Elizabeta's hand was on the doorknob when her mother said, "Hola, Elizabeta.”
Elizabeta swung around. Maria was standing in the doorway to the kitchen/diner, dressed but with her hair in curlers. “Hola, Mama.”
Damn. Usually at this time of the morning Maria was downstairs, catching up on the overnight news from Peru. She didn’t come upstairs until the children came down for breakfast. With Angie and Nicky not due to make an appearance for at least an hour, Elizabeta had thought she had plenty of time to go fetch the car without anyone noticing it was missing and asking embarrassing questions. Thankfully they had been so excited to start the movies last night they hadn’t noticed then. At least, they hadn’t said anything.
“Where are you going so early?”
Elizabeta looked at her feet as she fought for an answer and her choice of runners provided inspiration. “For a walk. I really do need to take better care of myself.”
“Good idea. We all need to exercise. Are you going to the shops?”
Did people go to shops when they were going for the morning walk? “I wasn’t planning on it.”
“Then why do you have your purse?”
Elizabeta wished she could close her eyes and swear. She’d never been any good at lying. “In case I needed to call home for some reason. But you’re right, going to the shops at the end of the walk to get some fresh milk is a great idea.”
“Good. Wait.” Maria rushed away.
Elizabeta leaned against the door with a groan. This was as bad as the few times she’d tried to sneak out of the house as a teenager. It was as though her mother had a sense for when Elizabeta was planning to do something out of the ordinary.
Maria appeared with a piece of paper and held it out. “Get this.”
Elizabeta took it and read the list. Pork. Lemon grass. Palm sugar. Fish sauce. “Mama, what is all this for?”
“I want to cook Thai. Aussies all love it so we should try it too.”
Oh, joy. The last time her mother had decided they had to try food that Australians loved, it had taken her weeks of trial to perfect a lasagne. By the end, they’d all been so bored of the dish that Maria hadn’t cooked it since.
Which right now wasn’t the point. The point was that Elizabeta was supposed to be fetching her car, not going to the shops on a walk.
“I don’t think I can get all of this at the local shops, Mama. Maybe you’re better off picking it up later.” Elizabeta reached out to hand the paper back.
Maria waved it away. “Get what you can. You say we must support our local shop. Will get rest at big shop later.”
Dammit. Beaten by her own desire to do good.
Elizabeta nodded, folded the paper and put it in her purse. “See you soon, Mama.” She opened the door and walked out onto the veranda. To her horror, Maria followed.
“Such a beautiful day,” Maria said. “You will enjoy your walk.”
What to do? The taxi would be here any minute, but if it pulled up outside the house and Maria saw it… Maybe if she started walking, she would see it coming and flag it down.
With no other option, Elizabeta walked down the steps and across the lawn to the path. Then she turned and started along the path, wanting to look backwards to see if her mother had gone back into the house but not wanting to explain the backwards glance if she hadn’t.
The house next door had a fence, and planted in the near corner a tall, wide tree. Elizabeta walked into the shade and stopped, knowing she was out of view of her house. She didn’t want to keep walking in case the taxi came, but how long to wait for Maria to go back inside? Would she hear the door close?
“Elizabeta?”
Infierno sangriento. Elizabeta stepped back towards her house, into the sun. Maria was still on the veranda. “Yes, Mama?”
“I hope the car is still where you left it. Don’t forget my shopping.” Maria waved, and walked back inside.
Elizabeta’s eyes widened so much they hurt and then she laughed. Of course Maria had known Elizabeta came home in a taxi last night and would, at some point, have to go fetch the car. She just wanted to ensure maximum embarrassment for her daughter.
Elizabeta was still chuckling when the taxi arrived and she got in and directed the driver to Kingston Foreshore. The ten years Maria had lived with them had been full of ups and downs. When she’d arrived on Elizabeta’s doorstop a week after Alessandra’s death, Elizabeta had greeted her with intense gratitude, overcome with the challenge of raising two children on her own, one of whom had downs.
As the grief had ebbed, they’d had to come to an understanding of how it was going to work. Both of them were women used to running their own lives. Neither were women who wanted to cede any control to another person. There had been fights, and there had been tears, but they had reached their compromise.
Supporting Angie in her dream of designing, going to university, working two jobs – none of that would have been possible without Maria. Elizabeta determined that some of Henri Higgins’ money was going to go to sending Maria back to her beloved Peru for a holiday.
