25 #3
“Yes, she’s been nervous about this contract.
It’s not her usual kind of work. I think that’s why she’s a little apprehensive.
It’s a big contract with a lot of exposure.
But Liz has always been professional in every aspect of her work, as you well know.
I have every confidence that she’ll impress them at the meeting and with you being there for her, well, I’m sure that means a lot to her. ”
“Um, yes, well thank you.”
Graham sighed, relieved that Jerome seemed to be somewhat pacified.
“Well it was nice talking to you Graham. I appreciate you looking out for her.”
“You’re welcome.”
Jerome put down the phone and scowled.
“SCOTT.”
“Good afternoon, Seni. I thought I should let you know that the extra surveillance you asked for will start from Wednesday, as well as the phone logging.”
Arsenio looked at the clock on his computer. It was after six and he was nowhere near finished. He rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.
“Good. Not tapping, then?”
“No. That’s a lot harder, but to be honest we just want to prove they’re communicating.”
“Yes, I suppose so. Any luck on the second phone?”
“No, but it should be easy to find once we get the logs on the trainers phone, he’ll be calling it regularly.”
“Yes of course.”
Arsenio stretched his shoulders and stood up. He’d been sitting for too long and his shoulders felt tight. He started pacing around his office flexing his shoeless toes into the plush carpet.
“There’s just one other thing. I noticed today that Jerome had Paul, his head of security, do a full sweep of the house and grounds of his home. He also updated the security, installing cameras and light sensors.”
Arsenio stopped by his window and looked out over the lit city. “Really? That sounds a bit extreme.”
“Yes, I thought so too. They have a fairly decent security system as it is.”
“I’ll see what I can find out about that. Thanks.”
Arsenio looked back at the pile of files on his desk and sighed. He had a heavy week in front of him.
“Send me the reports as before but we need to get together, let’s say…” Arsenio moved back to his desk and quickly scrolled down his calendar, “… It’ll have to be next Monday. Late afternoon.”
“That works for me. I’ll be in touch if there’s anything else more pressing.”
“Okay, thanks.”
Arsenio pressed the key on his phone and dropped it on his desk. He’d let Cosimo know tomorrow, he didn’t have the energy tonight. Arsenio pressed the intercom and Carl answered immediately.
“You’re still here?”
“Yes, I’m just finishing up.”
“Do you think you could organise me something to eat? I’ll be here for a couple more hours.”
“Sure, anything in particular?”
“Anything but Italian,” huffed Arsenio. The only Italian he ate was his mother’s and at La Casa.
“Sushi?”
“Perfect.”
“You need me to stay on?”
“No, that’s okay, Carl. I’ll leave you it all for the morning.”
“No problem. I’ll stay until the food arrives.”
“Thanks.”
Arsenio dropped back into his chair and sighed as he opened up the file on top of the pile.
“YOU’RE KIDDING ME RIGHT?” Jonathan paced up and down as Liz sat on the bed in their small rented space. “You’re going together? Why?”
“Jonathan…”
“Did you ask him to?” he stopped moving and stood in front of her, cutting her off.
“No, he suggested it and I…”
“He suggested it? He’s never been to any of your meetings before. Why now? What’s changed?”
“Jonathan listen to me.” Liz reached out and took his hand and squeezed it. “He saw I was stressed out, which you know I am, and he suggested that he come with me. I couldn’t tell him no. He’s got to see I’m trying too. You know this. We’ve talked about it.” She smiled softly, trying to calm him.
“I don’t like it.” He crouched down in front of her and Liz put her hand on his cheek.
“I know but all he’s doing is coming on a plane with me and sitting in the hotel bar while I have the meeting. It’s really nothing.”
“He’s spending the whole day with you, Liz.
Just you and him without any distractions.
” Jonathan could only just about stomach Liz going back to her home every day, because he knew Jerome worked long hours.
And on the days he spent at home there was always the children.
This trip would mean they’d be completely alone.
“Yes, but we’ll be on a plane and surrounded by people. It’s not exactly intimate. And besides, I’m so edgy I doubt I’ll be able to string a sentence together.”
Jonathan leaned forward and pushed her back on to the bed, crawling over her, pinning her with his powerful arms, “If he tries anything? What if he wants to nail you?”
Liz smiled slowly at him. She loved that he got so jealous. “What, on a plane? Or in the office while I’m having my meeting?” she raised her eyebrows questionably.
“Argh! This is fucking torture. I won’t see you on Wednesday. Thursday I’m stacked out with work because of the rescheduling. It’ll be Friday until I see you.”
