Unravelled Read Online Free Page B

proximity.
    “Come here baby.” I throw an ugly look Mr Wall Street ’s way and open my arms to the monster-dog. Like the over-grown puppy he is, Blossom leaps forward and throws himself against me. There are a few moments I think I’m going to lose my balance and land on my ample behind, but manage to stumble backwards until the conference table stops my journey. I now have a hairy black canine’s front paws on my shoulders and an adorably huge face blocking Mr Wall Street’s disapproving look.
    I spend a moment wondering whether he disapproves of Blossom, of me personally, or whether he objects to me being the person who will run this project he is so concerned about. I had managed to get everyone’s, albeit reluctant, promises of support, yet Mr Wall Street said nothing and it seems that he’ll be playing an integral part in this art and culture festival.
    “Do I have your support?” I ask past a fluffy ear.
    “Pardon?”
    “Do I have your support?” I ask more strongly and push Blossom’s head on my shoulder.
    “Yes, of course you do. You’ll be working from our offices and you’ll have your own office and telephone and the use of my secretary and assistants.” How’s that for support?
    “Thank you very much.” But, do I have your support? I leave this question unasked. Right now I need a hot bubble bath and a bed. It’s been a long day of travelling, flatulence and roadside incidents.
    “Ms Fields.” What distracts me from his words is the pained expression on his face. It looks like the man is busy laying an egg. “I made arrangements for the co-ordinator to stay in my guest house.” A large egg.
    “Your guest house? Hmm...” I pause as if in deep consideration of this option. “Will we see each other in the mornings?” Blossom has moved and is now sitting on my feet.
    “No, the guest house is totally separate from the main house.”
    This could work.
    “And Blossom can stay in the guest house with me?” Hearing his name, Blossom moves off my feet and starts sniffing around. There is no way this dog will sleep outside. Janey tried it once, but had to let him in when her neighbours phoned the police to report animal abuse. He was screaming like a pig by the back door. Neurotic animal.
    “Yes.” Another egg just got laid and I’m having fun now.
    “And I can park my car in your driveway?” This is too easy.
    “Ms Fields.” Oh dear, he’s using a scaringly serious tone and the corner of his mouth is pulled down in grave annoyance. “You can stay in my guest house for the duration of this project and use all the facilities. Shall we leave now or would you like to torture me more with the knowledge of sharing my property with an opinionated woman, a dog straight out of a horror movie and a car I would not be seen dead in?” Oops, I pushed too far.
    “Let’s go, neighbour,” I say in my chirpiest voice, but when I turn around to get my bag from the table I close my eyes and inwardly reprimand myself.
    That one just slipped out. I really couldn’t help it. Really.
     

Chapter 3
     
     
     
    I don’t know if it’s the hysterical barking or the bone chilling scream that brought Mr Wall Street out of his house, but I am decidedly glad to see him appear on the terrace and then make his way towards us.
    Really! Since yesterday afternoon on the side of the road, I’ve had more ‘incidents’ than I’ve had in four months. Is this town under some kind of voodoo spell to grab the thread of my make-over and pull it until it’s totally unravelled and all that’s left is one long string of incidents?
    We got in last night and managed to finish the day off rather amiably. I was shown to a guest cottage in the back of the yard which equals the Tuscan villa of my dreams. One bedroom leads off from the open plan sitting room, kitchen and dining room. The bed is big enough to make one think naughty thoughts and the bathroom only adds to this line of thinking. The interior decorating is