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Chapter Three
Zoe looked around her office with a smile. She’d arrived back in Cape Town over the weekend and was ready to start with all the new projects Susan had been emailing her about.
The three months in London had been great, but she had missed her family and it had been so lovely to see all of them again.
And after three months, she felt confident Dale Cavallo was out of her system. Over the last few weeks she’d managed not to think of him… too often. On the steamy dreams she was still having, featuring him in every scene, she was not going to dwell.
The messages he had left for her right after the wedding to contact him she had simply ignored. At that point, she’d had no idea what to say to him. And by the time she left London to return to South Africa, she was confident she would be able to see him at family functions without changing into a stammering schoolgirl. She hadn’t heard from him again; a clear indication that whatever he’d felt for a few minutes three months ago while kissing her was forgotten.
Susan knocked on her open door and entered, smiling.
“It’s good to have you back after three months, Zoe. This place just hasn’t been the same without you.” Susan sat down on the other side of Zoe’s desk.
“It’s good to be back, thanks,” Zoe said, pleased her thoughts had been interrupted.
“You’ve been away much longer that we’d hoped, but we’ve coped.” Susan smiled, eyes twinkling.
“Yes, it took a while before Peter was completely happy. Jerry and Adam were a great help. I’m so glad they were willing to help with the project. But I think they’re very glad to be back.”
“Yes, that’s what they said. I have to tell you, the first thought that entered my mind when you sent a message to say you’re not coming back to Cape Town after your sister’s wedding but leaving directly for London, was that you were eloping!”
Zoe inhaled sharply. “No!” she exclaimed before she could regain her composure. “No,” she said again, trying to hide her alarm with a smile. That eloping with Dale Cavallo had actually seemed like a good idea when she’d been kissing him was not something she wanted to be reminded of, let alone share with anyone. “You know me, getting married is not on the agenda. Happy-ever-afters are not my thing.”
She took the file Susan held out to her. If she couldn’t even explain her frantic escape to London to herself, how could she possibly explain it to someone else? Because that was what it had been—an escape. She had fled. There, she’d admitted it. And she was very glad she left when she did.
Dale would have a new beauty in tow by now and probably didn’t even remember the kiss they’d shared.
“It was just one of those things, you know? It seemed easier to fly from the Seychelles than coming back here for a week,” she said vaguely and opened the file. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to know about her little… lapse. “Anyway, it’s nice to be back. The project in London doesn’t constantly need my attention now. I may have to return for one or more consultations, but at this point there is no reason for me to be there full time.”
“I’ve enjoyed being in charge, but I am so glad you’re back,” Susan said.
“You said in your email you have several exciting projects that you’ve signed contracts for?”
“Yes,” Susan said and leaned forward. “The one I’m most thrilled about is the contract for the Cavallos.” She pulled out a contract. “I’m so pleased you’ve reconsidered. You have a meeting with one of the brothers later today. Dale, if I remember correctly.”
Zoe froze at the mention of the Cavallo name. She stared at Susan. “What did you say?”
Susan’s smiled slipped. “The Cavallos. The contract to do the interior on their hotel near the Kruger? I was under the impression you’ve decided you want to do it after all. They are part of your family now.”
Zoe was speechless. She had given Susan the reins when she’d left for London and was happy to let her decide on which projects they would work. Susan knew the business inside out, and Zoe trusted her. It had simply never occurred to her that Dale would contact her firm for a second time. And that he’d finalize the contract without speaking to her again personally, knowing she didn’t want to do it, was simply unacceptable.
“I’m sorry Susan, but I would have told you if I’d changed my mind. I told Mr. Dale Cavallo in no uncertain terms we don’t want the job. Why he contacted you in my absence again I don’t understand, but that’s his problem. Please email or phone him and tell him we’re not interested,” she said with as wide a smile as she could muster.
“Not interested…” Susan said, obviously flabbergasted. “You’re not serious? This is a huge job and everyone here is so excited about it. I signed the contract as was our agreement before you left, I can’t now turn back and…”
“I’m sorry, Susan, but you will have to. We’re not doing this job and that’s final. What else is there?” she asked as pleasantly as she could.
Susan cocked her head and stared at Zoe for a few seconds. A hint of a smile turned the side of her mouth upwards, but she didn’t say anything.
“What?” Zoe asked, shifting in her seat.
“Nothing.” Susan picked up another contract. “I’ve just never seen you so upset at the mention of someone’s name. Anyway, if that’s what you want, I’ll talk to him. None of the other projects are as exciting, but there is a small block of offices in Claremont…”
“Good, let me look through this. I’d appreciate it if you could talk to Mr. Cavallo in the meantime and explain that we won’t be able to help with their hotel.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Susan sang and left her office.
Only then did Zoe exhale and put her head in her hands. Of all the devious and deceitful things! How could he? She should fire Susan on the spot! Even as the thought raced through her brain, she slumped back in her chair. She had given Susan full control over incoming contracts, never thinking Dale would be so devious. He knew she’d been in London and probably knew through the family grapevine that Susan was in charge while Zoe had been away.