And now he was in her mind as well, and with his name came deep horror. She couldn’t believe she’d said the things she had to him last night. Fancy telling him that he obviously didn’t have friends and wasn’t a very nice person? Yes, their working relationship was more a partnership than that of employer/employee, but that didn’t mean she had the right to say those things. Regardless of how mean to his disabled employees he was.
And now she had to face him, for ten more days, having said those things to him. Maybe if she was truly lucky, there would be an opportunity for her to break the time they spent together on the challenge, and she could get through and win it without have to face him for hours every day.
The taxi dropped her just near her car. She paid, got out and was walking between two cars to the path when the door to Henri’s building opened. Of course, with the way this morning was going, it was he who stepped from the door.
Elizabeta ducked between the two cars. There was a moment of hoping he hadn’t seen her, followed by many moments of silently abusing herself. What was she doing? She was a single mother, of two children, a university graduate, in her 40s, ready to start running her daughter’s business and she was hiding behind a car to avoid a guy?
Face it, she told herself. Be an adult.
She stood, only to see that Henri Higgins had definitely not seen her. In fact, he was crossing the road a few cars down and then ran away from her. Judging from his clothing, he was someone that believed in morning exercise.
Elizabeta dashed to her car, got in and drove away. She couldn’t drive the usual road home – if Henri’s running route took him by the lake, he might see her. Instead, she drove into Manuka aiming to drive across through Yarralumla and then up the Tuggeranong Parkway towards home. Under a beautiful big old green tree, she pulled the car to a halt by the side of the road. There she thumped the wheel.
This whole thing with Henri Higgins had got out of hand. Embarrassment. Anger. Lust. She couldn’t stop thinking about the muscles that his running gear had revealed. The man had a magnificent body.
Maybe she should quit the challenge? She shook her head. She was getting paid 80k for just two weeks’ work. Okay, so it was turning out to be two of the worst weeks in a long time, but she’d survived worse. Alessandro’s murder, for one.
No, she wasn’t going to quit. She was going to be professional. If Henri Higgins bought up last night, she would apologise and blame it on the alcohol. If he didn’t, she was say nothing. What did she care what he thought of her?
She would keep her embarrassment, and her anger at him in check. The lust, however – maybe there was something she could do about that?
She started driving but turned, heading into Deakin. Arriving at Higgins Publishing, she found the coffee shop across the road open. Roberto was manning the coffee machine.
“Beautiful Elizabeta. How are you able to look so stunning so early in the morning? You put the bright sun in shade.”
Considering all she’d done was brushed her hair and was wearing casual clothes, Elizabeta knew it was pure flattery. But it was flattery she needed.
“Buenos dias, Roberto. Can I have a skim cappuccino please?”
“Of course. Talk to me while I work, Elizabeta. Tell me your plans for today.”
“Work,” Elizabeta said. “But I don’t think I get as much joy out of my work as you do out of yours.”
Roberto nodded. “Once I was in a job I hated. Then I decided that life was about joy – not just for yourself, but for others. So I opened this coffee shop. I get joy from making people happy.”
It was a similar thing to what Elizabeta was thinking about Effortless Elegance. “Actually, I am just starting a project that I hope will achieve the same thing.”
“Bueno, beautiful Elizabeta. I wish you nothing but success.”
“Thank you. Every time I see you, I am feeling down but you make me feel so much better.”
“And so I am made complete. Here, I put a heart on it. For your beautiful soul.”
Elizabeta smiled at the decoration on the foam. “Thank you, Roberto.”
“Perhaps I should make another coffee for your husband?”
Elizabeta shook her head. “No husband. No boyfriend. All alone.”
“I do not believe that. A woman such as yourself is walking around free? This is unbelievable.”
“Maybe no man had been brave enough to ask?”
“Then I shall be brave. Say you will come have dinner with me. Friday.”
Damn. Angie’s graduation. “I can’t do Friday.” Roberto’s smile started to dim. “What about Saturday?”
“My heart is glad.”
Elizabeta gave Roberto her mobile number and almost skipped out of the café, her heart singing. There, a date with a handsome, happy man. Enjoy that, libido!
Elizabeta stopped at the supermarket and arrived home with everything on Maria’s list. The children were both up, dressed and having breakfast at the breakfast bar, while Maria sat at the dining table, coffee in hand.
“I have everything you need for your curry, Mama.” Elizabeta put the bag on the counter.
