Page 43 of His to Keep
How could she actually believe that she would be the one to turn the bachelor into a one-woman man?
Lana twiddled the tips of her hair and the words trickled out with a mind of their own, “What’s he up to?”
Freddy shrugged. “There’s a massive business deal on the table, but I don’t know anything else.”
Marcus and Freddy were tight, their relationship surpassed employer and employee after they quickly bonded over their mutual appreciation of good food. Freddy was eternally loyal and knew where to draw the line with personal information.
“He’s been out of town the whole time.”
“Partying, I suppose.” She grimaced.
Her life was upside down, hanging by a thread. Taking time off work had only left her feeling lonely and depressed. She felt trapped in a glass room with no way in and no way out, and passers could peer in at the wounded spectacle.
She popped open the pale Chardonnay and filled the only two wine glasses in the apartment. Freddy received the tall stemmed glass with a boyish grin.
“How are you holding up?” A defined eyebrow arched and his eyes were sympathetic.
Lana sighed. “I have good days and bad days. The bad are spent in bed, afraid to leave the house, and the good, well, let’s just say, I think about Marcus in ways I shouldn’t. I can’t believe Carl murdered his wife. I hope that sick pig gets what he deserves.” Her eyes narrowed to slits. “Being stuck here makes it worse. I’m trapped. I need to get my own place, start searching for another job and move the fuck on with my so-called life. I’m thinking about going to college to take up photography.”
“You like taking photographs?” His forehead wrinkled as he nodded in thought. “Have you considered taking pornographic images? There is a definite market for that sort of stuff. The internet is crammed with it.” He shot her a playful grin with a twist of seriousness.
“Freddy!” She groaned and rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “I don’t think taking photos of people, clothed or unclothed, floats my boat. I prefer nature.”
“Lana the hippy. I never had you pegged as tree hugger.” He smirked.
Freddy set his drink down on the end table and clapped his hands, baring pearly white teeth.
“Well, all that aside, I have the perfect idea, honey,” he sang. “I got a call from none other than the sexy Jamie McGrath. He’s heading to the south of Italy tomorrow. His chef, Ronan, has taken ill, appendicitis or genital warts or something gruesome like that. Anyway, he asked me to take over for a few weeks. He has a really important deal on the table too and wants everything to be perfect.”
Lana’s smile faded. “Oh, that sounds wonderful, Freddy. You’re so lucky, what an opportunity!”
He grabbed her hand. “I want you to come with me. You need a break, Lana, and I could do with help in the kitchen. When we aren’t needed we can party in the sun. Jamie always has guests, so with you there to help, it would be fun, and you’ll get paid too.”
Lana shuffled to the edge of the sofa. “Really? Jamie wouldn’t mind if I tagged along?”He wouldn’t think there’s a physco stalker in the midst?
“Honey, I wouldn’t be here if he cared. And don’t worry, I asked him about Marcus. Apparently, they’re in Monaco together at the minute, and then Marcus is going to Madrid, and then off to New York to finalise some mega deal. He won’t be in Italy for a few months, by that stage you’ll be back here and shacked up in a new pad.”
Lana sighed, was it relief or disappointment that pinched her gut? She needed time to heal both physically and mentally, having a few weeks in Italy would be just the ticket, and now was the perfect time.
“I may have found a swanky city apartment already. If I don’t sign the contract, I’ll lose out on a once in a life time offer.”
Freddy’s head cocked. “Really, do you have a bundle of cash stuffed in this sofa?”
“It’s a penthouse. The owner wants someone to take out a year’s lease, immediately, and they’re prepared to take low rent for the right tenant.”
“Holy shit balls!”
“It seems a little weird.”
“Why?”
“The day I walk into the estate agents, some guy needs his penthouse rented at a reduced rate? Tell me that isn’t suspicious?”
“Maybe it’s the hand of Karma, dishing you some good vibes for once.”
“I’d feel happier if I knew who owned it.” She crossed her arms.
“Does it matter, it’s not as if the landlord is going to live with you?” Freddy pursed his lips. “Come on, honey, sign the lease. Then, it will be waiting for you when you get back from Italy,” he coaxed.
