“Late forwhat? What was so important you couldn’t tell me over the phone?”Patrick demanded.
Todd seemed unperturbedby Patrick’s aggravated tone, obviously concentrating on easinginto the busy traffic.
“How did itgo? Do you think you can help with Chloe’s extension?” Todd focusedon the road ahead, waiting for Patrick’s answer.
“You kept thatquiet, didn’t you? She’s really something.”
“Kept whatquiet?” Todd started straight ahead, stony-faced.
“Oh, don’t play dumb, Todd. You know very well what I mean.Plus, you obviously have been discussing me. I feltlike a moron. She knew about me and I had no idea who the hell shewas, or what the hell she is to you, more to the point.”
“Chloe isnothing to me, other than a friend, Patrick. I advise you to reinin that temper. You’ll spoil your dinner.”
“You expect meto believe there is nothing going on between you and that beautifulcreature? You, Todd Baker, man about town, who seduces everylong-legged beauty you come in contact with who takes your fancy.You must think I’m an idiot. “
Patrick waited for acutting retort. Todd was famous for winning arguments with hissharp tongue and quick intellect. None was forthcoming.
“That meansshe’s fair game. Don’t say I didn’t warn you, bro!” Patrick noticedthe speed at which they were travelling. “Hey slow down … do youwant to tell me where the hell we’re going?”
Todd’s jawclenched, his cheek muscles twitching. “First of all, I am not theBaker brother who seduces every beautiful woman I see. I leave thatpleasure to you, my friend. Secondly, to answer your question, it’sSamantha’s birthday tomorrow. She’s working late, and we’re goingto pick her up from the office before she leaves and take her to apre-birthday dinner. She won’t be expecting it, so it will be asurprise. There’s a change of clothes on the back seat for you.Since you look reasonably clean and are wearing jeans, I suggestyou at least change into the shirt and jacket. We’ll be theresoon.” Todd pulled up at the lights.
Patrick quickly unbuckledhis seat belt, yanked his T-shirt over his head, tugged the crispwhite cotton shirt off the hanger and covered his tanned barechest. Working and exercising outdoors has its benefits in thewarmer months. Patrick checked out his reflection in the mirror andpulled up the shirt collar. He slid his arms into the silk liningof the butter-soft black leather jacket. Being a similar size,Todd’s wardrobe was a perk Patrick enjoyed from time totime.
“Buckle up. Idon’t want a fine.” Todd drove slowly through theintersection.
“Do I get tokeep the shirt and the jacket? It looks good on me.”
“You’re afunny guy, Patrick. Just drop them off at the office in the nextfew days. Samantha will make sure the shirt isdry-cleaned.”
Todd swung the car into aparking lot behind the office building.
Samantha had beendelighted with her pre-birthday surprise. Dinner accompanied by twoof her favourite men didn’t happen often. She looked with affectionat one brother then the other. Their different personalitiesintrigued her. Through the day at work Todd was all business, andPatrick was cute and cheeky, very tongue-in-cheek whenever hedropped by the office, a real larrikin. Bring them together,however, they were equally funny guys, telling jokes and one linersand entertaining their audience. They appeared to understand oneanother with very few words, were completely relaxed in eachother’s company. Patrick brought out the big kid in Todd withlittle effort.
“Well, thankyou both, this was a lovely dinner. I had no idea you were planningto surprise me. It worked out perfectly. Malcolm is still in Perthuntil tomorrow morning.” Samantha reached over and placed a hand ontheirs, giving them a squeeze.
“Is heplanning something tomorrow night for your actual birthday?”Patrick squeezed her hand in response.
“Yes. He’smade a booking for dinner at Rosetta’s at Crown Complex. I’vewanted to go there since it opened.”
“Well, drinkup and I’ll take you home. Your car will be fine at the office. Geta taxi in to work tomorrow. I am sure Malcolm will be happier if Imake sure you get home safely.” Todd left the table to take care ofthe bill.
Samantha finished herflute of champagne, happy to accept the offer to be droppedhome.
Patrick slid back intothe front seat of Todd’s car. Samantha waved goodbye then turnedand shut her front door,
“That was apleasant evening, wasn’t it?” Todd eased into thetraffic.
Patrick folded his armsover his chest and turned towards Todd.
“I haven’t letyou off the hook yet buddy. You still haven’t explained why I gotroped into this extension.”
“You have theexpertise. She needed someone she could trust. Who better than myown brother.”
“I presumeit’s mates rates then?”
“I’dappreciate it if you would ditch the attitude. A low estimate wouldbe preferable.”
Todd pulledinto the kerb at Docklands, stopping behind Patrick’scar.
“You’re okayto drive? Or do you want to stay here tonight?”
“Yes, I candrive. I only had one glass of champagne. I stuck to water. I’ve abusy day tomorrow. Goodnight. Thanks for the dinner.” Patrickclosed the door and flicked off a quick salute.
“Goodnight,safe drive home then.” Todd called out of the open window. He droveby and into the apartment’s parking garage.
Patrick grinned as hewatched the taillights disappear around the corner. Driving homewas the last thing on his mind; not immediately, at anyrate.
As soon as he slid behindthe wheel, he called Chloe and made a date for the following Fridayevening. He recognised the need to strike while the iron was hot,and Chloe, in his opinion was very hot indeed. There had been aspark between them; he couldn’t have imagined it, could he? She’dheld onto his hand a little too long. Todd had said there wasnothing between them. Some little voice inside his head murmuredthat Chloe Armstrong was too good for him, too polished, tooclassy, that she was more Todd’s type. He wanted to prove thatlittle voice wrong.
Thirty minuteslater, thrilled with his Lothario expertise, he pulled the car inbehind the restaurant they recently vacated. While Todd andSamantha had been perusing the menu earlier, he had been making eyecontact with Sharon, their charming waitress. When he paid a visitto the restroom, he also paid a few compliments to the buxomredhead and had secured himself a
