Lost and Found

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Friday 22ndd May 2008

Amelia had spoken to Clay at least once a day, she filled him in on work in his absence, he explained all that was happening with his family. His mother had started to recover from her stroke, but the effect on her had devastated him. He’d waited at his family home until she’d had her surgery for the broken hip. She couldn’t physically improve from the effects of the stroke until she could sit or stand, so for that she needed her surgery to repair her hip. It was all a mess and she really felt for Clay who was stuck in the middle of it all.

Fortunately his concerns over the financial world hadn’t really come to fruition yet so at least he felt a little easier at deserting the ship and Amelia was very attentive in relaying the details of every day. And she knew he was eternally grateful for that.

The only thing hanging over Amelia was the dinner with Jeff Stirling that Clay had arranged for that evening. She’d stood in for a lot of things, but this was particularly daunting as she knew Cole would be there, and she’d been screening his calls of late.

Nevertheless she prepared herself both physically and mentally to face him, but she had to be professional, she represented Clay, his company. She had to ignore any awkwardness due to her history with Cole.

Amelia was the first one to arrive at the restaurant, Clay used a variety of places all known for their exclusivity, and this place was no exception. She dreaded to think what his hospitality budget was, but entertaining was a huge part of this business. Tonight was no exception, after being shown to the table she glanced at the menu and gasped at the prices. She was now in the high earning-section of society, but her years of struggling in London meant she still baulked at the thought of such extravagance. But it was Clay’s decision not hers.

Fortunately the Stirling party arrived en masse, with Jeff leading several people across the restaurant towards her. She recognised Walt from the skiing trip, but the other three were strangers, so she spent a few moments being introduced to them.

                “Where’s Brinkworth?” Jeff asked, but the question wasn’t laced with malice, he seemed genuinely concerned.

                “He’s been delayed in Ohio, he was hoping to be back this afternoon, but there have apparently been heavy winds, and it meant that his flight was delayed. So you have just me I’m afraid.”

                “No complaints there Miss Parkin, just as long as you don’t begin with the snowboarding debate!”

                “It’s Amelia, please, and as you know Jeff there’s no debate!” She finished with a grin, but then half grimaced as a voice added from behind.

                “As I keep telling you Dad!” Cole appeared to her right and slid into the seat next to her which annoyingly was still empty.

                “Hi Cole,” she smiled at him but was a little concerned when his return smile wasn’t as friendly as she’d hoped. This was turning into her worst nightmare.

As they ordered and had their glasses filled, the conversation turned to the markets and the current financial state, Amelia assuring them that their investments were safe, but reiterating that risks were just that, risks. Jeff nodded enthusiastically, appreciating her honesty, then turned to his advisors to reiterate that. 

                “So where have you been hiding?” Cole leaned in and asked at a whisper. His hand found her thigh under the table and instantly raised her defences.