“Thank you. Your walk was enjoyable?”
“Very.”
“You found what you were looking for?”
“Everything.”
Maria smiled. Elizabeta rolled her eyes. Lord, she loved her family. At the end of this challenge, she would have the money and opportunity to change all their lives. Facing Henri Higgins for that time was worth it.
With a determined stride Elizabeta exited the elevator. She nodded at Janet on her way past, pushed open the office door and strode in.
“Good morning, Henri.” She smiled and sat in front of his desk. Looking perfectly calm and competent. No sign of the spinning maelstrom inside her.
“Good morning, Elizabeta. So, are you ready to shop up a storm?”
He wasn’t going to mention last night. Good. “I am. When do Kristin and Bob arrive?”
“They’re meeting us there. Which is…” Henri pulled out his mobile phone.
“The Green Shed store, in Civic.”
Henri frowned as he keyed the information into his phone. “I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s a wonderful store, where they sell the higher end and smaller items from the Green Shed.” Henri still looked confused and she decided he probably hadn’t had much call to find out about where to buy second hand furniture. “It’s a place at the resource management centre where you can drop off second hand items and buy them. They also take items from households if needed. The Green Shed is a wonderful place to get unique items, often at great prices.”
“Sounds good.” He stood.
“I’ll take my car,” Elizabeta said quickly. “It will be easier when we finish for the day.”
It also saved her spending time in close confines with Henri Higgins, who despite her upcoming date with Roberto and her distrust of him was still too disturbingly attractive.
Once they all met up at the Green Shed and filming began, Elizabeta forgot about Henri, caught up in the fun of shopping with a girlfriend. She and Kristin only remembered the camera was there when they were told to go back and redo a shot or conversation because they’d been standing in the wrong place. Otherwise, they threw themselves into the task with delight.
At first, Elizabeta was trying to tear Kristin away from the jewellery on display at the Green Shed, until Kristin pointed out some of it could be used for decorative items. Then too much time was spent considering what to purchase. There were also vases, little knickknacks, all sorts of paraphernalia. Elizabeta and Kristin demonstrated how with a bit of ingenuity each new discovery could be turned into something to decorate your home and make a space sparkle.
Next stop was a two dollar shop in the city. Some of it was tacky, and too plasticky, but there were also some gems. Some of the fake plants, for example, could make great natural sculptures in your home. In the middle of the store, Elizabeta demonstrated how you could use some of the frames to display the jewellery they’d purchased as artwork, and also how you could just use some wrapping paper and the frames to create something pleasing to the eye.
Then they headed out to the Salvos Store at Queanbeyan, and Elizabeta focused on the haberdashery and furnishings there, showing how you could show a bit of creativity and turn something that was old and worn out into something comfortable and inviting.
“The best thing about Queanbeyan,” Elizabeta said as they walked out, bags in hand, “is that there’s another two op-shops just around the corner.”
“Yay,” Kristin said. “Let’s dump these and do more shopping.”
“Stop,” Henri said. “I’m declaring it lunch time. Maybe you ladies can keep going, but my stomach is about to eat itself.”
Elizabeta looked at her watch and realised it was nearly two. Well, it seemed that you could stand to have a late lunch if you were having fun.
“I know just the place,” Bob said.
Just the place turned out to be a café on the bank of the Queanbeyan River. The sun was shining and with her sunglasses on, looking at the ducks and swans on the river, Elizabeta wondered how it was possible she was getting paid for a day like today.
While Kristin and Bob debated what they should order, Henri leant close and said softly, “This Wednesday, at two, everyone is stopping what they’re working on and they’re going to just experiment and have fun.”
Elizabeta’s instant response was to lean away from him, and then she chided herself for doing so. She was supposed to be acting naturally with him. Not like a scared cat.
“I am pleased to hear it,” she said in what she hoped was a normal tone. “What’s the feedback been from your employees?”
Henri checked his phone. “Janet reports there’s been lots of worried but excited enquiries, checking if they are actually allowed to do whatever they want during those hours. She’s assured them they can. I think they can’t quite believe it.”
“Once they get used to it, they’ll love it,” Elizabeta said. “But make sure they don’t use that time for work projects. It’s free time, they can’t use it for what they’re being paid to do.”
“I’ll make sure. How did the movie go? What was it?”
