“I want to go baby shopping as well. I’ve got a list.”
“I’ve bought a couple of things,” I say, looking fondly at her bump. “You know. Just little presents.”
“I want a really nice mobile…”
“Don’t worry, I’ve got you one of those. And some really cute little outfits!”
“Bex! You shouldn’t have!”
“There was a sale on at Baby Gap!” I say defensively.
“Excuse me?” interrupts a voice, and we both look up to see a lady in black and pearls approaching. “I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation just now. My name is Cynthia Harrison. I’m a great friend of Elinor’s and also of Robyn, your wedding planner. You’re in very good hands there!”
“Oh, right!” I say politely. “That’s nice to hear!”
“If you’re looking for a wedding dress, may I invite you both along to my new bridal boutique, Dream Dress?” Cynthia Harrison beams at me. “I’ve been selling wedding dresses for twenty years, and this very week I’ve opened a store on Madison Avenue. We have a huge selection of designer gowns, shoes, and accessories. Personal service in a luxurious environment. All your bridal needs catered to, however great or small.”
She stops rather abruptly, as though she’s been reading off a card.
“Well… OK! We’ll come tomorrow!”
“Shall we say eleven o’clock?” suggests Cynthia, and I glance at Suze, who nods.
“Eleven it is. Thank you very much!”
As Cynthia Harrison departs, I grin at Suze excitedly. But she’s peering over at the other side of the room.
“What’s up with Luke?” she says.
“What do you mean?” I turn round and stare. Luke and Michael are in the corner of the room, away from everyone else, and it looks as though they’re arguing.
As I watch, Luke raises his voice defensively, and I catch the words “the bigger picture, for God’s sake!”
“What are they talking about?” says Suze.
“I’ve got no idea!”
I strain as hard as I can, but I can only hear the odd phrase.
“… simply don’t feel… appropriate…” Michael is saying.
“… short term… feel it’s entirely appropriate…”
Luke looks really rattled.
“… wrong impression… abusing your position…”
“… had enough of this!”
I watch in dismay as Luke stalks off, out of the room. Michael looks completely taken aback by his reaction. For a moment he’s stock still — then he reaches for his glass and takes a slug of whiskey.
I can’t believe it. I’ve never known Luke and Michael to have a cross word before. I mean, Luke adores Michael. He practically sees him as a father figure. What on earth can be going on?
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I murmur to Suze, and hurry, as discreetly as possible, over to where Michael is still standing, staring into space.
“What was all that about?” I demand as soon as I reach him. “Why were you and Luke fighting?”
Michael looks up, startled — then quickly composes his features into a smile.
“Just a little business disagreement,” he says. “Nothing to worry about. So, have you decided on a honeymoon location yet?”
“Michael, come on. It’s me! Tell me what’s going on.” I lower my voice. “What did you mean, Luke’s abusing his position? What’s happened?”
There’s a long pause and I can see Michael weighing up whether or not to tell me.
“Did you know,” he says at last, “that at least one member of staff from Brandon Communications has been redeployed to work for the Elinor Sherman Foundation?”
“What?” I stare at him in shock. “Are you serious?”
“I’ve recently discovered that a new assistant at the company has been assigned to work for Luke’s mother. Brandon Communications is still paying her salary — but essentially she’s Elinor’s full-time lackey. Naturally she’s unhappy about the situation.” Michael sighs. “All I wanted to do was raise the point, but Luke’s very defensive.”
“He hasn’t said anything about this to me!” I say incredulously.
“He hasn’t said anything about it to anybody. I only found out because it so happens that this assistant knows my daughter, and felt she could call me up.” Michael lowers his voice. “The real danger is that she might complain to the investors. Then Luke would be in trouble.”
“It’s his mother,” I say at last. “You know what a hold she’s got over him. He’ll do anything to impress her.”
“I know,” says Michael. “And I can understand that. Everyone has their own hang-ups.” He looks at his watch. “I have to go, I’m afraid.”
“You can’t leave! Not without talking to him again!”
“I’m not sure that would do any good right now.” Michael looks at me kindly. “Becky, don’t let this spoil your evening. And don’t go and give Luke a hard time. It’s obviously a very sensitive topic.” He squeezes my arm. “I’m sure it’ll all work out.”
“I won’t. I promise!” I force myself to smile brightly. “And thanks for coming, Michael. It meant a lot to us. Both of us.”
I give him a warm hug and watch as he walks away. Then, when he’s gone, I head out of the room. I have to talk to Luke, as quickly as possible.