Chapter 16: An Illusion Of Happiness, Part 8, Charlotte

“That’s very sweet of you. Does she know you’re coming? Should I call her for you?”

“Yes, could you give her a buzz for me. Just tell her that Ben’s here for her. It’s Mrs Summerford, extension 4528.”

I call upstairs, to be answered by a young woman’s voice.

“Hello, is that Mrs Summerford? It’s Kirstie down in Reception. Your brother-in-law’s here for you.”

“Thanks. I’ll be there in a couple of minutes.”

Ben leans over my desk. “So, when can I see you again?”

Now how do I get out of this?

I shouldn’t have told him about where I was working...

I settle for prevarication. “Um, I’m busy tonight...”

“Tomorrow?”

“Not sure. I think I need to visit my sister. She’s a bit upset about her current boyfriend. I think she wants a girl-to-girl...”

... The elevator doors swish open and a young woman exits. It’s the redhead that accompanied James Alexanders.

She still looks great, casually dressed in jeans and a tee-shirt, her long ponytail swinging.