Walking into Fleur and Anton’s home is like walking onto a film set. Their home is everything one would expect from the home of a highly paid footballing superstar. Chandeliers twinkle from the ceiling and cast their light over the mirrored furniture and deep piled scatter rugs sit on top of a shiny marble tiled floor. Huge mirrors reveal the unworthy looking back at them and amazing flower arrangements sit on top of streak-free surfaces. The air wafts with expensive scent and the soft music that pipes through the house creates a welcoming atmosphere.
The man of the house holds his partner’s hand carefully as they smile their welcome. Anton Richardson is an impressive man. Toe-curling good looks complement a body that most men would die for. Muscles ripple under the silk shirt he wears, and the tattoos that look good on men like him decorate every inch of visible skin. His dark hair frames a face of masculine beauty and the sparkle in his eyes reduces women to pools of wanton thoughts and desire.
Fleur stands beside him looking as if she’s just stepped out of Vogue. Her golden hair is immaculately placed on top of her head, with just a well-placed curl hanging down on either side, framing her exquisite face. Sparkling blue eyes smile their welcome as her ruby painted lips turn upward in a smile. Her slim, svelte, figure, causes envy among women everywhere and the white silk pantsuit she wears, clings to her body like a glove, wrapping her curves in a silken embrace and causing men to drool over what can only be described as pure perfection.
I don’t miss the amazing ruby that hangs down around her neck matching the earrings that sparkle in her earlobes. Yes, Anton and Fleur are a couple made in Heaven and should reside in a museum for perfection for the entire world to drool over.
Pushing aside my envy, I kiss both of them three times on the cheek and say happily, “Happy birthday, Fleur. You look beautiful.”
She blushes prettily and gratefully accepts the ribbon bound package I thrust into her hand.
“Thank you, darling, it’s so good of you to come.”
Anthony smiles. “Thanks for inviting us.”
They turn their attention to Miranda and James and then say warmly, “Come through. Venetia and Matthew are here already. Let us fix you some champagne, or something more spirited if you prefer.”
We follow them into the huge living area filled with large settees covered with luxurious fur throws. A welcoming fire dances in the grate and complements the many candles that burn on every available surface.
I notice Anthony head over to greet Venetia and Matthew and follow him, registering the strained expression in Venetia’s eye as we approach. Anthony kisses her on the cheek and Matthew smiles and does the same to me. “Hey, Arabella. You look lovely.”
Glancing down at the red silk dress I bought from Harvey Nichols, I smile my thanks. “How are things with you, Matthew?”
He smiles. “Good thanks. Despite being busy at work, I’ve managed to tackle some of the jobs in the house that I’ve been putting off.”
I nod. “Yes, Venetia told me you were making one of the spare rooms into a cinema room.”
He winks. “Yes, she says I’m having a mid-life crisis, but surely every house needs a cinema room.”
Anthony heads across and laughs at the comment. “I approve of that. I mean, I make the movies and people like you keep me in business. I’d be interested to see what you’ve done, though. Perhaps we will copy you.”
I push down the surge of anger his comment brings because I have designs on the spare bedrooms. If I get my way, they will soon be filled with children and hearing Anthony speak makes me wonder if they will ever be on the agenda.
Venetia has drifted off to talk to Miranda and I note a wistful expression in Matthew’s eyes as he follows her. Not for the first time, I wonder about their relationship. They are hardly ever together and even when they are, they spend most of their time apart.
Fleur wanders over and offers us all some canapes and I smile. “These look amazing. Did you make them?”
She smiles sweetly and nods. “I did actually. I went on a day course last month at that new cookery school in town. I must say, it was such an enjoyable day. A few of the other women from the team organised it and we made canapes and drank champagne all day with a healthy lunch thrown in. We should all go; it would be such fun.”
I nod and as she wanders off, Anthony raises his eyes and looks at Matthew. “If only we got to spend our days doing things that we enjoy. I think we’ve got this all wrong, Matt, don’t you?”
Matthew shrugs. “To be honest, work keeps me sane. If I had to stay at home all day, I’d go mad.”
Anthony smiles politely and heads off to talk to James and Matthew says quietly, “I hope you don’t mind me asking you this, Arabella, but I don’t know who else to ask.”
I stare at him in surprise. “Ask me what?”
He turns so that only I can see him and says in a worried voice, “It’s Venetia, perhaps it’s because we hardly spend any time together, but have you noticed a change in her recently?”
I glance over at my friend and see her chatting with Anthony and James. She is laughing at something they’re saying and looks happy. However, I understand what he means because happy Venetia is a rare sight these days. Nodding, I lower my voice. “Have you spoken to her and asked? To be honest, she has seemed rather preoccupied lately and quite short-tempered if I think about it.”
He nods miserably. “Yes, she’s the same at home. I expect I’m the one to blame. I’m always working and when I come home, she’s off with me. It’s no wonder she’s unhappy because we just don’t seem to connect as easily as we used to.”
We are interrupted as Anton heads over, holding a bottle of champagne.
“Refill anyone?”
We nod and hold out our glasses and Matthew says brightly, “So, what did you buy the birthday girl?”
Anton grins. “Jewellery and a holiday to the Maldives as soon as the season finishes.”
Matthew looks impressed and I think back to my conversation with Fleur, where she expressed the wish that he propose soon. Slyly, I dig a little. “So, have you any more surprises lined up for her on this holiday?”
“Not really. Why, do you think I should?”
Matthew grins as I shake my head. “No, the holiday and jewellery are more than generous. It may be because I am so happy in my marriage I’m keen to see others following in our footsteps.”
Anton looks shocked. “Marriage! Oh no, nothing like that. To be honest, I couldn’t fit it in between seasons. Fleur’s happy about how things are and so am I. Marriage would just ruin a good thing if you ask me.”
Matthew nods. “You may be right. When you’re dating, it seems much more exciting, more intense and as if you can’t get enough of each other. As soon as the ring slides on the finger, it becomes normal, mundane and, well, lacking actually.”
They must notice my face fall because Matthew says quickly, “Although that doesn’t happen to everyone. Take Arabella and Anthony here. I’ve never met such a devoted couple. Tell us, what’s your secret?”
As I glance over at Anthony, I feel a warm feeling inside. Yes, we are the lucky ones because I am more in love with him than ever, except for one thing. Brushing that aside, I smile somewhat smugly, “Well, gentlemen, what can I say? The secret is lots of laughs, lots of quality time spent together and lots of sex.”
The guys laugh and Anthony looks over and I grin. Yes, Anthony and I have a lot of that particular pastime planned because I’ve made up my mind. I am having a child and if he won’t agree, then I’ll take matters in my own hands and have one without his consent. An accident waiting to happen. Isn’t that what they say? Well, that’s about to come true because he doesn’t know it yet, but Anthony’s about to become a father and then everything will fall into place.