Hot Property (Irish romantic comedy) (18 page)

She turned her head to look at him. “Really? But it would go for a lot more than mine, wouldn’t it? Such a unique spot. Especially if it goes to auction.”

He wrapped his arms tighter around her and leaned his chin on her shoulder. “It won’t. The owner won’t put it on the market yet. So, if you came in with a good offer, the sale could go through without the cost and trouble of having to advertise.”

“Oh...” Megan waited for what was to come. She could nearly read his mind.

She wasn’t disappointed. “But, of course,” Dan said, “the best thing for you would be to sell yours first. Then you’d be a cash buyer. Not many of those around these days.”

“I suppose.” She could nearly hear his next words before he said them.

“Yeah.” He let her go and walked to the bed. He sat down and looked at her with that little smile she used to find so beguiling. “And…”

“Yes?”

“I have a surprise. You know that English contractor? The one who barged into your house?”

“Oh, yes. Alistair something. I still have his card somewhere.”

“That’s right. And you won’t believe this. He came in with an offer this morning. Three hundred K.”

Megan had enough. “Stop it right there, Dan.”

He stared at her. “What?”

Megan took a deep breath. “I can’t stand anymore of your lying and cheating. I’ve had enough of your charm and smarm. Enough of everything about you. So you can take those lovely eyes with the long eyelashes and the cute smile and the gorgeous body and get out of here and never come back.”

His jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

“You heard.” Megan tightened the sheet around her as if that would help her stay upright. “I know everything. The slurry and the report to the dole office. The lie about the debt. The stupid haunting and the fire in the tower.”

He blanched. With his mouth hanging open and a stupid look in his eyes, he wasn’t even vaguely attractive. Megan wondered how he had ever seemed like the hunk she had imagined.

“Wwwhaa..?” he stammered.

“That’s right. I know. About everything. Trying to get me to sell so you’d get your hands on it with your English partner. And your little romance with Maria Slattery. And all the rest,” she added, not even knowing what ‘all the rest’ was, but she was sure there was more to it than she had just said.

“The rest?” he stammered. “You mean my dad and—”

“Yeah. That too,” Megan snapped. “And Paudie’s brother. What a lovely family you are.”

Dan rubbed his face. “I don’t understand what’s going on here. If you know about my dad, then surely, you’d understand why I did what I did. Why I desperately need to make some money.”

“Of course. But not that you had to go to such lengths to try and wreck my life. You used me, Dan. You lied and cheated, so you’d get your hands on my house.”

“It wasn’t like that,” he started. “It was because—”

“Get out,” Megan snarled.

He shot up from the bed. “Don’t you stand there looking so self-righteous. You’re no saint yourself. And you used me too.”

“What? I used you? How?”

“For sex.”

Megan burst out laughing. “Yeah, right. That’s very funny, considering—”

“What?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything but hey, why should I be kind to someone who’s done what you did to me? I used you for sex?” She laughed again. “If I was going to use anyone for sex, don’t you think I’d pick someone who was good at it? And someone with a little more than that shrimp you call a penis?”

He gasped. “But we… You enjoyed it. I made you come every time.”

“No you didn’t.”

His eyes narrowed. “You faked it?”

Megan nodded. “Every time.”

“You bitch.”

 
“Ha, ha, yeah right. Coming from a shit like you, that’s a compliment.” Megan suddenly felt so sick of him she wanted to scream. “Get out of here, I said. Just go and don’t ever contact me again.”

He stood up very slowly, as if his legs were too weak to carry him. “I see. Okay, I’ll go. I’ll send you all your papers. I don’t want you as a client if you have that kind of attitude.”

“Ha, I already have them. Got them from that nitwit you call a receptionist the other day. I’d hire someone with a few more brain cells if I were you.”

He shot her a withering glance, then turned and shuffled out the door, his shoulders slumped, his head bowed. He slammed the door shut and was gone.

Her knees shaking, Megan sat down. The feeling of victory only lasted a few seconds. Then she put her head in her hands and wept.

Chapter 18

“Models,” Beata said on the phone ten days later. “They’re such a pain. In fact all the fashion people are. Except Alex. He’s a sweetie. But the rest are nothing but trouble.”

The phone to her ear, Megan walked out the door toward the tower, where a tent had been erected for the photo shoot and all the paraphernalia that was needed. “What’s the problem? I thought they said they would eat very little, so you wouldn’t have to cook those big breakfasts for them.”

“Oh, they have tiny breakfasts. But quinoa? And omelettes made out of egg whites? And two slices of apples and half a grapefruit… Shit, Megan, tiny breakfasts, but more trouble than a truckload of fried egg and bacon.”

Megan giggled. “I see what you mean.”

“And they all smoke like chimneys to keep themselves so skinny, and one of the girls wants boiled water with a slice of lemon before going to bed. Which is two in the morning.” Beata sighed heavily.

“I know. It’s hard work for you. But they’ll spend the day here for the shoot. And if all goes well, they’ll be gone by tomorrow.”

