Page 15

DELILAH

So, dinner started in the most awkward of ways, with Jem turning up late to drinks on the terrace and then basically ignoring me – as usual. As if that handjob in the bathroom hadn’t even happened.

It didn’t feel great, I have to say.

I’m aware that I’ve been uncharacteristically quiet during the meal too, but honestly, it’s almost impossible to get a word in with the three of them jabbering away, and I know my dad will probably railroad me into silence anyway, since he won’t trust me not to show him up in some way again.

Jem seems impervious to my mood too.

So I’m totally stunned when he leans over and kisses me, right there at the table.

I’m sure he’s only doing it for show in front of Jeff and my dad, since we must be giving out visibly hostile vibes, but even so.

It takes me right back to the kiss in the bathroom and it’s all I can do to sit still and ignore the pulsing sexual need that builds between my thighs as I desperately try to concentrate on the conversation about alternatives to fossil fuels that Jeff kindly includes me in.

Bloody Jem seems completely unfazed by the tension between us and carries on eating as if nothing untoward just happened.

How can he be so insensitive?

There’s a short pause in the conversation where the hot Greek guy in chinos – Nico, I think Jeff called him – who’s been serving us comes to clear the table.

I’ve only been extra friendly towards him because he’s the only one actually giving me any real attention right now.

I guess Jem’s right, though; I should probably rein it in so as not to look suspect in front of Jeff.

Whilst Nico tops up our wine glasses, Jem takes the opportunity of the interruption to grill Jeff about his own family.

‘I noticed some photos on the piano,’ he says. ‘Is it your wife and son in them with you?’

A sad smile passes over Jeff’s face and out of the corner of my eye, I see my father stiffen.

Jeff doesn’t seem to mind the question though, because he sits back in his seat and gives a nod. ‘Yes, my late wife and son.’

‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’ Jem says.

I glance at him and see he has a stricken look on his face.

At least it’s not just me making conversational faux pas today.

‘My wife died a few years ago of cancer, but we lost my son when he was twenty-four. He was such a bright kid. Kind, charismatic and very funny. He’d make my wife and me laugh all the time. I miss him a lot.’

‘I bet you do,’ Jem says, his voice filled with sympathy.

‘You remind me of him, actually,’ Jeff says, giving Jem a warm smile now. ‘You have a similar sort of energy.’

‘Well, I take that as a huge compliment, sir, thank you,’ Jem says.

Nico reappears and leans in to speak quietly, but urgently, into Jeff’s ear. His body language looks a little tense too and the rest of us glance at each other, wondering what the cause for alarm is.

The minute Nico walks away, Jeff turns to us with a rueful expression.

‘Apologies for this, but I’m told I need to leave the island tonight as there’s some bad weather approaching Greece, which might delay my flight out to Tanzania tomorrow.

I don’t want to inconvenience the group I’m climbing Kilimanjaro with, so forgive me if I cut our time together here short. ’

He turns to fix my dad with his intent gaze now and says, ‘Well, Tim, I think we can do business. Consider me in. But let’s dot the i’s etcetera once I’m back from my climb.’

My dad frowns at this, clearly not wanting to leave things hanging, I guess in case Jeff changes his mind in the meantime.

But before he can open his mouth, Jeff turns to address Jem.

‘Listen, son. If things don’t work out for any reason with your current business, give me a call, okay.

I’ll happily find you a position in my London office.

I like to give people with drive and determination like yours opportunities they might not ordinarily have and I think we’d work well together. ’

‘Uh, yes, okay,’ Jem says, clearly taken aback by this direct offer. ‘Thank you. I’ll keep it in mind.’

‘You do that.’

Jeff then turns to fix me with his warm, kindly gaze.

‘Great to meet you, Delilah. It’s been a real pleasure spending time with you.

I have to say, you and Jem make a delightful couple.

I applaud your choice in partner. Don’t let this guy go, okay?

I can tell he’s going far. And believe me, I know what I’m talking about. ’

I’m stunned. The Great Sir Jeff Blackmore seems to genuinely think I deserve someone as set for greatness as Jem in my life.

I’m horrified to feel tears pool in my eyes.

