‘Can I just sponsor it and not partake in the run?’ Thoughts of running the beach in a fucking Santa suit is ludicrous. Though, Phoebe would get a great kick out of watching it. And the twins will probably be there too.
‘You already are sponsoring it, but taking part will make you look more human to the staff.’ Beth leans against the door frame, examining her rainbow painted nails.
‘Who says I want to appear more human to the staff?’ I quite like that most of them avoid me like the plague.
‘Oh, come on! That hard-ass front doesn’t work on me. You have a huge heart beneath that steely exterior, why not let them get a glimpse of it? It’s Christmas after all.’
I’ve deliberately avoided getting too familiar with my staff. At one point my father could name almost every single one of his employees. He knew their kids’ names, what football teams they supported, and what they ate every day for lunch.
He also knew what colour panties his PA wore, because they were usually round her ankles before lunchtime while he bent her over his desk.
She sent photographic evidence to the house. That’s when my mother introduced the ‘no shitting on the doorstep’ rule.
I shudder at the memories, grateful for Beth’s incessant chatting.
‘And I think you should bring Ava.’
‘But the entire office will be gossiping about us.’ Which is something I despise, though the prospect of taking Ava for another dirty night away is pretty enticing. And if Teagan does have any little birds, it’s the perfect opportunity to send them fluttering back to her.
‘They’ve been gossiping about you since she waltzed in here last week looking like she’d just stepped of the catwalk. How she’s snagged your miserable ass has the entire building intrigued.’
‘Haven't they got anything better to do? Like work?’ I scoff.
‘Cut them some slack! Our hot, brooding boss hooking up with the owner of the hottest new dating agency is the story of the century! I use the term “hot, brooding boss” objectively of course.’ Beth grins, stepping aside, finally allowing me to pass. ‘You do absolutely nothing for me.’
‘Thankfully.’ I mutter. ‘Fine. I’ll ask her.’ The prospect of Ava’s stunning body spread out across one of Huxley Castle’s four-poster beds has seared itself into my mind. ‘Also, I need to take a few days off the week before Christmas.’
‘What?’ Beth’s jaw practically hits the floor.
‘Ava’s brother’s getting married. It’s on one of those islands off the west coast. He’s trying to avoid paparazzi. I’ll need most of the week off.’
‘But what about your cases?’
‘You know as well as I do it’s the quietest month of the year.’ I roll my lips.
I never take holidays. Except when Phoebe’s off school. ‘Give them to Alex. It might keep him busy enough to leave the girls in the office alone.’ Alex Benedict is like a younger, better-looking version of my father. He has the same voracious appetite for the opposite sex. And they have the same appetite for him. As one of my best attorneys, his statistics are only a fraction below mine. Worrying, given he specialises in criminal defence.
When he’s not defending the bad guys, he can be found cruising Dublin in his brand-new Ibis-white Audi R8, like the playboy he is, picking up women. A taste of family law might calm him down a bit.
‘Consider it done.’ Beth singsongs, strutting out of my office. ‘I told you there’s hope for you yet.’
I type out a text to Ava.
Any chance you’re free tomorrow for an overnight trip?
Her reply is instantaneous. Thank God she’s not one of these game players.
Depends where … my own bed is really comfy. You should try it out sometime …
Huxley Castle
Hell yes! I was there last Christmas with my brother. I’ve been praying to get back there ever since.
‘Daddy, can we go ice-skating tomorrow? Sarah Snowden went last weekend, and she said it was awesome.’ Phoebe asks from across the dinner table.
Matilda left cashew chicken and rice for us, one of Phoebe’s favourites. She has the sand-coloured sauce smeared across her chin as proof.
‘Not tomorrow sweetheart. Remember Matilda’s coming to mind you? It’s Daddy’s work party.’ I place my cutlery together on my plate.
