Chapter 15
Elizabeth
When I wake early the next morning, I roll out of bed, stretch, and head to the kitchen to make my morning coffee.
I let Bear out into the lush green garden and sit taking the moment of calm.
The leaves on the trees are changing colour now, and the air has turned colder as if autumn has crept up on me.
I drape my shawl over my legs and check my phone.
Only then do I notice a message from Theo.
My heart flutters, nervous energy rushing through me at the sight of his name.
I read his message over and over again, not quite believing what he’s telling me.
How does he know the things he does? The club on Saturday. My birthday. Me.
Since my dad’s death, I haven’t enjoyed celebrating my birthdays, some years ignoring it completely. They’re no longer enjoyable, filled with memories of my father and the exciting trips we used to take. How he made me feel like every year he was prouder of me than the year before.
My birthdays are sad now.
Lonely.
Fiona and Kitty have already tried more times than I can count to get me to do ‘something special’ with them.
I have refused every time they’ve mentioned it.
When I think about 30, I picture women who have their lives together, fulfilled with babies and careers.
I have two mediocre books, a dog, and a married man that I seem to be falling in love with.
My life feels like a mess. There is nothing together about it.
I open the message and reply to him.
Elizabeth: I am not sure that’s a good idea, Theo. I’m just going to spend my birthday at home. But thank you for the offer.
The blue read ticks come in the corner of the message, and then the typing bubbles appear. Impatiently, I wait. It feels like a lifetime before a new message pings through.
Theo: Nigel will be there at midday. Be ready. You deserve this, Sunshine. Let me treat you.
The authoritative tone takes me back, but causes a ripple of want through my body.
I know I should say no. I should, but I don’t.
In quiet resolve, I head inside and pack my bag.
Staring at my wardrobe, I realise that I have zero idea what to pack.
How can I pack when I am clueless as to where we’re going?
I decide on one formal outfit, a pair of black jeans, a couple of jumpers and my workout gear.
I grab a bikini, just in case, and then question my underwear.
I open the drawer and just stare. It’s been so long since I’ve had to think about sexy lingerie.
With the confidence of someone who is not me, I pull out my red lacy bra and knickers and a black silk pair too.
Right on time, Nigel pulls up at the end of my path, and the weight of what I’m about to do hits me.
I stand by my window for a minute, taking a second as I watch him step out of the driver’s seat, walk around to the back passenger door and open it up, waiting for me.
For months Theo and I have met in the quiet, safe space of my cottage, or the private booth of the club where no one can see us, just me and him.
This seems like a bigger step than it needs to be.
I take a deep breath and gather myself.
Looking down at my loyal pup, I ponder.
“What am I doing, Bear? Is this a silly idea?” Of course, he doesn’t reply, but he lets out a little, soft bark. I take it as encouragement, so grab his lead off the hook and clip it to his collar before I change my mind. I stroke behind his ears and kiss him on the head. “‘Let’s go, buddy.”
Pulling my suitcase, I follow a couple of steps behind Bear as he trots up the path. I tell myself to borrow Bear’s unwavering confidence. To trust myself as much as he trusts me.
“Good afternoon, ma’am.” Nigel tips his head and takes my case from my hand.
I smile shyly and step into the car. My nostrils fill with the scent of flowers, and I gasp at the sight of the car’s interior.
On the seat rests the biggest bouquet of red roses I have ever seen.
Next to them is a small chocolate cake with my name piped in gold and a small envelope perched next to it.
It’s a miniature version of the cake we had the first night he came to mine.
The night he had come from the red carpet with Olivia.
I push the memory to the back of my mind, trying to ignore the small tug in my stomach.
I buckle myself into my seat with a trembling hand.
My eyes sting with surprised, happy tears.
Carefully, I open the envelope and gently remove the most luxurious piece of paper.
It is embossed in gold leaf, the cursive lettering written lovingly by hand.
My fingers slowly run over it, allowing my skin to take in every small indent. Every small detail.
Happy birthday, sweetheart.
