So, can you do it?’

  ‘Of course. When do you need it done by?’

  ‘Have you got ten minutes now?’

  ‘I knew it! It is the latter! You little—’

  ‘Greg. Just so you know, the friend involved is right here and you’ve been on speakerphone the whole time.’

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Yes. So, yes, we do need it done asap, but only so that she has all the facts before making a final decision. No other reason. And yes, she is pretty. But no, we’re not seeing each other. Now, is that everything covered? Can we shoot round with the papers?’

  ‘Of course. See you in a few.’

  Charlie ended the conversation and risked a look at me.

  ‘Sorry. I thought having him on speaker would be helpful in case he asked anything.’ He pulled a face. ‘Anything that might have been appropriate, at least.’

  I laughed. ‘Don’t worry, Charlie. I know banter when I hear it. And besides, you said I was pretty, which I’m shallow enough to accept, be flattered by and make allowances for.’

  He waited whilst I bent and retrieved my bag. ‘You are pretty. And you’re most certainly not shallow. Now come on, let’s go and get Greg to look at this paperwork. Watching him squirm in embarrassment when he meets you will be amusing for a start.’

  I stopped. ‘Charlie Richmond. I wouldn’t have believed it of you!’

  He laughed and reached back, grabbing my hand to tug me along. ‘Believe me, he’s watched me squirm plenty of times and thoroughly enjoyed it!’

  ‘Really. That sounds like an interesting conversation we need to have.’

  Charlie smiled. ‘Another time.’

  ‘Spoilsport.’

  ‘I didn’t say never.’

  ‘That’s true.’

  ‘So, what’s with the change of heart about your dinner plans this evening?’

  ‘Ugh.’ I slumped my shoulders briefly as we walked. ‘My dad has invited someone else along.’

  ‘And that’s a problem?’ Charlie glanced at me, frowning briefly. ‘You love people.’

  ‘I do. But what I don’t love is my dad trying to matchmake when all I want to do is have a nice meal together.’

  ‘Matchmake?’

  ‘Yeah,’ I said. ‘It’s his thing. Well, it’s his thing when it comes to me.’

  ‘And you don’t approve of his choices?’

  ‘I don’t approve of him doing it at all! Especially when it’s launched on me as a surprise. I only found out there’s someone else coming when my brother rang earlier to give me a heads up.’

  ‘Look, maybe you’re reading too much into it. Maybe it’s just a friend of your dad’s.’

  ‘He told Matt that I’m going to think this guy is perfect. Or words to that effect.

  ‘Oh.’

  ‘Yes. Oh.’

  ‘Maybe he will be.’

  I gave Charlie a look. He returned it.

  ‘You never know,’ he said, with a shrug.

  I shook my head. ‘That’s not really the point.’

  ‘No, I know. Just try and enjoy the food.’ He made a gesture with his hand. ‘This is it.’

  The building housing the solicitors’ offices was shiny and sleek with lots of glass, in line with much of the development of the area. Charlie held the door for me and we entered. He approached the building receptionist and announced who we were there to see, and that we were expected. Flashing him a dazzling smile, the receptionist asked him to wait a moment. She made a call on her desk phone and minutes later a man was exiting the lifts and striding towards us.

  ‘Charlie.’ He beamed and the two men shook hands. I was standing to the side, and half behind Charlie. I wasn’t purposely hiding. It was just that with his sizeable bulk it was easily done.

  ‘This is—’

  ‘Libby!’ Greg cut Charlie off and thrust out his hand as Charlie moved, realising he was blocking me.

  I automatically took it, but my bemusement was about at the same level as Charlie’s, judging by the look on his face.

  ‘You know each other?’ Charlie asked.

  ‘No,’ I said.

  ‘Yes,’ said Greg at the same time.

  Charlie looked at me. I did a little shake of my head.

  ‘Well, she doesn’t know me, of course, but I definitely know you!’ Greg enthused. He suddenly seemed to register our expressions.

