Tripping on Love (13 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Pacing the terrace, I couldn’t help but smile as I noticed
Coco copying my every step.  I'd already conversed with Ronnie in preparation for my meeting with Sasha later in the day. A photographer would be present along with Sasha's creative design team. 

Despite my workload, Edward plagued my thoughts. No longer could I find excuses for his sheer ignorance. Any feelings of hope and excitement had been replaced with anger and humiliation.
  He hadn't called in six days.

Soreena hadn’t skipped a beat when I'd told her the situation. She had looked at me with sympathy before shaking her head in bewilderment.

'Wake up, Lizzie - it's obvious he already has a girlfriend' was all she had replied. Enough to make me tremble with sickening realisation. I'd been played. Charmed, dined and wooed. And I’d fallen for it hook, line and sinker.

There probably wasn't even a business trip to Hong Kong or
Abu Dhabi. And if there was, his wife or his partner was likely to be sitting by his very side, unaware that he'd planned to shamelessly seduce me. The phone call he'd received at our very first dinner had been the red flag, yet I’d stupidly dismissed Mel's theory, eager to see him again. What a foolish woman I’d been.

Coco
stopped pacing alongside me, tilting her tiny head upwards to look at me. Bending down I scooped her up, allowing the small, wet, puppy kisses against my face. Fuck Edward; I didn't need him anyway. I had Coco for kisses and laughter. At least for another week.

Three hours later, with my notes and Ronnie's brief secured in my handbag, I made my way to the Venetia Plaza Hotel. As I approached the exit into the centre of
Marbella, the grandeur presence of the newly built hotel could be spotted half a mile away. They had certainly done a wonderful job of the concept.

On approach, I passed through two marble archways until I reached the Venetian style façade, complimented by an extremely large, ornate water feature at its entrance. Mosaic gold and silver flooring added elegance and exclusivity alongside exotic trees and shrubbery.
  Parking beside a construction lorry, I noticed the sandy beach and blue sea just visible near to the hotel's pool area.

As I’d agreed to meet Sasha in the main lobby, I took the opportunity to walk the longer route towards the entrance. Even though the hotel was still under construction, it was evident that a huge amount of financing and energy had gone into the project. The attention to detail was unsurpassable, even in its incomplete state.

Reaching the main entrance, I walked into a vast high ceilinged space to be greeted by walls of water and an oversized statue of a bronzed centurion. A woman with sharp elfin features and hair pulled back so tightly that she'd given herself a face lift, was speaking loudly into her mobile.

'I don't care. I was told that Teddy or another member of the board would be here this week to oversee things. Once again it's been left to me.' Her pointed jaw was tightening with each word.

Stepping into her line of view to make her aware of my presence, she raised her finger to me and continued speaking.

'I know it's my job but I will not be held responsible if the board isn't happy with the overall design. I have a meeting now with an independent agency regarding marketing. We'll have to continue this conversation later.' She hung up the call and smiled politely walking towards me.

Up close, I realised Sasha wasn’t as young as I'd originally assumed her to be. Her eyes were dark and thundery. Extending my hand I announced myself, expecting a warm exchange.

'Yes
, I know who you are. Let's get started on the tour. The photo shoot is already underway' she commanded, ignoring my outstretched hand. Reaching for her clipboard, she buttoned up her black blazer.

The tour droned on steadily, Sasha's monotone voice lulling me into a bored state. It was hard to believe this was the same woman I'd had email dealings with. The hint of humour and wit display
ed in her written communication was a far cry from the flat energy she exuded. After the first hour I'd already seen most of the important areas that would be included in the review, including the mesmerising indoor garden area, with colourful plantation and water features.

Work
men and builders continued to go about their jobs around us, oblivious to Sasha's critical stares in their direction. She led me to one of the superior show suites, currently playing host to the design team and photo shoot.

'That's it babe, just move that cushion a bit to the left' a gruff male voice called out from behind a free standing light reflector.

Sasha clapped her hands loudly in an attempt to demand the attention of all those present. Her ridiculous endeavour gained sly glances and little co-operation.

'Let's take five minutes everyone. I need to check the shots so far' said the gruff voice again.

Grateful for the reprieve from Sasha's rising tension, I walked towards where the voice was situated, obscured behind the light reflector. Coming face to face with the mystery photographer, a hint of a smile played on my lips. The momentum of surprise almost rendered me breathless. Mr 17A was stood staring back at me. 

'You. What are you doing here?' he asked stunned, his face paling. Sasha joined us as I looked in confusion at Mr 17A, my smile vanishing.
 

'David, I see you've already met Lizzie?

