‘Is she your only one?’
Yes.’
‘And your wife?’ she ventured.
‘Dead. She was killed in the car accident that left Alexia the way she is now. It happened when she was ten.’
Carlotta nodded, not knowing what to say. She stood up and walked over to him.
‘I am so sorry, Chris, for your loss of your wife, and for what has happened to Alexia. I am most of all sorry I have been such a royal bitch to you. Everything you have done for this company and every time you tried to show me something, I threw it back at you. I hope you can forgive me. I would dearly love to help Alexia, even just for a session.’
She turned and walked out of his office.
Chris put his head on his desk and felt tears prick his eyes. It had been a long time since he had cried about his daughter and his wife but Carlotta’s genuine apology moved him and he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. Getting up from his desk, he walked out into the hallway to see Carlotta waiting for the elevator.
‘This afternoon,’ he said.
‘What?’ She turned, surprised to see him.
‘This afternoon. She has riding. Come with me and meet her and see how she goes,’ he said wearily.
Carlotta smiled. ‘I would love to. I will meet you here at… what time?’
‘Three o’clock.’
‘Done.’
And on impulse she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek before she jumped into the elevator. As the doors closed Carlotta saw him touch his cheek where she had kissed him and their eyes met. She leaned against the elevator wall. Things were never as they seemed, she thought.
*
‘Calypso Gable? Really?’ Grace asked disbelievingly.
‘Really,’ laughed Calypso.
‘Frankie told me you needed me to help you save your job or something dramatic.’
Grace stood shaking. ‘I can’t believe it. How do you know Frank?’ she asked carefully.
‘He’s friends with my husband, Tim. They lived together in New York. And he was best man at our wedding.’
‘OK,’ said Grace slowly. It sounded like Calypso Gable, her sweet melodious voice that people loved. She could hear a baby bawling in the background.
‘So, you are Frank’s new girlfriend, I hear.’
Grace was taken aback. ‘Well, we have just had a few dates, it’s nothing serious.’
‘Oh really, I think Frank’s quite taken with you.’
Grace could hardly believe she was discussing her dating life with Calypso.
‘That’s nice,’ said Grace, unsure of what to say.
‘So, do you want to talk this over the phone or do you want to come out here to LA and meet with me? Might be easier. My baby might interrupt us, he’s due for a feed soon,’ laughed Calypso.
Grace thought quickly. ‘I guess I can come out tomorrow. Is that too soon?’ she asked.
‘No, fine, I’ll look forward to meeting you and seeing Frank again. Stay for a few days. I’ll organise a dinner for a few friends.’