  ‘You have that lifestyle blog, don’t you? Brighton Belle? Mel absolutely loves it! Always raving about it. You’ve seen her through some long nights with the babies!’

  ‘Oh, I see! That’s great! Thanks so much. I’m really glad she likes it.’

  ‘She’s not going to believe that I met you today! Come on, come up, come up, and we’ll take a look at those contracts.’

  ‘Are you sure you don’t mind?’ I asked.

  ‘Of course not!’

  We headed towards the bank of lifts and I stole a glance at Charlie as we did so. He caught me and gave me a smile.

  ‘Are you OK for time? Do you need to get back?’ I asked, quietly.

  ‘Nope. No rush.’

  I smiled, happy to have my friend beside me.

  A short while later and Greg had gone over the contracts with us both, explaining anything that I wasn’t entirely sure about. We’d agreed that it seemed a pretty fair deal for everyone concerned, and I now felt much better about signing it, knowing that I fully understood everything I was putting my name to.

  ‘So, this could mean great things for the blog, then?’ Greg asked.

  ‘Absolutely!’ I replied. ‘But can I ask you to keep it under your hat until the announcement is officially made? Glam said something about wanting to do a bit of a splash reveal thing on all their social media so I’m sort of supposed to not tell anyone at the moment.’ I pulled a face. I knew that this could put Greg in an awkward position if he was eager to tell his wife that he’d met a blogger she liked.

  ‘Of course! I’ll just tell Mel that Charlie dropped in to say hi and brought his friend with him.’ A look crossed his face. ‘Actually. I’ve just remembered. I owe you an apology, don’t I? About what I said on the phone, I was just…’

  I waved my hand in dismissal. ‘Don’t give it another moment’s thought. Really.’

  He smiled, a little bashful. ‘Thanks. I’m definitely going to be asking whether I’m on speakerphone before I go off again, that’s for sure!’

  I tilted my head, smiling. ‘Couldn’t hurt to check.’

  ‘Exactly.’

  Charlie shook his head and then they did that thing that men do that wasn’t quite a hug but sort of was, involving back slapping and handshaking all at the same time.

  ‘Thanks again for doing this,’ I said, shaking Greg’s hand. My natural predilection to hug people was being sorely tested today but I’d done well this morning in t
he meeting and continued my effort now.

  ‘Any time!’ Greg said, covering my hand with his other one. ‘Really. Any time. Anyone who can get Charlie out of the office to take a lunch break is OK in my book.’ He gave the most unsubtle wink to Charlie I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t help grinning. Charlie just rolled his eyes.

  ‘I take lunch breaks all the time.’

  ‘Sure you do.’ Greg nodded, then swung his glance to me and immediately changed the action to a head-shake.

  ‘Thanks, mate. I’ll talk to you soon,’ Charlie said as the lift pinged its arrival. The doors opened almost silently and he indicated for me to step ahead of him, following in behind. I pressed the button marked ‘lobby’ and the doors slid closed again and we descended smoothly back to ground level.

  ‘I do take lunch breaks,’ Charlie said after a moment’s silence.

  ‘I believe you.’

  There was a pause.

  ‘It killed you not to hug him, didn’t it?’

  I sighed. ‘Totally. I told you I’m not made for the Corporate World.’

  ‘You did well. But just for future reference, he wouldn’t have minded in the slightest.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  I handed my visitor pass to Charlie and he dropped them off at the desk, thanking the receptionist as he did so. She treated him to another sunray smile and loaded a depth of meaning into her reply.

  ‘Any time.’

  Charlie nodded and quirked a smile. The hint of the blush on his face told me he hadn’t missed the fact he’d just been hit on.

  ‘Is there anywhere safe to stand next to you when I’m not going to feel like a third wheel?’

  ‘Huh?’

  ‘The train this morning, the receptionist just now…’

  ‘Don’t be daft,’ he said before changing the subject. ‘I have to get back to work. Do you feel better about the contract thing now?’

