Chapter 3
“So the Junkocontract is still pending? I thought Morrissey was pushing that for Christmas? I spent the past six months having no social life to get that done because the company ‘needed’ the deal to go through ASAP. It’s spent the past three weeks on that man’s desk. Now you’re telling me it’s on hold until the New Year?” Mike Callaghan’s voice filled the empty corridor as he and Kate’s husband Ian, disembarked the elevator.
Each at over six feet tall and with similar wide set jaws and unruly spiked medium brown hair, Ian and Mike could have passed for a twin at a distance.
On closer inspection the differences were evident.
Ian’s chestnut eyes were set into a slimmer more serious face, though the five o’clock shadow matched Mike’s perfectly.
Mike’s softer appearance gave him a more boyish look with his blue eyes and dimpled chin.
Ian was wearing his customary tailored grey suit with a navy tie and leather shoes, while Mike was dressed in dark jeans, a light blue buttoned-down and a light grey vest. He wore loafers on his feet and the top button of his shirt was undone.
“I tried to get him to move on it but he’s stalling. You should probably drop a hint to Nolan, just to cover yourself,” Ian stated as he turned his key in the lock of the apartment.
“Yeah I will. Morrissey has been after me for ages. I don’t want him trying to put the fault for the delay on me.” He followed Ian into the apartment, both continuing their conversation as they walked into the living room.
“Honey we’re home!” Mike joked as he rounded the corner, his slight twang faltering the moment his blue eyes settled on his friend’s wife and her guest.
What’s she doing here?
“Honestly Mike, the amount of time you spend here people might think you’re part of the family,” Kate laughed as she stepped towards him, placing a friendly peck on his cheek.
She immediately turned to her husband, giving him his customary smooch.
“Yeah, well it happens when you have no life,” Mike joked, glancing in Penny’s direction.
“You better get one if you ever intend to make me a godmother some day,” Kate retorted, taking Ian’s briefcase and setting it aside. She looked at their otherwise empty hands. “I thought you two were bringing home dinner?”
“Don’t worry. I called and ordered before I left the office. The delivery guy should get here any second.” Ian replied as he promptly removed his tie on his way to their bedroom.
“What did you get?” Kate called after him.
“Chinese,” Mike and Ian answered in harmony before Ian disappeared into the other room.
Penny watchedthe cosy display at a distance, suddenly uneasy. She hadn’t anticipated there being anyone else at Kate’s tonight.
She was hoping for a quiet night with her friends, not a mini dinner party. This trip was definitely not turning out how she planned.
And who was the guy? He looked familiar but she couldn’t place him.
“Penny, you remember Mike - Ian’s best friend?” Kate noted the blank look she received and elaborated. “He was the best man at our wedding. You remember Penny don’t you Mike?”
Him!
For Penny, the memory came rushing straight back.
Ian and Kate were married only a few months after Tim’s death, and she’d spent the entire ceremony and reception trying to keep it together for Kate’s sake.
She’d tried to avoid people but weddings weren’t exactly a time to be recluse. People found you whether you wanted to be found or not, especially men.
Weddings were magnets for needy singles trying to score. Mike had been one of them.
He’d pestered Penny until she’d finally blown up, promptly telling him how little she cared for his callous advances. That was the first and last time they’d spoken.
“Yeah, I think I do,” she replied noncommittally.
“Yeah, she’s the woman who bit my head off for asking her to dance,” Mike chuckled as he flopped down on the couch.
