TouchStone for giving (The Story of Us Trilogy) (4 page)

look. “Specifically, what kind of problem are we talking about?”

“The stalking kind.” I stare and nod my head dramatically.

“No way. The last thing I’d be doing if I looked like that would be stalking some guy. I’d be too

busy getting gorgeous guys to wine, dine and do me ...”

“She’s already done that,” I reply, flicking up a photo of her and Ayden in Cannes.

“Shit!”

“My sentiments exactly.”

I slip my memory stick into her laptop sitting beside mine on the kitchen table and bring up the

photos off it. “I’ve spotted her on one of our pictures taken in Rome and I want to know if she was

with us all day, following us round.” I point to the screen. “If you take the first 250, I’ll take the rest. I

want you to check the crowd or the background for her. She’s hard to miss.”

“You can say that again.” She touches my arm. “Is this why you’re so edgy?”

“Partly, but there are other things going on in my head.”

“Do tell, I’m here for you hon. I realise Mr. P. has come along and swept you off your feet. It’s a

wonder you don’t have whiplash.”

Her choice of words make me chuckle.

“I wonder what she’s like, your supermodel,” she muses, starting to click and scrutinise each frame.

“She speaks with an Eastern European accent; she’s articulate, confident and tough.” I state

assuredly.

She’s surprised by my observation. “How do you know? Oh, don’t tell me you’ve met her?”

“Hardly. She met me.”

I take another sip and explain our unforgettable encounter at the book launch almost a week ago.

How she scared me and succeeded in getting me to break-up with Ayden. I go into a little detail about

our make-up and his obsession with winning but, more importantly, how Alenka only brought us

closer. Her plan failed miserably.

As we scan through each photo, zooming in and zooming out, I get to hear her comments about my

clothes, Ayden’s arse and how good we look together. She’s not wrong. We do make a cute couple. I

may not be a supermodel but I swear he’s not looking at Alenka the way he’s looking at me. I can’t

begin to express how relieved that makes me feel.

It takes an hour of close checking to examine all the photos and we sit back and exhale. Job done.

I’m relieved and Charlie’s ready for Chinese food. I place the container into the microwave and sit

myself down next to her, noticing her strange expression.

What has she spotted?

“What is it?” I ask, still feeling anxious.

She turns my laptop round and the picture in question is right there in front of me.

“Notice anything else unusual about this picture?”

I keep looking, to the point where my eyes are unable to focus. I can’t see anything, other than his

sombre expression and Alenka in the background.

“Look how Ayden is holding something behind your back. It looks like a box of some sort.” She

taps her nail on the screen.

I look again. She’s right. He’s holding something in his left hand. I realise what it is. “It’s my

engagement ring.”

“Your what!” Her eyes are wide and wild.

“This ...” I hold it up for her to see, smiling from ear to ear.

She grabs my hand and stares. “No fucking way! How many carats is that?”

I shrug. I haven’t a clue.

“Didn’t you ask?”

“Of course not ...” I smile, faking indignation.

“I get the stack of diamonds, but why’s the sapphire in the shape of a heart?”

“It matches this.” I hold up my bracelet.”

“Christ! How much have I missed?”

“Too much.” I grin, giving her a much needed hug,

She’s still shaking her head in disbelief. “So all this time, he’s been buying you gifts; he’s flown

you off to Rome ...”

“In his private jet.”

“Naturally, in his private jet and booked you into a swanky hotel room ...”

“Suite.”

“Sorry, suite, for a romantic break.” She pauses and takes a sip of her warm champagne. “Let me

know if I miss anything ... and then takes you on a tour of Rome?”

I interject. “Not quite. There was Miss Magnani. She did half the tour.”

“How come?”

“She tried to steal him off me but he ravished me in the cafe by the Pantheon and fired her.” I say it

so matter-of-factly that her mouth falls open again in disbelief.

“My, my ... haven’t you had a busy time.” She’s holding out her hands. “And ...

“We returned to the hotel and I thought we were going out to dinner but he had the staff set up a

candle lit dinner on the terrace.” I feel myself starting to gush, but I can’t help it; this has never

happened to me before and it may never happen again. “There were jasmine scented candles

everywhere and a string quartet, and it was just wonderful.”

“And that was it ...”

“No, that wasn’t it. We went to bed. I tied him up and fucked the shit out of him.” For my own

amusement I use Ayden’s own words and they make me laugh. No wonder he had to postpone his

proposal until the next day. I was so hot for him.

Charlie isn’t having any of it. “Yeah, right!”

“Okay, we went to bed and it was a perfect evening but, truth is, I can’t keep my hands off him. I

only have to catch sight of him and my heart starts to race and I’m as horny as hell.”

“I bet he finds that a real turn-off?” Charlie sniggers sarcastically.

“He feels the same around me, I think. We’re good together.”

She leans over and gives me a sisterly hug. “Oh, Beth, I’m so happy for you. Your Mr. P. has come

good, just like you said he would.”

“And often ...” I add, much to her surprise.

“Now stop. You’re making
me
horny with your dirty mouth.”

We toast to the prospect of more steamy nights and I settle myself before returning my attention to

the photograph. “That’s why I don’t understand. Why is she there? He ended the relationship months

ago and now she’s stalking him. Either he knows or I should tell him. What do you think?”

“I think he already knows and, by the look on his face, he’s not happy about it. If he doesn’t ... then

you should be the one to tell him.” She takes a minute. “If it was me, I’d want to know who
she
is.