Darn. Now she was stuck having to actually say something when she didn’t want to discuss her children at all. “Thor 2. I have to admit, I don’t get the Thor movies. That’s Norse mythology. How can he be a modern action hero?”
“I guess anything is possible if you want it to be.”
“I guess. But the kids loved it, so that’s what counts.” Angie had stayed up late designing a new dress, inspired by the Norse artwork in the movie. She’d gone off to college this morning very grumpy. It was undoubtedly going to be an awful night tonight.
“What are you thinking about? Your brow just furrowed like you’re remembering something terrible.”
Elizabeta blinked. “Nothing. Let’s order and eat, shall we?”
The food arrived and Elizabeta was glad for the cessation of conversation as they all ate. Somehow, Henri was establishing a rapport between them, and she didn’t like it.
After lunch they went to the other two op-shops. The smaller, St Vinnies, didn’t have much to offer but the much larger Bargain Hunter was full of things that could be used.
“What are we going to do with all this?” Kristin said. “Should we show it being used?”
“We do need to show some of it at least,” Henri said. “But where? We’ve basically done your house, Kristin.”
“Agreed. I’m sure I can talk one of my friends into it, but maybe there’s someone at Higgins Publishing who deserves a home makeover?”
“I’d rather not have the company involved,” Henri said. “Can you see if you’ve got a friend with a place we can film at tomorrow?”
“Sure,” Kristin said. “I can’t wait to see how everything we bought can work in a real house.”
Elizabeta hoped that would be that for the day, but Henri turned to her. “Come back to the office. I want to show you the other episodes I’ve cut.”
With Bob and Kristin watching, Elizabeta felt there was no possible answer she could give except yes.
In his office, he set up his computer on the coffee table and bade her sit beside him. She had to, it was the only way to see the screen. He smelt so good. It was ridiculous. Think of Roberto. A few days and then you can have sex and get this ridiculous fascination over and done with.
They watched the episodes in silence. Elizabeta was astonished, considering how horrible the first couple of days had been, how natural she’d become in front of the camera. “You don’t seem to be doing a lot of editing.”
“I don’t need to do much. I can use big blocks of you. You’ve become a star.”
Elizabeta blushed. “Not a star,” she murmured.
“Absolutely a star. Look at you. You shine. Your eyes glow. Your passion and enthusiasm leaks from the screen. By this time next week, you’ll have people stopping you in the street, begging you to come makeover their house.”
“I don’t want to become stopped in the street famous,” Elizabeta said.
“Get used to the idea. It’s going to happen. Your beauty, your style, the accent. You’re going to be a star.”
Elizabeta was overwhelmed by the need to stop this. She’d never considered becoming that famous and the idea terrified her. “Maybe we shouldn’t do tomorrow’s episode. Maybe we’ve done enough.”
“Absolutely not. We’ve got a challenge to win, remember, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”’
“I think if we look at what we’ve got, we’ll be fine,” Elizabeta said.
“But this is just the beginning. We’ve got the website to build. Have you been writing out the tips like I asked you too?”
“No.” She’d forgotten about that in the pressure of trying to get the videos working. It was all becoming too much.
“Well, you need to get onto that. How about after the kids have gone to bed tonight, you write some up. I could come over and help you.”
“No, no,” Elizabeta said, fighting against what felt like panic. “I’ll be fine.”
“Elizabeta.” Henri reached across and put his hands on hers. His warmth seeped into her and calm stole over her. “You are amazing. I am so lucky to have found you. You’ve made this past week fun, and interesting, and inspiring, and I didn’t expect to get that out of this. Thank you.”
He meant it. His eyes looked into hers, and Elizabeta was captured by his direct gaze, something warm flickering in the depths. “My pleasure,” she whispered.
“I’m really looking forward to the next week,” Henri said. “I know we’re going to win this, because we make an amazing team.” He squeezed her hands and a flush ran through her body.
“Now, how about you head home, spend some time with your kids. If you want me to come over and help, call me. I’m a bit of a night owl, so no time is too late.”
Elizabeta walked to her car and drove home, stunned. On the one hand, she could still feel the panic at being really famous swirling deep within her. On the other hand, she could still feel the warmth of Henri’s hands on hers, his faith in her. Despite the fact he was a horrible man. She mustn’t forget that.
But it was so hard, when he had never been horrible to her. Okay, he’d not gotten her lunch the other day, but that was a miscommunication. A horrible man would have gotten angry at her when she was so bad to start with. A horrible man would have treated her badly for putting his win at risk. A horrible man would be working her day and night to win and not allowing her the time with her family.
