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I racked my brains thinking of ways around it, like inviting them to photograph me alone and offering them an exclusive shoot. But Lizzy was on my arm at the official opening and the press clamoured for a photo of us together. She wanted to get her money’s worth for her family too, so although I wouldn’t call her mercenary, she knows that being photographed with a Rochester attracts the buzz both our grandfathers want.
I dread to think what they wrote in the article after all the questions they fired at us. Nothing excites reporters as much as a new couple they can be first to share the full scoop on. They didn’t hold back and were throwing questions at me about our relationship and asking if I’m planning to remarry.
Subtle they are not…
Lizzy confided in me that her boyfriend won’t like seeing us together, and I could see she was troubled and was just doing her duty. I know how she feels.
Fending them off as best I could, we got through it and to be fair, Lizzy is good company and knows how to conduct herself at this type of event, so it was a breeze in that respect.
But it was a complete nightmare for my relationship with Nathalie. I felt guilty the whole time, even though I didn’t make any promises.
All the same, it doesn’t feel right, and I can’t stand the thought of her upset at home when she saw the photo in the paper. But what else could I do? I feel cornered and out of options.
When I called to see how they were doing at home, I was hoping Nathalie wouldn’t have seen anything about the opening. She doesn’t pay much attention to the papers, but it’s sod’s law she saw that one.
The worst thing is the publicity isn’t over yet. Rochester Media lined up loads of interviews for me, and Damian said they wanted Lizzy involved as much as possible.
Thanks Damian.
He may suspect I like Nathalie because I saw him looking at us curiously at the ball,but I doubt he has any idea how far we went and how deep I’ve fallen. He is only conveying what Grandfather asked him to. Lizzy is a great draw for the media, and the camera obviously loves her, so I won’t hold it against him, but I’m upset all the same.
I was tempted to throw myself on his mercy and tell him the truth. I could have asked him to keep the coverage about me and Lizzy to the bare minimum, but I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. It was too risky, and I would be betraying Nathalie’s confidence. I’m crazy about her, but I’m also her boss and feel a certain duty of care. If what I said were to reach Grandfather, Nathalie could find herself in an untenable position, and I can’t lose her. After thinking it through, I realised I had no choice but to go with the media circus and pray we all emerge unscathed.
My prayers weren’t answered because I could tell from Nathalie’s first syllable how much she was hurting. Even if I didn’t hear her speak, I sensed something was wrong immediately. I always know when she’s down, even when she puts a brave face on it. It’s like we’re connected by an invisible chord, and I feel her pain all the way from Richmond to the Riviera.
All I want to do is get on the private jet and fly home to Nathalie and Daisy. The Riviera is stunning, and anyone would think I’d be having a wonderful time. The hotel is one of our best and is a fabulous achievement, but I can’t relax and enjoy it.
Lizzy suggested we go for dinner at a new restaurant with a sensational panoramic view of Cannes. I went along with it as she’s helping me out by being here, and our fake dating ruse is just as difficult for her, but my heart’s not in it. I’m trying not to be horrible company, and to get myself into a better head space so I’m not a complete bore, but I know I’m failing. All I can feel is Nathalie’s disappointment, and what she must think of me right now.
‘I’m sorry this is so hard for you,’ Lizzy says, running her hand through her glossy styled hair.
Raising my head from the menu, I say, ‘Is it that obvious?’
Empathy shines in her eyes as she nods and shrugs her shoulders.
‘Please don’t take it personally. Things are just awkward in my life, right now,’ I say.
‘Don’t worry. I get it. Things are not great for me personally, either. I think I told you about my forbidden love?’ She laughs, but the humour doesn’t reach her eyes, and I see she’s hurting too.
‘I’m very grateful to you for taking the time to do this,’ I say.
‘It’s a pleasure. I will be happy to fake date you anytime! My boyfriend hates it, but Grandfather is going to cut me off if I don’t play nicely. It sounds like it’s much the same for you.’
I nod and take a swig of cold beer. ‘Yes, unless I want to risk losing my seat on the board, and perhaps even my position as CEO of Rochester Hotels, I must comply with my grandfather’s wishes. He says I already made one fuck-up with my ex-wife, and he won’t allow me to make another.’
‘Was it that bad?’ she asks.
‘Yes, and then some. Although I got my daughter out of it, so it’s not all doom and gloom.’
‘It’s rare to find such a devoted single dad. I’m impressed. Your daughter is a lucky girl.’
‘I’m the lucky one,’ I reply, and drain my glass of beer.
The server takes our order, but I’ve no appetite.
‘You worried about your girlfriend?’ she asks.
‘Yeah, no,’ I say, grasping for the right thing to say. ‘She’s not my girlfriend, to be honest.’
