Loving Alex (The Alexandra Drake Series) Read online

  “And the rest. With chocolate too!” I laugh.

  “Umm,” she frowns, “I’m surprised he’s never turned red!”

  We both laugh. “Shall I call Archie, are you ready to go?”

  “I think so Alex, but you know, I’ve had a really good few hours, and thank you so much for the bag.” She squeezes my arm again, it must be a Gia thing.

  “You’re welcome. We can have lunch next week as well if you want?” I look at her, I have really and truly enjoyed this couple of hours. I love shopping with Anna, but this has been like spending some quality time with an old friend.

  “Yes, but no expensive gifts next week –you understand?” She scowls at me.

  “We’ll see.” I say as I root through my lovely but useless bag searching for my phone.

  I locate Archie’s number and tap the call button, as I put the phone to my ear I look ahead and I’m absolutely sure I see Muriel crossing the top of Hans Road. I’d put money on it that it’s her, dressed like her, same colour pale blonde hair, same stature hell, she even walks like her. I watch the woman walk quickly down what I think it Brompton Road as I wait for Archie to answer the call.

  “Mrs. Drake.” Eventually he picks up.

  “We’re ready Archie, whenever you are. We’re on Hans Road.” I tell him, checking the road sign to make sure I’ve given him the correct road name.

  “Right you are, give me twenty to thirty minutes and I’ll be with you.” I’m sure I hear a newspaper or book being flicked as he speaks.

  “Not a problem, we’ll have a wander down Brompton Road and be back where you dropped us off in about twenty minutes.”

  I hang up and Gia takes my arm, “We’ll go for a wander while we wait for him to get here.” I suggest.

  “That’s fine with me.” She clings on as we stroll down Brompton Road stopping to look in the Churches window, “My dad used to wear shoes a bit like these, although they weren’t Churches, probably couldn’t afford them!” I point at the expensive shoes in the window.

  “Ah, I can imagine Alex. Nothing like Ramiro wears though?”

  I realise I’ve probably said something a little tactless. “You know Gia, my mum and dad will always be my mum and dad, but I am so pleased I found Ramiro, he’s lovely I really like him and, well I feel, now that I know about me, that I’m complete…does that make sense?” I pause trying to find the words to explain, “I always felt, oh I don’t know, not right. Like, even though they were my mum and dad, and I believed they were, there was always something, just something not quite right. I could never put my finger on what it was. It was almost, oh,” I sigh, “although I’d never known anything else I didn’t really belong!” I try and explain that even though I’d always lived with them and my memories were always of my mum and dad and nothing else, that even as a young child I felt like I didn’t belong there, like an outsider almost. Subconscious feelings that often would keep me awake at night, I remember being very young, maybe even seven or eight and lying in my little bed thinking why am I here?

  We stop strolling for a moment, Gia turns to me. “I can’t begin to understand how you felt Alex, but I know a little of what happened. Ramiro was devastated when he found out what Maggie had done, even though he still loves her now, even though she’s gone, I don’t think he’ll ever quite forgive her for what she did, you know keeping you away from him so completely, he never even had a picture of you! When we eventually found him, when he came back and made contact again, well, he went through a really bad time Alex, really bad.” She sighs.

  I look at her, I can’t believe what they did. Maggie and my parents. Why did they not say anything, not do anything?

  “Oh Gia! I know and to be honest, even though I have to thank my lucky stars that Maggie left me all this, so that I could get away from Lewis I don’t think I’ll ever forgive any of them, my mum, dad or Maggie for not telling me who I was. Actually, I think it’s unforgivable! I really do. When I sat with the solicitor, Tom Chandler, the one that read Maggie’s will and last wishes to me he said that they didn’t tell me when I was eighteen because my dad was ill. I sat in his office looking at the stranger who was delivering the biggest and most life changing news of my life, and thought to myself, so what happened when I was nineteen, twenty, twenty-one….?”