Just because he wasn’t directly awful to her didn’t mean that he wasn’t discriminatory to others. People weren’t always that simple. Remember that, when the touch of his skin on yours makes your senses soar.
Within seconds of walking into the house, her panic and Henri’s warmth was forgotten. Both Maria and Angie were in foul moods, and Elizabeta walked in to find them screaming at each other.
She took Angie upstairs, calmed her with a nice bath, heard her grievances, tucked her into bed and stroked her hair until she fell asleep. Nicky thankfully was barricaded in his room, determined to avoid world war three if he could. When Elizabeta went back downstairs, Maria was in her room, refusing to cook dinner and calling Angie every name under the sun. Elizabeta knew better than to try to calm her mother, so she prepared dinner and took some to Maria. Elizabeta and Nicky ate in peace, sharing stories of their day. Nicky went to finish his homework and get ready for bed, leaving Elizabeta alone.
Elizabeta went into the study, sat at the computer and tried to type up notes for the website. But she was so tired, nothing would come to her.
Her phone beeped and she was both surprised and not surprised to see it was a text from Henri.
‘Don’t forget I’m ready to help.’
She was torn; his help would be invaluable, but she wasn’t going to let him anywhere near Angie.
She texted back that she was fine, and made herself write a couple of pages of tips, just so she’d have something to show him. She printed it out, poured herself a glass of wine and went upstairs. A relaxing bath, and then she got into bed.
She woke in the middle of the night, sweating, her body tingling. A sexy dream. She wriggled in the sheets, enjoying the sensation of her body being so alive.
Henri Higgins again. Thankfully this time she had woken with enough control to not need to touch herself.
How could she want a man who was such a horrible human being? Okay, so he wasn't totally horrible. From the sounds of it he had good friends, and he had taken her advice about the business and she knew everyone in the company adored him.
Everyone except Kim Atticus. Elizabeta needed to keep her in mind. The poor woman was probably having a hell of a time finding a new job at the moment. Promising to find her and help her, Elizabeta curled herself into a ball and waited for sleep to recommence.
Kristin had a friend willing to let Elizabeta remake their unit in Mawson. By the end of the episode, Elizabeta had shown how you could spend just one hundred dollars and change the entire look of your home and make it more inviting and luxurious.
Ree considered how he’d paid the decorator of his flat thousands to achieve an affect that wasn’t anywhere near as creative or interesting as Elizabeta had done in this one bedroom flat in an ugly block.
“When this is done, I want you to come make over my place,” he told her as they drove back to the office.
“I wouldn’t want to do that,” she murmured.
“Why not? Surely you want to get rid of the feeling that I’m a lonely caveman that no one loves?”
Elizabeta blushed and looked away. He didn’t want her to feel embarrassed about what she’d said. It had touched him, that she’d been so honest with him. “There are a couple of pieces that have started to feel wrong to me,” Ree said. “Maybe I need to find some new work. There’s an exhibition opening Thursday night. It would be a great event for you to come to with me.”
“You aren’t supposed to be using your resources to make me famous. Doesn’t that include the fact you do have a name in Canberra and therefore being seen with you would automatically make me more noticeable?”
Damn her for thinking of that. He’d been quite taken with the idea of viewing art with her, hearing her thoughts, seeing the impact they had on his. “Good point. But you could come, and we can discuss after. After the past few days, I’ve come to admire your sense of style and I’d be interested in seeing what appealed to you.”
“I’d be happy to, but how would it work in with making me famous? That’s something we need to consider.”
“Another good point.” She was full of them, ruining his subtle moves towards seduction. “We have never worked out what phase two was going to be, how we were going to bump you up into the stratosphere.”
“No sex tape.” She waggled her finger.
“No sex tape, but we need to think of something to give you a boost.”
Silence dragged before Elizabeta spoke. “Stuff that gets people’s attention is shocking. Surprising. Often controversial, but I don’t want to go that way. I do have to live with whatever we do.”
“So, is there some sort of shocking news about you that we can announce part way through the week and whip everyone into a frenzy?”
Alejandro’s murder would be perfect, but she wasn’t going to tell him about that. “Not a thing,” Elizabeta said. “Let’s go back to the office and brainstorm ideas.”