  ‘Yes, I do. Though, to be fair, I only really started worrying about it when you said I should.’

  ‘Oh, dear.’

  ‘No, it’s all right.’ I laughed. ‘I’m probably way too naive to be doing stuff like this anyway.’

  ‘No. You’re not.’ Charlie’s voice had a definite note to it that I hadn’t heard before, a surety. ‘You’re more than capable. I never meant to make you feel that you weren’t. I just don’t want you taken advantage of. I’ve seen it happen and I don’t want that for you.’

  I nodded. ‘No, I know, thank you. And I didn’t mean that you made me feel that way. I know that I’m wading in here far deeper than I ever have before, so it’s always going to be scary. I really appreciate your help, Charlie. I hope you know that.’

  Impulsively I reached up and kissed his cheek. His freshly shaven skin was soft and smooth and that subtle hint of aftershave still lingered.

  ‘Any time,’ he said, repeating the phrase of the receptionist but with none of the meaning she had injected. His startling gaze flicked to meet mine for a moment before moving on to his watch. ‘You all right from here?’

  I rolled my eyes at him. ‘Of course. Now stop skiving and get back to work.’

  He laughed and turned to leave. Suddenly he turned back.

  ‘Libs?’

  ‘Yes?’

  ‘Are you OK?’

  I frowned and smiled at the same time. ‘Of course. Why?’

  ‘It’s just that earlier… when I called… well, you just didn’t sound like you. You sounded like you were upset. I thought the meeting had gone badly or something for a minute. But obviously it didn’t. So, I’m assuming it was something else.’ He shifted his weight and cast a glance around before focusing the hypnotic gaze back on me. ‘I’m not meaning to pry. It’s just that I hate to think of you upset. So, if there’s anything I can do. Anything you need. Anything at all, let me know. OK?’ He paused. ‘Please.’

  I nodded at him. My throat felt raw and tight, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get any words out. I swallowed again and made an effort.

  ‘It was just something silly, but I’m OK now, I promise. But thank you.’

  Charlie nodded, his gaze resting on me for a moment before sliding to the ground between us.

  ‘Now, get back to work before you get fired.’

  He raised his head and gave his little half-smile. ‘I’m a partner. It’s not that easy to get rid of me.’

  ‘But not impossible. And I’m not being held responsible.’

  He shook his head at me, gave me a big hug and turned, setting off in the direction of his office.

  ‘And have a good trip,’ I called after him, suddenly remembering he was jetting off.

  ‘Thanks.’ He looked back. ‘I’ll be sure to let you know about Tiffany.’

  ‘Perfect.’

  He waved and continued on his way. I watched him for a moment, before turning and heading back towards the station and the Underground to begin the part of the day I was now dreading.

  9

  ‘Hello, darling! Come in.’ Dad opened the heavy door of the Kensington town house dressed impeccably, as always, in his version of casual, which was a suit with his shirt open at the neck. Not wearing a tie pushed an outfit firmly into the realms of casual attire in Dad’s eyes.

  ‘Hi, Dad.’ I kissed him on the cheek and stepped inside, my heels echoing on the pristine, white tiled floor.

  ‘How was your morning? Did you say you were meeting a friend?’ he asked, as we walked up to the next level and the sumptuous sitting room that overlooked one of the private parks.

  ‘No. It was actually something for work.’

  Dad didn’t really understand the whole blog thing. I think as far as he was concerned, I was still the little girl playing with Mum’s make-up. ‘I was meeting with a cosmetics company. They want to work with me, and my blog.’

  ‘Right! That’s good, yes?’

  ‘Yes, it’s good.’

  ‘Excellent. Now, what would you like to drink?’

