Catfish, page 17
George
THAT GUY IN the lobby of her building is the same one she was with earlier. I knew she was a fucking whore. It’s after three in the morning, and he’s only just leaving. What the fuck?
I went back to my place after I left here earlier on. I had to before I did something stupid. I wanted to go in and strangle the bitch there and then, and kill the fucker she was with.
Why would she want to go on a date with me and lead me on the way she has been if she’s seeing someone else? Maybe she does this all the time. Maybe she’s meeting lots of guys on that dating site and leading them all on so she can get a fuck out of them. The filthy whore.
I tried to calm down once I got back to mine. The lift wasn’t working in the shithole, yet again, I had to take the stairs. There were kids hanging around, as usual, they learnt a while back they don’t take the piss out of me, and they back off when they see me coming. I gave them all a beating one time when I found them bullying the old man from a few floors down from me. I told the old man if he ever has any trouble with them again just to let me know, and I will sort them out for him. As far as I know, they have left him alone. They now know better than to get in my way. They darted as soon as they realised it was me. Pussies.
I wish they had said something to me; I could have taken my anger out on them. I go straight to bed, trying not to think of the whore but that’s easier said than done. Was she fucking that guy while I was outside waiting to see when he left? That filthy bitch is gonna pay for that.
I’m so wound up that I don’t even put the computer on to check if I have any messages.
Katherine
I SLOWLY START to wake up. I stretch out. I feel amazing. I’m happy, elated, and so very relaxed. I realise I’m in my bed, but I don’t remember going to bed last night. The last I remember is being snuggled up to Lewis on the couch. I sit up to see if there is any sign of him. I look at the clock, and it’s 6.40 a.m. I get up, use the bathroom, then head to the living area. There’s no sign of Lewis. He must have put me to bed, then left.
I grab my phone from the table, noticing he’s cleaned up the glasses and wine bottle. I read the message on my phone from Lewis. I look at my watch—6.55 a.m. I send him a quick text.
Kate – Hey, handsome. I just got up. Thank you for the message and thank you for putting me to bed last night and for cleaning up. Just about to shower, then head to the office. Don’t want my tyrant of a boss to fire me. Have a good day, and yes, I hope to see you later. Xx
I put the phone on the kitchen counter, put bread in the toaster, put the coffee on, then move to the shower to get ready for work. Once ready, I go into the kitchen to grab my toast to eat on the go with my cup of coffee.
I pick my phone up and notice there are two missed calls.
One from Lewis and one from Stacey, my business manager at the bank, there’s a voice message. I listen, and it’s Stacey just letting me know that the proposal is going through, and she should have news for me later today. She asks if I can go and see her at 3 p.m. She should know the result by then.
I reach my office, and after the scare the other day, I lock the door again as soon as I’m in. I know I will be on my own in here today and don’t have any visitors planned. I switch everything on and get my glass of iced water, making sure my office door is open, so I can hear if anyone knocks. I send Stacey a quick e-mail to let her know I got her message, and that I will be there at 3 p.m.
I phone the estate agency to see if they have accepted my offer. I hold my breath while they get the paperwork out. I dropped the offer considerably, so I expect them to counteroffer, which is exactly what happens. I am willing to pay a little more, but don’t want her to know that, so I tell her that I will be in touch and wait until after lunch to email my new offer.
It’s so quiet without Clive or Chrissie, who is still in the hospital. I look at the clock and realise it’s 1.30 p.m. I haven’t stopped since arriving this morning. I need to grab some lunch, then head out to my meeting with Stacey.
I decide to nip to the deli and grab my usual wrap and a coffee and sit at one of the small bistro tables by the windows. Out of the corner of my eye, I see movement across the street. I look out of the window, and I can see a man standing over the road but tucked back into where there is an alleyway. He’s wearing a suit, which you expect in this neighbourhood, but why is he hiding away? It’s a bit odd. He has his head down, and I can’t make him out, but I suspect he is looking at his phone.