Back at the office, they got online and looked at various scandals or situations that had made people suddenly famous. It wasn’t all about scandal – there had been, for example, people who had become famous for supporting other people online, or for a moment of pure transcendent joy that touched hearts.
Elizabeta called a break for lunch, and suggested they order from the café across the street. Ree agreed, and they walked over.
“Ah, here she is, the beautiful Elizabeta. It has been too long since I’ve seen you.”
The barista was older, probably in his 50s, and from the accent Italian. He was handsome in a strong featured way, although the paunch around his middle suggested his body was far from what it had once been.
“Roberto.” Elizabeta extended her hand and the Lothario took it and kissed it. “I’ve been dreaming of your wonderful creations and had to bring my boss over. This is Henri Higgins.”
“Mr Higgins. A pleasure. I will make you the best meal you have ever eaten, and you will have me cater your every function from now on. You will see. Beautiful Elizabeta, I have been thinking of you and I want to try a new creation for you.”
“If it’s even half as good as last time, I’ll be delighted.”
“It will be much, much better. It will make you fall in love with me.”
“I can only hope,” Elizabeta said.
Ree had never seen her like this – flirtatious, coquettish. She was even twisting the end of her hair, for goodness sake. Great, she had a thing for over the top Italians.
They sat at a table near the window. “You won’t regret this,” Elizabeta said. “Oh, magazines. Maybe we’ll find an idea in these.” She picked up a copy of New Idea and started flipping through.
“How long have you known Roberto?” Ree looked at the barista, making them their coffees.
“I met him on Saturday. The day of no lunch. He made me the most wonderful sandwich, and lifted my spirits. He’s a bribón, but I think a good man at heart.”
“Bribón?”
“I think the best in English is rascal? He’s funny.”
Oh, great.
Roberto brought them their coffees and Ree had to admit the man knew his way around a coffee machine. “We make our own coffee in house. Smoke it here, on hickory wood. It adds to the flavour.”
“It’s great,” Ree said, and hated that he was actually going to have to come here and give the man his patronage, but the coffee was that good.
“Now, I will get you lunch. My beautiful Elizabeta, prepare to be amazed.”
Elizabeta smiled. As Roberto walked away, Ree leant forward. “I have a question. Does that over the top flattery work?”
“When you know it’s sincere, it can. Some people try it on, but you can see that it’s fake. When the flattery is real it feels wonderful, even if it’s loud. Everyone, male and female, likes to be told they are special, wonderful, beautiful from time to time.”
That left Ree wondering if he’d complimented her enough.
The meals were brought over. His was a focaccia, with mortadella and mozzarella. Elizabeta had some sort of a pasta thing. Roberto sat at the table – uninvited, prick – and smiled at her.
“Well, beautiful Elizabeta?”
Elizabeta took a bite and closed her eyes, her face softening with what could only be described as bliss. Jesus, that’s probably how she looked when she came. “Roberto, this is amazing. I feel like I have a mouthful of heaven.”
“It is what an angel such as yourself deserves.”
Ree couldn’t help himself – he let out an audible scoff. Roberto turned to him. “You do not believe the beautiful Elizabeta is an angel? That she deserves to always have the best?”
How on earth did Elizabeta think this guy was charming? He was a tool, taking advantage of what he thought was a vulnerable woman. “I think the beautiful Elizabeta and I need to get back to work. Can we have this to go?” Ree stood.
“We can afford to sit and rest for a little while,” Elizabeta said. She took another mouthful of the pasta. “Divine.”
“The challenge starts tomorrow, and we still haven’t finalised everything,” Ree said. “Let’s get our meals and go.”
“If we overwork ourselves, we will lose our creativity. I would prefer to sit here and talk to Roberto. You take your sandwich back to the office if you wish.”
Ree tried to recall the last time someone had said no to him. Years, perhaps. Certainly, he was out of practice at cajoling people to do what he wanted. “Fine.” He grabbed his sandwich and took it to the counter.
Roberto came, wrapped it and handed it back with a twist to his lips. Arrogant jerk.
Ree marched back over to the office and threw the sandwich in the bin. “Janet, get me something for lunch,” he roared before slamming his office door.
He paced his office, working through in his mind the argument to convince Elizabeta to abandon the flirtation with Roberto. Ree wouldn’t be able to seduce her if she was caught up with another man.
By the time Elizabeta came in, Ree had the attack ready.
“Have a nice time?”
