Thank you to everyone for reading this story and for your kind reviews and comments. For all of you who read Chapter One and thought you could hear the opening bars of a certain song playing in the background, all I can say is let's hope the future contains…..moonlight and music and love and romance…..we'll have to wait and see!
Chapter Two
It had only taken Molly about two minutes to form her opinion of Matt Parker; he was an over-paid, smart-ass, business-bore. For someone who'd just stepped off of an overnight transatlantic flight he was immaculate, not a hair out of place, clean-shaven, wafting expensive aftershave, his suit barely creased and he seemed fully alert and on his mettle. Molly felt tired and dowdy next to him. She had been under no illusion at the airport that he hadn't been checking her out and she suspected that his first impression of her was not particularly favourable. She looked business-like, although, in her opinion, possibly too business-like, giving the appearance of a straight-laced librarian which was not the effect she generally aimed to achieve. Matt, by contrast, she grudgingly admitted to herself, looked distinctly hot. In his late-twenties, confident, assured and evidently successful, he was most definitely one of life's high-flyers and Molly couldn't help but feel a little intimidated in his presence.
The taxi bringing Molly and Matt back into London encountered increasing traffic as the early morning rush-hour began making the return journey much longer. However, unperturbed by this, Matt took an interest in everything around him and spoke a great deal asking Molly many questions about the business and her job. After half an hour her head was spinning from listening to him and answering questions. It was too early in the morning for a grilling. At this time of day she was normally shovelling the last piece of toast into her mouth before making a hasty exit for work. It took her time in the morning to wake up and get herself moving and in her opinion Matt was far too bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for this time of day. She heard a text alert from her phone and was about to reach into her bag to retrieve it when Matt took the sound of the alert as a cue to start talking at length about the pros and cons of the 'instant' culture and the perceived importance of creating what he termed 'unavailable' time. It was enough to discourage Molly from getting her phone out in front of him to check her messages and she sat on in silence whilst he talked.
When they finally reached Head Office she was grateful to get out of the cab. She took Matt's luggage into reception and relinquished it into the care of the security guard manning the front desk. Remembering Kevin's instruction to take Matt out for breakfast she led him to a favoured café just around the corner from the office. They settled down at a table in the window. Molly was starving after having had nothing to eat since getting up four hours ago and was strongly tempted to order a cooked breakfast but was discouraged by hearing Matt declare that he'd just have a skinny latte. Not wanting to appear greedy, Molly curbed her instincts and asked for a coffee and a bagel. To her annoyance after the food and drinks had arrived Matt remarked,
"You need to eat more. You can't do a full day's work on that."
When Molly mentioned something about the fact that he wasn't eating at all he replied with a satisfied grin, "Oh, I already ate on the plane. They do a great breakfast in first class."
She immediately made a mental note to deliver him to Kevin as planned at eight thirty and slip back out to treat herself to the full English breakfast she craved and some well-deserved peace and quiet once he was safely off her hands.
With breakfast having restored a degree of equanimity, Molly listened to Matt afresh. His conversation had moved away from work to a range of more general subjects and she found her initial opinion of him beginning to shift towards something more favourable. He talked a great deal, it was true, but on reflection he couldn't really be accused of being boring, as his topics of discussion varied and he knew as much about music, TV or films as business practice. He wasn't particularly opinionated as he seldom gave his own view; he just liked to share the differing points of view in circulation on any given subject. At this moment the one thing in his favour was that he didn't require a great deal of input from Molly and as she was tired after the early start, it suited her well enough.
Watching Matt sip his coffee Molly wondered exactly how he was going to be helping Kevin. She had managed to ask him what line of work he was in and he'd replied vaguely that it was business consultancy. She was none the wiser as she realised that could mean absolutely anything. She could only assume that Kevin would put her in the picture when he saw fit.
X-X-X-X
"You want me to do the course again?" Molly said, clearly incredulous at the idea that Kevin had just mooted about her accompanying Matt to Nant Glyn House next week where Kevin had arranged for him to undertake the management team building course along with a second group of CSF employees.
"No, love," Kevin responded with a laugh at her outburst, "just go along and observe the others. You've done the course and you know what's what. Just let me know how people respond. I've got an idea about making some staff changes and I'd like to see who the movers and shakers are among them. I'd go myself but I think I'd put them off. If anyone asks what you're doing you can just say you're there assisting Matthew."
Matt was grinning at her, obviously liking this idea.
"So, you want Matthew," she corrected herself, "Matt, to do the same course as everyone else so that he can appreciate what skills people are developing and then?" she looked at Kevin wondering what the point of this exercise was.
Before Kevin could answer, Matt interjected, "I'll devise some training and development programmes to take things further and build on what the employees have already learned but tailor it specifically for this business." She thought he sounded as if he was quoting from his own corporate brochure.
Without looking at Matt, Molly continued, "But you really want me there to spy on the other employees?" She was trying to keep the emotion out of her voice but it was obvious to Kevin she didn't like the idea.
He sighed, "I don't really like that word, Molly. I don't want you to spy. I want you to give honest feedback. I trust your opinion and Matthew can't be everywhere if he's actually doing the course. You'll be free to move around a bit and keep an eye on everyone."
