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“Yes.”
“So, we aren’t doing the social with WHM?”
“No. Is that a problem?”
I shrugged. “No, not at all. Just curious.”
“Trevor White was keen to take us out, but I think we’ll have had enough of the corporate face by that point, don’t you?”
“I guess,” I said. “Whatever you think.”
“It’s been taken off the agenda anyway. I said we’d be busy catching up on other project updates.”
“Sure,” I smiled. “That’s fine. I’m sure we’ll catch them again.”
“We’ll have enough to discuss amongst ourselves, without Trevor White trailing you around all evening.”
“I’m sorry?”
“He likes you, Lydia. Professionallyandpersonally.”
I flushed. “I don’t think you can say that based on a few calls to my direct line number, I’m his project manager.”
“I’m not basing it on a few calls to your direct line number, I’m basing it on a few emails he sent to my inbox yesterday afternoon.”
“What emails? What did he say?”
“Never mind what he said. I just don’t want him creeping around.”
“You don’t need to worry about me, I’d be very professional,” I said. “I’m not going to be flirting with clients. Work and play don’t mix.”
He leant forwards even closer, until musk and vanilla danced across the desk to me. “No. They don’t. Just so long as you remember that.”
“I think I’d find it hardnotto remember that in light of recent circumstances, thanks very much.”
His eyes softened. “I’m just being cautious, Lydia.”
“It’s fine.” But it wasn’t. My hackles were up, my foot twitching under his desk.
“We’ll still get a social, a treat on me. You deserve it after everything you’ve put in. I really do appreciate it.”
Too little, too late. “Was there anything else?” I handed him back his itinerary, and got to my feet.
“Well, I was thinking we could go through the...” he paused, weighing me up. “No, there’s nothing else.”
“Then I’ll see you in Brighton,” I said. “I’ve got a lot to prepare over the next few days.”
“Of course.”
I didn’t linger.
The ping of my email sounded as soon as I was back in my seat.
From: James Clarke
Subject: Professionalism
Lydia, I’ve offended you. It was unintentional, and I assure you it’s much more about Trevor White than it is about you. I would never question your professional integrity. You conduct yourself faultlessly.
