Mina looks at Mum’s hand like it’s biowaste but a beat later she does shake it. “Mina. Nice to meet you,” she mutters and I love how unenthusiastic it is. This will ruffle all of Mum’s feathers.
“And you work with Charlie?”
“I do,” Mina replies, sounding almost bored.
“How is that? I hope he does more than annoy everyone and keep the office gossip mill turning?” Mum asks as she waves her flute of champagne around in the air. To many she would look half-drunk already, and maybe Mina has that impression, but that isn’t the case at all. My mother can handle her drink, and she is only too aware of what she’s saying.
Mina blinks once, and I track the movement of her curled eyelashes in a way that feels surprisingly intimate, but that shock quickly fades away when I hear my date’s response.
“Charlie is the best copywriter in the company. He’s secured and delivered more campaigns than almost anyone else. He’s also possibly the nicest guy who works at HNO and everyone adores him. And to top it off, he also makes a decent cup of tea.”
Mum is no less surprised than me as she needs a few seconds to form a reply. “Of course, this is when I say that I taught him everything he knew.”
Mina’s second-long grin is so obviously disingenuous I study my mother’s face to see how she reacts to that cherry on top of the cake. To her credit Mum remains composed and simply offers her own uniquely fake smile in return.
“Mina heads up the art team,” I tell Mum realising I should now return the favour of drowning Mina in compliments. “She’s won two D&AD Pencils and was the youngest head of department in HNO’s history, I believe, when she was appointed what, a year ago?” I turn to Mina for confirmation.
“Nearly two years ago now,” she says.
“Very impressive,” Mother says. “And what campaigns have you spearheaded for the company? Any that I’d know of?”
Mina pulls both of her full lips into her mouth and I can’t help but think what a shame it is to have them disappear just for a few moments. When she doesn’t say anything, I feel almost physically pushed to step in and respond for her.
“Actually, right now Mina is working on a pitch for a campaign she could have the lead on. For Status. The hotel and events brand.”
“Who? They clearly need a brand overhaul. I’ve never heard of them.” Mum wrinkles her top lip.
“Well, we’re only being tasked with advertising, a TV ad, in fact.”
“For now,” Mum says. “But do a good job with that and who knows?”
“You’re right. That’s why I really hope I’m the lead for the campaign,” Mina says to my mum but I feel her eyes on me.
“Well, we shall see if you’re successful,” I say tersely because of course I’m not going to openly admit to my mother that we’re effectively going against each other for that pitch and the possible promotion to Creative Director, a role my mother has wanted me to secure for years.
“I like your resolve and determination, Mina,” Mum says, and I can almost see her atoms re-shaping to place Mina in a different, worthier category than whatever one she was in previously. “You don’t see that enough in young women these days.”
Thrown off by Mina now getting on my mother’s good side, I feel agitated all over again.
“Let me get you that drink, Mina,” I say and give them both my back, after which I proceed to down both of the brandy and lemonades.
“Were you as surprised as me when Charlie asked you out?” I hear Mum ask and I shut my eyes in despair.
“Well, it was a bit of a sur—” Mina is cut off.
“I know he says he’s bisexual,” Mum begins and I am absolutely, resolutely not going to turn around and watch this in real time. It’s bad enough being forced to listen to it. “But of course, he’s only really dated men and so I just assumed he meant he was bisexual in the way his brother once was, you know, as a stepping stone to being gay.” I don’t have to see my mother to know she’s using air quotes every time she says the word bisexual. For fuck’s sake.
Finally, a member of bar staff approaches and I quickly place my order for Mina’s water and another brandy and lemonade for me. With a double shot. But still, it doesn’t stop me catching their continuing conversation.
“No,” Mina says and her voice is louder, more confident even. “He’s definitely not gay. I can promise you that.”
It’s Mum’s turn to sound flustered. “Oh, well, yes, I suppose…”
“And not that it matters but I’m also queer, by the way. I’m bisexual too.” Mina tells my mother, echoing her tone and very likely the air quotes when she says bisexual.
And just like that, I feel ready to turn around. In fact, I’m quite keen to see Mum’s face.
“I suppose it’s the trendy thing to be these—” Mum begins and I open my mouth to interject but Mina – wonderful, amazing Mina – is quicker.
