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‘When do you want to leave?’
‘Monday. You and the client should come along.’
‘That’s less than a week, Ariella. It’s impossible.’
‘Okay, Wednesday. We have to deliver this in four months. I’d like to get started right away. What demographic is the clientele?’
‘Twenty-five of the top two hundred of Forbes five hundred,’ Harrison says casually. ‘Get a bucket and a mop, Ariella. You’re on shit duty.’
I walk out of the meeting room and allow myself to contemplate what I have just agreed to. It is going to be a heck of a ride, and I’m excited because I know there is no way I am going to fail at this – the challenge is exactly what I need.
When I get home that night, the flat is filled with music and the smell of cooking, and Caleb is watching the microwave intently.
‘Hey,’ he calls chirpily.
He’s ramped up the charm offensive with Nicole tonight. At least, I hope it’s Nicole in his bedroom. With old Caleb showing up, it’s anyone’s guess. Caleb has been spoiling me lately, narrowing his escapades down to only one familiar consenting adult; but I am aware that could change at any moment. I decide to grab a yoghurt and get out of his hair. I spot one of my lasagne experiments next to the microwave.
‘Oh, I’m not sure about that one. Try the lamb-based one. It’s the safest option. I’m not sure how this one is going to come out.’ I dive into the freezer to grab a different frozen lasagne.
He turns to me, concerned. ‘You don’t like this one?’
‘It’s not that I don’t like it, I just don’t know if your “friend” will like it. Best be safe.’
‘Eh?’ He looks at me quizzically.
I point to his room and he just looks confused.
‘Who are you cooking for?’
‘You. You were late, so I thought I’d get something ready for you.’
‘Really?’
He gives me the strangest look. ‘Yeah, but I was hungry too, so I grabbed the first thing in the freezer. I was going to eat half and leave the rest for you, but now you’re here, want to eat together?’
‘Sure. Do I have time for a quick shower?’
‘Yeah.’
By the time I’ve hopped through the shower, dinner and a glass of wine is on the bar waiting.
‘This looks great, Caleb!’
‘You made it, I just heated it up. Hurry up, I’m starving.’
We clink our wine glasses and eat in silence until I test the Nicole waters.
‘I thought you were cooking for Nicole tonight.’
Caleb looks mortified. ‘Why would you think that?’
‘Lara and I were watching you both today. I thought you might make it official.’
‘Make what official?’
‘You know, settle down. Become a one-woman man…’
Caleb erupts with laughter. ‘That’s never going to happen, Ariella.’