I carry on eating my wrap, watching the man over the road discreetly. He looks up, and it strikes me that he is the same man I saw in here last week.
Then he turns and starts walking away. He must have just been on his phone, probably looking for a signal. I suppose it’s not unusual to bump into the same person if he works around here.
I’ve been distracted, and now I need to go. I give George a wave as I leave the shop, jumping in a taxi. I haven’t heard back from Lewis since he tried phoning me this morning, so I decide to text him while I’m stuck in traffic.
Kate – Hey, handsome, sorry I missed your call this morning. I was in the shower. Hope everything’s okay, and I hope to see you later tonight if you’re free? Let me know, and I will get something in for us. Just off to the bank for a meeting, speak to you soon.
I put the phone on my knee and look out of the window noticing that we are nearly at the bank. Stacey sees me as I enter. She excuses herself and comes straight over to me holding out her hand to shake mine.
We head into the meeting room. She has my file in front of her. Julie, the secretary, brings us coffee, and I can’t wait to wrap my hands around it as they are freezing.
“Ok,” Stacey says opening the file.
“This is the most nervous I have been since the very first property I bought. I’ve never wanted a project so much. Please put me out of my misery,” I say with what I’m sure must be anxiety written all over my face.
“Well, it’s good news. The bank has looked at your proposal, and they like what they see. With your track record, they are more than happy to offer you the bridging loan.” She has a big smile on her face. “Now we need to discuss the terms and arrangements that suit us both, so I have some proposals already made out for you to look at.”
We go through all the paperwork and iron out the finer details. I sign what feels like a million pieces of paper. I feel like I’m signing my life away, but I’m so happy. I leave the bank with the biggest smile on my face. I pull out my phone to check my e-mails to see if the agency has replied to me and they have. My offer has been accepted. I stand in the middle of the steet just clutching my phone grinning. I am a little disappointed in one respect, I was hoping to see that Lewis had called or messaged, as I want to tell him my news, so I’m disappointed there are no missed calls or texts from him. I try to phone him, but there’s no answer. I send him a quick text.
Kate – Hey, handsome, hope all is okay. You’re probably on a shoot or something. Just had my meeting with the bank, and I got the bridging loan for my project. I also got my offer accepted on the buildings. I’m so excited. I wanted to tell you first. I thought we could maybe celebrate tonight? Speak to you soon. Xx
I decide the next person I need to tell is Clive, so I ring him, and after the excitement of my news I decide to tell him about Lewis.
“Aaaand, I have some news, of a more personal nature…”
“Kate! Do tell!” he replies excitedly.
“Well, I had a date, kind of, with Lewis, last night,” I say a bit quieter.
“Hold on, back up. You kinda had a date with Lewis? As in hot-as-fuck Lewis? Lewis Clancy the hottest supermodel there is? What the fuck, Kate? How did that happen?”
I tell him everything that had happened, glossing over the FL stuff, as I don’t want him to worry.
“Hold on. You made him something to eat? So, does that mean he was at your place last night?”
“Yes, he was. It’s just easier because the couple of times I’ve been with him in public people have recognised him—they want to speak to him, take selfies with him and get his autograph. So I made him some food at my place.”
“And is that all? Just drinks and food?” If he could see me now, he would know something else happened, with the colour my face has gone. I can feel the heat in my cheeks.
“Kate, you there?”
“Sorry, yes, Clive, and yes, it was food and drinks. You have a dirty mind, Clive Bunce. He was the perfect gentleman. Clive, he’s just everything, as well as being as hot as hell. He’s kind and funny. He says all the right things, and he says he really likes me.”
“Wow, Kate, it sounds like you’ve fallen for him. I’ve never heard you like this before.”
“Oh, Clive, I have fallen for him hard, but I’m worried? He’s this hot supermodel that has actresses and models throwing themselves at him, and I’m just old frumpy me with huge curves. I’m not a size six model. What could he possibly see in me when he could have those gorgeous women? I’m no one.” I can feel a tear roll down my cheek as the reality hit’s home, and all my insecurities emerge again.
