Page 60 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Maddie?” Charlotte said behind her and she turned smiling.

“Morning.” She said back seeing she was with two men in obviously expensive suits and feeling more than a little underdressed in her usual black jeans, shirt, and hair in a ponytail combo.

“What are you doing here?” Charlotte asked.

“Here to see Brandon and Cole.” She said.

“Brandon’s here?” Charlotte questioned.

“Yeah that’s what he said.” Maddie shrugged.

The reception lady appeared with a man beside her. “Miss Cooper, Carl will escort you….”

“That won’t be necessary Katie, I can take Maddie.” Charlotte said.

“It’s fine, you’ve probably got lots to be doing.” Maddie said cutting across them.

“Nonsense. These two can cope without me for a few minutes.” She said waving at the two men as if dismissing them. “…and besides I can hardly abandon my favourite sister–in-law.” She teased and Maddie laughed in shock.

“Woah think you’re jumping the gun a little…”

“Oh don’t worry Mads, I’m just winding you up.” She said grinning before grabbing the visitor pass from girl on reception, hanging it around Maddie’s neck and leading her up past the security barriers.

“So tell me, are you all set for the weekend?” Charlotte asked once they were out of earshot.

“At this rate I’ll be happy just to make it to the weekend.” Maddie replied.

“How come?” Charlotte said.

“Work. It’s been a heavy week.” Maddie stated.

“Yeah and tomorrow won’t make it any easier.” Charlotte said back. “It’s bad timing that we booked this damn AGM right when we’re all going away.”

“I guess.” Maddie muttered feeling like some of the logistics went over her head too much.

“But you are all set for it right? Cole’s house, his real house.”

“His house in London is pretty real Charlotte.” Maddie stated.

“Oh trust me, it is nothing on Norton Park.” She said and Maddie had to fight the wince she felt whenever she thought of it. Cole’s other house. His real house. His ancestral home.

“And you finally get to meet the family. The whole family.” She added grinning.

“Urgh I know.” Maddie said feeling more nervous about that than anything else.

“Oh don’t worry, whatever Cole says, they’re lovely. Besides I’ve already prepped them on you…” Charlotte stated.

“What does that mean?” Maddie asked.

“It means that they know if they’re not nice than you are more than capable of kicking their arse.” Charlotte said and Maddie burst out laughing.

“I doubt Cole would be very impressed if I pick a fight with his family.” Maddie stated.

“Oh trust me, Cole would love it.” Charlotte said stopping outside a set of double doors. “His office is just beyond these, ignore his secretary, she’s a bitch.”

“Good to know.” Maddie said. “And thanks for walking with me.”

“Anytime and see you tomorrow Maddie.” Charlotte said grinning.

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