  And that was the end of the enquiry. Had it been Matt standing there, he’d have been questioned up, down and sideways about all of his latest operations and procedures. I got one question. I tried not to let it hurt and most of the time it washed over me. But just once, it would have been nice if he’d shown a bit of interest and pride in what I was trying to achieve. I’d built my own, now moderately successful business, from nothing. I’d just met with one of the hottest new eco-friendly names in the cosmetics industry who wanted to work with me, but it still didn’t seem to be of interest to Dad. I thought again of how different things would have been if Mum had still been around. Then I concentrated on pushing those feelings back down again. They’d reared up unexpectedly once already today. That was enough.

  ‘Libby?’ Dad prompted as I gazed out onto the park and watched a nanny unlock the iron gate to the park and push a pram that probably cost more than my car through it.

  ‘Sorry?’

  ‘Drink?’

  ‘Oh. I don’t really…’ I paused, considering the afternoon and the enforced blind date due later. ‘Actually, got any champagne?’

  ‘Of course.’

  Two minutes later, I had a glass of fizz in my hand.

  ‘So, Matt mentioned that we’re now actually going to be four for dinner? Is that right?’ Dad’s expression barely flickered.

  ‘Complete chance! Anthony’s been working over in Switzerland for the last few years. We were just chatting and he mentioned that he hadn’t been to Ocean, and was planning on going. Well, I thought it might be nice for him to have some company.’

  I rolled my lips together to keep them from saying anything I couldn’t take back and gave a short nod.

  ‘I think you’ll really like him. He’s—’ The sound of the doorbell interrupted his speech.

  ‘Oh, that’ll be Gina. She’s probably loaded up with shopping and can’t get to her key. Back in two shakes.’

  I gave a little raise of my glass as acknowledgement and waited for him to leave the room before downing the e
ntire thing. Moving to the drinks’ cabinet, I took the bottle of Veuve from the ice bucket and topped up my glass. Somewhere inside I knew that this probably wasn’t a great idea. I wasn’t a robust drinker at the best of times, so heading straight in mid-afternoon having eaten nothing but the sandwich Charlie had bought me, I was pretty certain I was heading for Trashville.

  The click-clack of Gina’s heels alerted me to incoming and I turned back to the window, watching a designer-clad toddler wobble uncertainly around on the grass, his nanny inches behind, ready to catch any tumble.

  ‘Libby, daaaaaarling!’ Gina purred, her thick Italian accent infusing the words with a depth I could never hope to achieve. Gina could make ordering pizza sound erotic. She was very Sophia Loren – all curves and sex appeal. She had over twenty years on me, but still knocked me, and most other women, so far into the shade it was covered with permafrost.

  ‘Hi, Gina. It’s nice to see you.’ And I meant it.

  Dad hadn’t seen anyone for a long time after Mum had passed away. She’d been his world, his rock, and, despite both having occupations in which they dealt with mortality on a regular basis, they’d never considered they didn’t have many more years together. She was always so bright, so vital. To have that ripped away so suddenly – it wasn’t something Dad could understand. He spent his life saving people, but he had to watch the one person he loved more than anything in the world die before his eyes, unable to do a single thing to prevent it.

  Gradually, however, he did begin to see other women. They were always classy, bright, and reserved. Mum was both the former, but she’d never been reserved. She certainly hadn’t been one for bottling things up. If something needed saying, it got said. She’d always said it was because she was Irish and that seemed as good a reason as any. Matt and I had inherited the same trait, and shamelessly used the same bloodline excuse.

  So, it seemed strange to us that Dad had chosen to go for these demure types. We were never surprised when he didn’t see them more than once or twice. And then Gina came into view like a thunderbolt, fizzing and popping. And Dad began to smile. He laughed, properly laughed, for the first time in what seemed like forever. I’d never be able to thank Gina enough for being responsible for that. For all Dad’s chosen oblivion to what I was trying to do with my life, and his constant wish to set me up as Mrs Doctor Whoeveritmaybe – which I knew was only encouraged by Gina, one thing I didn’t thank her for – I still wanted him to be happy. And she made him happy. He’d never marry again and had told her that and the arrangement suited her. But privately Matt and I were still of the ‘never say never’ camp when it came to that subject.