I eye him like a very sensible eight-year-old who’s just been offered a peek at some puppies. ‘That all depends.’
‘Well, I have to buy a gift, and I’m really terrible at it.’
‘Oh? Well, sure.’ I am, after all, kind of an expert these days.
‘All ready for you now.’ Yuri appears once again, holding out a glossy bag and my card. I sign the tiny slip of paper and turn back to Carson.
‘How old?’
‘I’m thirty-two,’ he answers with a cocky half-grin.
‘Not you. How old is the person you’re buying the gift for? Also, gender. Though I guess you’re buying a gift for a woman.’
‘And what makes you say that?’ Now he’s trying to be cute.
‘Well, you were looking at the women’s watches,’ I reply, pointing out the case behind us.
‘You’re right. It’s for my grandmother. It’s her birthday.’
‘Happy birthday to her!’ I smile widely, covering the hope that he was about to say his girlfriend because I’ve no time for cute. ‘Well, I’m kind of on a schedule, so shall we?’ I turn and wink at Yuri. Maybe I should ask for a commission, but I guess one good turn deserves another.
‘Does she like silver or gold? What about the one with the blue face?’
‘I think the dial is too small,’ he says, frowning down at the glass case. ‘Did you get what you were looking for?’ His words are so mild in their delivery that I know he overheard. Whatever. What are the chances he overheard everything? Not high, I’d guess. Besides, it’s not like he just caught me slipping diamonds into my pockets.
‘Yep, I totally did, thanks.’
‘Did I hear you say you work for Wolf Industries?’
I play back my earlier conversation with Yuri. Did I mention the company name? I don’t think so. I don’t even think I mentioned the word concierge.
‘I do,’ I answer carefully. ‘But I don’t recall saying so.’
‘Busted.’ He smiles all white teeth and aw-shucks. I bet it works for him plenty, too. But not with me. ‘I overheard you say mention Remy and then the thing with the watch.’
I feel myself frown. Damn.
‘Well, this is a watch shop, sure,’ I answer, refusing to admit anything else.
‘Exactly. You were picking up his watch.’ And if I’m not admitting anything, I guess he’s playing along, too.
‘Do you know Mr Durrand?’
‘Oh, it’s Mr Durrand now.’ He smiles again, but I’m tiring of his repertoire.
‘Well, he is the boss. Now, shall we get back to this watch?’
We browse a few more minutes, and I recruit the assistance of Yuri, and it isn’t too much longer before she’s ringing up a five-thousand-dollar sale. Lucky grandma.
‘It was nice meeting you, Carson. I hope your grandmother has a great birthday.’ I mark to turn when he speaks again.
‘I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but would you allow me buy you a coffee to thank you for your help?’
‘Oh, no. That’s fine. You really don’t have to do that.’
‘But I’d like to. Not just to say thanks but because, well, I also think you’re very pretty.’
‘Thank you.’ Accept the compliment, then move on. ‘And I’m sorry, but I’m already seeing someone.’
‘Lucky him.’ He pulls out another smile, this one a touch more insincere. ‘Let me give you my card. Just in case.’
Nothing like suggesting to a girl; I hope your relationship fails!
He pulls out a tiny silver case, handing me an embossed piece of finery. Business cards. How old-school. It reads,
Carson Hayes III
COO Hayes Construction
‘Who are Carson Hayes the first and second?’ I muse.
Oops, I probably should’ve mused a little quieter, judging by the quirk of his mouth.
‘My grandfather and my father,’ he answers equably. ‘You should ask Remy about us.’
Should I frown a little fake confusion for the sake of propriety? Remy? Who could that be again? We’re hardly a secret anymore, but there’s something a little strange about this exchange. In the end, I say nothing, mainly because he speaks first.
‘Well, Rose, I’m sure I’ll see you around.’
‘Absolutely.’ Though, not if I see you first. ‘Monaco is a small place.’
With that, I shove the damn card in the bag with the watch, give the man my own version of a disingenuous smile, and get out.
41
Rose
Friday morning, my email inbox yields another surprise: an appointment this time.
‘Charles, do you know anything about this?’
He lifts his head from his screen, swinging around in his ergonomic to face me. ‘Bien sûr.’ Of course. ‘I make the appointment