Molly was perplexed by this request and not entirely comfortable. In spite of what Kevin said it felt as if he was asking her to inform on some of her colleagues although what he was saying about intimidating his employees was true. When he had turned up on the last day of her course at Nant Glyn House everyone had felt a bit on edge, conscious that the 'boss' was wandering around watching. She knew it was typical of Kevin to want to see how his employees were getting on with the training. He believed in being as 'hands-on' as he could be and keeping an eye on the details. Perhaps there was some sense in sending Molly instead. Everyone knew her and she got on well with people. They didn't see her as threatening and if she said she was there at Kevin's request to assist Matt then they probably wouldn't question it too much.
"OK," Molly conceded, "I see that, but have Nant Glyn House been informed that I'll be there?"
Kevin smiled, "Anyone in particular?"
Molly tried to remain business-like, "I mean anyone, Kevin. They'll surely have to be happy with the idea of me floating about like a spare part."
"Well, I have had a word with Bing this morning, as it happens." Molly saw a sheepish look on his face. "I asked him if he'd mind you being there to help Matthew out and to be honest he wasn't too enamoured at first with the idea but when I said how sorry I felt for you and Charles being so far apart and thought it might be nice to give you a bit of time together, he was very accommodating." He smiled but Molly could see he was unsure of her reaction and expecting a comment from her. He had chosen his moment wisely. If it had been only the two of them in the room, boss or no boss, she would have let him know exactly how she felt about him using her relationship with Charles to further his own ends. After all, he'd always told her to be honest with him. She particularly disliked the possibility of Bing thinking she'd been begging Kevin to send her because she was some sort of lovesick puppy.
Molly stared at Kevin and was also conscious in the same moment of Matt giving her a curious sidelong glance taking in the new information about her boyfriend. She won the battle to keep her feelings under control and said in a level voice,
"I see. I suppose that's alright then, if Bing's happy."
Kevin nodded, grateful that she'd kept a lid on her emotions. "Good." He turned to Matt, "You'll have a chance to get to know Molly's chap, too, Matthew, because I asked if you could be put in his group for the week."
Matt turned his head to look at Molly, "I'll look forward to that." He held her gaze just long enough for her to wonder if his remark was quite as innocent as it sounded.
"Well, that's about all then for now, Molly. I just need to catch up on a few things with Matthew," Kevin said bringing her involvement with the meeting to an end.
Molly took the hint and left Kevin's office hearing him say as she closed the door, "Now then, Matthew, how's your old Dad?"
What she didn't hear him say to Matt a minute later was, "Now that Molly's left us, there's something else I'd like you to do while you're at Nant Glyn House."
X-X-X-X
'Morning. I missed you last night. Sorry about the Bath idea. There's no rush. Whenever you want to meet Sam is fine. Hope your day is better than mine will be without you. C x'
Charles sent the text to Molly hoping it would reach her as she was getting ready for work or eating her breakfast and wondered if she would reply to him. He'd found it hard to get to sleep last night despite being tired. He was still thinking about her reaction to his suggestion but he also missed her physical presence. He loved being with her especially at night. It had been a long time since he'd shared a bed with someone else and he'd become accustomed to his own space. As much as he cared deeply for Molly, he'd still wondered at first if the presence of someone else so close to him would disturb him but from that very first night three months ago he'd slept soundly. He felt safe, secure and relaxed with her beside him and it had surprised and cheered him.
When he had Rebecca had first met it had taken him time to get used to her being near him at night. He would sleep lightly, disturbed by her turning over or moving and almost feel relieved when she went home again after a night stopping over or a weekend together and he could catch up on sleep. Even after they had married, he'd found it hard to get used to her presence especially when he'd been away on exercise or on his first two tours. Until the last two tours in Afghanistan she'd always been pleased to see him back and said how much happier she felt now that he was at home with her again. However, he was often so unsettled in those first couple of weeks after his return that he would end up sleeping on the sofa only to be greeted by Rebecca's bemused expression in the morning a mixture of confusion and hurt that he didn't seem comfortable with her. In the end, the worsening of their relationship had put paid to any wish of hers to be in his company at night and after his third tour he'd moved straight into the spare room. By the end of his fourth tour he was facing the prospect of there being no one and nowhere to come home to except officers' quarters in barracks. The bullets to his leg and abdomen had prevented the playing out of such a dismal scene but had led to the extended period of solitary nights.
He waited for the alert on his phone to sound a response from Molly whilst he ate his breakfast of coco pops but there was nothing. He carried on eating in silence trying to reason that she was probably rushing about and, after all, she had to commute to work. She didn't have the advantage of simply opening the door and strolling a few hundred metres down to the House to start work. He realised that she had a very different life to him. Unlike the largely set pattern of his life here, supervising and leading similar activities each week, she was racing about from one place to the next, subject to Kevin's beck and call and never entirely sure what she would be doing day or night. She couldn't even predict with any certainty that she wouldn't be working at the weekend although Kevin did try not to encroach on her time then as much as possible. It was a pity that this weekend was an exception.
