Episode 47: AN INTIMATE MONDAY LUNCH
I sit opposite Caroline at the same secluded table we used to sit at 10 years ago. We’ve both moved on since then. The restaurant hasn’t. Caroline is clearly making a point.
“How was your bonus?” she asks, as the waiter retreats, having taken our order.
“We won’t go hungry,” I reply. Technically true, although I was actually a little disappointed after last year’s munificence.
“I’m glad. Funny, isn’t it, how our lives have become entangled once more?” she continues. “Me sneaking in ahead of you for last year’s City A.M. award. Then my boys rescuing Nick’s business, not to mention your own modest investment. And that Ozzie deal last week. Hope you didn’t mind that, David. Actually, I don’t know how we missed one another. Must have been down there at the same time. It would have been nice to see you. Anyway, I’m sure you have far bigger fish to fry.”
“All’s fair in love and war Caroline,” I reply, feigning indifference but immediately regretting the use of the “L” word.
“Oh, is that what this is?” she asks. “Does Emma know we’re having lunch?”
“Of course she does,” I lie.
“You know, there’s never really been anyone else. I mean, obviously I haven’t lived like a nun but… Even Sandy, well, you wouldn’t have to be a psychotherapist to interpret my affair with your boss, would you? And things ended so messily between us. Unresolved.” She reaches across the table and places her hand upon mine. My gaze wanders from her hand, up her elegant, toned arm, to find her eyes looking penetratingly into mine. “I just wondered, whether you might feel the same?”
“Caroline, you, you ended it. Ten years ago, And now I’m married, with three children.”
But I have not moved my hand away. City Dad will continue next Tuesday. For past episodes, go to www.cityam.com.