‘And I’m hoping you’re still free tonight.’
‘I have to admit, Dean has excellent cable channels.’
She could tell he was smiling.
‘Then he should also have a DVR.’
Now she was smiling. ‘What time will I need to be setting it?’
‘I’ll pick you up at 7.30.’
‘And what should I wear? Formal? Casual?’
‘Cute sleepwear?’
‘That’s funny, Clark.’ She looked to Angel, who was now paying her all her attention. She didn’t want to let on this was a date. Her daughter had enough going on. ‘I’ll dress for business.’
‘My imagination is running wild.’
‘Cynthia’s here!’ Angel announced, jumping up.
‘I’ve got to go,’ Hayley spoke quickly. ‘I’ll see you later.’ She ended the call, dropping her mobile phone into her backpack. She brushed her hands down her front. She’d dressed to impress this morning. She’d cobbled together a pair of smart, black jeans, her boots, a cream chemise and a red jumper she’d cut up the middleto create a makeshift jacket. She’d spent the early hours of the morning sewing it into place when she hadn’t been able to sleep.
‘Good morning, how are we today?’ Cynthia greeted, holding her hand out first to Angel and then to Hayley.
The woman looked immaculate in a grey two-piece suit, her hair and make-up as perfect as ever.
‘We’re really well. How are you?’ Hayley answered.
‘A little flustered I have to say but…’ She paused. ‘I’m really looking forward to showing you this room. Shall we?’
Cynthia held out her hand and ushered them into the main body of the hotel. Hayley looked back, taking a moment, her eyes roving over the immaculate décor of the lobby again. This function, like the hotel, was going to have to be perfection. Just what had she taken on?
Drummond Global Offices, Downtown Manhattan
Andrew Regis had done it. The interview was on Oliver’s desk in front of him. The man had told the world the merger between the two companies wasn’t going ahead because of Oliver’s reluctance to embrace the future. He’d called him a control freak and a megalomaniac. He said he had none of his father’s belief in mutual support creating stronger foundations. And Andrew had formally announced his personal relationship with Cynthia. His mother must have known this was on the cards and she hadn’t told him. That stung more than the article itself.
‘Oliver.’ Clara’s voice invaded his consciousness. He looked up to see his personal assistant still sat in her chair opposite his desk. How long had he been staring at the words? He didn’t even remember the last thing Clara had asked him.
‘Yes,’ he said in reply.
‘Shall I order some coffee?’ she offered.
He shook his head. ‘No, I’m good.’
She tutted out a noise and reached for the magazine article. ‘I never liked that man. I know he was your father’s best friend but, I don’t know, I never really trusted him. There’s something about his eyes.’
‘My mother obviously thinks very highly of him.’
‘But not after this, surely!’
‘Why not?’ Oliver asked. He reached for the stress baseball.
‘Because none of this is true.’ Clara shook the magazine.
‘Isn’t it?’
‘No, Oliver.’