  She squeezes my arm again in her reassuring way as we stroll along passing the time until we need to head off to meet Archie. We walk slowly back towards the corner of Brompton Road and Hans Road, Archie can’t be far away now. As we turn into Hans Road I swear I see Muriel again, that blonde hair cannot be mistaken, but I can’t see her face. I stop, “Gia, do you see that woman?” I indicate with a nod in the general direction of the blonde haired woman who appears to be lurking at the far end of Hans Road.

  “The blonde one?” She questions.

  “Yes, I’m sure that’s Muriel, my house keeper. She phoned in sick today!”

  “Well, she wouldn’t be here if she was ill – would she?” Gia looks up at me, frowning.

  “I hope not, but I’m sure it’s her. If I could only see her face.” I look down, but she’s stood in such a way that I just can’t see her clearly.

  I stand watching the blonde woman, Gia holding my arm as Archie pulls up. He gets out of the car and opens the door for us. I’ve given up doing it myself or insisting that he doesn’t do this for me.

  “Mrs. Drake,” he says as he opens the door, “pleasant shopping trip?”

  “Yes, very good, thank you.” I don’t bother with the Mrs. Drake thing either.

  Once we’re both in the car he asks where we’d like to be taken to.

  “Do you want to go straight home?” I ask Gia.

  “I tell you what, I’d love to see Reid’s – you know I’ve never been, never seen where James works.”

  “Archie, we’ll both go to Reid’s please, Gia can go home from there.”

  “Very well.” The reply comes from the front of the car.

  I smile at Gia and whisper, “He’s so formal.” She smiles and laughs at my comment, I feel like we’re two naughty school girls giggling in the back.

  We pull up outside of the hotel and Archie does his stuff. As we walk through the entrance and into the foyer Gia looks amazed at the sumptuous, elegant surroundings. “This is lovely Alex, absolutely beautiful!”

  I’m used to it now, although I too was blown away by the opulence of the place when I first came her only a few months ago. “Do you want to go and see James first, and then I’ll show you around?” I ask.

  “Can we look around first?” She smiles.

  “Sure. Come on.”

  I show her the bar area, the restaurant, “Just give me a moment Gia, I need a quick word with Marcus.”

  She waits by the archway as I get Marcus’s attention. He wobbles over towards me after sitting a couple in the centre of the restaurant which is currently very busy.

  “Mrs. Drake. We haven’t seen you for a few days.”

  “We’ve been away Marcus. Look, I wanted to ask how Lola is. We had a few words, Lola, James and I, a couple of days ago.” I explain.

  “Umm, Mr. Aconi did mention it, said that her attitude was, well terrible I suppose. She’s been okay down here though, but of course Mrs. Drake I wouldn’t stand for it, you know that, bad manners and attitude.” He’s a firm look on his face, yes I know that Marcus would soon bring her back into line if she showed any attitude down here.

  “No, I know you would, but just keep an eye on her though. She worried me a little.” I explain.

  “Of course Mrs. Drake. You’re not eating with us today?” He asks.

  “No Marcus, we’ve already had lunch. Anyway, good to see you again.”

  I turn leaving Marcus and walk to find Gia by the archway entrance to the restaurant and show her the remainder of the public areas and then the new orangery and pool.

  “This is lovely Alex, really, really lovely.” She gushes.

  “Shall we go and see James?” I suggest.


  “Please.”

  I lead Gia through the foyer and the Staff Only door, up the four flights of stairs, which she struggles with, and along the corridor to James’ office.

  I knock and enter with Gia following puffing and blowing, James is sat behind the big old desk with the usual stack of papers.

  “Alex, Gia. What a surprise!” He stands and walks around hugging Gia first and then me, “It’s lovely to see you both. Did you have a good shop?”

  “It was great James,” Gia replies, “Alex treated me. She’s very kind!”

  “Oh, that’s good. So what did you buy?” He asks me, raising his eyebrows and smiling.

  “I got a new handbag, one that my phone won’t keep falling to the bottom of, a lovely new dress for when you take me clubbing again and some perfume because I was running low, that’s all.”

  “We’re clubbing again are we?” He frowns.