“But we’ll have five days together. Just you and me.” She licked her lips and widened her ice blue eyes at him.
“It’s the nights I’m looking forward to.” He pressed a rough kiss to her lips.
“Me too babe.”
Jonathan clenched his jaw and sighed. It was just two days. He’d have to suck it up.
“Well, seeing as I won’t be seeing you for the next two days.” He bent down again and trapped her bottom lip softly between his teeth and pulled it. “We’re skipping your training session and I’m going to fuck you hard for the next two hours.”
“Fine by me,” moaned Liz, arching up to him.
JEROME LOOKED AT THE time. Just past one.
Jeez, she’d been in the meeting for over two hours.
They’d set off from Leeds Bradford Airport at eight that morning, arriving at Heathrow just after nine.
They’d taken the train into the city, then a cab to the hotel where the protein shake company occupied one of the smaller conference rooms. Jerome was sitting in the hotel bar area and had drunk far too many espressos.
He’d been working from his laptop but now his stomach was rumbling and he needed to eat.
He was also desperate for a cigarette but he knew he’d have to wait for both food and nicotine until Liz was done.
The only consolation was that if the meeting was going on for so long, they must be interested.
Jerome caught the attention of the waiter and ordered another espresso. He pulled out his phone and dialled La Casa, he was bored and needed a distraction.
Gia’s familiar accented voice answered the call.
“Mama, it’s me. Is everything alright?”
“Jerome, sure everything’s fine. How did the meeting go?”
“She’s still in,” Jerome huffed.
“Well, don’t worry about here…”
From his peripheral vision he saw someone entering the bar. He turned to see who it was. “Mama, I have to go, sorry. Liz just finished,” he interrupted, then immediately hung up.
Liz practically ran to him, beaming. Jerome was up instantly and she ran straight into his open arms.
“Good meeting?” he chuckled as she flung her arms around his neck and he lifted her up slightly. He squeezed her, Liz’s obvious good mood was infectious.
“Oh Jerome it went so well. I mean really well. They practically said I had the job, but they’ve got to see two more before they can officially confirm it.”
“That’s so great Liz.” He pressed a kiss to her lips, swept away by her happiness. She was so beautiful when she smiled. Jerome placed her back down and Liz slumped into one of the chairs around the table where Jerome had been waiting. “So tell me everything. Do you want a drink? Something to eat?”
Liz shook her head. “They gave me coffee and water and I couldn’t eat a thing, I’m so excited.”
They sat in the bar for the next half an hour as Liz gave Jerome a full and thorough rundown of the meeting and Jerome gave her his full and undivided attention, revelling in her enthusiasm.
It was so good to see her so passionate, it normally took a great deal for her to show so much emotion.
The only thing that worried Jerome was that she hadn’t eaten anything all day and was agitated.
Her eyes were huge and wild as she spoke quickly and she fidgeted in her seat. He’d never seen her so animated before.
“So they said they’d be in touch, probably once I’m back from Spain.” She clasped her hands together tightly and clenched her eyes together showing her excitement.
Jerome laughed softly, “That’s so good Liz, really. I’m so proud of you. We need to celebrate. Lunch? Somewhere swanky?”
Liz twisted her mouth, “I’d rather go shopping.”
Jerome chortled. “Of course you would. Okay, maybe a dress for tomorrow’s charity do?” Jerome suggested.
Liz eyes lit up. “And shoes?”
“And shoes,” conceded Jerome, glad to see her so happy.
By the time they got back home it was just before nine. Nina was emptying the dishwasher as Jerome and Liz walked in from the garage.
“Hi. Did you have a good time?” she directed the question to Jerome but Liz answered.
“The best.”
“That’s nice.” Nina eyed the large cardboard bag Liz was holding with Stella McCartney emblazoned on the side and she smiled tightly at Jerome. Jeez, he spent so much of his hard earned money on her and she didn’t even appreciate it. “Well the kids are a sleep.”
Jerome’s face dropped slightly, he’d been hoping he’d catch them before they slept. Liz put down the bag on the kitchen table ignoring Nina completely and headed to the wine fridge pulling out a bottle of Dom Perignon.
“Drink?” she turned to look at Jerome and cocked her head to the side. “To celebrate?”
“Sure.”
“You can go now Nina. Can you arrange to take the children to school in the morning? After we’ve finished this.
” She gestured to the bottle she was holding, “I don’t think I’ll be in any fit state in the morning.
” Her comment effectively dismissing Nina.
Jerome scowled but before he could say anything Nina was already by the door.
“Sure. Goodnight.” She didn’t even look at either one of them as she exited the kitchen.