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“Lucian!”
“No one leaves,” I repeat, and cut the call.
Chelsea
Ijump at the slam of a door. The force causes the thin walls around us to vibrate. Raised voices from the shop filter in, and muffled words dance around us.
Time passes painfully slowly. But rather than watch the hands of the wall clock tick by, my attention is fixed on the fluorescent ceiling light, which flickers on and off.
“I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t just sit here twiddling my thumbs,” Eve says. Getting to her feet, she makes her way to the small counter and flicks the kettle on. She peers over her shoulder, causing her thick ebony locks to rustle against the collar of her jacket. With a sombre smile she motions her hand toward the ceramic mugs hanging on the stand.
I shake my head. “No, thank you.”
Royston stands and on tiptoes makes his way toward the door.
“You can’t go out there,” I whisper-shout.
“I’m not,” Royston says, flapping his hand for me to be quiet.
I frown and lean forward in my chair. “What are you doing?”
“What’s it look like?” Royston presses his ear to the door and closes his eyes.
Eve lets out a sigh. “Well, it was good while it lasted. I guess it’s time to look for another job.”
“We don’t know anything yet,” I remind her, trying my best to sound optimistic.
Eve rolls her eyes. “I think the ‘sold’ sign out front is clarification enough.”
Forever the pessimist.
I open my mouth but have nothing to say in reply. Pursing my lips together, I sandwich my hands between my thighs. How can I stay upbeat and convince Eve and Royston everything will be fine when I have doubts myself? I slump back in my seat and look up at the ceiling light. The damn thing keeps flickering. Dust escapes from around the long fluorescent bulb as footfalls sound from above. I gather Tyler and his father are continuing their conversation in the flat.
“Hey, don’t you start work on the farm today?” Royston asks, and I follow his gaze to the wall-mounted clock.
I nod, feeling guilty that I’m starting a new job just as Eve and Royston could be losing theirs. “I need to be here for Tyler.”
“We’re here,” Royston says and opens his arms. “Please, go. We don’t all need to be unemployed after today, do we?”
I smile awkwardly and glance at Eve, whose expression sours. “Girl, you better leave before I whoop your ass.”
I let out a stifled laugh and get to my feet.
“Thatagirl,” Royston says, and opens the door for me. My smile is replaced by a frown when I notice Lucian standing on the other side. He’s dressed in a perfectly fitted grey suit and salmon tie. The guy hasn’t so much as breathed a word and yet all eyes are on him. He stands with purpose and exudes confidence. Unlike any man I’ve ever met, Lucian possesses an aura that both bewitches and intrigues. His presence alone demands attention.
“Excellent timing, Royston,” Lucian says, and enters the staff room. “We haven’t all been formally introduced. My name is Lucian Calloway. I am a proud co-owner of Calloway Housebuilders.”
Eve’s and Royston’s jaws drop. Everyone who’s everyone has heard of the Calloways, but it’s not every day that you meet one in the flesh. But neither his name nor wealth impress me, and I find my attention better spent checking my acrylic nails.
“Now that we are all here, I think it best I tell you where you stand going forward. Sparkle for Men will be converted into an estate agency. I hope that you will continue to work here, but be aware that I want reliable staff whom I can depend on to sell a vast range of properties.”
“But—” Eve interrupts.
“Before you ask, I don’t expect this to happen overnight. You will start at the bottom filing papers and work your way up. Full training will be provided. If successful, not only will your hourly rate be increased, but you will receive commission on every sale you make.” Lucian motions with his hand. “The door is right there; I suggest you go if you want to find another job. But I encourage you to stay if you want the chance of a lucrative career.”
I’m floored. As far as speeches go, Lucian sure can deliver. As much as it pains me to admit, he managed to drag my attention from my nails. Eve and Royston talk quietly amongst one another. As for Lucian, his gaze never deviates from me.
The clock ticks melodically in the background, reminding me that—despite what my brain is telling me—time has not stood still.