“Now you listen to me, Katherine Porter. You might not be famous, but you are definitely all woman. There is nothing false about you. You tell it as it is, and you have the kindest heart and soul. You are loyal to the end, and any man would be honoured just to be in your company. Do not let me hear this from you again. You are one of the most confident women I know. You’re smart and sassy. You run an empire for God’s sake, Kate. Now cut it out. What does Mr Supermodel say?”
“He says I’m beautiful. He loves my curves, and that I do things to him that have never happened before. He says just talking to me or one glimpse of me, and he can’t think straight. Clive, he’s the sweetest, but I can’t help feeling I’ve been here before, and I’ve heard it all before, only to be played. I’m scared to let anyone in.” I don’t know if it’s me I’m trying to convince or Clive. “Lewis makes me feel like a wanted woman. He comes across as really caring and he seems to be such a genuine guy but look at my track record with men. They all seem genuine, but not one of them has been, so I feel I’m a bad judge of character.
What if he gets what he wants from me and then realises it is the beautiful models and actresses he prefers? I don’t know what to do, Clive, but I’ve fallen for him. I’m in love with him, and I hardly know him.”
I hear Clive letting out a breath on the line. He’s thinking. I know whenever he goes quiet, it’s because the cogs are turning.
“Kate, you’re smitten. I hear it in your voice just talking about him. I knew the first time we met him that he was smitten with you too. He couldn’t stop looking at you. You were speaking, and he was a million miles away, just staring at you. I could see it in his face. Don’t throw it away—go with your heart on this one and see where it takes you. Give him the benefit of the doubt. If he’s saying these things to you now and it’s only been one date, then who knows where it will go? Please, try for me. You deserve some happiness.” I do deserve a break. “In all honesty, in his line of work, it’s got to be hard to find genuine people. Women probably throw themselves at him because he’s famous and has money. But it must get old. He probably sees you for you, a real person with no airs and graces, and who quite frankly couldn’t give a fuck if someone was famous or loaded because you don’t need that in life. You’re successful in your own right. Promise me you won’t throw it away, and you will see what happens?”
He’s right. I know he is. I have never let anyone’s status sway me on anything. It makes no difference to me.
“Ok, Clive, I promise I’ll see what happens and won’t throw it away. But the first inkling I get that he’s playing me, and I will dump him so fast his arse won’t know the ground is travelling up to meet it.”
“I know, Kate, but just try. I have a good feeling about him.”
“Gosh, how did my celebratory call to you turn into agony aunt hour? I can’t believe I actually admitted to you that I’m in love with Lewis. Wow, go me, full on. Get back to your gorgeous man, and enjoy the rest of your holiday, and I’ll see you soon.”
I start to walk to the tube station to head back home. The station is nearer to my office than home, but I fancy the walk even if it’s freezing out.
I’m on the main road, heading towards my apartment building. It’s still early evening, and there are a lot of people about on their way home from work. I get the feeling that someone is watching me again, so I stop and lean against a railing and pretend to look at something on my shoe while actually, I’m looking around to see if I can see anyone. As I look across the road, I see the back of a tall man in a suit just rounding a corner onto a side street. He looks like the guy from earlier today. There aren’t many businessmen around here with that long messy black hair, so he is instantly recognisable—unless I’m just a bit paranoid. I put my shoe back on and start back to my apartment. The sooner I get there the better.
I feel so relieved to be home. I had an uneasy feeling all the way here. As soon as I remove my coat, I take my phone out of my bag to see if there are any texts or missed calls. No, nothing. It’s strange, I’ve sent two texts to Lewis today and not heard anything back from him. The only thing was his missed call this morning while I was in the shower.
I phone his number, but it just rings out. Strange. I decide to text him again. I don’t want him thinking I’m stalking him though.
