Page 20 of Worth Every Penny
I can’t believe I forgot. I pull my phone out of my pocket to see seven missed calls from Matt. He’s heading to New York today, and if he realises I forgot about Charlie joining us, he won’t be happy.
Together, Seb and I head for the lift and take it down to the lobby.
Matt is standing off to one side, near the sofas. Charlie is lounging on one, arms spread across the back. He might bedressed in a suit, but his body language tells me he doesn’t want to be here.
When he sees me and Seb crossing the lobby, he peels himself off the sofa and stands.
I’m struck by how tall and gangly he is for a fifteen-year-old. He’s good-looking, but his skin is pale and speckled with acne. The blue hair is gone, leaving only a shaved head, which makes him look emaciated.
He traipses towards us. “Hey, Uncle Nico. Uncle Seb.”
“Hey, big guy,” Seb replies, giving Charlie a fist bump. “Good to see you’re sober this time.”
Charlie cringes. “Don’t remember seeing you.”
Seb laughs and Matt scowls.
“And the hair,” I add. “Did you shave it yourself?”
“I did,” Matt says.
Charlie throws his dad a resentful look, and I wonder how Matt shaving Charlie’s head played out. I’m guessing it didn’t involve a relaxing head massage.
Seb nudges Charlie. “Kept the tongue piercing, though?”
Charlie gives his first little smile, and it’s only for Seb. He pokes his tongue out, briefly flashing the piercing. “Yup.”
Matt puts his hand on Charlie’s shoulder and Charlie winces a little at the contact. “Go get signed in. Get your office pass. They’ll sort you out at the desk.”
Charlie trudges towards the reception desk, leaving the three of us alone.
“I need you to watch him while I’m away,” Matt tells me.
Uh-oh. Something’s up. Matt’s often abroad, but in the months I’ve been back in London he’s never asked me to take a particular interest in Charlie. I’m not the type to babysit.
“No blue hair. No piercings. No alcohol,” Matt clarifies.
“Where’s Gemma?” I ask. “Shouldn’t his mum be the one to watch him?”
“She’s at home, in the Kensington house. But can you keep an eye out when he’s in the office? I know he’s young, but it’ll keep him out of trouble while I’m away.”
“Fine,” I say, although I’m not fully concentrating. I’ve half a mind on the fact that Kate Lansen’s going to be arriving any minute now. My gaze drifts to the entrance.
“Are you sure?” Matt asks.
I drag my eyes from the doors back to Matt, who’s glaring at me like I’m the kid not listening at the back of the classroom. I collect myself instantly. “Yes. Definitely. I can do that. Watch out for Charlie in the office. Don’t let him get into trouble.”
Matt sighs, sounding relieved. “Good.” He checks his watch. “I don’t have long. Flight’s in two hours.”
Matt stops talking as Charlie returns. A green lanyard hangs about his neck with an office pass attached to it.
“You’re with us for a couple of months, then?” I check, directing myself to Charlie.
“Yup. All summer.” Charlie gives a cocky twitch of the head. “Beats hanging out with Dad. Not that he gave me a choice.”
I nod, like this makes total sense, even though there’s a lot about the statement that raises questions. “What are you most looking forward to?”
Charlie’s gaze flicks towards the entrance. His jaw falls open and I’m pretty sure he forms the word ‘wow’, although he doesn’t make a sound. “Who isthat?” he asks.