Let’s take a look at you, Miss Alenka, whatever your name is.”

Lots of results emerge. She reads it to herself, scanning for salient information.

“And ...”

“It says here she was born in 1986, the daughter of a wealthy Czechoslovakian Diplomat. She went

to some fancy school and then on to the University of Prague. She has a degree in Theology and

Religious Studies and speaks three languages fluently. She was spotted when she appeared in the

university magazine, giving a speech to a local school about cultural values and the importance of

education. Since then, well, she’s appeared in every glossy magazine you can think of and is a familiar

face at international fashion shows. She’s 5’10 has green eyes and auburn hair ...” I actually think

Charlie is lost for words.

I break the silence. “No competition there then?” We burst into laughter and I flutter my eyelashes

as if I haven’t a care in the world when, in fact, I’m quaking in my boots. “My enemy isn’t just a

goddess she’s a friggin’ genius too!”

Charlie doesn’t answer but we both know it’s true. “You might say that but she’s been around a bit

and you’re ... you know, less experienced. That must count for something?”

“And you think that’s a bonus, do you? Hello! Have you taken a look at Ayden recently?” I’m

starting to panic. I can’t pretend Alenka isn’t a threat.

“She’s had a whole series of boyfriends, A-listers mostly and, you know who, of course.” She

throws me a sympathetic look. “But what surprises me is that it says here that
she
ended a six month

relationship with media tycoon Ayden Stone last November.”

“Then why the hell is she stalking him?” I ask, hoping for an answer.

“You’ll have to ask her.” Charlie turns to face me. She’s totally serious.

“Me?”

“Yes. You’ve met her once before?”

“Well, yeah and she chewed me up and spat me out.” I begin to laugh at myself.

“But this time you’ll be ready for her, hon. Don’t you want her to know you’re onto her?”

I’m becoming exasperated, unsure of what my next step should be. “Yes, but ...”

“But nothing. She wants him back Beth and you’ll have to fight for him, if you want to keep him.”

I nod my head in agreement. She’s absolutely right. If I simply sit it out, I may wake up one

morning only to find I’ve been replaced. “You’re right. It’s Miss Magnani all over again. Only this

time she has a head start.”

“But Beth, you’re forgetting something.”

I tip my head, desperate to hear something that will bolster my confidence.

“He loves
you.
”

Those three words put everything into perspective. As long as Ayden continues to love me, she isn’t

a threat. He’s had numerous opportunities to get back with her and yet, here
I
stand, wearing his heart

on my finger.

“Yes, you’re right. I’m worrying over nothing. I’ll get hold of her number from somewhere and

have it out with her. See what she’s up to.”

She gives me a knowing look. “I think I can help with that … I know this gorgeous guy who
lives
in

front of the camera. I bet he knows her. She’s not exactly hard to forget, is she?”

Reluctantly, I nod in agreement.

“Leave it with me. I’ll see what I can do.”

“You should be thinking about your party Char, not this.”

“Hey, are you kidding, I live for this stuff. Only I’m used to being on the receiving end. You’ve

been living life vicariously for long enough.” She gives my arm a gentle squeeze. “Welcome to the

fast lane Beth.”

“Is that what it is?” I’m not convinced.

The next hour is spent eating Chinese food. Charlie leaves the quarter bottle of Champagne with me

and heads home at around 10 o’clock, needing to prepare for her early morning work-out. I flop down

on the sofa, feeling my age for the first time in … ever. My back aches and my eyes are flickering. It’s

time for bed, but not before I’ve wished Ayden goodnight.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 27th October 2012 10.17p.m.

Subject: THINKING OF YOU

Until You: Shayne Ward.

Charlie has just left and she’s all fired up about her birthday party. It should be fun.

I’ve been scanning our holiday snaps; my, my Mr. P you’re a handsome guy and I’m such a

lucky girl. I’m reliving every moment and, quite frankly, may have trouble sleeping ...

I’ve included a good night song for you. Try and get some sleep before you land.

These words from my lips to your heart.

Missing you much,

I love you

B. x

Before I finish clearing away, I receive a reply. He’s been waiting for me to email him, probably

because he’s still guilt ridden about his behaviour.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 28th October 2012 04.30a.m.

Subject: THINKING OF YOU TOO

Until You: Shayne Ward.

As always, you touch me with your music. Where the hell do you find these songs?? Right back at

you baby ...

I was wondering what you were up to … did Charlie send me her love?

I’m sitting here, wishing you were next to me. The day’s events are on rewind but it doesn’t

matter which way I play them, I’m still ashamed of myself. I did go all out to make it impossible

for you to kiss me goodbye and walk away. I knew you wanted to leave and I should have let you.

I took advantage then punished you, and for that I’m truly sorry.

I’m here trying to work and all I can think about is you! I’m on Hong Kong time, four thousand

miles away and 36 thousand feet straight up and the distance means nothing; I belong to you.

Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

Sleep well and dream of me...

I love you more.

A.
X

His words shred me; not because they are so heartfelt, but at the thought of ever doubting his love

for me. I email him back to his iPhone.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 27th October 2012 10.45p.m.

Subject: DREAMING OF YOU

Love to Love you Baby: Donna Summer

Dear Mr. Stone,

Please be advised that your apology has been received with thanks so stop with the self-

denigration.

Enough. X

You’ve been neglecting your mistress and she needs ALL your attention now. I’m perfectly

capable of taking care of myself in your absence. In fact I’m about to do just that right now ...

I’m yours.

Love