Roses Are Red - Miranda Rijks Page 0,70

really badly, incurring big losses, and costs continue to rise. Look, I prepared you a graph.’ She leans forwards and shows me the graph, and it’s obvious to see that we’re hemorrhaging money.

‘What did Ajay say?’ I ask.

Shireen looks at me, her face owl-like behind black-rimmed glasses.

‘He didn’t. But I just thought you should know.’

‘Yes, thank you.’

‘I’ll go now, then,’ she says needlessly. She collects her papers and backs out of the room.

I knew things were bad, but not that bad. And now that we’ve probably lost BUYIT TV’s account too, I suppose it’s up to me to take action. I miss Adam, and I miss Ajay. I wonder if I should call him and apologise. But then I remember his fury and the possibility that Ajay may have killed Adam, and I realise I have to do this alone. I lean back in my chair and close my eyes.

Later that evening, Patrick is watching football on the television.

‘Can I talk to you?’ I ask as I snuggle up beside him.

He turns the sound off. ‘What’s up?’

‘I was thinking. You’re a management consultant. Could you come and help me in the business?’

‘It’s flattering of you to ask me, but I’m really stretched at the moment, Lydia. Besides, I’m not sure my skill set is what you need.’

‘I need someone to bounce ideas off. Someone to tell me to stop worrying and to help me close down the stores that are failing.’

He tips my chin up. ‘You’re strong, Lydia. And bright. And beautiful. You can do this.’

‘I don’t know, Patrick. I love the business. It’s like my third child, but sometimes I wonder if it’s grown too big.’

‘You’re a worryguts,’ he says, planting a quick kiss on the end of my nose. Then he switches the sound back on the television, turning the volume up several notches.

21

I haven’t heard from Fiona in a while, so I’m happy to get a text from her asking if I’m free to meet up for a drink sometime this week. Rather than texting her back, I pick up the phone.

‘Am I disturbing your work?’ I ask.

‘I’m amending a will, so I’m happy to be disturbed. How are you?’

‘Too much going on at the moment.’ I sigh. ‘And I still need to get you to change my will.’

‘Have you got time to meet up?’

‘That’s why I’m calling. Why don’t you come over for supper? You haven’t met Patrick, and it would be nice for you to get to know the kids. Are you free tonight?’

She hesitates. After a long pause she says, ‘That would be lovely. Thank you.’

‘Seven p.m. suit? It’s a school night, so we try not to eat too late.’

‘Sure. Thanks, Lydia.’

Fiona rings the doorbell on the dot of 7 p.m. Patrick hasn’t come home yet, which is unusual for him. He normally messages me if he’s running late. Fiona leans down to give me a kiss and I stand back to let her in. She lets out a slow whistle.

‘Wow, your house is stunning!’

I realise that this is the first time she has actually been to my home. We’ve met up numerous times over the past year, but for some reason or another, it’s always been when we’re at the gym or when we have gone out for a meal or a drink with Cassie.

‘Thanks. We’ve actually put it on the market. The agent is organising an open house, so hopefully it will be sold before long.’

‘Oh, that’s a shame. It’s lovely. But I suppose with everything that’s happened and your new relationship, you’ll be wanting a fresh start.’

‘Exactly.’

We walk into the kitchen, and as everyone does the first time they come into this room, she looks around with amazement, taking in the dramatic oak beams and the beautiful handmade kitchen units.

‘What can I get you to drink?’ I ask.

‘Just a small glass of white wine. Thank you, Lydia.’

‘I hope you don’t mind,’ I say as I open the fridge, ‘but I’ve only got ready-made meals. I haven’t had the time to prepare anything. I’ve had a bit of a run-in with my business partner, and everything is getting on top of me a bit.’

‘Goodness, that’s not surprising. You’ve had a hell of a few months, and I guess your business must be all-consuming.’

‘Yes. It’s quite a responsibility.’

‘The food smells good.’

‘It’ll be ready in a moment. I’ll just give the kids a shout. I’m not sure what’s happened to Patrick. He’s normally home by now. Have a seat.’

I call upstairs for the kids.