The One Addicted(19)
“Hmmm. And costly too – looking at these figures! I thought you’d be getting mates rates?”
“I do receive mates rates but I’m not a charity, Leo. There are materials and labour included in these prices and I know my costings, and these are fair - I’m not being duped don’t be concerned.” I can feel my hands clenching under the table. He has my best interests at heart, financially I know, but I sense its more than that and this is my business. He is not a shareholder or a partner in any way shape or form.
“Hmmm.”
Arrrgghh! I take a sip of my tea and take a minute to make some notes as he peruses the rest of my excel spreadsheet.
“Ok, Lu, things are looking good here apart from this potential non-profit.” His hand skirts over the Ashton figures. “But, I think the bank will be happy that the loan is being managed well and can be satisfied comfortably, looking at these figures. Just be careful when working with friends – sometimes they are not all they seem to be and it’s not always best for business or pleasure. Sometimes better to play it safe – do you catch my drift?”
What a strange comment to make?
“Not really, Leo, but thanks for your time. However, I really must get on now.”
“Oh, alright then. Shall we reconvene during lunch?”
“What today?”
“Yes - I could come back to Elysium for say 1pm and grab us a sandwich from that nice little deli en-route. Chicken salad on brown, no butter - right?”
WTF? “I’m afraid I can’t – like I said I have a meeting with a new client, The Gilded Fox? Have you heard of it?”
He shakes his head, whilst holding eye contact at all times with me, cool blue appraising eyes before collecting his briefcase and clicking it shut. “Nope. Never mind then about lunch. Another time. I will bid you adieu.”
“Ok then?” My voice lifts in question at his strange ‘goodbye’. “See you later, Leo.”
He really is so odd at times. I watch him stop and say something to Jackie that makes her blush lightly before heading down the glass corridor to the lifts. Good luck to Meg!
I am just about to begin the arduous task of wading through my list of suppliers to call, when Colin interrupts me. “What did ‘stick up his arse’ want?”
“Oh God. He collared me at the lift and there was no way I could escape but thanks for rescuing me, you two!” I point a straightened finger at Colin and Jackie with dramatic evil eyes.
“Soz, doll you looked like you were involved in money talk and you know I hate that, unless I’m spending it by the hundreds.”
“I know. He’s just a bit odd. I mean I like him and he’s done wonders with the business’ loan and finances but I can’t believe I ever agreed to a date with him, let alone two and since Seb and I got together and I told Leo that we were a no go – I just had hoped he’d …”
“…stop following you around like a lapdog?”
“Stop it! He doesn’t. Besides he seems happy with Meg – I just feel a bit weird around him. It’s me, not him. I need to get past it, poor guy.”
Oh and don’t forget the creepy part about him knowing what Deli sandwich you preferred to the last detail!
“Anyway enough about Dreary Leary Leo - I’m truly hurt and can’t believe I’ve been prancing around in front of you for the past five minutes and you haven’t noticed!”
“Noticed what?”
“Sweet baby Jesus – this!” His hand pats his tiny pert behind. “Check out my arse in these bad boys!”
“God’s sake, Colin, you scared the shit out of me.” I try to frown at his disruptive behaviour but find it hard not to break into a grin at his wiggling behind.
“Soz, boss but I couldn’t deprive you of seeing such a firm derriere!”
I hear Jackie’s snort of laughter behind Colin and can’t contain mine any longer. “Colin you are a fine figure of a man I agree, but do you really need to wear pink tartan peddle-pushers to prove it?”
“James bought me them - I think they make me look more Lord of the manor - don’t you?”
More like lady of the manor, bless him. “Hmmm. Maybe the mustard tweed jacket combo is a bit much?”
“You think?”
“Definitely.” I catch Jackie’s eyes and we roll our eyes consecutively.
“Maybe it is a bit much together. Jamesy and I are hosting the launch / come house party at The Ashton, at the weekend you know, and I need to look the part.”
“Oh we know, darling, you’ve talked about nothing else since James set a date.”
“Sorry if I’m boring you.” His bottom lip practically hits his knee high boots.