Page 22 of Brighter Together

My voice is rough when I manage, “Thanks.”

I take a step backwards.

I need to leave before I walk into an important business meeting with a very obvious erection.

“You are welcome, sir.” Ella’s mouth curves slightly.

I turn towards the door.

This woman is going to kill me.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Virginia.”

I shake her hand while Sheila steps forward to escort her towards reception.

Virginia leaves smiling which is always a good sign.

A very good sign, actually.

I exhale slowly and loosen my shoulders for what feels like the first time in an hour.

“How did it go?”

I turn towards the voice, and find Ella standing at the bottom of the oak staircase, one hand resting lightly on the banister.

“I think we’ve got it.”

Her whole face lights up.

Not a polite smile.

Not the professional one she gives guests.

A proper one.

“That’s amazing.” The enthusiasm in her voice does something stupidly satisfying to my chest. “That’ll help with the financing of the extension project.”

I nod. “Exactly.”

She starts walking towards me.

I watch her come closer and catch myself smiling again.

There’s something about the way she talks about Greenview as though it belongs to her too that gets me every time.

She cares about this place.

About what happens to it.

I’ve spent enough years in hospitality to recognise fake enthusiasm from fifty paces.

Ella’s is real.

She stops in front of me.

Then I notice the dark speck at the corner of her mouth.

“Ella, you’ve got…”