Happily Ever After_ - Benison Anne O'Reilly [60]
The main event came later that evening. Our company had sponsored the conference dinner and at Alex’s suggestion we split up and sat at separate tables so we could network more effectively. In my sleep-deprived state this was the last thing I felt like doing, but I managed to grab a seat next to an urologist who worked with my brother in Adelaide, so that helped break the ice. On the other side of me was Dr Howard, a Brisbane-based specialist with a widespread reputation for entrepreneurship and personal charm. I certainly got to witness the latter.
The conference wound up at lunchtime the next day. Our flight back to Sydney was inevitably delayed so Karen and I lolled around in some armchairs in the Qantas lounge, waiting to be called. Alex joined us in another armchair but his posture - leaning forward with his forearms resting on his knees - hinted he still thought there was work to be done, damn it.
‘We might as well use this time productively and debrief a bit. You know my mates gave me the hardest time about taking on this product, but after seeing how enthusiastic the urologists are I’m almost getting attached…’
The tiredness meant I was in a provocative mood. ‘So you’re ready to embrace dicks are you, Alex?’
That earned me a stern look. ‘Only in a professional capacity Ellie…Can I go on now?’
I nodded my assent.
‘The dinner was great. It looks like we have some potential opinion leaders amongst the crowd. We need to chase a few up. I’d like you to follow up on Dr Howard, Ellie. You seemed to be getting on well with him at dinner.’
I smiled. Karen giggled.
‘What’s the joke?’ asked Alex.
‘A bit too well,’ said Karen. ‘He made a pass at her.’
‘Did he?’
I nodded again.
‘What - isn’t he married? Anyway you’re married…’
‘I don’t think he was worried by those minor details, but it’s no big deal,’ I said.
‘Yes it is. Why didn’t you tell me this? We certainly won’t be pursuing any sort of relationship with him then. I’m very sorry - what a creep…’
‘Chill out, Alex. It’s really no big deal. God the way you’re carrying on you’ll be challenging him to a duel next. I appreciate your concern but I’m capable of looking after my own honour thanks.’
With this last sentence I reached out and patted him gently on the wrist. He pulled his hand away.
‘Sorry,’ I said. My teasing had clearly overstepped the mark. ‘All I mean is that if you want to still use him as an opinion leader it’s fine with me. He was quite good-natured about the knock back. There is no way I was going to say yes but I don’t mind the occasional bit of attention from a good looking man.’
When both Alex and Karen looked at me strangely it occurred to me I’d revealed a little bit too much by this comment.
‘You can excuse him if you like but I hate guys who sleaze on to other women behind their wives’ backs,’ said Alex. ‘They give us all a bad name.’
‘He’s hardly Robinson Crusoe,’ I said, ‘I reckon a lot more married men would do it if they thought they could get away with it.’
Alex was keen to defend his gender. ‘I don’t know about that.’
‘You should hear some of the stories I’ve heard about international pilots.’
‘But not all, I bet.’
‘No, not all.’
‘Not your husband,’ added Karen.
‘I don’t think anyone can be one hundred percent certain…’
Again Alex and Karen looked at me. This time I decided I really needed to shut up.
An awkward silence fell over our little group.
‘I’m going to get a coffee,’ said Alex, I think motivated more by a desire to escape our conversation than any particular need for caffeine. ‘Anyone want one?’
‘No thanks, I’m still high from all the stuff I drank yesterday,’ answered Karen, ‘but I desperately need water.’
‘Me too,’ I said, gesturing to get up from my chair.
‘No stay here. I’ll get them.’
He’d left his mobile phone on the table