The sedan glides smoothly along the highway. Looking out of the window, I settle in for the drive to my new flat. I could get used to this.
One hour later I arrive at my new flat. It’s even lovelier in person. A three story white-washed brick building with a deep blue awning at the entryway and a cozy fireplace in the lobby. In the center of the property there is a small but beautiful courtyard with a fountain, the scent of English roses drifting throughout. A black, wrought iron railing wraps around the entire property. I’ve leased the flat for six months, thinking that will give me enough time to decide if I need to find something else or remain here. The owner and manager of the property, Mary O’Donnell, who I met while checking in, seems like a kind, sweet lady. She told me she and her husband renovated the entire build
ing a few years ago.
“There you are,” Mary said while handing me the key to the flat. “All set. Third floor, room number eight. And please let me know if you need anything, dear,” she says, smiling kindly.
I take the elevator up to the third floor, walk down the hallway, trying to find room number eight. It’s the last room at the end of the hallway. I open the door and walk into the flat. It’s exactly like the pictures online. It’s cute and charming, with pretty flower printed wallpaper. A chair with plaid covering sits in the corner. Walking through to the bathroom, I find an antique claw foot bathtub taking center stage. I stand in front of the windows overlooking the courtyard, the warm light filling the room, and can’t believe I’m here. I hug myself with excitement. I unpack my bags and then take a much needed shower.
Afterwards, I’m suddenly overtaken with tiredness. I can barely keep my eyes open. Jet lag has definitely caught up with me. I crawl into bed and fall into a deep sleep.
Alex stands in front of the window of his penthouse suite, overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. He brings the glass of whiskey to his lips, rolls the liquor over his tongue, swallows. He hears the padding of feet on the hardwood floor, the sound of the shower. He wished she would leave so he could sit and think in silence.
From behind him, a pair of arms slide around his waist. He smells her perfume. It makes him feel nauseas. “Why don’t you join me,” she murmurs, laying her head on his back, reaching up and stroking his chest.
Alex turns and gives her a tight smile, slowly pushing her arms down. She stood in front of him, naked. “You go ahead. I’ll be in my study, I’ve got work to do. I’ve left cab fare on the table. Thank you for a lovely evening, Linda.” He hoped she would leave without any further conversation.
“It’s Lesley.”
Linda, Lesley, it didn’t matter to him what the hell her name was. All he wanted her to do was leave. He hated this part. It was so easy to get them into his bed, hard to get them out. Alex went to his office study and closed the door.
Thirty minutes later he heard the sound of the woman gathering her things. He looked at the display of security camera monitors. Alex took great care with matters of security and had a state-of –the art home security system installed. Alex watched the brunette slide her feet into black five inch stiletto heels. She picked up the money for cab fare, called out “goodbye.” When she got an answer of silence in response, she shook her head, put on her coat, muttered “asshole,” under her breath. Alex watched her open the door, heard the sound of the door clicking shut behind her. He immediately pushed a button which locked the front door. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. He was always glad when they left.
He sat and thought about work. It’s what he always thought about. It was his passion. Alex had founded McCall Enterprises at age thirty-seven and in just five years he had built a worldwide luxury hotel empire. He worked all the time. And when he wasn’t working he was chasing women.
Work and women. Not a bad life, he thought.
Chapter 5
I awake to the screeching sound of my alarm clock. Monday morning, six a.m. First day at my new job. Surprisingly I’m not as nervous as I thought I would be. I’ve kept myself busy the past week, unpacking and settling into my new flat. I’ve done some grocery shopping at a nearby neighborhood supermarket.
I shower and spend what seems like an eternity trying to decide what to wear. I had picked out an outfit the previous night but it seems all wrong now. I want to look effortlessly pulled together. I choose a burgundy colored pantsuit with a black button down shirt. I slip on a pair of black leather loafers that have a delicate gold a tassel on the front. Gold ball studs in my ears. A coat of mascara with just a hint of rose colored lipstick. I take a long look at my reflection in the mirror. Okay, this is the right look. Polished and professional.
I hail a cab. No Mercedes pick up this morning.
I arrive to work at eight o’clock sharp. The receptionist is already there, busily typing away. She looks up at me and smiles.
“Hello, Katherine. Welcome to your first day. By the way, my name is Sandra.” We shake hands. She seems more relaxed than the last time I saw her.
“Thanks, Sandra. Should I wait here for Mr. McCall?”
“No, I’ll show you to your office and then give you a quick tour. At the moment, Alex is on an early morning conference call with investors from China.” She walks towards the door leading to the rest of the office. “Come with me.”
Sandra leads me down the hallway. We walk towards an office which is just outside of Alex’s massive double oak doors. She opens the door, switches on the light.
“This is your office.” Sandra takes my coat. “Feel free to bring in any personal items you like.”
“Great,” I reply, knowing I probably won’t bring anything personal to the office. No photos, no cute little knick-knacks. I prefer to keep professional life and personal life separate.
Sandra gives me a tour of the building. “So, I understand you’re from the Atlanta office,” she says, making conversation. “That’s quite a move to make.”
“It is. But I was in need of a change. And this was such a great opportunity for me.”
“Have you ever been to London before?” she asks.
“No, apart from my interview, this is my first time in London.” I reply.
“Well, I’m sure you’re going to love it here. London is such a wonderful city, so much to see and do.”