Page 73 of The Grand Duel
The dark-haired man steps forward, offering me his hand. “It’s good to meet you, Lissie.”
I look between them, still smiling. “I believe I have a set of keys to collect and documents to sign.”
They look between one another again, and I get the feeling I’m missing something.
“We’ve actually just ordered lunch,” Mason says. “If you’d like to wait out in the reception, I’ll get them brought?—”
“Join us,” Elliot cuts in. “Please. We’ve ordered for Charles but can have it changed.”
George appears at my side with a menu then.
“Thank you, that’s so kind.” I look around at them all. “But I think I’m supposed to just collect the keys and?—”
“Nonsense. It will take us a minute to get the documents sorted anyway. We weren’t expecting Charles for a little while longer.” Elliot’s smile is wide, a little too wide to be comfortable, and it puts me on edge. “George, could you check how long the food will be, please.” He looks back at me. “Have a seat.”
“Okay…” I remove my jacket and lay it on the sofa beside me. When I look up, I find the two men having some kind of silent conversation across the room. When they notice me staring, they both smile.
“So, Lissie. You’re Charles’s new assistant?” Elliot asks.
“I am.” I smooth my hands down my thighs. “It’s been great so far.”
“Great,” he repeats, still grinning, and I see Mason shaking his head on the opposite sofa. “What is it you do for him exactly? I’ve never known him to have an assistant.”
“Well, he’s always had Edna, his office manager, so hasn’t needed anyone else, to be honest. His headquarters is much bigger than his personal office space, so it doesn’t take as much running. I’m there to take the load off. Make his life easier, so to speak.”
“Ahh, I see. And how’s that working out for him so far? Are you making his life easier?”
“I’d like to think so.” What a bizarre question. “He’s…” How do I describe Charles Aldridge without being unprofessional. “He likes things a certain way. I’m still learning how I fit with those things.”
“A stubborn man.”
“Right.” I nod, getting the feeling that these men must have a close working relationship with him, or at least Elliot seems to. “And it’s my job to get him to loosen the reins a little.”
“I’m sure you’re doing a wonderful job of it.” He looks past me. “Ah, foods here. We ordered the steak for Charles, but we can have anything brought up.”
“No, no, steak is fine.” I cross my feet at my ankles and lean forward as they place down the plates of food, removing the lids. “This looks delicious,” I tell them.
“I’m glad you joined us, Lissie,” Elliot adds. “It would’ve been a terrible waste.”
I reach for my knife and fork. “So, you guys know Mr Aldridge well?”
When they don’t answer right away, I look up and find them back in their silent discussion. “You could say that,” Mason says, giving me a clipped smile. “We’ve known him since university.”
“Oh.” Just a little while then. I swallow down my mouthful of steak. “Well, if you have any tips or tricks that’ll help me loosen the man up, I’m all ears.” I smile to let them know I’m only messing, a little nervous.
“I can think of a few?—”
“Is the steak okay?” Mason asks, a little snappy.
I nod, taking another bite. “Really lovely,” I say around my hand.
My phone pings, and I excuse myself as I reach for it.
No.
Charles Aldridge