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  ‘Do you know; I think you may have jet lag or the dishwasher door dropped open onto your head earlier? A nice hand eh... I stand by my earlier diagnosis of, horny much?’ she laughed at my discomfort.

  ‘On the note of horny, can you do me a favour and not shag Nathan, then drop him from a high place on his balls. Whilst I am his physio, it might not go down too well with my boss.’ I referred to the way Bella treated all the men in her life and pulled my face into a grimace.

  ‘Yeah sure, anything for you bestie.’

  Seven

  Th

  e next couple of weeks flew by. We worked by day and spent some of our evenings with Nathan, who had become a part of the fixtures and furnishings, especially it seemed, when he was hungry. His leg was very slowly starting to show signs of increased strength. Some of the evenings Bella spent with us, other times she went out on dates. Much it seemed to Nathan’s disgust.

  I was receiving lots of texts from Alex, strangely enough 3 to 4 times a day and I looked forward to them arriving. We had a similar sense of humour. The trouble was I was sure if I went to see someone about this, I would be told I was mentally unstable. I was transfixed on my one Jabby memory, texts from a bloke I had never met and a very large hand wearing a titanium signet ring. If this hadn’t had been me I was talking about, I would be advising the other person that they needed to get out more. This was precisely why I stopped sharing all of my thoughts with Bella. Then I didn’t have to hear the words out loud.

  Stop thinking Frankie and get back to your book.

  This was another thing I didn’t let Bella see too often, me immersed in a love story. With my latest BBF, as Bella would call them.

  “Frankie, books are not real life, men in them do not exist in reality.” I could hear her saying it like she was in the room with me.

  Hey, I have had enough bloody reality to last a lifetime; my books consumed me and took me to a better place.

  My phone sprung to life and snapped me out of my thoughts.

  Hi Chocolate drop

  Are you at home?

  I have an idea and need to speak to you

  Of course, come over

  I stood up and made my way to the door, I knew it would take Nathan longer to reach me, so I propped the door ajar and went to the kitchen to put the kettle on. Keeping our doors open for each other was becoming quite a habit. The kettle had sprung to life with a low rumble; he wouldn’t want tea, so I fumbled around in the fridge for something else.

  ‘Hey,’ I heard from behind me.

  Glancing up from my crouched position, from behind the fridge door, ‘Hi, you OK?’ I noticed that his right leg was now gingerly resting on the floor. Good progress.

  ‘Yeah, I just wanted to run something past you, you’re English right?’

  Laughing I looked at him quizzically.

  ‘Yes, I believe so, last time I checked my passport,’ I said slowly.

  ‘You know what I goddamn mean, I’ve been thinking.’

  Clutching my hand to my heart, I pretended to stumble backwards, smirking.

  ‘Stop teasing and listen, please. Or I’ll change my mind and leave,’ exasperation hit his face.

  ‘Sorry, too much time on my hands,’ I lifted my hands up and showed him the juice I had retrieved for him and my otherwise empty surrendering hands. ‘Please go on, I promise not to take the piss anymore.’

  ‘Well this weekend my brother Alex, is playing rugby at a local club, you like rugby don’t you, or are you one of those silly females that prefer soccer with supposed men falling down crying all the time?’ he ran a hand through his hair, I don’t know why he did it constantly. His hair would never be neat and tidy; it had a mind of its own and sprang up in the most peculiar places.

  ‘I love rugby, and funny you should mention it, but I hate our country’s national game, for the exact reason you described.’

  ‘Good, I thought that perhaps you and Bella would like to come with me to watch the match. After they usually go out for a few beers and see where the evening takes us, what do you think? It’s always a good laugh.’

  We started to make our way back to the settees. I grasped my mug in two hands and blew on the top of the liquid, trying to make the tea cool enough to sip at.

  ‘Sounds like a plan to me, I will just have to check with Bella, I’m sure she will be OK with it. I will sell it as a chance to meet some gorgeous men, that’ll work,’ I added smiling.

  Nathan’s eyes shot straight up to mine. ‘Some of them are already attached. I don’t want her throwing herself at them.’

  ‘I know, but you know what she’s like, she likes a bit of harmless fun.’

  ‘Yeah I know what she’s like,’ I heard him almost whisper and I watched him run both hands through his hair in exasperation?

  I didn’t have time to question Nathan as my phone went off again.

  Afternoon Frankie

  How did Nathan’s physio go today?

  Is your book going well?

  I will be away a couple of days this week, with work. Any problems please make Edwards aware and he’ll get hold of me.

  I will try to keep in touch with you, as you lighten my day and my days always need lightening if you know what I mean.

  Yours Alex

  CEO Blackmore industries

  Hi Alex

  Yes, the physio went well and I caused Nathan much pain. But no seriously I can see progress which is good. Not as much as he would like yet, and I can see it sometimes makes him grumpy, but any progress this early is a good sign.

  The book’s great, I can’t believe you remembered I was reading.

  Hope you have a good trip wherever you are going. It would be lovely if you could keep in touch, just in case I need to talk to you about Nathan and I enjoy having a laugh with you too.

  Frankie

  I remember lots about you!

