“Congratulations!” she says as she releases me and sits back in her seat.
“Thanks,” I reply sheepishly.
“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
“Because it’s meant to be a secret. I should have guessed that you would figure it out though. Mastermind that you are,” I say. She really is like a dog with a bone when she wants to get to the bottom of something.
“Jesus, this is huge. We have to go out tonight and celebrate.” I laugh at her enthusiasm.
“You’re not pissed off at all?” I ask, hoping that she isn’t upset that I was offered the job over her.
“Of course I’m not pissed off. I wouldn’t want to be Deana’s PA for love nor money, no offense.”
“None taken.”
“But this is perfect for you. You work hard, and you do a great job. I’m surprised that it’s taken this long for the top people to notice you to be honest.”
“Hmmm. I’m surprised too, albeit for different reasons than you.”
“How so?” she asks, furrowing her perfectly formed brows.
“Well, I have no PA experience. I just can’t quite figure out why they would pick me when there are people out there with way more experience.” This has been bugging me, along with Luke’s fidgeting at the dinner table last night. I feel like I am missing something, but I can’t quite put my finger on it.
“Honey,” Maggie says, drawing my attention back to our conversation. “You already work here. You already know everyone. And you already know how Deana likes to do things. Employing someone internally for another position is far less hassle than advertising and interviewing.”
“I guess.” I suppose that she could be onto something there. “But why pick me over you?”
“Oh please. I just show up and do the bare minimum. You, however, always go the extra mile. You are prepared to stay late if needs be. You do anything that is asked of you. I don’t. Actually, I’m surprised that I am still here to be honest.” She starts to laugh, and I let myself giggle along with her.
“You’re not that bad.” She gives me a knowing look and I clamp my mouth together.
“We both know that this is just a stop gap for me. I don’t intend on being here forever. I just want to get enough money together to go and travel the world.” Maggie has always dreamed of going travelling for a year, and when she started here six months ago, she said that she was only here to accomplish her dream. “But you love fashion, and what better way to get up the ladder than by becoming the Managing Director’s PA.”
“It is pretty great, isn’t it?” I say, letting myself feel the spark of excitement over my promotion.
“It is. Now, where are we at about those drinks tonight?”
Chapter Nine
I am sat in Bar Twelve with Maggie, sipping a cocktail and toasting my new position within Deana’s Delights. I signed the contract late this afternoon and left it on Deana’s desk for her, all ready to start my job as her PA tomorrow morning.
I sent Luke a text telling him that I would be late home tonight as I was going for drinks with Maggie. I didn’t say where we would be going though as we hadn’t decided at that point. Maggie and I have been here for the last hour and the place is starting to fill up with workers ending their day. We acquired a table by the window and have been chatting about work ever since.
“Listen, I don’t mean to be a killjoy, but can we not talk about work for a while?” I say. “I would much rather talk about that delicious man that is sat across from us, who just so happens to have been giving you the eye for the last twenty minutes.” I nod my head in the direction of the guy who has been eyeballing Maggie and she turns to take a look for herself.
As she does, I see the guy smile. He is very handsome with stubble gracing his chin, light blond hair that is cut close to his head, and brown eyes which host a hint of mischievousness.
“Ooooh, come to Mumma,” Maggie says as she turns back to me. We both start to laugh, and I encourage her to go and speak to him. Maggie has never struck me as the shy type, and she proves me right as she gets up and saunters over to the guy’s table. I watch as the guy asks her to sit down, which she does.
After a few moments, I let my eyes wander around the room before I look out of the window. I watch the people scurrying by to get back home or go out for a meal or just have a few drinks.
As I am watching, I feel a sense of recognition wash over me at a couple talking across the road. They are stood in a shop doorway, and they have their heads close together. I squint as I try to get a better view. The woman is facing me, her bobbed blond hair feathering her face. She is wearing jeans, black stilettos and a loose-fitting top which drops off of her shoulder, giving her a relaxed looking vibe.
The recognition I am getting isn’t from the woman. The man has his back to me, but as soon as he turns to the side, I realise why I know him. Luke. I would know my boyfriend anywhere, and I am puzzled as to why he would be stood in a shop doorway talking to some strange woman that I don’t know.
I feel dread settle in the pit of my stomach as I watch them. The woman places her hand on Luke’s arm as his head droops down. I can see that he is shutting his eyes, and for the most part, he doesn’t even seem to be aware of the woman touching him. I struggle to breathe as I continue to watch. What the hell is he doing? Why is he talking to this woman? Maybe it’s to do with work? Although, she doesn’t exactly look dressed for construction.
The questions swirl round and round in my head. Luke and the woman continue to talk for the next few minutes, until a sleek black car pulls up alongside them. Luke ushers the woman into the car whilst glancing up and down the street. He clearly didn’t think to look in the window of Bar Twelve, otherwise he would have seen me. He would have seen my mouth hanging open, and the fear in my eyes.
