Page 11 of Mayfair Madame
Our meetings became a weekly occurrence, and our friendship had grown into something meaningful. He rarely left his home now, and I’d visit as often as I could.
I’d joke he was my sugar daddy, but he was so much more than that. I loved his sense of humour, his loyalty, and his dedication to lost causes.
“Okay, I can do that. Not sure how long he’ll wait, but you know him better than I do.”
“What’s next?”
“Next, you tell me what the hell happened last night, Naomi. How the hell did the dress get torn? Oscar is going to kill you.”
“Don’t I know it? Let’s grab more coffee, and I’ll fill you in. You will not believe how my night ended.”
Chapter Four
Ellie
“Hey, Mum.” Sunday was our day to chat.
Since Dad died, she’d been lonely. Sixty-five years was a long time to be together. It was a loss that you didn’t get over quickly, but I’d admit, sometimes it was wearing. Sure, she had friends and a better social life than I’d ever have, but she’d lost her confidence and no longer seemed to be the strong woman and mother who had raised me.
My sister, Lucy, still lived close by and probably bore the brunt. The few times a month I spoke to her, she’d mentionhow much our mum got her down. How she fussed and moaned. Guilt would hit me hard then.
I’d moved away, opting to follow my then partner to another part of the country. That had backfired spectacularly, and just eighteen months later, she’d left me, citing demanding work hours. I’d called bullshit, but it had driven her into the arms of another. I had only myself to blame.
I’d stayed around for another year or so until this job had come up. How had I been able to refuse?
A promotion, more money, the promise of more to come. It’d have been stupid to turn it down.
“Ellie, how nice to hear from you! I’ve hardly spoken to anyone all week.” The same sentence she started every conversation with, although I knew she was lying.
“Mum, you went out with Edie on Wednesday, and I know Lucy has called you, and don’t say that doesn’t count. You know I’d call more, but…”
“Your job is demanding. I know that, Ellie. You don’t have time for me these days.”
I pinched the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes, biting back the comment that sat on the edge of my tongue. She always knew how to bring on the guilt.
“Mum, I’m sorry. I work odd hours, but I promise I’ll try to call more.”
“Your brother-in-law isn’t doing well. I’ve told your sister she should make him go to the doctor, but she doesn’t listen to me.”
And this was why. Since Dad had gone, she’d decided everyone’s business was hers, and I’d lost count of the number of times I’d told her it wasn’t. Even my sister had adopted my phrase—it’s not your business.
Mum’s patience was almost non-existent now. Any workman would suffer her wrath if they didn’t turn up or call.
She continued to prattle on, but I’d zoned out, saying yes and no in what I hoped were the right places.
“Ellie, did you hear what I said?” she asked sharply.
“Sorry, Mum, I got distracted.”
“You always do. Call me when you have time.”
“Mum, don’t be like that.”
“Like what, Ellie? We talk once a week. The least you could do is pay attention.”
She was absolutely right, but she repeated herself over and over, and my mind kept wandering. Since meeting Naomi a couple of nights ago, she’d been all I could think about.
“What do you have planned for the week? Will you be seeing Auntie Anne?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