“Why couldn’t they stay with Diana?”

“I told you. Diana’s children are home from their summer in Cape Cod and are staying with their parents before university starts in a couple of weeks. She has her hands full, with Alex and his partner staying there as well.”

“Yeah, I know. I suppose I’ll just have to put up with it. Great to get more guests now that there’s a lull.”

“And if this works, you’ll have them regularly. So you might as well get used to it.”

“Yeah, right. I’ll have to get some more help though. There’s still no sign of Boris, and you’re busy with your new website, so…”

Megan felt a dart of guilt. “I’m sorry about that. I’ll come and help out when the shoot is over.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll survive.” Beata hung up.

Megan was on her way to check the tent when she heard a car at the gate. She looked round the corner and discovered Paudie’s jeep with a trailer full of bleating sheep. She gave a yelp of dismay and ran towards him.

“Hey! Don’t unload the sheep. I have a photo shoot here, and we need the field to be empty. You can’t use it until we’re finished. I told you about this a few days ago.”

Paudie glared at her from the driver’s seat. “Yeah. So you did. But I forgot what days you said. I’ve finished dipping them, and now I need a field for them. I’ve nowhere else to put them, and the grass is still good.”

“What about the paddock behind your house? Couldn’t you keep them there for a while?”

Paudie drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “No. Bunny doesn’t like animals so near the house. Flies. And bad smells.” He sighed.

“Oh. That’s a bit unrealistic though, isn’t it? I mean, in the country, that’s what you get. Flies and smelly stuff. She’ll get used to it in time. I did.”

He turned his head and looked at her. “Yes. But she isn’t like you. Not the least bit.”

“I suppose not. Is she going back to America soon?”

“No. We’re making plans.”

“Plans?” Megan asked, puzzled by the flat tone on his voice.

“Yes.” Without another word, he got out of the jeep and walked to the trailer. “Look, I have no choice. ”

“No,” Megan said, pulling at his arm. “You can’t. Please, Paudie, you know I have this contract with the fashion people. It’s the very first shoot, and it has to be perfect, or they won’t come back.”

He stopped. “Why are Diana’s horses allowed in the other field, then?”

Megan sighed. “Because they make a beautiful backdrop to the photos. I
told
you about that.”

Paudie frowned. “Big deal. I have to earn a living here, can’t you understand that? And these animals need feeding. The last few weeks of summer in good grass can save me a lot of hassle and money.”

Megan backed away. His eyes were so cold, his voice so clipped and hostile. What happened to their friendship? The close contact they had all this summer? “Okay,” she said. “I realise all that. But you have to understand that this is my land, and this contract with the fashion shoot is
my
way of earning a living, my chance to hang on to my house and keep the land with it.”

They looked at each other in silence. Paudie’s jaw tightened. Megan clenched and unclenched her fists.

She cleared her throat and put her hand on his arm again. “How about this—if the shoot goes as planned, they’ll wrap up tonight. Then you can come back with the sheep and put them in the field.”

Paudie looked at her hand on his arm. Then back at her. His eyes were veiled, but she thought she saw resentment there. “Right. Call me to give me the all clear.” He jumped into the driver’s seat, started up the jeep and backed into the road.

~ ~ ~

The photo shoot went as planned. The sun came out as if on cue. A light breeze played with the models’ hair and made the summer dresses flow around their long limbs exactly the way Alex wanted. The horses grazed and flicked their tails, positioning themselves without prompting just so for the perfect composition. Alex beamed, his assistant giggled and the whole cast exuded contentment.

The perfection continued on the beach for the swimwear shots, with a flat calm sea and waves washing up on the sand, lapping romantically at the girls’ bare feet. They had to shoot in long focus to hide the models’
goosebumps
in the chill of the late afternoon, but even that turned out perfectly, with just the right golden light and blue skies.

Alex smiled at Megan as he packed his cameras in the tent. “Absolutely amazing, darling. Couldn’t have been more perfect if we said a million prayers to the gods of fashion.”

Megan sighed and stretched. “I’m exhausted. Never knew doing make-up on three models would be so tiring. But there were so many different outfits to match and so many different looks. And I’m a bit rusty. Styles have changed since last summer. Make-up too.”

“You did very well. I’m sure the pictures will be great. The light here’s fantastic. We’ll be back in late October for next year’s fall and winter collections. And I might even manage to do some advertising in the meantime. This is a unique place both for scenery and light.”

“When it’s not raining.”

Alex smiled and shrugged. “I know. But if you check the weather forecast you can usually hit a good few hours.”

“If you’re lucky.”

“Don’t be so negative.” He closed the case and took out his smartphone. “You did great with the make-up, but if you’re interested in learning a bit more, I’ll try to organise a two-month apprenticeship with one of the top make-up artists in New York.”

“That’d be fantastic, Alex.”

“And you could stay with Trevor and me in our apartment on the Upper East side.”

“Sounds great.” Megan stifled a yawn. “Sorry. I’m really tired.”

“Hey, we’re going to that quaint pub to celebrate. Why don’t come with us?”

