Chapter 6 The phone call

Anna was in the front garden of Dolphin Cottage and she waved as she saw the boat come in to the harbour.

'You two seem very happy together,' said Tristan.

'Yes,' Stephen agreed. They had known Tristan for only a few days and it seemed to Stephen a rather personal thing to say. But then Stephen realised he didn't mind.

'Have you got anyone special?' he asked.

'Sort of,' Tristan replied, and busied himself tying up the boat to the harbour side. He didn't really feel like going into detail about it at that moment. One reason was that he was thinking about Anna, not Jill.

'Thanks for the trip,' said Stephen. 'It was great. By the way, if you're not doing anything tonight, would you like to come and have dinner with us? We could barbecue the fish. Bring your friend, if you want.'

'OK. Thanks. It'll just be me though,' said Tristan, pleased at the thought of seeing Anna again. 'Fine. See you about eight, then.' Stephen walked up from the harbour, and held up his fish to show Anna. But when he got nearer, he could see that something was wrong.

'What's the matter?' he asked. 'Has something happened?'

‘Afraid so. Rebecca's just phoned and said your office need you to ring them immediately.'

'Oh shit! I knew we shouldn't have left our number with Rebecca!' he said angrily. 'What the hell do they want? I don't feel like ringing them back. I think I just won't, and pretend we never got the message. Do you know if Rebecca told the office she knew where we were?'

'Apparently she said she'd pass the message on to you, so

I guess you'll have to contact them.'

'Oh bloody hell.' Stephen threw the fish down on the table and went inside.

She could hear him in the kitchen, noisily making a cup of coffee. She wondered what the problem was at his office.

She had met Charlie Jardine, Stephen's boss, a couple of times and he'd seemed to be a reasonable person. What was it all about? Stephen must be talking to him now – she could hear his voice rising in anger, and then she heard him put the phone down with a bang. He came out and sat next

to Anna. His face was red with anger.

‘Well?' she asked.

'Charlie wants everybody back in the office for a crisis meeting tomorrow. Everybody! And that includes me,' Stephen replied. 'Another agency wants to buy our company'.

'Can't you talk about it on the phone?' Anna asked.

‘Apparently, things are happening so quickly and he needs to be able to act fast.' Stephen stood up and started walking up and down the tiny front garden. 'And he says he wants to do what's best for the company. He sounded really worried on the phone.'

'So you're going then,' she said, rather coldly.

'I'll have to. Mark's been called back from a conference in Italy as well.'

'That's work, not a holiday,' said Anna sharply.

'I know. Look, I'm sorry.' Stephen put his arms round her. 'I know this has ruined things for you as well. If I go this morning, I'll come back straight after the meeting. I'll drive through the night if I have to, but I promise I'll be back for breakfast on Thursday'

'Could you lose your job if someone buys the company?' Anna asked.

'Yes, it's quite possible,' Stephen said. 'It's also possible I could lose it anyway. The agency is obviously in a bad way, as far as money goes.'

'Oh Stephen - just when we were beginning to relax here. It's not fair!' said Anna, close to tears.

Stephen finished his coffee and went back into the cottage. Anna continued to sit in the front garden. Half an hour later, Stephen appeared, carrying a small bag and wearing his work trousers.

'I'll walk with you to the car,' said Anna. It felt unreal to both of them - him going, her staying. She could see that Stephen's mind was already full of work.

The inside of the car was hot from being in the sun, so they opened all the doors to let some air in.

'You'll be OK on your own for two days, won't you?' said Stephen.

'Yes, no problem, Don't worry about me. You just be careful driving. Take care, please.'

'I will. Bye love.'

'Bye. I don't know what to say . . . good luck, I suppose. Ring me tonight from home — I want to know you're there.'

Anna watched Stephen drive away. 'Poor man,' she thought, and then selfishly, 'I'm pleased I don't have to go, too.'

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Date: 2015-04-20; view: 1190