  “Yes. You know I spoke with Nial a few weeks ago, well I need to meet with him, we need to sort a proper meeting. You should come with me and then I want to spend a bit more time there one evening when it’s open.” I look at him, I know he remembers the night that he was awkward with me and our, or rather my, evening was cut short.

  “Yes. We’ll have to make some arrangements.” His tone is thoughtful, I can see the cogs turning in that tatty head of his, he remembers that night very well I’m sure.

  “We will, we must.” I acknowledge his comment and turn to Gia. “Gia, James won’t have told you but he’s stepping down from the General Manager role here. I’m appointing him as a director of Reid’s, he’ll still run things but be able to spend more time, especially evenings, at home.”

  I can see from James’ face that he’ s still not entirely happy about this, but as far as I’m concerned he’s agreed.

  “That’s wonderful news!” Gia gushes, “Well done James, well done son!” She walks around to the man she took under her wing all those years ago and hugs him tightly. “Well done, your dad would be so very proud, proud of everything James.” She says quietly.

  He pulls away from Gia’s embrace, a little embarrassed and uncomfortable I think!

  “I saw Muriel outside Harrods, or at least I’m pretty sure I saw her!” I say as I flick though some invoices on his desk.

  “I thought she was sick?” He questions.

  “Well, I’m pretty damn sure it was her, no doubts really. It’s the really fair hair, but the way the woman we saw held herself, even her gait was Muriel. I’m convinced it was her!”

  He returns to his seat, running his fingers through his curls he looks up at me, “Keep an eye on it. Do you pay her when she doesn’t work?”

  “I pay her a set weekly amount, so yes I suppose so.”

  “Just keep a note of it then Alex, it’s all you can do. What are doing now?” He asks as he returns to his side of the desk.

  “I’ll get Archie to drop Gia back and then take me back home. I’m going to have a long soak before tonight. What time will you be back? Table’s booked for seven-thirty don’t forget!” I rapid fire my intentions as Gia just stands smiling a the man who claims to have adopted her.

  “I’ll be back for just after six. Robbie won’t be here until later but Marcus is going to cover for a couple of hours.”

  “Any progress on your replacement?” I ask. I’m not letting this go now that he’s agreed to step down, or step up?

  “No, I’ve not spoken to anyone yet but I did wonder if Robbie might consider the position?” He suggests.

  “I thought he liked working permanent nights?” I frown. James told me ages ago that Robbie prefers permanent nights, why would he want to take on this role?

  “He does because it fits in with family arrangements, but it’s worth talking to him first – right?”

  “Whatever you think best. Just keep me in the loop. I’m happy for Robbie to take over from you and take on a new relief or deputy, but if it’s someone totally new I’d like to be involved in the selection process.” I add.

  “You should!” Gia pipes up, “It’s your business Alex!”

  I ask James to call Archie for us and once we’re downstairs at the main entrance he’s already there waiting. We run Gia home quickly and then he drops me back to Cheyne Row. Opening the car door for me and smiling as he does, he’s happy! I thank him and grab my bags walking up the few steps to my front door. Once inside I drop my bags and kick off my shoes before picking up the post which I take through to the kitchen. Tea, post and bath that’s what the afternoon has in store, oh and the groceries which I must order on line, in fact, that really should be done first!

  I make myself a mug of tea while I flick through the post, there’s the usual junk mail and the odd utility bill and a handwritten envelope, looks like Lewis’s writing. I open it straight away and just as I thought it’s from Lewis.

  Alex,

  I’m so sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. I really never meant to hurt you, at all. If I could do anything to put things right I would, I’m sure you know that, I am so desperately unhappy without you at home and miss you and Anna very much.

  Before things move along any further please will you reconsider? I so wanted you to come and see me in hospital, the nurses said you were too busy. Alex, you shouldn’t be working, you’re too precious, you should have someone to do this all for you.

  Please, think again before it’s too late.

  Lewis

  Huh, what the hell’s he on about? “Sorry”, I didn’t think that word even featured in his vocabulary! It goes straight in the bin and I decide to ring Shauna. I’m feeling very proud of myself, for not getting into a flap about it. Therapy must be working! Although, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he doesn’t find some way to drag his heels, to delay the finalisation of our divorce as long as possible.