Enjoy the journey, and I will see you when you get here.
Yours,
Theo
I wonder where. I still have no idea, and I feel surprisingly ok with that. I’m happy to give up control for Theo.
I trust him.
Nigel gets into the driver’s seat and, without a word, pulls the car away from my home.
I watch my cottage fade into the distance, nervous for what I am about to experience.
Bear gets himself comfortable on the black leather seat next to me, and his gentle snoring calms me.
I stroke him distracted, reading the card over again.
The car rolls onto the motorway and picks up speed to join the traffic.
Excitement flows through my body as distance extends between my hometown and the car.
I haven’t travelled around much in my life.
Staying in my comfort zone of the seaside town I live in and the English countryside.
I listen to the hum of the car and watch the world fly by outside my window.
An hour later, the tall buildings of the London skyline come into view.
Tower Bridge sails past my window, and I look out in awe at the size and grandeur of it.
I’ve never seen anything so magnificent.
As the car continues along the Thames, it takes a slow turn left, revealing the glass entrance of The Savoy hotel.
Looking up at the beautiful, historic building, I cannot believe what I am seeing.
Nigel turns the car off and gets out, leaving me with a heavy silence, the sound of my heart in my ears.
I don’t move, unsure of what to do. My legs feel like jelly, and I’m unsure whether I will be able to step out.
The boot of the car opens, and a valet dressed in a black top hat and coat tails lifts my bag, carrying it into the grand, black and gold entrance.
Nigel opens my door, and the sounds of the hotel flood the car.
Water flows gently in the fountain, reminding me of the sea at home.
Laughter and conversation wrap around the car as a couple passes, holding hands, and the sight makes my heart constrict a little.
I look at Nigel, silently praying he helps me.
Almost as if he heard my prayer, he offers me his hand.
I scoop Bear into my arms and step out cautiously, feeling unbelievably out of place and insecure.
Everyone around me is immaculately dressed.
Businessmen are busy on their phones, briefcases in hand.
Ladies in exquisite clothes with shopping bags, chatting animatedly with their friends.
Nigel senses my nerves; they are practically vibrating off me. He bends his elbow and offers me his steady arm. I gladly take it as we step into the hotel. The doorman tips his hat and politely greets me.
“Welcome, ma’am. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Savoy.”
My stomach twists with a burst of excitement, and I can no longer hide my smile.
Nigel leads me to the lift, touching a key card to the panel.
The lift rises, and I watch the numbers climb.
It pings on the fifth floor, and the doors open onto a beautiful, chequered marble hallway.
My heels click along it as we walk towards a large walnut double door.
A tall man stands at the room entrance, dressed in a black suit, an earpiece in and a radio clipped to his belt, standing to attention.
I recognise him as the security guard from the club on Saturday.
There’s a shiny gold plaque next to him that reads ‘The Royal Suite’.
He gives me a warm smile and opens the door, revealing a hotel room.
I gasp at the pure opulence. I realise it isn’t a room at all.
It’s an apartment. The living area is bigger than my entire cottage.
Nigel gently taps my hand that is clinging to his arm and slowly steps back.
The comfort of him is gone, leaving room for a sudden spike in my anxiety.
“This is Callum, Theo’s head of security.
” He introduces me to a second tall, muscly man in a suit, standing with his hands behind his back.
Callum nods in greeting and then resumes staring at the wall.
“One of us will always be right outside the suite if you need us, Elizabeth. No one can get in without prior authorisation. You’re safe.
” I look at Nigel with wide eyes and nod.
I have no words. The door closes behind him as he leaves me alone.
I look around, unsure of what I should do. I wish Theo was here.
I set Bear down on the polished wooden floor and notice another envelope on a small round table. I slowly make my way over and open the card, revealing the same gold leaf as the one before.
I am so pleased that you trusted me and came. I am in a meeting, but will be back soon. Please make yourself at home here. This is ours for the next few days. Just you and me, baby.
I can’t wait to see you.
Theo