  Talk later, heading into a meeting now

  X

  CEO Blackmore industries

  He remembers lots about me? Interesting. I turned my attention back to a stroppy looking Nathan.

  ‘Sorry, just updating your brother. Telling him how hard you are working etc.’

  ‘No you’re good, I need a good evening out... this fucking leg of mine is getting me down,’ he scrubbed at his face with both palms.

  ‘You’re too hard on yourself, we will get there, I promise.’

  ‘Yeah.’

  I looked at the very handsome but dejected face of Nathan. The hazel eyes didn’t look as twinkly as normal and his posture showed he was quite obviously down.

  ‘How about we get out of here? I don’t know, take me somewhere touristy.’

  He thought for a moment, running some ideas through his mind. He pulled at his chin, with all the fingers on his left hand. A slow smile broke out.

  ‘Got it, is Edwards around to drive us? It’s not far but with this leg we will need a lift.’

  I texted Edwards, to check.

  One hour later we were in a beautiful and very touristy horse-drawn carriage going around Central Park, heavily wrapped up against the strong November wind. A Scottish tartan rug spread over our legs. The air was fresh and bracing and just what we both needed. Nathan lifted his arm and cuddled me to him, it was comfortable, and once again he reminded me of JJ.

  ‘I am a great fan of yours, you know, chocolate drop.’ I felt his eyes burning into my cheekbone. He squeezed me to him closer, as if to show me. ‘I sense a troubled background... ya know, when you’ve lived through one it’s easy to recognise?’

  I lifted my head slightly away from his comfortable shoulder. ‘Who are you and what the hell have you done with the real Nathan Blackmore? You know player and bachelor extraordinaire. Doesn’t take life too seriously
, always a new girl on his arm.’

  ‘I do have another side you know,’ he exclaimed defensively, smiling his best panty dropping grin, poking at my ribs under the blanket with a finger from his spare hand. ‘OK I will quit with the serious shit, just wanted to let you know I am always here to listen, since I have nothing better to do... until this fucking thing works properly again,’ he had shot a quick glance to his leg.

  ‘Don’t worry, I will have a chat with Alex about allowing you your companions back in, I think the lack of sex is seriously damaging your health, and ageing you before your time.’

  He laughed out loud at this; it was really pleasing to feel the air of depression lifting away. Our blossoming friendship definitely wasn’t ready for my emotional baggage.

  ‘There is no need for remorse... I’m still getting some ya know.’ The left eyebrow lifted and the dimples came out to play, in all their glorious splendour. I slapped his arm and shook my head, almost squealing, ‘TMI, Nathan.’

  ‘Chat with my brother, eh? Bella has told me about this fucking daily occurrence, you do know he is a boring old workaholic, don’t you?’

  Luckily the atmosphere had changed, I could sense that now his mood had lifted, the teasing and joking was going to be all on me. It seemed a small price to pay.

  It became an almost daily occurrence that after my breakfast, I would take a run around Central Park. Today was no different. I loved to have the space and quiet to think in. I loved looking up at the colours in the trees, they were so gorgeous. They almost seemed to be changing before my eyes. It did remind me of home and the autumnal season that I had left behind. Surprisingly enough, I felt no homesickness at all.

  I made a point of phoning Aunty Jean at least every few days. Now there was only me, I appreciated how important it would be to her to have this regular contact. She seemed fine, although I could tell by the occasional crack in her voice, she was missing me. I tried to put myself in her shoes. Once, all four of us had been tightly packed into the small terrace. Now there was just her and Uncle Robert.

  I started to make the turn back towards home. If I squinted, I could just make out the limo and the tall well built figure of Edwards, who seemed to be outside waiting. Then suddenly coming out of the large and architecturally, beautifully built building, appeared a large, dark haired male figure. He was very determinedly eating up the distance between himself and the car with large dogged strides. I stopped across the road, trying to get a better perspective and half heartedly began to stretch out. All the while I stared through the morning congestion of taxis, cars and buses. That must be Alex. I watched the well-built figure get into the limo and Edwards pull away from the kerb. All the while my gaze refused to leave the vehicle and it still declined, until it had completely disappeared from view.

  Eight

  I took

  a long shower in the biggest shower I had ever seen, part of my en-suite bathroom. It had two large shower heads and a built in bench seat along the opposite wall. I spent a long time lathering up my body in my favourite body wash, orange blossom. After rinsing out my hair again and shaving everywhere, I was just beginning to feel human again, my muscles only aching slightly now. Stepping out from the shower, I dried myself off and covered my body in the matching moisturiser. I inhaled deeply, loving the fresh citrus smell.

  I heard the familiar ping and vibration of my iPhone.

  Chocolate drop

  Alex has left on business. Unfortunately, as he is not here I need to go and sort out some shit at home. So I will have to take a rain check on my physio this morning. Can we make the appointment this afternoon instead? My latest x-rays have arrived back and I was hoping we could take a look together.

  I should be back by 2pm, is that OK?

  Nathan

  That’s fine Nathan

  Knock on my door when you return

  Where is home?

  Yep will do.