David. Mr 17A was called David. I hadn’t paid any attention to his business card since our airport rendezvous - it was undoubtedly somewhere at the bottom of my handbag. Except David didn't look as pleased to see me as I would have expected. He shrugged, lowering his eyes.

'Yes, we met at the airport' I volunteered, watching as David began to wring his hands. He was acting very strangely indeed. No hint of the helpful, dashing stranger that I’d met five days previous
ly.

A tall blonde girl entered the room, her silky hair swaying around her shoulders.

'Here you go' she said in a strong Australian accent, passing David a cup of coffee. Sasha watched with interest, a slight smirk on her lips.

'Fergie' she said to the tall blonde. 'Meet Lizzie'. Fergie's face lit up into a broad smile as she moved across to shake my hand.

'Hi, nice to meet you' I said, whilst discreetly surveying the room and its fixtures. David remained quiet, fiddling with his camera, unable to look up. What was his problem?

Sasha took out her notepad, walking towards David to review the photo's he was staring intently at. She turned back towards me with a glint in her eye.

'Fergie heads up my design team. She's an absolute star.'  

'I don't disbelieve it, you only need to look around to see what an amazing job you've done' I repl
ied generously.  Fergie giggled, a small smile of pride forming on her face. Sasha agreed, nodding. 

'Yes, especially now that her husband David is here to do the photo shoot, capturing all that hard work' she looked at me purposefully.
 

The sharp intake of breath from David was enough to cause all three of us to look in his direction.
 

Lying creep. He was married. He'd gone out of his way to try to be a knight in shining armour at the airport and yet he was already involved. I looked again at Fergie. Tall, beautiful and talented.
  Blissfully unaware of what a letch her husband was. My hands trembled in anger and my voice cracked as I forced a chuckle.

‘Let's hope David does Fergie justice with his photos. I wouldn’t want her hard work going to waste.'
 

Sasha smiled at me tightly. 'Right, I think that's just about everything. Shall we make our way downstairs to tie things up?'

Ignoring the smug, satisfied look on her face and glancing one last time at David in disbelief, I nodded my agreement and followed her out of the room.

The next hour was spent discussing proposed content, layout and photo options to be included in the review and by the time we were finished, I was looking forward to getting back to the villa. My energy had been spent. The thought of a home cooked meal and a chilled glass of wine, far more appealing than any date with a man.

Driving home, I allowed the fears that had burrowed themselves deep after my split with Will, to resurface. Could any man be trusted?

Too anguished to think about Edward and riled by David’s deviousness, I let out a painful sigh. If staying single meant protecting myself from being made a fool of, or having my heart squeezed as if in a vice, then I was willing to embrace the aloneness.
Being in love was far too complicated.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

My Taxi approached the queue of expensive cars lining up outside the venue to park. I was looking forward to my evening of drinks with Soreena. Any thoughts of men and deception had been pushed to the back of my mind. Tonight was about enjoying myself.

Large naked flames burned brightly from granite holders either side of Silks doorway as the Taxi drew closer. A mixture of international guests poured out through its entrance, champagne in ice buckets prominent fixtures on outdoor tables. I recognised faces from the crème of the Marbella social scene.  Slightly visible through the smoky windows and gold signage, a throng of people sipped cocktails and danced amongst themselves.

With my new tight white and navy striped dress, deeply tanned skin and platform heels, I felt confident I would blend well.

'Just here will be fine.' I instructed the driver.

Immediately pulling to a halt, the Spanish driver turned off the engine and pointed at the metre. Opening my purse, I paid him the extortionate fare before smoothing down my hair and carefully getting out of the Taxi.
 

Confidently striding the few metres towards the buzzing entrance, I noticed a group of stylish Scandinavian men on the sofa to the right of the doorway. On approach, one of the men gave a nudge and distinctive nod in
my direction. I averted my eyes, smiling coyly and throwing my shoulders back to enhance my impressive cleavage. Tonight I was feeling sexy and I wanted everybody to know it. Lizzie had landed and was ready to party.

My feet had other ideas. With each step, my new shoes loosened, threatening to fly off.
  Carrying on striding purposefully towards the roped entrance, I tried gripping the inner sole with my toes. Surely it wasn’t possible for my feet to have shrunk in the six hours since I'd purchased them? I would have to head straight for the ladies loo and stuff out the toe area with toilet tissue. Already my glamorous image was fast disintegrating.

The burly Colombian bouncer stepped aside to allow me access into the heaving bar brimming with an array of people, most of whom were pleasing to the eye and sporting designer clothes and watches.
  

Soreena had said she and H would be located in the quieter, back area of the bar. I looked to the raised platforms at the far end adorned with crystal chandeliers and purple velvet seating. Under the glistening crystal, Soreena could easily be spotted in a bright fuchsia dress; her long blonde hair curled into a wild messy mane. She looked stunning.

