“You know sometimes when a man plays it all mysterious, it’s because there’s really nothing to tell.” Rita grins, her green eyes twinkling mischievously. “Sometimes, they’re just that boring.”
“Oh trust me, I know that only too well.” I wince.
Rita and I giggle as we both remember Bobby, a guy I dated a year or so ago. He was the strong silent type, and I dreamed up all of these scenarios for him, and when he finally let his guard down and told me about himself, I realized he was the most boring guy I had ever met. He had a collection of train memorabilia for goodness sake.
“I don’t get that impression from Brett though,” I go on, aware that my voice has a dreamy quality to it that I can’t quite shake. I know Rita has noticed it too by the amused smile she gives me. But I don’t say anything about it, I just go on with my explanation, “I mean yeah, maybe he’s secretly got a stamp collection or something, but I get the impression he’s reserved around me because I work for his father. I don’t know what’s gone on with the family, but Brett and Mr. Connell are really formal and awkward around each other. And last year when he came into the office, they had some sort of argument where Brett thought his father had done something to make his deal fall through. He said he thought his father was trying to force him to work for the company. There’s definitely some bad blood there. And I have no idea where he’s been for the last year.”
“Maybe he’s a spy.” Rita grins.
I roll my eyes.
She laughs. “Ok, seriously, he’s probably not a spy. But yeah, I guess it makes sense he would be guarded around you if he has issues with his dad and he thinks you’re going to run to him with anything he tells you.” She laughs again. “Although I think it’s fair to say his father finally got what he wanted. If only he had thought of having a heart attack sooner, you could have gotten to know the mysterious Brett before they had this falling out.”
“Rita,” I gasp shocked.
“Oh relax Opal, it’s not like he died or anything…” She pauses for a moment and then she starts to talk again, “Ok, new scenario. Maybe he didn’t disappear at all. You seem to think he’s been somewhere for the last year. Maybe he just doesn’t feel the need to contact his father at work. I mean when was the last time you called your dad at work?”
“Ok, fair point,” I say. “But as Mr. Connell’s personal assistant, I see his private diary as well and I’ve never once seen anything in there about him meeting up with Brett at any point over the last year either.”
“So they don’t get on, so they don’t spend time together.” Rita shrugs. “It still doesn’t mean Brett’s been gone for a year.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I don’t know how to explain to her that if they’re running similar businesses in the same city, they would have crossed paths at some point.
“You’re not convinced are you?” Rita pushes herself up into a sitting position and peering at me through narrowed eyes. “Ok, where do you think he was? Do you think he has a secret wife and kids somewhere?”
“No!” I exclaim. I hadn’t even considered that as a possibility. But now I do. Am I going to go to this event tonight and end up meeting a wife I didn’t know Brett had? I mean it would make sense. He’s so hot it’s almost impossible to imagine him not having a wife, or at least a girlfriend. But no, he can’t have. Jessie would have known. She knows everything about everyone and there’s no way, she wouldn’t have mentioned something as big as a wife.
I open my mouth to say more, but at that moment, the buzzer on the door rings.
Rita grins at me. “Go get him,” she says.
“It’s not like that Rita,” I insist. “It’s just a work thing. Yes, I think he’s attractive, but nothing will happen, even if he wanted it to. It’s not professional. I just like the idea of having someone pretty to look at. It will make this dinner party a bit more interesting that’s all.”
“Ok hon, you keep telling yourself that.” Rita smirks. “Now go.”
Jumping to my feet, I hurry towards the door. I pause and look back, ready to ask Rita if I really look alright.
She grins. “You look beautiful,” she says, answering my question before I even have a chance to ask it.
I smile at her and rush out of the apartment before I let my nerves get the better of me altogether. I take the stairs. It’s only one floor and the stairs are usually quicker than waiting for the elevator, even in these heels. I reach the ground floor and take a deep breath then smooth my dress over my hips.
I step out into the night. A light breeze blows, bringing a chill to my bare arms and I wonder briefly if I should have worn a jacket, but I instantly dismiss the idea. It would have ruined my look, and besides, it’s not like I’m going to be outside for long.
A black Mercedes is parked at the curb and a man in a black uniform stands beside it. He smiles as I approach him. “Ms Collins?” he says.
Smiling back, I give him a nod.
“Good evening,” he says, pulling the back door of the car open.
“Thank you.” I get into the car, trying to hide my disappointment. When Brett told me a car
