Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 98418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98418 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 492(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
"Theodore Ellis. You must be Brad." I got the lowdown from Cat last night so I already know his name, what he does etc.
"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you Mr Ellis." He holds out his hand to me and I shake it.
"Please, call me Theo." I catch Cat's eye over his shoulder and smile at her. See, I can be nice. Sometimes.
"This is my girlfriend Lilly." He shakes her hand, looking quite flustered, not that I blame him.
Cat serves dinner and it smells delicious. Lamb shanks with asparagus and dauphinoise potatoes.
We sit and eat, it tastes as good as it looks.
"So Brad, what do you do for a living?" I ask to make polite conversation.
"I'm an investment broker, stocks, shares and bonds mostly." I nod.
"Interesting job, playing with other people’s money." I ponder.
"Yes, but also risking other people’s money, it's hideously stressful sometimes."
"Yes, I can imagine it is." I smile politely. "So Cat, how is the show coming along?" I ask changing the subject. I conclude that he's a little dull and Cat could definitely do better, but often the high flyers are the ones that would screw her over. I suddenly realise that I am what one might call a high flyer, and that this is probably most people’s opinion of me. Ironic.
"Good, I’ve designed the line, got a venue for it and a date. What I could really do with is some publicity and some influential people to be there." She eyes me meaningfully. Cat has been planning a big show to launch fashion line.
"Well I don't have much reach within the industry, but I’ll see what I can do." She grins, clearly delighted. I could meet with some editors, invest in their publications in exchange for some exposure. I would do anything for my little sister, I’ve seen her work and she really is talented. There is no limit to what I would pay for her to be happy and successful. Plus, it's all investment.
"Whenever Theo gets involved with anything it's pretty much always an overnight success. People just can't resist him, they practically throw business and money at him." She talks to Brad and Lilly, but smiles indulgently at me.
"Not quite." I frown at her.
"Well that's quite a talent to have." Brad raises an eyebrow.
Cat scoffs. "Plus fashion editors are usually female." She grins.
"Putty." I laugh. Mimicking the action with my hand.
“Oh god, don’t encourage him.” Lilly scolds.
Cat rolls her eyes but laughs with me. "That face best not let me down." She tries to look serious, pointing a finger at me but then giggles. “Sorry Lilly, us budding art types have to use everything at our disposal.”
"It’s fine, he is pretty aren’t you princess.” She squeezes my cheek as she laughs, much to Cats delight. “My house mate is actually an intern for Catwalk. I could try and get her to put in a good word." Lilly offers.
"That would be amazing. Thank you." Cat grins.
When we're done Cat jumps up to clear the table announcing that there's pudding. She disappears into the kitchen.
I turn to Brad. "Now Brad, I just need to make you aware that if you touch my sister I’m going to break your legs." I stare him down.
"But..." He splutters. "I..."
"Theo!" Lilly scolds beside me. I place a hand on her thigh and squeeze.
I point at him. "No. Don't even think about it...You'll have to marry her first." I stare him straight in the eye and he squirms under my gaze.
"Um...ok." He stares down at his hands. I pause for a moment.
I slap him on the back. "I'm only winding you up." I chuckle. The kid looks scared shitless.
"Oh, thank god." He's visibly relieved. "That would have been awkward."
"In all seriousness though, if you hurt her I will hunt you down and I will ruin your life." He turns white.
"I'm glad we got that cleared up." I smile at him broadly just as Cat walks back in the room.
Lilly is shaking her head at me, with what looks like disapproval written all over her features.
Cat eyes me. "How are you all getting on?" Her eyes flick suspiciously between the three of us.
"Good." I smile at Brad who meekly returns it.
The crème brulee that Cat made is so good, it melts on my tongue.
After dinner I help her wash up. Brad offers, but Cat sends him to 'relax and watch TV', which I thought unlikely seeing as how he probably knows we're discussing him. Lilly tries to help, but eventually gives up and decides to go and take care of some emails.
"What do you think?" Cat prompts as soon as we're alone.
"He seems nice enough."
"I can sense a but..." She fixes me with her bright blue eyes, probing me for information.
"Well, if I’m honest he's just a bit dull and a bit average." I look up expecting her to be stroppy, but instead she smiles.