Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 82767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82767 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“Sorted?” I repeated, my voice low with anger. The force of it surprised me, and I felt Effie’s hand move onto my leg under the table. Under normal circumstances I would have been shocked, aroused, confused, but I knew instinctively that she was trying to calm me, to tell me to take it easy, keep my cool, and it worked. I repeated more calmly. “How is it sorted?”
“I’m not discussing it, Keegan,” the man was adamant, pouring himself another glass of wine and glancing around the lounge, checking who might be there that he knew just in case I embarrassed him. I saw red.
“You have clearly already discussed it with Sean, so I would like to know exactly how you think it is sorted?”
“I’m not doing this here,” he insisted.
“Would somebody kindly tell me what is going on?” Ma said, in the tone of a woman used to having her demands met.
“Sure.” I paused for a moment. I’d had no intention of ever sharing the story with anyone, but fuck it, why not? If Sean could share it with our dad, why couldn’t I share it with our ma? “The last time I saw Sean, he was all but naked. In my then-girlfriend’s condo. They clearly weren’t expecting my visit.”
I watched my father’s expression change. This was either new information, or a new version of the story. Effie’s hand had tightened on my leg, and I could see her shocked look in my peripheral vision.
“Oh, Keegan,” Ma said pityingly, then turning to Dad, she added, “And you knew?”
“No!” he protested. “I knew there was some trouble, and that Keegan had got hold of the wrong end of the stick – you know how he overreacts…”
“Overreacts?” I spat, furious now. “I didn’t even react! For the sake of the precious business, I didn’t react at all. I saw him there in little more than what he was born wearing, and he saw me in the doorway of my then-girlfriend’s condo as I was dropping by to see her as she claimed she was unwell. I walked away. No words. Nothing. Before you rush, Da, to explain or excuse Sean, I had only introduced them a month ago, so he didn’t sleep with her without knowing that I had been involved with her. And that is why, Ma, Da, I haven’t spoken to Sean.” I stood up. “Now we have had a long day of meetings, and I understand that you no longer wish to discuss my proposals, so I won’t keep you any longer. It was good to see you both. Effie, please gather your things.”
I stepped out of the booth, and bent to kiss my mother on the cheek as I passed. Behind me, I could hear Effie stammering her thanks for the dinner before her high heels clicked quickly across the tiles as she tried to catch up with me. I didn’t stop.
Chapter 31
FREYA
I CHASED AFTER Keegan, who showed no inclination to slow down, and my feet were absolutely killing me running in heels. The dress that Beatrix had insisted I pack, because apparently everyone really does always need a versatile black dress, was not made for running, and I was at risk of falling over. Meanwhile, Keegan was getting further away across the lobby and into the corridor and despite me calling his name as loudly as I dared, he wouldn’t stop.
“For fuck’s sake, Keegan, slow the fuck down!” I said, and the same concierge who had tutted at us earlier visibly rolled his eyes in disgust. I wasn’t his usually standard of hotel guest, but I had managed to get Keegan to stop and turn to face me, a look of shock on his face too. I pulled the heels off and padded along the cold tiles in my bare feet. “Thank you,” I said, as I reached him, leaning on his arm as if nothing had happened. “These shoes are a bitch.”
My words had the desired effect, and I saw his shoulders untense as he allowed himself to laugh. “You keep on surprising me.”
“I know, and it’s not in my contract, so I guess you’ll have to start paying me more for that,” I smiled.
“Speaking of surprises, I am really sorry you had to sit through that. It must have been awful for you,” he winced.
“Not as awful as it was for you,” I said.
“I shouldn’t have said anything. I didn’t intend to…” he shrugged regretfully.
“It was a super exit, if that’s any comfort,” I said, hoping he would smile.
“Well, that’s something,” he smiled, and we entered the elevator.
“It’s been a long day,” I said, pressing the button for our floor. “Maybe try to get some rest?”
He nodded, then asked, “Was I a total dick just now?”
“No!” I said. “I think you were pretty controlled under the circumstances.”