Loving Alex by Sarah Elizabeth Ashley Page A

invoices on his desk.
    “I thought she was sick?” He questions.
    “Well, I’m pretty damn sure it was her, no doubts really.
It’s the really fair hair, but the way the woman we saw held herself, even her
gait was Muriel. I’m convinced it was her!”
    He returns to his seat, running his fingers through his
curls he looks up at me, “Keep an eye on it. Do you pay her when she doesn’t
work?”
    “I pay her a set weekly amount, so yes I suppose so.”
    “Just keep a note of it then Alex, it’s all you can do. What
are doing now?” He asks as he returns to his side of the desk.
    “I’ll get Archie to drop Gia back and then take me back
home. I’m going to have a long soak before tonight. What time will you be back?
Table’s booked for seven-thirty don’t forget!” I rapid fire my intentions as
Gia just stands smiling a the man who claims to have adopted her.
    “I’ll be back for just after six. Robbie won’t be here until
later but Marcus is going to cover for a couple of hours.”
    “Any progress on your replacement?” I ask. I’m not letting
this go now that he’s agreed to step down, or step up?
    “No, I’ve not spoken to anyone yet but I did wonder if
Robbie might consider the position?” He suggests.
    “I thought he liked working permanent nights?” I frown.
James told me ages ago that Robbie prefers permanent nights, why would he want
to take on this role?
    “He does because it fits in with family arrangements, but
it’s worth talking to him first – right?”
    “Whatever you think best. Just keep me in the loop. I’m
happy for Robbie to take over from you and take on a new relief or deputy, but
if it’s someone totally new I’d like to be involved in the selection process.”
I add.
    “You should!” Gia pipes up, “It’s your business Alex!”
    I ask James to call Archie for us and once we’re downstairs
at the main entrance he’s already there waiting. We run Gia home quickly and
then he drops me back to Cheyne Row. Opening the car door for me and smiling as
he does, he’s happy! I thank him and grab my bags walking up the few steps to
my front door. Once inside I drop my bags and kick off my shoes before picking
up the post which I take through to the kitchen. Tea, post and bath that’s what
the afternoon has in store, oh and the groceries which I must order on line, in
fact, that really should be done first!
    I make myself a mug of tea while I flick through the post,
there’s the usual junk mail and the odd utility bill and a handwritten
envelope, looks like Lewis’s writing. I open it straight away and just as I
thought it’s from Lewis.
     
    Alex,
    I’m so sorry for the trouble I’ve caused. I really never
meant to hurt you, at all. If I could do anything to put things right I would,
I’m sure you know that, I am so desperately unhappy without you at home and
miss you and Anna very much.
    Before things move along any further please will you
reconsider? I so wanted you to come and see me in hospital, the nurses said you
were too busy. Alex, you shouldn’t be working, you’re too precious, you should
have someone to do this all for you.
    Please, think again before it’s too late.
    Lewis
     
    Huh, what the hell’s he on about? “Sorry”, I didn’t think
that word even featured in his vocabulary! It goes straight in the bin and I
decide to ring Shauna. I’m feeling very proud of myself, for not getting into a
flap about it. Therapy must be working! Although, it wouldn’t surprise me one
bit if he doesn’t find some way to drag his heels, to delay the finalisation of
our divorce as long as possible.
    I sit at my laptop and do my groceries on line and whilst I
select my purchases I make a call to Shauna, my solicitor. She assures me that
she’s heard nothing from Lewis’s solicitor and that as far as she is concerned
everything is moving ahead just fine, which reassures me slightly although I
won’t be totally relaxed until I know it’s finished. She tells