The Final Falcon Says I Do. Lucy Gordon

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      CHAPTER THREE

      NOW FREYA REALLY discovered Jackson’s flair for taking charge. In the suitcase she found items of make-up and for hair care, evidently packed by her mother.

      ‘Thank goodness,’ she said. ‘At least I can look my best tonight.’

      But he shook his head.

      ‘Tonight you’re a star,’ he said, ‘and a star doesn’t do those jobs herself. She employs a professional.’

      ‘You mean a beautician? I don’t know any.’

      ‘But I do. She’ll arrive this afternoon, to place herself at your service.’ He hesitated before adding, ‘Unless, that is, you have any objections?’

      Her lips twitched. ‘Don’t worry. I know the proper answer to that. Yes, sir. No, sir.’

      ‘You forgot Three bags full, sir. But I’ll let you off this time. I’ve got to leave now, but I’ll be back this evening.’

      Naomi, the beautician, arrived at three in the afternoon. She listened politely to what Freya had to say, but clearly needed no instructions, having already received them from Jackson.

      It was ironic that once Freya would have objected to the way he was directing every step. But now the sadness that consumed her made it hard to think, and it was a relief to leave the decisions to him.

      She had to admit that Naomi did a magnificent job, turning her into as great a beauty as she had been as a bride. The elegant dress had a short skirt that showed off her well-shaped legs, and the expert make-up made her look delightful, the lavish hairstyle enhanced her. But when she offered to pay Naomi waved her away.

      ‘That’s all been taken care of,’ she said.

      ‘But can’t I give you a tip to thank you?’

      ‘That’s been taken care of too. Mr Falcon was very insistent.’

      ‘You mean he told you not to take a penny from me?’

      Naomi smiled and shrugged. ‘Mr Falcon is a very generous man.’

      She hurried out.

      Yes, he is, Freya thought. More than I ever knew.

      Jackson was home at six o’clock, nodded approval at the sight of her, then disappeared to don his evening clothes. When he emerged she too nodded her approval.

      ‘We’ll do each other credit,’ she said.

      ‘That’s the spirit. We’ll show ’em.’

      Downstairs, he loaded her case into his car and headed out onto the road.

      ‘Where are we going?’ she asked.

      He gave her the name of a restaurant, famous for its glamour and luxury and for being a favourite home of major personalities. Within a few minutes they had arrived.

      ‘Ready?’ he asked as they headed for the entrance.

      ‘Ready for anything,’ she replied.

      ‘Then here we go. Smile. They’ll be watching.’

      ‘Do they know we’re coming?’

      ‘I have a few friends in the press.’

      Sure enough, heads turned as they entered. There were some cheerful waves, which Jackson returned.

      A waiter showed them to a table, and the first few moments were taken up with formalities. At last they were alone.

      ‘Now, let’s get down to business,’ he said.

      ‘Business?’

      ‘You see those two over there?’ he asked, nodding in the direction of a table where a young couple were holding hands and gazing rapturously into each other’s eyes.

      ‘Yes. But we’re not going to do that, are we?’ she asked, aghast.

      ‘No way. Hell will freeze over before I ask you to give me that adoring look. They’re an example of what we mustn’t do. If we act like a couple in love it’ll cause a scandal. People will think you were betraying Dan and that’s why he headed for the hills.’

      ‘Right. So what do we do?’

      ‘We laugh. Let everyone see how light-hearted you are.’

      ‘You’ve got this all worked out to the last detail, haven’t you?’

      ‘Is that a polite way of saying that I’m taking charge too precisely?’

      ‘No, but you do seem to have a gift СКАЧАТЬ