I just didn’t know what she wanted; she was full of mixed messages. Half an hour ago I was being encouraged to go home, then I was being told I was taking her home. I parked the thought to one side.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise. Finish your wine,” I said, checking my watch. We had plenty of time but I wanted to show her around before we dined.
A little later, I drove and we chatted. It was silly things, like asking for a reminder to add shampoo to the shopping list, ordid I lock the back door?Couplythings.
“Have you spoken to Mackenzie much lately?” I asked.
“No, he’s been super busy. Why?” she asked.
“No reason, I just realised we hadn’t seen much of him lately.”
“I think he might have a lady friend,” she said, laughing.
I chuckled, knowing that he did but not necessarily in the dating sense.
She checked her mobile and mentioned a text message from her mother had arrived. She replied and we continued our journey in a comfortable silence.
We had to wait at the gate for it to be opened and the drive to the house was as magnificent as I remember.
“Wow, this is wonderful,” she said.
I parked and a valet walked towards us. I announced myself.
“May I take your mobile phones, please?” he said. Gabriella frowned, I handed mine over. “We don’t allow any recording devices inside, I’m sorry,” he explained as he took her phone. “They’ll be safely left with your vehicle.”
“How odd,” she said as we walked to the main door. It was immediately opened by my cousin in her usual attire.
She held out both hands. “Darling, I’m so thrilled to meet you, finally,” Veronica said, ignoring me and taking hold of Gabriella’s hands. “I’ve heard a lot.” They air kissed even though it was obvious Gabriella had no clue who she was air kissing.
I laughed. “Gabriella, meet my cousin, Veronica.”
“Oh my, why didn’t you say? I’m sorry, Veronica, and I’m thrilled to meet you, too. I hope all you’ve heard is good!”
“I can assure you it is. Now, come on through to the bar. Mackenzie is there. Have a drink before you sit.”
Confusion crossed Gabriella’s face. I leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I think Veronica is the reason Mackenzie has been a little preoccupied of late.”
She turned to smile at me. “Well, they would be a perfect match.” She chuckled as she waved at Mackenzie.
He was sitting at the bar, one foot on the stool rung and one on the floor. He nursed a glass of whisky with ice. The room was pretty packed with people. Some stood, some sat in the clusters of seats. All were impeccably dressed. I caught the eye of some that I knew and nodded in greeting. I received some nods in return, and one or two lowering of heads in embarrassment. I laughed.
“Hello, you two. Veronica said you’d be here,” Mackenzie said, he extended his arm to me and we shook hands, he kissed Gabriella on the cheek.
“I didn’t know about you and Veronica, you naughty pair,” she said.
“This is a magnificent building. Show me around?” she said, looking at me.
“What do you want to drink?” Mackenzie asked, she replied with wine and I opted just for sparkling water.
“Be back in a minute,” I said, and he nodded.
“Follow me,” I said. We met Veronica in the hallway. “I’m just going to show Gabriella around.”
She smiled and nodded. “All rooms are vacant until after dinner,” she said. “You’ll need this master key.” She handed me a brass key with a red satin material tassel.
“I’m intrigued,” Gabriella said as I guided her to the stairs.