Kate – Hey, Lewis, wasn’t sure if you were coming round or not? I haven’t heard from you, so I didn’t get anything in to eat. I’m gonna have a tin of soup now, do some work, then have an early night. Catch you again, maybe.
I wonder if it’s a bit curt? Maybe he’s been on a shoot and couldn’t use his phone? I don’t know how these things work. It’s all new to me. Surely he has a break though? He would have been able to text me back. I’m not going to sound desperate. That’s the last text I’ll send him. The ball’s in his court now.
I eat my soup, do my research, and send some e-mails to my team letting them all know we have the green light on the buildings and we need to meet up this week to start arranging all the scheduling. I have a shower and do my hair, then get into bed. It’s still early, so I decide to read for a bit. I look at my phone. It’s 10.25 p.m., and still nothing from Lewis.
Well, screw him.
If he’s that busy that he can’t even reply to my text, then he obviously doesn’t think that much of me, regardless of what he says. It’s all bullshit. I knew it. There is no way someone like him could even look at me. I live in a dream world half the time. Well, I’ve had it with him. He can go to hell now. I told Clive the minute I thought I was being played that would be it for me. I’m done. Men, why do I bother? No more dating for me. Work all the way. I have my project to keep me busy now for the next twelve months or so. Screw you, Lewis Clancy.
Lewis
SHIT, SHIT, FUCK.
She is going to think the worst now. I said in my text that I hoped to see her tonight, which I had every intention of doing, but when I woke up this morning there was a message from Luce telling me she would be here at 7.30 a.m. to pick me up for the airport. The jet would be leaving at 10 a.m. Shit! Venice! Kate had been occupying my brain, and I couldn’t think about anything else.
After showering and shoving my stuff into a bag, I check my phone. There’s a message from Kate to say she is awake and thanking me for putting her to bed and cleaning up. She said she hoped to see me later as well! I try and ring her, but it just goes to voice message. I don’t leave a message. She would see I had called and hopefully call me back.
Luce arrives dead on 7.30 a.m. and lets herself into my suite. We head straight out to the waiting car to take us to the airport. I keep checking my phone and Luce notices.
“Everything okay, Lewis? You don’t look too good, and you keep checking your phone?”
“Yes, I’m okay, Luce. I didn’t tell Kate about my trip because I forgot all about it. I’m worried she will think I’m lying to her.”
“Kate as in property Kate? Why would she think that? Are you seeing her?”
“Yes, I’m seeing her, and when I left last night, I said I would see her tonight. I completely forgot about Venice. Now she’s going to think I’m not interested in her. She already thinks it’s unbelievable I would be interested in her as it is.”
“So, are you interested in her, or is she just another of your flings? Sorry, Lewis, but I’ve seen your conquests firsthand over the years.”
“No, she’s different, Luce. There’s something about her. She’s beautiful, intelligent, sassy, funny, and I can’t for the life of me stop thinking about her. I have never, ever had feelings for someone like this before. I thought Susan was the one, but my feelings for her were nothing compared to my feelings for Kate. God, I sound like a fucking wuss. I think I’m in love with her, Luce. From the moment I set eyes on her in her office last week, I just knew it then. I hardly know her, how pathetic am I?”
“No Lewis, when you know, you know, and I’ve never heard you talk about anyone like this before.”
We arrive at the airport and drive straight to a hanger where the private jet is waiting. I can’t concentrate on anything at the moment. My head is not in the game. I can’t stop thinking about Kate. She’s really embedded into my head and my heart.
As we settle in our seats on the plane, I check my phone to see if Kate has messaged me yet, but there’s nothing. I thought she would have tried to phone me back this morning or at least texted me after she saw my missed call. I want to message, but then I would rather speak to her to explain where I am. It’s better we talk in person. I don’t want her thinking I’m not interested and fobbing her off. I was really looking forward to seeing her tonight, but now I have to wait two fucking days, and it’s going to kill me. I won’t see her until Thursday!
