Page 144 of The Honeymoon Affair

‘She and Charles . . . it was always about what they could do for each other. She made him the success he is. He’s the leading light in her agency. It’s symbiotic.’

‘I didn’t mean supporting each other’s careers, though obviously that’s part of it. I meant supporting each other’s lives.’

‘You’re deeper than I gave you credit for,’ she says. ‘I’m so sorry I underestimated you. Mainly because you’re young and pretty.’

‘I’m nearly thirty,’ I say. ‘Not that young. And thanks for saying I’m pretty. It’s not something you ever think about yourself.’

‘We’ve all underestimated you,’ she says. ‘We thought you were overwhelmed by Chas. But now I wonder if it’s Chas who’s been overwhelmed by you.’

I smile at her and say I should get back to the table, even if nobody has missed me.

But at least one other person has, because when I slide into the seat beside Charles, he puts his arm around me and says he was thinking of sending a search party out for me.

‘I was afraid they’d frightened you off,’ he whispers.

‘Not at all,’ I tell him. ‘I think I’m getting the hang of the Millers at last.’

He laughs and kisses me on the cheek.

From across the table, Ellis winks at me.

#HappyFamilies

Chapter 40

Ariel

Anyone who ever gave you confidence you owe them a lot.

Truman Capote

The offices of the Denton-Marr agency are located in a red-brick building off the Marylebone Road, and are far more impressive inside than out, as Josh remarks when we walk into the foyer. We’ve come directly from the airport, having caught a morning flight to London and spent the time talking about the takeover proposal. We haven’t yet spoken about our night together (well, three hours – I would have liked to stay, but needed to be home early the next morning), but there’s no awkwardness between us and we’ve slipped into our usual roles of accountant and client. Nevertheless, Josh has always been a good friend to me, and I don’t want to mess it up because I slept with him. I’m pretty sure he feels the same way.

I like business meetings and I feel very comfortable sitting at the boardroom table talking to the MD and financial controller about ABA and how it might fit into Denton-Marr’s future plans.

‘Of course we’d be Denton-Marr-Barrett if we agree terms,’ says Christian, the MD.

There’s something immensely satisfying about that, and I bask in a warm glow for the rest of the meeting.

When Josh and I leave, after having raised a few more issues that Christian seems to think will be easily resolved, we make our way to a local wine bar, where he orders two glasses of Prosecco.

‘You always seem to be ordering me glasses of Prosecco,’ I say.

‘Because I’m always celebrating with you.’ He raises his glass.

‘We haven’t finalised the deal yet.’

‘You will,’ he says.

‘There’s still the issue of Charles,’ I point out. ‘I have to do the right thing by him.’

‘I’m sure he’ll be well looked after at Denton-Marr-Barrett.’

Every time I hear the name, I smile.

‘You’re not letting your concerns about him hold you back, are you?’ He frowns.

‘No,’ I say. ‘I’m very excited, although nervous too. I’ve been working on my own for so long that I’m not sure how I’ll be as part of a big team again.’