“Lovely.” Elizabeta put her handbag on the coffee table. “I feel relaxed and ready to continue our work.”
Ree leant against his desk, arms folded over his chest. “I agree with you that a break now and again is important, but we can’t afford to get distracted. Not when we go live tomorrow.”
Elizabeta frowned. “Distracted?”
“I need you focused on Effortless Elegance and the challenge, not on your new boyfriend. He will have to wait until after we’re done.”
“Why?”
Ree blinked. The argument had made perfect sense to him. “You need to focus on what we’re doing.”
“I have been.”
“Then don’t lose it by being distracted.”
“Ah.” Elizabeta nodded. “I get it. Because I’m a woman, I can’t possibly do my job and be in a relationship at the same time. My emotions will get in the way. Right?”
Ree hadn’t foreseen that. “Everyone gets carried away at the beginning of a relationship. Man and woman. This is such a short project, with such intensity, that neither of us can afford to get distracted.”
“So you’re not just banning me from having a boyfriend. You yourself won’t have a girlfriend?”
“Exactly.”
Elizabeta shook her head. “It’s a shame you have such little faith in people.”
Ree bristled. “I have faith in people. I wouldn’t do what I do if I didn’t.”
“Then have faith that I am capable of maintaining both a focus on work and a life outside of it.”
Still saying no to him. “What I’m asking isn’t so bad. Just one week of complete focus on the project. Roberto the smooth will be waiting.”
“And the real problem reveals itself. You don’t like Roberto.”
Ree’s back stiffened. “What I think of Roberto doesn’t matter.”
“You’re right. It doesn’t.” Elizabeta picked up her handbag.
“I certainly am not interested in continuing to work with a man who considers me so weak and ridiculous that he thinks he can choose my lovers for me.”
A chill ran through Ree. “You and Roberto are lovers?”
“That is none of your business,” Elizabeta said. “When you are ready to admit you were wrong, contact me.” She turned and stormed magnificently from his office.
“Fuck.”
“That went well.” Janet entered, carrying his lunch.
“She’s my employee. I’m entitled to ask more of her to get the job done.”
“She is more than an employee and you know it. Eat your lunch, go apologise and get things back on track.”
Ree nodded. He couldn’t just order Elizabeta around – they needed to be partners if this was going to work. He was going to have to apologise. Something else he hadn’t done for years.
This project was proving to be more and more complicated, but damn if he wasn’t feeling an enthusiasm he hadn’t noticed for years.
“Hold the elevator.”
Elizabeta put her finger on the door open button and was surprised to see Kim Atticus roll into the elevator.
“Thanks.” Kim turned the chair around and selected her floor.
Elizabeta took her finger off the button and the doors slowly closed. She spent a moment wondering if she should say anything. Obviously Kim was working out some time she owed. It was the only explanation for her being here. But that gave Elizabeta the opportunity to speak to the woman and help her.
“I’m sorry,” Elizabeta said. “But I was outside the office the other morning.”
Kim looked at her, eyes widening. “You saw that? How embarrassing.”
“Not at all. If ever a situation deserved tears, it was that.”
Kim blushed. “I’m usually much more controlled than that.”
Elizabeta guessed she’d learnt to be calm in order to avoid problems. “I just wanted to say if you need any help, I’m happy to give you a hand.”
There was a ping as the elevator stopped. Kim rolled out onto her floor and Elizabeta followed. Kim looked over her shoulder.
“Did you need something?” Kim said.
“You should know I’m going to make him pay,” Elizabeta said. “He’s going to learn not to treat people like that.”
Kim’s brow furrowed. “I don’t understand. How do you know him?”
“I’m working for him. I’m going to make sure he understands he needs to respect all people.”
“This makes no sense. Why are you here? Shit. You’re not here to get me back, are you?”
“No.” Elizabeta could hear the panic in Kim’s voice. “Not at all. It’s coincidence that you and I ended up in the elevator together. But now that we've met, I want to let you know that I am ready to help you. I can probably assist in finding you a new job. I have contacts."
"New job? Why would I need a new job?” Kim said.
“Because Henri Higgins sacked you.”
Kim blinked. “When?”
Heaviness started to swirl in Elizabeta’s stomach. “The other morning. That’s why you were upset.”
Kim laughed. “He didn’t sack me. I was upset because my landlord was being a jerk, but Mr Higgins sorted it out for me.” Then she shook her head. “I hope it isn’t Mr Higgins you’re thinking of teaching a lesson to. Because he doesn’t deserve it.”