Weaving through the crowd and catching many sly looks from competitive women and flirtatious men, I headed for the platform. The small, well built man gazing adoringly at Soreena was clearly smitten. Stepping up onto the raised floor, I smiled broadly at Soreena and her date.

'Hi.' Soreena stood up to greet me, kissing me on both cheeks. It had only been a few days since our lunch date but she looked slightly slimmer and radiant. H was clearly doing her a world of good. As if on cue, he stood up beside her.

'Hello babe, nice to meet you.’ His stocky frame, broken nose and square jaw gave him a masculine rough edge. Reaching across to kiss me on the cheek I was surprised by his broad East London accent.

I seated myself next to Soreena in full view of the bar. H stepped past me, his aftershave wafting heavily in the air.

'What you drinking babe?' he asked stepping down from the platform and signalling to the waitress nearby. A man with manners. I liked him already.

'I'll have a peach Bellini please.' I reached across to the slightly damp serviette next to Soreena's drink and discreetly scrunched it into a ball.

'What are you doing?' Soreena asked forehead furrowed. I ignored her; slipping off my shoe under the table and reaching down to put the damp ball inside.

'Much better' I said testing the shoes tighter fit. 'I've got shoe issues - keep slipping off as I walk' I said turning around to ensure H was out of earshot. Soreena caught on.
 

'So' she asked excitedly. 'What do you think? First impression?'

'He's very manly, I don’t think you'll be getting into any trouble with him taking care of you' I joked. 'Plus I like his manners. Straight up to the bar to get me a drink and refill yours too' I said approvingly. Soreena nodded happily.

'I know, I keep wanting to pinch myself. I can’t believe I've met someone so nice.'

H was back within minutes, passing us our drinks. The queue for the bar was at least two persons deep and it hadn’t gone unnoticed that he'd managed to get served immediately.

Sitting opposite to Soreena and I, he spent the majority of time focusing on Soreena as he spoke, his sharp sense of humour causing us both to laugh heartily and often. Soreena seemed very taken with his supposed role as an import/export entrepreneur. I suspected otherwise.
  He didn’t strike me as the type to know how to turn on a computer, let alone run a successful business. I kept my opinion to myself, cautious of bursting Soreena's love struck bubble.

I sipped my third fizzy peach Bellini and allowed myself to take pleasure in the light headedness that engulfed me. I set my head back against the cushioned wall and stretched out my legs. It had been lovely spending time in H's company but the bar was heaving and the music upbeat and danceable. I was desperate to get up and enjoy myself, not sit and play the gooseberry
in a love nest.

Excusing myself, I stood, picking up the remainder of my drink and stepping down to the bar area, with the intention of circuiting the room before heading towards the toilets.

A pretty brunette smiled at me as I tried to push past her, her eyes swiftly travelling from my face down to my cleavage. She flicked her hair across to the side.

'Hey sexy, do you want to dance?' she asked provocatively.

Wincing, I quickly looked behind me in the hope she was talking to somebody else. No such luck. Her eyes were fixed on me. Gripping my drink tighter, I glared ahead. There were enough men present to provide me with a daily date for the next six months, yet I had attracted a woman. I diverted and headed straight for the ladies loo. A sudden urgency overcame me to check I didn’t have a large 'I want muff' sign written on my forehead.  

The dimly lit toilet was already occupied. Standing against the door frame, I observed my profile in the large floor length mirror opposite. Thankfully my make-up had remained in place and my hair had kept its volume. I smiled smugly, pleased with my reflection. It wasn't often I had a look good, feel good evening, and the mirror didn’t lie. No wonder women were also interested. I felt a light elbow nudge in my ribs.

'Mind if I join you babe?' H said, sidling up against me. Close. Too close.

Resting himself against the door frame and crossing his arms,
he looked side on into my face, his diamond encrusted watch reflecting in the mirror.

'I never knew Soreena had such good looking friends' he said fixing me with a flirtatious stare.
 

I stiffened. Was he hitting on me?
 

'Where's Soreena?' I asked changing the subject.
 

The toilet flushed from behind the doorway and I heard the water fa
ucet being turned on. Thank goodness I wouldn’t have to stand here alone with him for much longer. His heavy aftershave was making me feel nauseous. His close presence unnerving me.

I looked pointedly at him, waiting for a response to my question. H had taken his mobile out of his pocket and was staring intently at the screen.
 

'Are you listening to me? I asked where Soreena is?' Irritation filled my voice. H continued staring at his mobile, face pale. Distracted, he slowly looked up.
 

