Chapter 19
Present
Jonathan and Billie got out of the car; the atmosphere between them was tense. Jonathan knew that he needed him, even though he hated to admit it. He was his business partner and Jonathan could not run the business on his own. He needed a strong man like Billie on hand. He took care of the financial side of everything, he hired and he fired.
Jonathan was the seller; he was the one who managed the investors and brought the money in for the projects. This was by far their largest build project. He had to get back on track with him. Swallowing his pride, he cleared his throat. “Listen Billie. I was rash in the car and I apologise. I shouldn’t have lost it like that.”
He watched as his partner stared across the flat land in front of them, surrounded by a forest in the distance. He knew it had taken a lot for Jonathan to utter the words. He’d be hard pushed to get him to say the words I’m sorry. He simply nodded his head. They both turned as they heard a car pull up.
Nathalie got out of her BMW looking immaculate. Her long slender legs to the side as she eased herself out of the driver’s seat. “Good morning gentlemen.” She said with a smile on her face. The cool air almost taking her breath away. “Not exactly the right shoes to be wearing for a building plot!” Jonathan said noticing how Billie shot him a look.
“Can’t help yourself can you mate!” Billie walked away from him and towards Nathalie. “Thanks for coming out, Nathalie. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He offered her his hand. She took it and smiled warmly back at him.
Sensing a mild tension between the two men, Nathalie took her hand and extended it to Jonathan. “Hello again Jonathan. Listen I want to apologise for my lack of compassion the other night at dinner. I’m really sorry for bringing it up again.” She added purposely avoiding bringing up the mention of Clare’s name.
“Let’s get the plans out and we can get down to business.” She continued. “If you just give me a few seconds.” They both nodded politely, he had nothing further to say to her about their disastrous meal.
Nathalie made her way to the boot of her car. Removing her shoes, she easily slipped into a pair of site boots. Jonathan raised his eyebrows and she could see a small-suppressed smile on his face. She sighed with relief, she had to break this man down and get him on side. Nathalie knew they could not all hold out for much longer.
Their lives had been on hold for four years and they needed to finish this business with Jonathan and move on and start to live again. The drain was not evident on her beautiful face. “Let’s take a walk around.” Billie suggested.
It was a good two hours spent talking about the plot, the ideas and how it would materialise into one of the top new eco builds in the country. With everything they were throwing at it, Nathalie knew it would be an award winner.
Closing in on mid-day Nathalie suggested they head off for lunch. “I need to get back. I had an accident this morning and have my car to deal with.” Explained Jonathan. Nathalie nodded. “Are you ok? I mean you look ok. What happened?” She asked.
“It’s fine. An idiot biker didn’t want to get out of my way. I had to swerve and drove into a pothole of all things. It’s not an issue.”
“Perhaps we could meet up for dinner again soon.” She suggested expecting him to say no. “Maybe.” He replied. Billie stepped in quickly.
“Splendid idea Nathalie, I think we’d like to get to know you more and perhaps we can organise something for later this week. I’ll bring my wife along and we can make an evening of it.” Jonathan looked as if he wanted to kill him. Nathalie smirked. “Billie that would be perfect. I will make a reservation for Friday night and send you both the details. This is such an exciting project for us all to be working on, and I’d like to get to know you both more. Thank you.”
Billie could sense Jonathan was seething inside, he would hear about it when they were back in the car, no doubt. They said their goodbyes. Nathalie changed back into her court shoes and whipped out her phone once she was in her driving seat and alone.
We’re on for another dinner. Billie will be there with his wife, hopefully it’ll be a lot more relaxed and I can get a bit further. XX
Great xx Can’t wait to see his reaction when he gets home tonight xx Came the swift response.
Just be careful, you know he is psychotic! Don’t let him get you too soon; you may not get away this time around xx
I know xx Speak later xx