She sent back a message.
BrownDog40
Would love to continue chatting, and yes, invite PinkFish88 in too. I wonder if she’s stopped gambling yet?
She went to sign off but decided against putting Hannah. She wanted to keep this as private as possible. She hesitated for a moment, thinking of a suitable name. She thought back to a conversation she’d had earlier with Amy, who was reading a modern book series rather than her usual classics. She’d become completely enthralled by a character named Suze Simon. It was as good a name as any, as long as she didn’t have to answer to it in public, when she’d probably forget.
Eliza came back with a message almost immediately.
LizaE
Great! So, how are you? Have you spoken to your DH yet?
BrownDog40
DH?
LizaE
Darling Husband!
BrownDog40
Sorry! I should probably know the abbreviations! Yes, it turns out he’d loaned the money to his parents. They had an unexpected tax bill and it saved them paying fees to break other investments to pay for it. We’ll get the money back next month. He showed me through his poker account, and he’s not in debt. He’s only playing the one- and two-dollar tables and is ahead. I’ve overreacted big time. But things still aren’t perfect. I’ve done something he’ll never forgive me for, and I don’t know how to move forward.
LizaE
Anything I can help with?
BrownDog40
Only if you know how to get rid of a blackmailer.
LizaE
Oh no, what’s happened?
Hannah stared at the screen. Some advice would be good right now, and no one would ever know it was her. She hesitated, took a deep breath and began to type.
Chapter Eighteen
Nat braced herself as Anita approached the table. Could she jump up and intercept her, drag her away before she had to introduce her to Phyllie? In the time it took to even have this thought Anita was standing next to her table.
‘Nat, it’s so good to see you! It’s been too long.’
Nat stood and hugged Anita. ‘It has. You look fantastic, by the way. So tanned.’
Anita laughed. ‘Perk of the business. We’re developing a range for adults alongside the children’s products so I wear the merchandise as much as possible, which means I’m hanging by the pool or beach when I can.’
Nat shivered. ‘Bit cold for that, isn’t it?’
Anita slapped her playfully on the arm. ‘Here yes, not on the Sunshine Coast. Luke and I moved eighteen months ago. Shows how long it’s been since we’ve been in touch.’ She turned and smiled at Phyllie.
‘Sorry.’ Nat intercepted before either woman could introduce themselves. ‘This is my grandmother, Phyllie. Phyllie, this is a friend of mine from years back.’
‘A pleasure to meet you, dear.’ Phyllie didn’t seem to notice that Nat had deliberately avoided using Anita’s name. ‘Would you like to join us?’
Anita shook her head. ‘Oh, no, thank you. That’s very kind of you though. I’m meeting my sister for high tea. I’m only down from Noosa for a couple of weeks, so I’m making the most of it.’ She patted her stomach. ‘Although I’m going to have some work to do when I get home before I dare put on any of our swimwear. I don’t think I’ll be doing us any favours with this stomach on me.’
Phyllie’s eyes lit up. ‘You have a swimwear business? What a coincidence. Nat’s been involved in an online swimwear business for a friend.’
Anita turned to Nat. ‘Really? Who? We don’t have much competition in Australia.’
‘It’s nothing compared to yours. Now, how’s Luke? Is he still training for triathlons?’
Anita nodded. ‘Ironman now we’re up in Queensland.’ She stopped. ‘I’m intrigued about this swimwear business you’re involved in. What’s their name?’
‘Sandy Swimwear,’ Phyllie piped up. ‘Nat’s a partner in the business.’
‘Are you for real?’ Anger clouded Anita’s face. ‘You’re a partner in a competing business that’s using the same name? How is that even possible? We’re trademarked for a start.’
Phyllie was looking from one woman to the other. Nat knew her face was bright red, and she couldn’t look at Phyllie. She just needed Anita to leave. She could explain it to her later. She stood. ‘Why don’t we pop out for a minute and I’ll fill you in. Phyllie can enjoy the surroundings on her own for a minute or two.’
‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ Anita looked apologetically at Phyllie. ‘I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’m just a bit surprised, that’s all. It’s one thing for another business to start up with your concept and name, but to find out a friend is involved is very strange. Yes, Nat, I’d like you to explain more. Either now, or I’m happy to wait until you’ve finished your lunch.’
Phyllie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. ‘What’s your name, love?’
‘Anita. Anita Green.’
Phyllie turned to Nat. ‘The Anita you’ve told me you’ve been working for the last month or so?’
Nat nodded.
Anita’s eyes widened. ‘What? I haven’t spoken to you in over two years. What on earth’s going on?’
‘Yes, Nat.’ Phyllie crossed her arms. ‘I have five thousand reasons why I’d like you to explain exactly what is going on.’
Nat promised Phyllie she’d be back in a minute and would explain everything. She couldn’t do this in front of Anita, who looked as confused and angry as Phyllie. She needed to deal with her first. Heart thumping, she led her out of the front door, down the short flight of entrance steps and on to the footpath.
Anita turned and faced her. ‘Well?’
‘Look, I’m sorry. I’ve been working on an investment scheme that I didn’t want Phyllie to know about. I’m living at her house at the moment and had to use a cover story. One of your ads popped up in my Facebook newsfeed, and it gave me the idea to say I was working with you. There’s nothing more to it than that.’
Anita nodded slowly. ‘Okay, so there’s no competing company, and your grandmother believes you’re a partner in my company?’
Nat nodded.
‘What percentage?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean, what percentage does your grandmother think you own?’
‘Twenty.’
‘Okay, to give you an idea, the company is currently valued at sixteen million dollars. So, your share in the business is valued at around three point two million.’
Nat’s mouth dropped open. ‘Sixteen million? How on earth did you grow it to be that big?’
‘International sales mainly. We have a Californian company looking to buy us out at the moment. But that’s not relevant. We don’t have any business partners and don’t want people claiming they own part of our business. I’d appreciate it if you cleared that up with your grandmother and anyone else you’ve led to believe this. The buy-out is getting some media interest, and we don’t want anyone providing incorrect information.’
‘Of course. I’ll put her straight now. And Anita, I’m sorry, I should never have made up such a story.’