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‘You’ve been in and out of the loo all morning, and it was the politest question compared to the alternatives.’
I try to force a smile.
‘Seriously, Aari, what’s up?’
I feel tears welling up and try to blink them away.
‘Come.’
Lara grabs my hand and drags me into the bathroom. As soon as we are in, she pulls me into a warm hug and I let my tears fall.
‘I know you’re a secretive cow, but are you okay?’
‘Yes. Just facing the fear and doing it anyway.’
Lara attempts to lighten the mood. ‘Look at you, plagiarising self-help authors! You’d be a perfect fit for CrimeSpree. He’s always nicking other people’s lyrics. Did I mention he gives out free merchandise? I’ll even buy you lunch.’
‘I might skip coming down today, if that’s okay?’
‘Sure. I’ll bring up some crisps and chocolate, so you don’t starve,’ she suggests.
‘Seriously, you have the diet of a malnourished six-year-old.’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment. Now, wipe your eyes and stand tall.’ Lara gives me a tissue and straightens my shirt. ‘Bit of advice. Don’t be afraid to look whatever is scaring you in the eye and stare it down. You’ll find that once you confront it, it becomes really easy to conquer.’
I nod, keeping my emotions in.
‘Little catch-up later?’
‘Okay.’
With that, she gives me a kiss on the cheek and leaves. Fortified by Lara’s courage, I step out of the bathroom onto the half-empty work floor and make my way to the glass dome.
TWO
CALEB
‘Come in!’ I respond to the knock, glancing at my computer screen to make sure that nothing incriminating or inappropriate is open.
When I joined Ivory Bow as a brand experience sales manager and moved into my glass cubicle, or ‘Bow Dome’ as we call it, I took great care to select one that allowed me to obscure my screen from prying eyes. Initially, I’d taken the job out of desperation, so the plan was to keep sending out my CV until something better came along. Then, I hit a lucky streak and couldn’t leave. Now, I have a little idea brewing, so every once in a while, I’ll work on that when it’s quiet.
I am relieved when the girl walks in quietly. She shuts the door but holds on to the handle, like she has no intention of letting go. I relax a bit. She is a little fidgety, but clearly understands boundaries. She’s obviously new and very junior, judging by the way she is dressed. Working in this building will soon take care of that. Before long, she’ll join the tribe and find herself in clothes she can’t afford, make-up her skin can’t breathe through and heels she can’t walk in. I smile to myself. The monster gets its way every bloody time.
‘Is the room still available?’
Well, hello, straight shooter! No flirty smile, no introductions – just down to business. I like that she has just cut through all the crap, but I have absolutely no plans to rent my spare room to a girl. Even if I did, it most definitely isn’t going to be her. I appraise her riding boots, ironed jeans, sky-blue button-down shirt and the tweed jacket hanging on her. Her accent suggests public school, probably bolstered with an Oxbridge degree.
She seems almost annoyed to be speaking to me; I can smell entitlement like this a mile off. Her unwavering stare and the slight tilt of her nose confirm my assessment. She must be an intern with a loaded, well-connected daddy. She expects the room to be hers already, but there’s no way I am living with her. Some rejection will be good for her, so I decide to entertain myself a little.
‘How did you hear about the room?’
‘The staff noticeboard downstairs?’
She doesn’t look like she has earned the right to be called ‘staff’ just yet. She looks like she volunteers at a horse stable. That jacket is very odd. Maybe she is from the countryside living magazine a few floors below.
‘Sorry. The advert was for Ivory Bow employees only.’
‘Advertised in the building’s café?’