Elizabeta had been so wrong. So ridiculously wrong. “You’re not here working out your contract?”
“No. Look, I'm not entirely sure what you think happened, but Mr Higgins is a great boss. Whatever you’re planning, stop it.”
"I'm sorry," Elizabeta said. "It's just that my daughter is Downs, and so I'm protective of anyone with a disability, and I saw you crying and…" Kim was shaking her head, obviously unable to see how anyone could assume Mr Higgins was a beast.
Elizabeta felt ill. She turned, pushed the button, the elevator opened and she stumbled in and slumped against the wall as the door closed.
What an idiot she’d been. She’d made a stupid assumption, and had spent more than a week believing Henri Higgins was a monster when in fact he was a good man. The type of man who might well have agreed to help Angie.
Except Elizabeta couldn’t tell him about Angie now. How would she explain why she’d kept her daughter a secret all this time?
She’d walked out of his office furious at him for trying to tell her how to live her life. Now, she had to own that she’d done worse to him.
The sooner this challenge was over, and she could escape Henri Higgins, the sooner she could get over her shame. In the meantime, there was still more than a week to go.
All that time with him, and she had to keep her shame from him. It was going to be horrendous.
Elizabeta, Maria and Angie were watching Project Runway when the doorbell rang. Elizabeta looked at the door, frowning. They rarely had visitors, particularly mid-afternoon when she should be at work.
“Who there?” Angie called out.
One name flashed into Elizabeta’s mind. Henri Higgins. “Darling, can you go upstairs please?” Elizabeta kissed Angie’s forehead.
“Watching television.”
Elizabeta hit pause on the DVR. “There, I’ve stopped it. I need you to go upstairs for me. I’ll come get you when I’m ready to watch again.” Angie stuck her bottom lip out, a sign she was about to start a tantrum. “When we watch again, I’ll make you ice cream with chocolate topping.”
It was out and out bribery, but Angie went upstairs without further protest. The doorbell rang again. Elizabeta took a deep breath and opened the door.
“Peace?” Henri held up a takeaway coffee cup. “Can we talk?”
Seeing him swamped Elizabeta in guilt for what she had thought of him.
“Peace.” She took a sip of the coffee.
“I want to apologise for what I said earlier. I know you are as focused on our success as I am. I let my competitiveness get away from me.”
An apology. Now she had no reason at all to be against him. Whereas he had every reason to hate her. If only he knew. “Good. Now, I’ll need to spend the rest of the afternoon here, but I’ll come in around dinner time.”
Henri frowned. “Wouldn’t you rather come in now, and have dinner with your children?”
“Plans have been made. I’m spending the afternoon with my children. I’ll text you when I’m coming in.”
“They’re here? I’d love to meet them.” Henri craned his neck to look over her into the house beyond.
Elizabeta panicked. He must never know about Angie. “They’re both upstairs.”
“What are they doing upstairs if you’re relaxing together?”
Why was he so full of questions? “We’re playing a game.”
“What game?”
Would it never end? “Hide and Seek.”
“With teenagers?”
Well, it wasn’t going to end if she kept putting her foot in it. “With a prize of ice cream on offer, you can get a teenager to do pretty much anything. Thank you for the coffee. I’ll see you later.”
Elizabeta closed the door on Henri and breathed a sigh of relief.
“He doesn’t seem so bad to me.”
“Well, he is,” Elizabeta snapped, overwhelmed by guilt. “We can’t let him anywhere near Angie.”
“If you say so.”
Maria went downstairs. Elizabeta called Angie, got them both a bowl of ice cream and topping, and took it into the lounge room. She hit play and the two of them ate and watched the end of the show.
“Blue dress has no flow,” Angie said. “Yellow jump thing much better.”
“It’s too tight across the bottom,” Elizabeta said.
“Easy fixed. Rest is good. Blue can’t be fixed. Pull apart and start again. I finish tomorrow?”
Elizabeta calculated. “Not tomorrow, darling. Three more sleeps.” Goodness, just three sleeps and Angie was graduating. How astounding. If Alejandro were here, he would be so proud.
Three sleeps, and then they needed to work on starting Angie’s business. And if she gained a level of fame, and the eighty thousand dollars, Elizabeta could do a lot to help Angie.
She and Henri would succeed – for the sake of her daughter.