Page 42 of Checkmate
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, Alex. And I’ve already said I’m sorry. What more can I do?”
They were in the back of a cab, heading towards home after what should have been a successful night. But Erica’s behaviour had riled the band of gossiping twits that seemed to congregate towards company events.
All of which did nothing to help his reputation with the London Group.
He still couldn’t understand why his most solid client had suddenly got cold feet. They were the first contract he had scored and the two companies had grown together. Now they were ready to turn their backs on him for who knew what reason.
You know the reason.
He ignored the nasty voice in his head, reminding him of a couple of choice words from his last meeting with the London Group’s representatives.
“…hard to ignore rumours of infidelity…”
“… reputation to upkeep…”
“… No one would trust a cheater…”
Alex clenched his jaw, pushing the thoughts away. They were overreacting, and just like he told them, even if the rumours were true, nobody cared.
Well, apparently the London Group cared.
“Look, you know this party was about damage control,” he said, turning in his seat to look at Erica. “And you haven’t helped matters.”
“Because I laughed at a joke? Jesus, Alex, you’re acting like I fucked the guy and charged a viewing fee.”
“But you—”
“Laughed. At a joke.” Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a battered cigarette packet. “I really think you need to calm down.”
“I thought we quit smoking,” he said, gesturing to the pack and momentarily derailing the conversation. “You know how I feel about cigarettes.”
“And you know how I feel about controlling behaviour,” she scoffed. “Alex, I need you to back off.”
He recoiled in shock, trying to remember a time Erica had ever spoken to him in such a manner. It was true, once upon a time they were both smokers. But they had given up together and were happier for it.
At least he thought they were.
Yet again, something had changed about his wife without him knowing.
“Do you mind if I smoke?” She asked the cab driver.
“Not if you share,” the guy replied. “I’m all out for the night.”
Erica agreed, reaching between the front seats to hand over an already lit cigarette. Muttering his thanks, the driver gestured for her to carry on.
Alex wound down the window to allow the rapidly building wisps of smoke to leave the cab.
He couldn’t stand the smell of burning tobacco.
“What was so funny, anyway?” He asked. “I’ve never heard you laugh like that before.” No one had made her laugh like that, and it killed him that another man had enjoyed such a moment with her.
“Nothing in particular,” she replied with a shrug, taking a drag of her cigarette. “And it would take too long to explain.”
“I don’t like this,” Alex said. “I don’t like that he clearly has a thing for you.”
“Oh, please,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Marcus is a married man. You’re being paranoid.”
“Sophie is married. It doesn’t stop her!”
