The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 25 - Maricci's

Evan wasn't impressed when I mentioned that I'd arranged to meet Fliss after work. Though, he seemed happy enough to wait while I went to find her; instantly whipping his phone out of his pocket the moment he thought I was out of sight – probably checking his e-mails to see what he'd missed.

He and Fliss exchanged brief nods, in way of a greeting, as we stood outside Wetherby's deciding where to go.

"We could stick with the Italian theme." I said brightly, looking across at the Pizza Hut on the other side of the road.

"Pizza Hut's American." Evan pointed out dryly.

"But, Pizza's Italian." I grinned, although, it was more the cheap and cheerful vibe that appealed to me.

"If you don't mind walking five minutes, Maricci's is close." Fliss and I whipped our heads to Evan so fast it was like he'd suddenly become magnetic.

"Heck yeah." Fliss gushed unreserved. But, I objected loudly, speaking over her.

"You don't like Maricci's?" Evan asked in surprise.

"I wouldn't know Evan. I'd have to take out a mortgage if I wanted to eat there."

Evan gave me a tight smile and held my gaze fixedly. "Well then, tonight will be a new experience because I'm taking you."

"I'm used to paying my way, Evan. I don't nee...."

"And I'm used to getting my way."

I flushed under the strength of his expression. He was like a Spanish bull staring down the matador, and I was about to be flattened.

"So, that's two for Maricci's. and one maybe." Evan said, daring me to challenge.

Fliss shot me a knowing look – one that said 'if you say no, our friendship is over' – but I wasn't going to be bullied.

"We could go to The Olive Branch." I offered as a compromise. "It's just around the corner and is pretty good."

Evan hadn't blinked since fixing me with that look but when the high powered roar of a supercar ripped through the air he finally looked away.

"Very flashy." Fliss rolled her eyes, as a gleaming red Ferrari tore down the main road, but then at the last second it dived off to the side and pulled up to the pavement. Fliss continued to sneer, but then she coloured when she saw Evan throw her an unimpressed glance before walking towards the car. I moved forward to stand by Fliss's shoulder as we watched a tall, lean young man squirm his way out of his sporty little vehicle, and then greet Evan enthusiastically.

"You know him?" Fliss asked from the corner of her mouth.

"Nope." I kept my answer short because I was straining hard to listen to Evan and his friend.

"Clarke, good to see you, man."

"Evan. I saw you from the lights - what a coincidence." Hmmm, there was that word again.

"Come meet some friends of mine." Evan brought the new addition towards us.

Clearly, from the car and the sharp suit, Evan's friend was also not short of funds – though probably not quite in the same league as the man who featured on The Times rich list. He had a friendly, easy smile, that looked like a permanent fixture, and his eyes sparkled with a cool confidence. He looked to be roughly the same age as Evan, though slightly shorter, and his smooth, floppy hair was inky black.

"Ladies, this is a buddy of mine, Clarke Etherington-Hunt." The newcomer's smile widened into a full, teeth flashing grin. "Clarke, this is Miss Reeves."