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An hour later, I walk into the hotel restaurant where I’m meeting Carole for lunch. A smiling, middle-aged man in an immaculate suit introduces himself as the host and leads me to a table. As I take my seat, I see Carole walk in through the entrance.
She looks beautiful, as usual, red curls framing her oval face like a high maintenance halo. Today, her lips are deep scarlet against her pale skin, and set in a smug smile.
She pauses at the door, and then, when she’s sure that all the eyes in the restaurant are on her, she saunters inside. I watch as she whispers something to the host, leaning towards him - not too close to be indecent, but close enough that he probably loses some of the blood flow to his brain. I watch as he nods, his eyes drinking her in, before he leads to my table.
I get up as he pulls out her chair, after which Carole dismisses him with a light pat on his arm and takes her seat.
“David!” She smiles. Her voice is a whispery, teasing, girlish sound, diligently cultivated and maintained.
“Carole.” I settle back into my seat.
“It’s been so long since we saw each other, David.” She says, giving me her debutante smile. She leans forward, her voice turning intimate. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were avoiding me.”
“Why in the world would I do that?” My sarcasm isn’t lost on her. She watches me archly as I pick up a menu and glance through it. After a brief pause, she does the same. When she seems ready to make her order, I signal for the waiter.
“I’m exhausted.” She exclaims, after we’ve ordered. “I feel like I’ve been in a plane for years.” Her eyes are on my face, looking expectant as she waits for a response. When I don’t show any interest, she continues anyway. “I just returned to town.” She says. “I’ve been staying at this lovely villa in the south of France.”
The last thing I want is for her to treat me to a story of her aimless globetrotting, or of another poor sucker who has fallen for her charms. I don’t say anything. She either takes my silence for interest, or just decides to tell me anyway.
“The Villa belongs to Toby Felt,” She pauses, searching my face, “Have you heard of him? The investor? He’s a really charming man.” She smiles, “and he knows exactly how to treat a lady.”
My interest perks up, and not because of her obvious attempt to make me jealous. I couldn’t care less who Carole’s flavor of the month is, but Toby Felt isn’t just an investor, he’s a corporate raider, the kind of man who would acquire control of a company and sell off all the assets for his personal gain. If he’s behind the attempt on Preston Corp, it would totally explain why he’s sweetening Carole up with extended stays at his luxury villa.
“Some women find all men charming as long as they have money to spend.” I reply, keeping my face impassive.
“You think I’m one of such women?” She looks affronted. “For your information David, I don’t think you’re charming, no matter how much you have to spend.”
“I am truly heartbroken.” I state drily.
Just then, our food arrives, and as we eat, I listen to Carole’s small talk with half an ear. I’m determined for her to come out and tell me what she wants without any prompting from me. The moment she senses my apprehension about the takeover, her demands will skyrocket.
“What did you want to discuss, Carole?” I ask lightly, interrupting her chatter. “Why did you ask me to lunch?”
She stops and considers me for a moment. “Why did you accept?” She counters, “Usually you’d just tell me that you’re busy.”
I shrug. “I usually am.”
Her lips form a pout. “Maybe I just wanted to talk about us, David”
I chuckle. “Don’t be ridiculous Carole, there is no us.”
Her shoulders stiffen, and I can tell that she’s not happy with my reply. Then she relaxes and leans back in her chair. “But there used to be,” She manages a wistful expression, “and there could be again.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure about that,” I’m amused despite myself. “You can’t have run out of men to play games with, Carole. I’m sure if you look around you’d find a couple of eager playthings.”
She shrugs, looking up at me from under long lashes in an expression I assume I’m supposed to find sexy, “Maybe I want the one I can’t have.” She says.
“And that would be?”
“You.”
I snort. “Tell me, when was the last time you heard from that fitness guy you used to screw.”
“Enrique?” She laughs. “Not recently. He didn’t serve his purpose you know. Look at you, not even a little bit jealous that I cheated on you with him.”
“Perhaps you didn’t serve his purpose either.” I tell her. “The last time I saw him he didn’t seem very happy with you.”
