Masters And Lovers 1-4 novel Chapter 75

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“Something wrong?”

“Your brother makes me uncomfortable. You'd think this was his home rather than mine.”

“He’s giving you trouble?”

“Not exactly. I just feel as though I'm under a microscope whenever he sees me near Charlotte.”

He curses under his breath. “I'll have a word. Tell him to back off.”

“I'd appreciate that.”

*****

It’s a relief to come to work. There’s a lot to be said for having a senior position, people all around who understand you, work you enjoy and not constantly having some interfering bastard peering over your shoulder.

I could do without all the paperwork though….

I survey the pile of files, reports, applications for permission and other crap on my desk.

I remember when I used to design bridges….

Richard enjoys this stuff….

Each to their own….

I check my watch. I have a meeting on-site within twenty minutes.

Would this be useful for her?

I tap on my phone. “Charlotte, I’m going on-site to talk with Sam Callaghan. We’ll be looking at the latest ground surveys on B-site. Do you want to come?”

“I’d like to, but I’m in a meeting myself. Do you need me there right now?”

“I can hang on for five minutes. I’ll wait by the main entrance.”

I head for the elevator, throwing “I’m going on-site Francis,” behind me. “I’m not expecting to be in again today.”

“Very well, James.”

I descend, noticing a rattle as I pass between floors twenty-two and twenty-one.

It did that yesterday….

Memo to self - call maintenance. Get them to look….

With a hiss, the elevator doors open to the lobby and I head for the doors, vaguely registering an unfamiliar face at the reception desk….

New concierge….

And I stand to wait, staring into space, running over the items I want to discuss with our site foreman.

After a minute or so, it dawns on me that I am being watched, surreptitiously, but watched nonetheless.

The concierge….

It’s her job after all….

Fair enough….

I nod in her direction, just a polite acknowledgement, and for the first time, I really look at her.

She’s young, dark-haired, not bad-looking with strong features, and….

…. familiar….

I know you….

Where do I know you from?

Then I have it. I glance back again. She looks ready to curl up and die. Clearly, she remembers me and how we met.

Inside I laugh, but that’s not fair.

No wonder she’s embarrassed.

Be nice….

That’s always part of the deal….

I walk across, slowly, trying to be casual.

“We do know each other, don’t we? It’s Debbie, isn’t it?”

She looks mortified. She’s wearing a perfectly standard white office-style blouse, but above the blouse, a crimson tide is rising up over her face.

She taps at a name-badge pinned neatly to the blouse. “Er…. Kirstie, actually.”

Again, I fight to keep the laughter from my voice and face.

Tactfully phrased….

Lol!

“Yes, he’s fine. He got married recently.”

“Ah…. Shame….” Points of colour sit on her high cheekbones.

“I’m sure there’s many who will think so,” I say.

She’s an attractive girl. Under other circumstances….

Get a grip, Man….

“And…um…. you?”

Yes, she’s looking at my ring….

“No, I’ve not been…. out and about…. much recently either. I…. also married.”

She nods, sucking at her lips. “Oh…. Congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

I check my watch.

Time’s up….

“Kirstie, could you send a message upstairs please, to Mrs Summerford on extension 4528. Tell her that I can’t wait, and she’ll have to get her husband to pick her up.”

“Of course, Mr….”

And past encounters aside, I remind myself, that my relationship with Kirstie is strictly one of business. I offer her my hand. “Alexanders…. James Alexanders, since we weren’t formally introduced when we met previously.”

She stands to accept the hand, but as she shakes, colour blooms up her neck. It’s quite attractive.

“Nice to meet you, Mr Alexanders. I’ll see your message gets to where it’s going.”

“Thank you, Kirstie.”

And I turn to head for my meeting.

*****