  I sit at my laptop and do my groceries on line and whilst I select my purchases I make a call to Shauna, my solicitor. She assures me that she’s heard nothing from Lewis’s solicitor and that as far as she is concerned everything is moving ahead just fine, which reassures me slightly although I won’t be totally relaxed until I know it’s finished. She tells me that we’re just sitting and waiting for the six weeks and one day to pass.

  Feeling a little better about the whole thing I sit back and continue my selection of foods, including an attempt to corner the global market in British strawberries, which seems achievable with the amount of the damn things that we seem to buy each week! Gia’s right, it’s a wonder James isn’t red! After all, they say that you turn orange if you eat too many carrots! I wonder if the same applies to red foods?

  Once I’ve finished the groceries and arranged for delivery tomorrow morning I go upstairs and run a bath, adding a huge dollop of my coconut bubbles. I hang my new dress and sort out my new handbag. Rooting through my wardrobe I pull out some comfortable trousers to wear this evening whilst waiting for the bath to fill. Eventually I step into the warm water, the scent taking me to places that I’ve only ever dreamed of, tropical beaches, turquoise seas lapping gently against the shore and warm, warm sunshine. I have the most wonderfully long soak.

  Chapter 6

  I’m just drying my hair when I hear James come in. “I’m up here!” I call from my bedroom.

  “Okay Blossom – You want a drink?” He shouts back.

  “Please, water will be fine!” Because I know we don’t have anything else and I don’t want any more tea!

  I put the dryer away and root through my drawers for my new black bra and matching knickers. I’m standing over my chest of drawers naked when he walks into my room, “You look hot!” He murmurs, smiling. “Water for Blossom.” He says as he grabs me around my waist. “You smell good too! Coconuts again!”

  “Umm, you know I’m a sucker for anything coconut flavoured, well bubbles and soap anyway!” I mutter.

  “Yes, I had noticed.” He pulls me close so that my back is against his stomach, he trails little kisses down my neck, his hands move up
from my waist until they find my breasts, he caresses them and stokes my nipples so gently his fingers on my bare flesh, that touch of his, so exquisite, so electric.

  “What time’s the table booked for?” He growls in my ear.

  “7.30. Look, I got you something today, an impulse buy. I saw them and thought of you.” I hand him the small Paul Smith box, “I haven’t wrapped it.”

  “It’s 6.30 now.” He says as he opens the little box. “Wow Alex, these are great, absolutely great. Thank you,” he kisses me, “thank you so much.”

  “Well, I know you’re not totally British, but I liked them and I get fed up seeing you with the same ones all the time.” I lift his hand, looking at the silver champagne bottle cufflinks holding his double cuffs together.

  “They’re great, really.” He kisses me again, holding me close. “Do you think they’ll hold the table for us, if we’re a few minutes late?” He asks.

  “Why would we be late?” I smile, of course I know exactly why we will be late.

  “Because Blossom I want you, so badly, now!” He turns me around, I’m facing him he lets go of me and hurriedly undoes his shirt, throwing it on the floor, he kicks his boots off and undoes his trousers and boxers stepping out of them with lightening speed. I wrap my arms around his neck, my fingers winding their way through his unruly hair as leans into me, his big body naked against mine, his soft firm lips touching mine, desire explodes within me, I feel helpless completely overtaken by lust and wanting and he’s only has to touch me! That electric little touch starts me on my way, my way to bliss. I hiss through my teeth, he kisses me again his tongue exploring, battling with my own.

  I run my fingers down his back, my nails raking his skin, he gasps. God, how I want him, now! I feel so loved, so wanted and so very, very hot.

  “You’re so fucking fuckable Blossom.” He growls, pushing me back onto my bed, our bed, he moves and to lie beside me, just holding me, his hands gently touching my waist, my stomach, my breasts. He moves his leg forcing it between mine, his hand gripping the outside of my knee, light touches from his fingers travelling towards my hip. “James,” I moan aloud, “Oh God James!”