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Albert: Day’s going good. You? I’m in back to back meetings at the office all day. Dinner later?
I bite the inside of my lip, staring at the text.Why would he lie to me?Before my mind runs away with me, I call Meli. “Hey,” she answers brightly. “How did it go with your mum?”
“Terrible,” I reply, “which is why I’m calling. I need you to rationalise something before I overthink and go crazy.”
“Okay?”
“Albert’s car is in the car park beside the East Hotel.”
“Right.”
“So, I text asking how his day was and what he was up to. He lied. He said he’s in back-to-back meetings at the office.”
“Rosey, he’ll probably head there next. He moves around a lot.”
“To cheap hotels?” I ask. “It’s not his usual meeting spot.”
“No. True. Doesn’t mean anything, though. Maybe a client arranged the meeting place.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. It’s a plausible explanation. “I’m going in to take a closer look.”
“That’s probably not a good idea, Rosey. You’ve had a difficult morning with your mum, for one, you’re not thinking straight. Plus, what if he’s with a very important client and you cause a scene? Come back to the clubhouse and we’ll talk about it.”
Another text beeps through, and I glance at my phone.
Albert: I’ll be at the office until at least seven. I can pick you up at eight?
“I have to go,” I tell Meli, disconnecting the call.
I cross the road and head inside. There’s a small reception area with a man behind the desk. “How can I help?” he greets.
“I’m here for a meeting with Mr. Taylor.”
He checks his book and nods. “He’s in room 5 just along the corridor,” he tells me, and my heart beats faster.
“Not the bar?” I ask, hoping he has it wrong.
He shakes his head. “Ms. Spencer has already arrived. Would you like me to call the room to announce your arrival?”
I shake my head. “No. They’re expecting me.”
I stand outside the door listening but hear nothing. I take a deep breath and knock. “Room service,” I announce.
A minute later, the door is ripped open and Albert scowls, his face softening when he sees it’s me. I take in his appearance. He doesn’t look just fucked, but he’s missing his jacket and tie. “Rosey,” he says, sounding confused.
“I saw your car,” I say as way of explanation.
His smile is perplexed. “I told you I’m in meetings all day.”
“In your office,” I point out, “but this doesn’t look like your office, Bert.” I arch a brow, waiting for him to rush and explain with another lie.
“We should do this later,” he says, his voice firm.
It only adds to my suspicions. “I think we’ll do it now,” I snap, shoving the door open. He steps aside, sighing heavily as I pass him. There’s no one else in the room, and my eyes fall to the bathroom door, which is closed. “Is she in there?”
“You’re acting crazy,” he whispers.
“I thought you like that about me,” I say sarcastically before banging on the bathroom door. “Come out,” I demand.
