CHAPTER SIXTEEN
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JAMES
“Where did Ralph go?” I asked Hugh once we entered the hotel bar.
Hugh, unlike his brother, didn’t join me. He stood vigilant, like an actual bodyguard.
“He’s in the room calling the girls,” he said, his arms crossed over his chest.
I nodded, knowing that Ralph liked keeping in touch with his daughters, who lived with their grandmother since their mother died.
“Do you ever relax, Hugh?” I asked.
He didn’t answer. He just stood like a statue.
“Come and sit with me. Have a drink.”
I patted the seat beside me, but before Hugh could answer, Ralph came in. His smile was huge, like every time he phoned home.
“How’re the girls?” I asked.
“They’re good. Ella got an A plus in algebra, and Sadie wants to learn how to ride a bike. Honestly, now I can’t wait to go and buy her one.”
Ralph moved the stool beside me and sat. He poured himself a glass of Macallan over a couple of ice cubes while he kept talking. “And Paige broke up with her boyfriend.”
I took a sip of my drink and almost choked. “I thought she was only four?”
“She is, but she said he stole her cookie, and that’s why she doesn’t like him anymore,” he said with a chuckle.
I felt bad that he had to follow me everywhere. It was obvious by the look in his eyes that he would rather be there with them than here.
“Take a few days off when we get back and teach Sadie how to ride the bike,” I said.
This seemed to surprise him.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure. I’ll be fine with GI Joe over there,” I said, pointing at Hugh.
Even though they were brothers, they were poles apart.
“How did you get on?” Ralph asked, picking up his glass and making the ice clink.
Just the thought of Emma, her face, her sweetness…. I took a sip of my drink and smiled.
“That bad, huh?” he offered.
I didn’t have to answer. He knew.
“Are you going to see her again?” he asked.
I wasn’t sure. We hadn’t agreed on anything. I told him so.
He nodded and downed his drink.
“We’ll pick her up in the morning and surprise her with breakfast. Girls love that.”
“Sounds like a good idea. Fancy another drink?” I asked, showing my empty glass.
Ralph shook his head.
“One glass makes it taste better, and I thought you were on a health streak?”
“I am. I was only drinking orange juice,” I said with a smirk, knowing it would wind him up.
My phone vibrated with the Star Wars theme music. My very own Darth Vader—Michael—was at the end of the line. His raspy smoker’s voice and dark clothing reminded me of the movie villain.
“Welcome to the dark side,” I answered the phone, and Ralph chuckled behind me.
“Very funny.” The sarcasm was so thick you could spread it on toast. “What have you been doing?”
“What do you mean? Right now? Just having a drink in the hotel with Ralph.”
“I was convinced when you said you needed a week, that you would become a recluse in a spa.”
“I thought about it, but instead came to Edinburgh to visit some old friends. I haven’t gotten into trouble, just like I promised.” I knew what he was implying; someone had seen me and that someone posted pictures somewhere.
“So, waltzing in a supermarket and renting an arcade with some unknown redhead is your way of staying low?”
“Argh, for fuck’s sake, Michael. You can’t expect me to stay inside a hotel room the whole time,” I said through gritted teeth.
“No, James, I was expecting you to keep it in your pants.” I gritted my teeth in annoyance as he took a big breath and continued, “What’s her name?”
“You don’t have to worry about Emma. I’ll stay low for a couple more days, and I’ll get back.”
I wasn’t really sure how much I liked the idea of going back. Since seeing Emma, I felt alive, better than I had in months.
“Fine, I’ll take your word for it.”
“Can you get Helen to give me a call when she’s ready?” I suggested.
“Sure thing.”
With that Michael hung up without saying bye. It still puzzled me that he never bothered to say bye on the phone. I only knew the conversation was finished when the line went dead.
“Right, I think I’m going to hit the sack. Are you staying here?” Ralph said, getting off the chair.
“Yes. I need to clear my head, might even have a hot cocoa,” I joked. “You were right. He was mad. I shouldn’t have done the arcade. It was something we used to do as kids, and I thought it would be fun. Fuck! How could I be so stupid?”
“Don’t beat yourself up about it. It will be fine,” he said, suppressing a yawn.
Although, if I were being honest with myself, I didn’t want to be on my own. Seeing Emma again brought back feelings that I had buried a long time ago, and I found it confusing that just seeing her brought them all back with a force that left me breathless. Obviously, I couldn’t say this out loud.
Hugh hesitated. He was unsure if he should stay and comply with his contract of employment or follow his brother. He looked at me as if asking for permission.
“Hugh, if you’re tired, you can go. I’ll be fine,” I said.
With that, he nodded and left. I didn’t have long to put my thoughts into perspective before my phone rang again. This time, Helen’s calm, soothing voice seemed to make me at ease.
“Good evening, James. I have booked a flight for Thursday midday, as well as a hotel in London. You also have a photo shoot, but I’ll fill you in on the details later. Anything else you want me to get organised?”
“Yes, actually. I was wanting to see if you could get a couple of viewings. I would like to buy a house up here.”
“Anything in particular?”
“Not really, just something nice. Something similar to my place in LA,” I explained.
“Got ya. I’ll send the details over as soon as I have them. It might be in the morning. Is that okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine. Helen, thank you.”
“Anything else? Do you want me to organise breakfast to be delivered to your room in the morning?”
“No, I’ve made plans for breakfast already,” I replied.
I didn’t think Emma would mind.
“Righto. Night then,” Helen said.
“Night!”
After that conversation, I didn’t have the energy to think anymore. I notified the staff in the hotel that I was leaving the bar and made my way to my room.