Blinking them away quickly, I shoot Jeff a quick smile then stare down at my hands in my lap, hoping to God someone else will take the conversational lead so I can have a minute to pull myself together.

Once again, it’s my dad that steps in.

‘Listen, Jeff. Can I catch a ride back in the chopper with you now? I’d like to pick your brain about a couple of things, now you’re on board with, er, being on my board.’

There’s a small pause before Jeff says, ‘Sure. That’ll work. I’m afraid I can’t take all of you back tonight, though. The helicopter can only take three passengers.’

‘No problem,’ my father says before anyone else can say anything. ‘I’m sure Jem and Dee won’t mind flying out in the morning instead.’

Jeff nods. ‘Okay. I’ll send the helicopter back for the two of you tomorrow. I can’t ask him to fly back again tonight, I’m afraid. Rules and regulations about flight hours.’

There’s a tense silence before my dad jumps in again. ‘No problem at all. You don’t mind staying and flying tomorrow, right?’ He gives Jem and me both a look that says, Don’t you dare disagree .

So we both duly nod.

‘Sure. We’re happy to stay the night here, if that’s okay with you, Jeff?’ Jem says.

‘Of course,’ Jeff says, getting up from his chair and walking over to slap Jem gently on the back. ‘You two enjoy yourselves. You’re welcome to stay for longer, if you’d like.’

‘No, no,’ Jem says quickly. A little too quickly for my liking.

But Jeff doesn’t seem to notice. ‘Okay, well, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a couple of calls before we head out.’ He turns to my dad. ‘See you out at the helipad in twenty.’

He strides towards the door, leaving the three of us still sitting there. Turning back at the last minute, he gives us a salute and says, ‘Great spending time with you,’ before vacating the room.

As soon as he’s out of sight, my dad sits back in his chair with a satisfied sigh. ‘Good. Well done, both of you. He’s in.’ He slaps his hands onto the table in glee. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy.

I, on the other hand, am not exactly delighted about the sudden turn of events.

‘I can’t believe you’re just running out and leaving us here,’ I say, trying to keep my exasperation out of my voice, but failing spectacularly.

‘You’ll both be fine here for one night,’ my dad says blithely, waving away my comment as if it means nothing to him. ‘I’d have thought you’d want to make the most of staying here a bit longer, anyway.’

‘Well, I don’t. I have a job to get back to, remember.’

My dad lets out a disparaging snort. ‘It doesn’t sound like that place is going to survive from what you’ve told me. And forgive me, Delilah, but I’m not sure you have the skillset to turn around the fortunes of a failing hotel.’

The hard pressure in my throat is back, but it’s my rage that wins out. ‘I don’t appreciate you speaking to me like I’m your incompetent employee! I’m your daughter. Who you’re supposed to love and support,’ I hiss at him.

My dad folds his arms and stares me down.

‘Look, Delilah, I’m sorry but you have no idea how much effort and bloody-minded determination it takes to run a successful business.

You constantly have people snapping at your heels trying to steal your customers or take you down.

It’s cut-throat and you have to be bullish and take every opportunity you’re offered.

I am how I am because I have to be. You can’t just sit back and faff about with arty pursuits and expect success to come to you.

You have to throw everything at it to make it happen and I don’t see you doing that. ’

‘Yeah, but at what cost, Dad? Your marriage? All the other relationships in your life?’

My dad lets out a frustrated growl and snaps, ‘You’re being na?ve. You’re just like your bloody mother. And I don’t have time for this.’

He stands up from the table and starts to walk away from us.

‘No. Right. You never have time for me. It’s always business first,’ I call after him.

But he doesn’t even turn around to acknowledge me. He’s made up his mind and the rest of us can lump it.

I let out my own growl of frustration, then turn to glance at Jem, who’s been watching this whole embarrassing debacle in silence.

He goes to open his mouth to say something, but I don’t want to hear it. I don’t need his sage opinion right now.

‘I’m going back to the room,’ I say, struggling up from my chair and limping away from him as fast as I can.

The last thing I need is a lecture about how my dad is right and I should pull my socks up from Mr Binary-Business-Boffin himself.

‘I’ll see you later,’ I call over my shoulder.

I don’t wait for his answer.