“Really? Doingwhat?”
“Design. Yeah, youlook as surprised as I was. Todd has offered me an intern positionwith his interior designer ro decorate the house in Portsea, whichI presume he bought while I was in Paris.”
“That’s a fantasticopportunity. You don’t look happy though. What’s wrong?”
“You forget oneimportant fact. I have very little experience. My work is untried,untested.”
“Above all Todd is avery good businessman. And you’re not doing it alone. He wouldn’toffer if he didn’t think you could pull it off. Have faith in yourability and in Todd’s faith in you.. ”
“It would be like adream come true, helping to decorate that house. The view alone isfabulous.”
“Give it some thought.But if you are not going to take it, tell him now Chloe. Don’tstring him along, getting his hopes up. You know he wants things towork out between you.”
“I want to take thejob, I really do. But what are the strings?”
“Take the job. Todd isa gentleman. Yes, before you say anything, I know I am biased. Tellhim up-front you won’t accept the job if there are any strings. Butto be truthful, if he was going to push you, he would have calledyou while you were in Paris… or turned up. But he didn’t, did he?He left you alone to work things out by yourself.” Samantha pattedChloe’s arm reassuringly. “Enough talk. Where is lunch? I amravenous.”
As she waved goodbyeto Samantha, thoughts jostled for attention. Many questionssurfaced, clamouring to be answered. How did she feel about seeingTodd on a regular basis? Could they begin this working relationshipafter everything that had gone on in the past? Was she asking fortrouble? And the most important question of all. Was she still inlove with him? Am I? Am I still in lovewith Todd? He makes my heart beat faster,but that could be nerves. His Bvlgari cologne brought memoriesthudding back to her whenever he came in close proximity.Now that was lust.Olfactory muscle memory of how he smelled when they’d kissed, whenthey’d made love. How his adroit fingers roamed her body, andalways found their target.
In all honesty, shereally wanted this chance. She could no longer dance. At last shecould keep busy doing something she loved, something which stirredanother passion in her. And get paid to doit! She had experienced a connection withthat house the moment she had laid eyes on it. How wonderful to beable to bring it back to it’s former glory. Or better still, liftit up to be a landmark in the area. When the Baker boys flip it,they could make a killing. And she could be a part of that. Athrill of excitement ran through her. Iwonder who will end up buying it?
CHAPTERFIFTEEN
Todd’s lunch companion hadstopped talking long enough to signal for the bill. This client,Phillip Donovan, had been an investor in Todd’s business when hefirst dipped his toe into real estate. They had formed a friendshipthat had lasted over ten years. Not to be sneezed at in this dayand age of cutthroat business dealings. Todd had paid Phil backmany times over, by getting him in on the ground floor of somesweet property deals, with a quick turnover of cash.
It had been a long day. A day ofwaiting. A day of wondering if Chloe would take up hisoffer.
“Hey buddy. You’re notlistening, are you? What’s got you so distracted? It’s not like youto pass up an invitation.”
“Sorry Phil. I have alot on my mind. An invitation to what exactly?” Todd gave Phil hisundivided attention once more.
“I thought we would goout on the bay this weekend. Would you like to join Marion and meon the Sea Mistress on Sunday? Bring along a friend if you like, or bring alongtwo or three and we’ll have a party.” Phil signed the credit cardslip the waiter presented and discretely passed the young man a tendollar tip.
“Thanks Phil. But…”
“No buts. Marion hascomplained she hasn’t seen you in such a long time. I don’t want tolisten to her going on and on when I tell her you declined herinvitation.”
“Oh now it’s herinvitation. Phil Donovan, you crafty old bugger. You know I can’tturn down that gorgeous wife of yours. I might just have to throwyou overboard on Sunday and keep her all to myself.”
“Now that is an offershe wouldn’t refuse. It always Todd this,and Todd that, whenever you leave our place. I think she’s in lovewith you already.”
“I don’t think youhave to worry on that score, Phil. I am just a flirtation. Mariononly has eyes for you after thirty years of marriage, you lucky oldsod.”
“So you’ll come then.Great. I’ll tell Marion. She’ll be thrilled. As I said, the morethe merrier. The long-range forecast looks sensational. Be down atElwood marina about 9 am on Sunday.” Phil took a last swig from hiswine glass, and discarded his linen napkin on the table. “Nice red.Good choice, Todd. I’d better get back to the office. Meetings allafternoon.”
Todd stood to shakePhil’s hand, and regained his place at the table to finish hiswine. Sunday out on thebay. Could he risk asking Chloe? Or is ittoo soon? She’ll turn you down pal.You are asking for trouble.
“So have you thought about theoffer?” Samantha said excitedly, appearing in front of Chloe in thesupermarket.
“You nearly gave me aheart attack.” Chloe placed a hand over her heart. “A littlewarning next time would be good.”
“Well? You didn’tanswer my question.” Samantha remained in front of the trolleyholding it still, and blocking her escape.
“Yes, I have thoughtabout it. I think I’ll take him up on his offer.”
“So we’ll beworkmates. We can have lunch together and talk about houses andclients, and rival real estate offices, and surf the net forfabulous shoes and …”
“You mean like we donow?” Chloe laughed.
“Yes but it’ll beofficial business if you’re working for Baker Real Estate.”Samantha released the trolley to link her arm through Chloe’s, andbeamed at her. “Have you told him yet?”
“No, not yet. I wasthinking of asking him over tonight. Hence the visit to thesupermarket so late in the day. I thought we could have a talk overdinner about