'Erm
, she's at the table still' he said placing his mobile back into his pocket. 'I need to quickly meet a client outside, do me a favour and tell Soreena I’ll be back in a bit.'  He reached into his back pocket pulling out a wad of money and unpeeled four fifty Euro notes. 

'Here, take this and buy yourselves a bottle of champagne' he pushed the fifty's into my hand, his fingers lingering slightly too long on mine. Instinctively I pulled my hand away, suspicions confirmed. I hadn’t been imagining it; he was definitely making a move on me.
 

'Save me a glass
, babe.' Winking at me, he reached his hand to tenderly move a piece of stray hair from my face, oblivious to my flinch. 'This party is only just getting started.' 

The door opened behind me and with it came an unpleasant waft, penetrating the air. A blonde woman in her forties wearing a short red dress stumbled past me, clearly drunk and sniffing uncontrollably. Steadying her weight against the wall, she tried to discreetly check her nostrils in the large mirror. Both H and I stepped out of her way, watching in amusement. She turned suddenly, catching me looking at her.

'Got no powder on me nose, have I darling?' she said, tilting her head back to provide me with a full view of her inner nostrils. 

Shaking my head in disgust, I backed into the toilet. Some women really have no shame. She was undoubtedly high on cocaine. I slammed the door shut leaving her standing there in a drunken, drug induced faze;
I caught H fixing me one last time with his intent stare. 

By the time I exited the toilet, H was no longer to be seen. Panic arose inside of me. I had a dilemma. It would be more than awkward to tell Soreena about his obvious pass at me. Yet I couldn’t lie, Soreena would sense something was wrong between us.
 

I needed to find H and set things straight. If he wasn’t interested in Soreena then he needed to be honest with her. She'd been through far too much to be messed around by a big shot in a Rolex.
 

Walking back towards the platform area, I was relieved to see that Soreena was talking animatedly with two women. The relaxed laughter assured me that she knew them. I continued straight past the table, towards the exit.
 

The night air was humid and close as I stepped out onto the terrace. The crowd had emptied and the sofas were now accommodating those wanting to relax. Passing the heated flames, I stepped onto the sidewalk.

H couldn’t have gone too far; it was unlikely he would be meeting his client in another area. I looked up the street noticing a large black limousine parked on the corner. Heading towards the car was a small figure. I could just make out H by his distinctive bowled walk. If I was quick, I could catch him up and say my piece.

My heels clipped the pavement as I did my best to run along behind him. My breasts were struggling to stay put in my gel boost bra. Clamping my arms across my chest I gradually closed distance. The street lights had faded and the empty road echoed my footsteps.

'H! Please wait up.' I called out. He stopped walking and looked around in surprise. 

'Lizzie, what you doing here?' he raised his hands in surprised fury. 'Go back inside' his face was thunderous.
  Taking a step back, I chuckled sarcastically.

'Shouldn’t that be what are you doing?!' I said incredulously. How dare he be annoyed at my behaviour, when he was the one with the audacity to flirt whilst on a date with my friend.
    

Did he really think I’d be interested in him? He didn’t have a patch on Edward. Despite the fact that Edward had recently been relegated to my no hope list.

Headlights blinded me as the black limousine engine suddenly started up in front of us and the passenger door of the car shot open. A large man, dressed head to toe in black wearing a balaclava jumped out.  A chill glided through me, as palpitations filled my chest.  H lunged forward pushing me forcefully into the road, his voice filled with fear. 

'Run Lizzie!'
 

Caught off guard by the force, I stumbled backwards hitting the concrete floor. Breathtaking pain shot through my back, my shoe flying off in the opposite direction. Up ahead I could see H being manhandled into the back of the limousine. Trembling, I tried desperately to crawl towards the pavement.

Before I realised what was happening, arms were lifting me up from behind, out of the road.  Strong arms carrying me to safety. Relief flooded through me as tears began spilling down my face. Thanking the heavens that I was safe, I surrendered myself to the control.

'Please help my friend' I pleaded to my mystery hero, frantically trying to get my bearings of how far I was from the black limousine.

'Hurry up and get her in the car' a gruff Latino voice said from behind me. I stiffened. The arms tightened around me and a black car door came into view.

'No, no please.' My voice didn’t sound like it belonged to me. I wanted to feel brave and courageous but it wasn’t like I had seen in the movies; I was being kidnapped.
 

Trying desperately to think of a way to escape, my mind remained blank. With only one shoe and a short tight dress, the odds were stacked against me.
  I punched forward with my right fist. It hit air. Kicking backwards hard with my left shoe, I felt it come into contact with something.

'Ouch! You stupid bitch. Get in the car' came the voice of my offender. I was shoved head first into the car onto the leather seat next to H. His hands had been bound and his lip was bleeding.