Betrayed(26)

Provided Valencia was a success, he wanted to hit the European circuit. Such high-level exposure was new to Kat, and even the thought of the preparations wore her out, but he would join her soon. His flight, due in around an hour, meant he’d be with her in about two and a half, the telling signs of exhilaration building already.

She recognized a difference in her compositions, but it had been damn hard work. She was growing, her outlook changing, a confidence born from what she learned about herself. This was down to Rafael.

The telephone rang and woke her from the reverie. She glanced at her watch, surely not Rafael yet? Not now? He wouldn’t call from the ‘plane. She picked up the receiver.

Francine’s voice at the other end brimmed with high spirits. “Baby I’m so full; I could talk for a year. I’ve just returned from Japan. I got in last night and I’ve slept all day. I rang your number in Spain but they said you were here.”

“Yes I’ve loads of work to finish. We’ll have to get-together whilst I’m over. I need to go through the details for the show. Is everything on schedule at your end?”

“Of course, baby, of course… but I have to tell you how fabulous Japan is. I enjoyed every minute, and I mean every minute. Wow, so many men. I wanted them all. And guess what, I’ve landed another tour. Tell you what, how about we go out for a drink tonight to celebrate. My treat.”

Rafael would be landing soon. They hadn’t seen each other for days. Dining with Fran was the last thing she wanted, and she knew Rafael would be irked. He hadn’t said as much, but she gathered he didn’t like Francine. Kat hesitated, “I’m not sure. Tonight is in the air.”

“You must come. I need you. I have to talk to someone or I shall burst.” Fran stopped talking abruptly. “There’s a man in your life? That’s the only reason you wouldn’t want to come. Baby how wonderful, but you must bring him. I must see Mister Terrific for myself. Bring him with you.”

Kat regretted Francine’s sharp mind. She said, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Nonsense, you must bring him for a meal. Tonight. Eight-thirty. I shall cook something special.”

“Tonight? But you’ve only just returned. You must be worn out.”

“That’s no problem. I love cooking but hate doing it for myself. I need a reason… and I look forward to seeing you both. This is a special reason. Wow!”

Kat’s spirits sank. She said, “He’s very busy. He often makes arrangements days in advance, and he has even arrived yet, he’s probably still mid-air.”

“A busy executive?”

“Also, it might be too much like a statement of commitment to him. I don’t want him to have the wrong idea. You know what I think about relationships.”

“Charm him from his schedule, baby; charm him. In return, I’ll explain to him how fierce you are about your liberty. So what’s this wonderful man’s name?”

Kat took a deep breath and said, “It’s Rafael,” and replaced the receiver before Francine could comment.

***

Later that afternoon, Rafael sat unwinding with a drink, his feet stretched onto a cushioned stool. Katrina approached him apprehensively. “Can we talk?”

He looked up from his newspaper. “I hadn’t realised we’d stopped?”

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve agreed for the two of us to go to Francine’s for a meal this evening.”

“Splendid. It’ll give us a chance to go over things.”

“You don’t mind?”

“Nope.”

“She’s almost family, like my sister.”

“I look forward to it.”

She ran her fingers through his crisp hair. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For being you. Fran will be pleased.”

“And me. It’s been some time since I’ve seen her.”

“She’s returned from what sounds a hectic exhibition tour of Japan. You realise she might be full of crap. She does go over the top at times.”

He said. “So we must be kind toward her mustn’t we?” Rafael pulled her onto his knee. “After all,” he murmured. “If she’s almost part of the family, I must make the right impression. I’d hate for her to think badly of me.”

“You’ve known her forever.”

“So!”

“You’re an idiot.” She opened a bottle of Spanish vermouth and topped up his glass and filled hers; they talked of nothing and laughed at nothing but she enjoyed him more because of it.

That evening they showered together and Kat soaped him over and rinsed the bubbles away. Rafael stood immobile with a big grin on his face until she’d finished then dragged her into the bedroom as she giggled. “Come here woman.” He heaved her over his shoulder.

“Plunder and pillage? I shall scream until I’m hoarse.”

He put her down in front the full-length mirror. “Look at us. See what you do to me.”

They were side by side and Kat’s skin crawled at the reflection of his naked arousal and her nudity. She caught him and tugged him toward the bed.

“Ah, no!” He twisted away. “All you can do is look. You can’t lay a hand on me. No contact. I want to see Francine, but I want to be back early. This is the only way I know of ensuring we do.”

***

Francine answered the door. She looked strained, a complexion paler than usual, her fragile face even more elusive. The tour must have taken more from her than she’d let on. “You’re tired,” Kat accused. “We shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m fine. I want you here. You know I adore dinner parties.” Fran kissed Kat and gave her a long hug. “I’ve missed you, baby. Come in.”

Rafael stepped forward, and they kissed on the cheek. “Hello, Francine, good to see you again.” He followed Kat in. “I hear you’ve recently finished an exhibition tour.”

Kat could have sworn there was tension between him and Fran, but a veil of welcome was drawn across her face.

“Thank you! I have, but I’d rather not speak about me. Let’s talk about you and Katrina.”

Kat laughed. “Katrina? Since when have you called me Katrina?”

“Since we’re in company.” Francine stood back and ran her eyes over him, turned and winked at Kat. “Nice butt.”

The meal was good, the small talk only gently probing. Kat expected Francine to ask questions, but she didn’t. It almost seemed that after the first scrutiny, Fran distanced herself from Rafael. Afterward they sat around chatting, drinking liqueurs and coffee. Francine turned to Kat. “Baby, will you help me for a moment in the kitchen?”

“Of course.” She followed Francine down the steps and to the short hallway.

“He is quite a something person,” Francine whispered. “I don’t blame you. He exudes charm. I’ve always said he’d be a good catch.”

“I guess I’m biased.”

“Is it serious this time?”

“Serious? God! You make it sound like a schoolgirl crush.”

“But you are going to tell me it’s real though, at last?”

“Francine, with me, there’s no such thing.”

“But you must feel something?”

“Sure I do. I feel like smiling when we’re together. He makes me happy. I consider we have something that would be a shame to spoil, exactly why there’s no such thing as intense.”

“And you don’t think it’s a little bit serious?”

“I’m excited when he’s with me, gloomy when he isn’t.”

“And this isn’t serious.”

“No.” Kat slowly shook her head. “Listen, Fran, a while ago, you made insinuations about Rafael. What was it about?”

“Hey! Don’t let me put you off. What the hell do I know?”

“What happened? You hinted that you’d talk about it later.”

“And you think that now is later enough?”

Kat caught her hand. “We’re big girls Fran. You’re my best friend. We used to share everything.”

“Did we?”

“Of course we did.”

“Girly things maybe… silly things.”

“So this is earth-shattering?”

Francine laughed. “No such thing. I can’t even remember what you’re talking about.”

“I think you can.”

“And I think you’ve invented this as a prank.”

“I thought we were honest with each other.”

“Do stop being so preposterous.” Francine stared weirdly and pointed to a couple of trays of nibbles. “Take these in will you?”