  Home is anywhere I am racing, or here at the apartment. It’s only a figure of speech when I say home and am talking about my Mother’s house.

  She lives out in The Hamptons.

  See ya.

  We were obviously very much the same then.

  I hadn’t seen Bella much in the last few days and had yet to talk to her about going out on Saturday. Quickly I sent her a text asking if we could meet for an early lunch and take advantage of the situation. We arranged to meet in a little cafe just along from her place of work.

  I dressed in a good pair of jeans, my brown, knee length boots and a cream, eyelash jumper. I dried my long hair and put it up in a messy twist. I never wore much make-up and just applied my usual mascara and lip gloss.

  We had been like ships passing in the night for the last week and I was dying to see my best friend. Her work just seemed to be getting in the way.

  ‘Hey, gorgeous girl,’ came a shout from the back of the cafe, ‘over here.’

  Waving back I started to make my way through the very busy snack bar. One hug later and I sat down beside her on the bench, instead of the empty chair opposite her.

  ‘Nosy, much?’

  ‘You know me; always want to face the world for a bit of people watching.’

  The hustle and bustle of people, shouting and laughing and waiters spinning around in the space of a fifty pence piece was exhausting, but uplifting to watch. It made me feel alive.

  ‘Sorry I have been so busy with work, Frankie. It wasn’t what I intended for your first few weeks here, really it wasn’t.’

  ‘No problem, Bella.’ I said as I grasped her hand in mine, ‘I’m sure it can’t be helped, Nathan has been really good company. Yesterday we spent the afternoon on a horse drawn carriage, and as you know he is never far away when there’s a home cooked meal going.’

  ‘Ermm... OK what you having?’

  My phone pinged. Did she just change the subject?

  Hi Frankie

  How are you today?

  How did the physio go this morning?

  Did the x-rays look OK?

  Sorry about the twenty questions.........

  Yours Alex

  Skilful question master

  C E O Blackmore industries

  Hi Alex (skilful question master)

  I am fine, thanks for asking. I am sitting having an early lunch with Bella.

  You know a girl’s gossip and catch up and of course a major people watch. I haven’t seen Nathan yet today, he said he had to go home to your Mum’s house, to sort out a problem. So we will meet this afternoon instead. That means I still haven’t seen the x-rays yet.

  I was just about to tell Bella that we almost bumped into each other today, outside of the building.

  Maybe we will have to try that one day, actually meeting up?

  Hope your journey was OK?

  Frankie (gossiping queen and people watcher)

  Bella showed me the menu again, ‘Come on girl, I haven’t got all day, what are you going to order?’

  ‘I fancy a proper burger with all the trimmings and chips. Oh yeah, and a big glass of root beer.’ I couldn’t get enough of the stuff, and drank it almost daily. Bella assured me the novelty would wear off soon.

  ‘So who are you texting?’

  I turned to her and gave her a look that invited her to guess.

  ‘Oh, got it… Mr. Nice Hand,’ she shook her head at me smiling.

  I was quite surprised to not get a reply from Alex. I sort of looked forward to our banter. I felt a flush hit my cheeks, and worry started to rise up.

  Perhaps he thought I was flirting with him asking to meet? Well I suppose I sort of was, wasn’t I? I had to say he intrigued me and we always had a bit of fun texting. I needed to remember that I was the hired help.

  ‘Penny for them?’

 
I looked at Bella now passing over my burger that had been delivered to our table in double quick time. Pulling a grimace, ‘I have just flirted a bit by text with my employer and he hasn’t replied.’

  ‘What... Does he know what a delicious babe you are?... Don’t concern yourself, his loss,’ she shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to take a huge bite from the wonderful looking burger. I had to chuckle to myself, her smart Chanel suit and perfect hair and makeup didn’t go with noshing on a huge juicy burger.

  ‘Oh, on a different subject, Nathan wants us to go to a rugby match with him this weekend. Apparently Alex plays for a local side and he thought we might enjoy it. They have a few beers after and then sometimes go on to a club.’ I looked at her with my best puppy dog eyes. ‘Pretty please,’ I said, pulling out the slice of steak tomato from the top of the burger bun, sucking the juice and seeds out and then dropping it unceremoniously to the edge of my plate.

  ‘Oh go on then. You will need me as your wing woman for when you meet Alex, won’t you?’

  Oh shit, she was right. I hadn’t thought about that. Well not much anyway, as when I did my stomach sort of turned over like the drum in a washing machine.

  We tucked into our food then, Bella because quite simply she was running out of lunch hour and me because I was contemplating meeting Alex, and couldn’t really hold a conversation. Strangely I couldn’t eat all my lunch as my stomach kept churning.

  At approximately 2:30pm my door bell rang.

  ‘Just coming, Nathan,’ I put down my kindle and quickly moved to the front door. Outside there stood another bouquet of flowers. I looked around, but apart from the noise of the descending lift there was nothing and no card either. Strange, I picked them up and carried them inside. I placed them carefully in front of the fireplace, maybe they were for Bella. Maybe from one of the many dates she happened to be seeing at the moment. I smiled to myself and sat back down. Nathan was late coming back.