Megan shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m exhausted. I’ll just tidy up and have something to eat. Then I’ll flop on the couch and read a book.”

Alex looked up from his phone. “You seem a little sad. Is your boyfriend away?”

Megan folded one of the director’s chairs and put it on top of the pile to go into Alex’s rented Land Rover. “Boyfriend? I haven’t got one. We broke up about two weeks ago. Just after the party.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Maybe he wasn’t right for you?”

“No, he wasn’t. I was fooled by a pretty face and some sweet talking. Never mind. I’m kind of over that now,” Megan said, suddenly discovering she really was. This realisation gave her an immediate lift. “You know what? I really don’t care. I just felt it right now, this moment when you asked me. I don’t give a shit about Daniel Nolan.” She hugged Alex. “This is so great! All thanks to you.”

He laughed and hugged her back. “I’m happy for you. I hope you’ll enjoy this new freedom.”

“Freedom?” Megan mused. “Yes, that’s what it is. Freedom from being hurt and taking it all to heart. I don’t even think much about my ex-husband anymore or what he did to me.” She looked thoughtfully at Alex. “It’s the house and then this little business I feel is just starting. It’s doing things for me without having to consider anyone else. You know what? I think I’ll give singledom a go. Maybe I’ll discover I’m ‘the one’?”

“That will make you both strong and dangerous,” Alex said.

Megan let go of Alex and took a step back. “Yes. I like that.” She flexed her arm muscles. “I’m strong. And dangerous. There’ll only be one person’s terms from now on. Mine.”

~ ~ ~

After calling Paudie to tell him the field was now available, Megan lit a fire and settled on the couch with a plate of pasta and a glass of wine. She stacked cushions behind her back and put her feet up. Finally a moment to herself.

She finished the pasta and poured another glass of wine. Staring into the fire, she went over the previous few weeks, sorting everything into the right order of importance and filing it away. She was truly over Dan and found she couldn’t care less about what had happened. He had tried to use her, but she had won that particular battle. It had been painful, but as it was behind her, she felt no pain, no need for revenge. Time to move on. A new life and a new way of living. On her own terms. That was exciting, and it had happened by accident. It felt as if it was meant to be, waiting for her around the corner all this time.

Megan yawned and put the glass on the coffee table. Time to go to bed. But she stayed there, reluctant to leave the cosy spot, looking at the flickering flames in the grate, her mind far away.

The door opened. Megan looked up. Paudie. She yawned and stretched. “Hi. I’m nearly asleep. How did you get in?”

“The ghost of the O’Farrell chieftain let me in,” he said with a flicker of a smile.

Megan laughed. “That silly story. Can’t believe I fell for that even for a second.”

“Maybe you hoped it was true? Your very own ghost.”

“Yeah, that would have been fun. But come in. Have some wine. There are glasses in the cupboard over there.”

He walked into the room, poured himself some wine and sat on the edge of the sofa, looking into the fire. “Funny how there are two things you can look at forever. A fire and waves rolling onto a beach.”

“That’s true. Sheep all settled in the field?”

“Yes. Thanks. Sorry about the aggro earlier. I’m a little stressed. Lots of things to consider. Plans, you know?”

Megan nodded. “I know. Plans are good, though. Changes are good. As long as everyone agrees and is happy.”

Paudie sipped his wine. “That’s the crux. Everyone has to be happy.”

Startled by his morose look, Megan studied him for a moment. “So ... are you saying that the person
not
happy is you?”

He sighed deeply and turned his head to look at her. “I suppose I shouldn’t bore you with this. But I’ve nobody else to talk to. And we’re still friends, right?”

“Of course.” Megan pulled her legs under her and patted the sofa cushions. “Come on, get comfortable. I’ll listen.”

Paudie sank back against the cushions. Staring into the fire, he told Megan the whole story. “Bunny and I… we kind of found each other again. We’ve had a great few weeks. Like a honeymoon. Bunny is such a homemaker. Cooks, cleans, organises. Makes the house into a very pretty place, a real show house. I liked that. I got used to a clean and tidy house and gourmet meals. And in bed, she’s so—” He glanced at Megan. “Okay, let’s skip that bit. Not that there’s been a lot of that lately”

“I get the picture.”

“Yeah. Well, all would be fine and dandy if it wasn’t for this idea of Bunny’s. Or, more than an idea, a real scheme.” He frowned. “She wants to go into organic farming.”

“But what’s wrong with that?” Megan asked, confused. “Doesn’t that mean just changing things around a little? Feeding the cattle organic stuff and not using antibiotics and—”

“It would if it involved cattle. But she wants to get rid of all the animals and grow things instead.”

Megan was horrified. “What? Get rid of the cattle and sheep? But that’s the love of your life. That’s why you’ve stuck to farming all these years.”

“That’s true.” He sighed and pushed his hand through his hair. “She says they’re hard work. And they are. But hell, Megan, it’s the animals I love the most. I don’t care much for tillage or growing things. A farm without animals is a dead place.”