“I want to apologise for my treatment of you on Saturday. I was rude and hostile with no reason and Mickie…I should have kept my distance from her. I hope you’ll accept my apology and we’ll still see you tomorrow.” She barely came up for breath between words.
Tasha knew she’d got no choice about them all seeing her tomorrow courtesy of Mr Control Freak. Was this call anything to do with him?
“I’m not too sure what to say to you, Bria. I understand your suspicion of me, but you made me feel incredibly uncomfortable. Your intervention with Mickie was totally unnecessary, she was more than capable of being a complete bitch to me without your help and as I understand it she hasn’t exactly been the best of companions to either of your brothers who she has professed to love. I’ll be there tomorrow, at Jim’s insistence, but thank you for calling.” Tasha had nothing else to say and was ready to hang up.
“You’re very blunt.” She stated but didn’t wait for a response from Tasha. “Could we at least try to start over?”
“I suppose so because we are going to have to get used to being thrown together,” Tasha acknowledged.
“Thanks,” said Bria. “And I can see why Jim is so smitten with you.”
“I have to go because I have some calls to make, but I’ll see you tomorrow,” said Tasha before hanging up with a sigh.
“Morning,” called Sandra from the open door. “And congratulations. Let’s have a look at the ring.” She smiled at Tasha who walked over and held out her ring finger.
“Ooh very nice, classy.” Sandra hugged her warmly. “I hope you’ll both be very happy together,” she said sincerely, making Tasha smile as she recalled the suspicious woman she’d first met. “Oh, by the way, Jim said to call him when you got up.”
Tasha returned to her seat at the patio and called Jim at the office so she could arrange lunch with Amanda first.
“Good morning, Mr Maybury’s office.”
“Hi Amanda, it’s Tasha.”
“Good morning. Mr Maybury said you’d be calling, let me check if he is free,” she started.
“Okay, but I was wondering if you were still free for lunch this week.”
“Yes, I am. Mr Maybury said I should feel free to accept your invitation.” Amanda sounded far too appreciative thought Tasha.
“Oh, good. I don’t suppose you’re free today are you?” Tasha asked hopefully, striking while the iron was hot.
“I could be. My lunch hour is from twelve thirty if that’s good for you.” Amanda sounded genuinely pleased to be meeting up.
“Yes, works for me.”
“Shall we meet somewhere, or here?” asked Amanda.
“Either.” Tasha briefly wondered if there were rules for meeting up with you fiancé’s ex-wife.
“There’s a nice place close to the studio called The Summer Garden. We could meet there,” suggested Amanda.
With their plans agreed, Amanda put Tasha through to Jim.
“Good morning, baby. Can you hold on for just a moment, honey?”
She could hear him talking to someone at the other end of the line, but couldn’t hear what was being said until he raised his voice. “Well, that will be my problem, won’t it?” There was a brief pause before he spoke again, “No, I’ve told you, just sort out any legalities relating to Tasha being a foreigner and don’t worry about a pre-nup.”
No pre-nup? Why was he even considering not having one? He should have a pre-nup, especially with his track record and she knew he had previously.
“Sorry, Tasha, I was already on a call. Are you okay? I’ve told Amanda that she should accept your lunch invitation if she wants to.”
“I know, she said and we are meeting today.” She knew he’d want to know the details. “I’ve spoken to Jon and am meeting with some casting people at the studio on Thursday. Oh, and Bria called to apologise and to assure me we can make a fresh start tomorrow. I wonder why she did that.” Tasha did nothing to hide her suspicion.
He ignored her final comment. “You have been busy, haven’t you? I have to go to New York early Thursday until Saturday, but I’m sure you’ll manage without me for a couple of days. I don’t think I’ll be back before you and Lizzie leave for London, so I’ll have to give you my lecture before I leave.” He laughed, but actually meant it. He was already preparing it.
“I’ll miss you.” And she would, like she’d never missed anyone. “What are you doing in New York?” Her focus suddenly shifted to his business rather than her trip.
“Just business stuff. Meeting a few people to discuss a few deals.” His vague response sent panic rushing through her veins.
