Page 75 of Big Sexy Love
The woman’s eyebrows shoot up. ‘Oh, of course! Sorry Mrs Brewster. I spoke to you yesterday on the phone?I’mLisa.’
‘It’s Ms. Muzzzz. If you don’t mind, Lisa,’ I sayimperiously.
Lisa flusters, all traces of attitude gone now that she thinks I’m some rich investor. ‘Yes, yes. Of course. If you’d like to take a seat.’ She indicates a row of uncomfortable-looking chairs shaped like eggs. ‘I will let Charles know you’re here and I will get you thatcoffee.’
‘Good,’ Isniff.
‘How do you take yourcoffee?’
‘Like I take my men. Milk and onesugar.’
Okay, I took it too far. That doesn’t even make anysense.
Lisajustnods.
I take a seat and pull Birdie’s letter out of my bag. I clutch it to my chest. Shit! I’m about to do it. I’m about to meet Chuck Allen and give him Birdie’s letter. My hands shake a little with the magnitude of it. Wow. I’ve done it. Me, Olive Brewster has conquered Manahttan! I may be on the NYPD’s wanted list, but I have made my best friend’s wishcometrue.
Lisa brings me the coffee – which I gulp back eagerly in a bid to wake up a little more, when the door to another office opens and a manwalksout.
He strides over to me with a friendly smile, holding his hand out for me toshake.
Ooh. Who is this guy? Chuck’s mate? His otherassistant?
‘Charles Allen,’ the man says. ‘Lovely tomeetyou.’
I… I don’tunderstand.
This man isn’t the man in the photo I have. This man is short. And bald. And in hisfifties.
‘Ha ha.’ I nod slowly. ‘Very amusing. Where is hereally?’
The man’s shiny round head turns from side to side. ‘Excuseme?’
I sigh. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I really haven’t got the time or the energy for this. ‘Where is the real Chuck Allen?’ I ask. I think I must say it pretty loudly because a few other people in the reception area turn aroundtolook.
The man stutters a little. ‘I… um… IamChuck Allen. Charles. Only close friends and family call meChuck.’
Huffing, I dig into my bag and pull out the photograph of Chuck incollege.
‘This is who I’m looking for.’ I touch my finger to Chuck’s smiling face. ‘Thisis ChuckAllen.’
Fake Chuck looks around uncomfortably. ‘I… clearly that’snotme.’
Lisa from the reception desk approaches us. ‘Is there aproblem,sir?’
Fake Chuck nods. ‘Yes, Lisa. There appears to be some confusion.’ He purses his lips, throwing Lisa a stern look. ‘You arranged this appointment,correct?’
‘I’m looking for Chuck Allen,’ I say, handing her the picture. ‘This guy. ChuckAllen.’
Lisa takes hold of the photograph, her eyesscrewingup.
‘Oh! Yeah. That’s Chuck Allen. He used to work here in PrivateEquity.’
I’m soconfused.
My stomach churns with a sense of dread. I turn to the bald man. ‘So why are you saying youarehim?’
Fake Chuck takes the photo from Lisa and holds it very close to his nose. ‘Ah yes! I see. Yes. Chuck! He left about two years ago, I think. Isn’t thatcorrectLisa?’