Kevin was a good boss. Once Charles had been set straight by him after he'd arrived at the hotel in Surrey on that fateful Saturday night, in a controlled state of outrage and jealousy, he'd been able to fully appreciate what a great impact Kevin had made on Molly's life and her future. Charles could see that she had the potential to make a great success of herself and achieve more than she had ever thought possible only a few years ago and it was Kevin's faith in her that had started this process in motion. The rest would be up to Molly but from what he could see she was seizing her opportunity with both hands and forging ahead. He was proud of her. If he had to wait out to hear from her, then so be it. He wanted her to be brilliant.
Enjoying his customary coffee on the terrace of Nant Glyn House before the morning meeting, Charles could clearly see the signs of Autumn in the landscape around him. The leaves on the trees were turning golden brown, there was a nip in the early morning air and the light was changing. Today a stiff breeze was blowing in an easterly direction across the lake towards the house and he shivered a little. He heard the lounge door squeak on its hinges as it was opened and then the sound of someone striding towards him. He knew who it would be.
"Morning, Charles. You're a lucky devil, you know."
Charles turned his head towards Bing with a querying look. Bing was grinning at him whilst rubbing his hands together to warm them. He had captured Charles' curiosity.
"Morning," Charles replied. "In what way am I lucky?"
"Well, how shall I put this? " Bing began. "You've either got powers of telepathy or you've possibly been talking to someone."
Charles was none the wiser and shook his head.
"I've just had Kevin Jones on the phone asking if I could accommodate a Miss Molly Dawes next week. He's sending her up here with a consultant who's working for him and wants to try out our course with the other CSF employees booked in next week. It seems she's going to be helping him out."
Charles was genuinely surprised but instantly delighted by the news and a smile overspread his face.
"Did you know?" Bing asked.
Charles shook his head, "Hadn't a clue. To be fair I don't think Molly did either. She didn't say anything to me and I'm sure she would have." He remembered Bing's words. "You don't think I've set this up, somehow, do you? I can assure you it's all news to me," he grinned. "I won't deny that it's good news, though."
"I must admit our conversation last night did cross my mind when I said yes," Bing paused. "OK, that and the full course fee Kevin offered to pay, even though Molly won't be taking part."
Charles shook his head, "And I thought you were all heart, Bing."
Bing laughed, "Never mix business with pleasure, Charles, that's probably the first rule."
X-X-X-X
It was mid-morning when Matt strolled up to Molly's desk and rather casually parked his neat butt on the return as he leaned across to reach for a pen from the holder situated next to Molly's laptop. She pointedly cleared her throat, irritated by his invasion of her personal space.
"Don't you have a gold-plated pen in your top pocket?" It was a dig at him but she hoped it sounded like a joke.
Matt laughed a little, "Why do you say that?"
Molly looked up catching his eye, "Sounds like the sort of thing you'd have."
Matt shrugged, "Appearances can be deceptive. You're wrong about that. In fact, you could be wrong about quite a few things, you know."
Molly said nothing and carried on typing. Matt fiddled with the pen in his hand and tapped it lightly on the desk.
"So, tell me about this boyfriend of yours."
Molly stopped typing and turned to him, "What do you want to know?"
"Have you known him long?"
She gave him a straight reply, "About six months."
"How did you meet?"
It was a difficult question to answer honestly and not wishing to cast either herself or Charles in a poor light, she glossed over all the circumstances of their first meeting. She wasn't going to confess to Matt that there had been a drunken 'almost' one-night-stand. Instead she referred to them having met in passing before the course and then getting to know each other better during the week at Nant Glyn House.
"He's an ex-army man, I gather, and wounded in Afghanistan," Matt commented.
Molly nodded, "Yes, that's why he left the army."
Matt was quiet for a few seconds and seemed to be reflecting on this.
"It's tough giving up something you love." He paused. "In fact, it must be tough being away from someone you love." He gave Molly a searching look and she felt her cheeks reddening. She cleared her throat again unsure how to answer or even if he required an answer.
"I guess he's the type of guy you can trust, then?"
Molly was irritated. What kind of question was that intended to be? She looked at him without any attempt to disguise her annoyance.
"Yes, I trust Charles, completely. If you knew him you'd realise that's the type of man he is."
Matt looked slightly taken aback, "OK, Molly, I get it." He smiled trying to smooth things over and said, "What about you?"
"What about me?" she asked. How dare he question the honesty of her relationship with Charles? He didn't know him and he hardly knew her.
Matt shook his head, "I meant, can I trust you?" He paused seeing hostility in her face and he smirked, "to help me out all week. Kevin would like you to assist me in any way you can."
Molly stared at Matt. If this exchange was any indication of the way working together was going to be, then the week ahead would seem very long indeed. The thought of being in close company with Matt all week and possibly at the weekend as well, followed by another week at Nant Glyn House was not one she relished. Charles was the one saving grace. Thank goodness she would be with him next week and it would make everything bearable. She was grateful as she had a strong suspicion that without Charles' steadying influence she might be in real danger of getting herself sacked.