Faye was at her desk, her eyes focused on her computer screen. She looked up and smiled when Emma tapped gently on the door.
‘Ah, Emma, what can I do for you?’
Emma walked into the office, aware that Faye’s smile wasn’t going to last for very long. She put the folder she was carrying down on her manager’s desk and said simply, ‘You asked me to go through Heather’s paperwork and bring to you anything that needed to be dealt with.’
Faye’s eyes widened. ‘And all this needs to be dealt with, does it?’
‘I’m afraid so. I’ve done whatever I could, but this is what is left.’
‘Where did you find this? Heather’s desk looked pretty clear to me.’
‘It was. I found these in the drawers. I’ve sorted them into department and urgency.’
Faye nodded and pulled the pile towards her. As she picked up the piece of paper on top, Emma explained what it was.
‘So, we did receive the revised numbers after all?’ Faye asked when Emma had finished explaining.
‘Heather must have known because she printed it off, but she categorically denied it.’ She paused. ‘I really didn’t want to drop her in it, but I felt it was important.’
Faye nodded. ‘You’ve done the right thing. Not having this information would have made us look very foolish when reporting back to the client. And don’t worry about dropping Heather in it. She certainly didn’t have any qualms about doing the same to you.’ She paused and passed over another piece of paper to Emma.
‘Here you are — your shifts for the next four weeks. I’ve put you on earlies for the first week so you can get to grips with what happens from the beginning of the day. You’ll be shadowing Inga — she’s one of our most experienced receptionists and she enjoys training up the newbies, so you’ll be in good hands.’
‘Thank you,’ Emma said. She couldn’t believe how relieved she felt to be working for a manager who had her best interests at heart. She knew she would have to make the most of the next few weeks because there would be hell to pay when Heather came back to work.’
Faye looked at her watch. ‘It’s almost the end of your shift. Why don’t you get off and enjoy your weekend?’
‘Thank you. I will do.’ Emma paused at the doorway. ‘I really do appreciate this, you know.’
Faye smiled and nodded. ‘There’s absolutely no need for you to thank me. From now on, you’ll be getting the training you deserve, and I can only apologise for what you’ve suffered so far. I can assure you, it will be properly investigated, and it will be my mission to make sure it never happens again.’
Emma resisted the temptation to say thank you again. Instead she nodded and got up to leave, a smile spreading across her face.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as Emma left the hotel, she called Jay to see if he had any plans for the evening.
‘Just a quiet night in,’ he replied. ‘I was thinking of ordering a takeaway. I don’t feel like cooking tonight.’
‘How about we eat out instead?’
‘Sounds wonderful, if you’re not too tired.’
‘Definitely not. I’ve got the whole weekend and I’m in the mood to celebrate.’
‘Wonderful!’ Jay said. Emma was relieved that he seemed keen and hadn’t made excuses to stay in. ‘Is it just the time off you’re celebrating?’
‘Nope, much more than that.’
‘What, then?’
She chuckled. ‘I’ll tell you later. I’ll be home soon, have a quick change of clothes and we can go somewhere to eat.’
‘Sounds perfect. Do you want me to book Luigi’s?’
‘Yes, let’s, and then afterwards why don’t we go to Winston’s and dance the night away.’
‘Winston’s? We haven’t been there for ages. You are in the mood to celebrate.’
