Page 34 of Pieces of Us

It is unbelievable that the temp agency placed her at my dad’s business, conveniently where her ex-boyfriend works. I must be owed some serious bad karma for all these convenient events to line up while I’m in town.

Since the last time I was here—which is going back a good seven or so years—the interior has undergone a few facelifts to keep in line with next-generation trends. Immediately, I’m drawn to my new favourite feature—the green wall. When it was installed, Dad was so excited to tell me, he explained in intricate detail every morsel of the wall, which is seventy square metres and contains approximately 4,500 plants.

The length of it provides a peaceful pathway towards the architect end of the office, which is where Dad and Uncle Jacob’s offices reside. Calming, ambient music infiltrates throughout the office which, to my delight, is relatively bare.

‘Can I help you, hon?’ A girl about my age pops out, making me clutch at my chest. She exudes a bubbliness that radiates her entire aura. As I open my mouth to quietly explain who I am, she lets out a fan-girling squeal, reaching for my hand as if we’re best friends. ‘Oh my gosh, you’re Amity!!!! I love you so much. What are you doing here? Are you real? I’m not asleep, and you’re not a dream or a ghost, right?’ Normally, stalkerish fans like this would slightly freak me out, but her excitement makes me giggle. She’s still clutching my hand, bouncing on the spot, and I can’t help but throw my head back and giggle at her very over-the-top reaction. ‘I’m Daniella, but people call me Ella. I work here in the marketing department,’ she shares. ‘No, but seriously, what are you doing here?’ Once I’m certain she’s finished, her eyes open like saucers, penetrating my face.

I quickly glance around and am relieved that no one else is watching this exchange. I really don’t know what to respond to first. I know Dad is supremely proud of my achievements, but I don’t think he’s necessarily shouted them from the rooftops and told each and every one of his staff that we’re related. My social media presence is wide, but information about my personal life is sparse.

‘Hi, Ella. I really don’t know how to say this, but, um, Mark Hartford is my dad.’ She gasps before a stinging sound bounces throughout the room. Both hands are slapped to the side of her cheeks. ‘And I should probably add that Jacob Hayes is pretty much my second dad.’ I bite my lip to stifle a giggle from seeing her eyebrows disappear to the top of her forehead.

‘Shut up!’

‘I’m just here to pick up some papers for Dad from Uncle Jacob’s office, so I was hoping to get in and out without many people noticing.’

‘I can’t. What? This can’t be real.’ Looking at the ground, I can tell she’s trying not to let her head explode. I don’t know how to exit from this amusing encounter, so I wait until she’s ready to excuse me. I wait. And wait. And wait some more. Putting her out of her misery, I ask her what I know she’s too embarrassed to ask me herself.

‘Would you like a photo?’

Her face lights up comically like she’s Ronald McDonald.

‘Oh my God. Yes!’

‘Let’s take it where the green wall is. Better background.’ I usher her closer to the backdrop.

‘Are you sure?’

I nod enthusiastically. ‘Absolutely.’

‘I promise I won’t tag where we are. I’m pretty sure I could get fired for this.’

‘It’s fine. I’m happy to do it.’

She squishes in nice and close to me as if we’ve been best friends forever and starts tapping the photo button with her thumb. In truth, I’m grateful for this interruption, because I was feeling uncomfortable the further I wandered down the hallway.

‘Thank you so much, Amity.’ She flicks through the myriad of photos. ‘I’m going to go now, before I embarrass myself further.’ It’s only then that I feel her brain has caught up with the last five minutes. She’s bashfully looking at the ground.

‘Was so nice meeting you.’ I pull her in for a hug, hoping her bouncy energy from before will transfer to my body for the rest of this visit. With one last sweet smile, she skips away, leaving me to continue on to Uncle Jacob’s office.

‘Wait!’ She stops me in my tracks. I freeze, turning around.

‘I just want to say your dad and Jacob are the best bosses to work for. I really like working here. Hope your dad is feeling better. We all heard about his accident.’

It’s such a small sentiment, but it touches me deeply. There’s no doubt in my mind that Dad and Uncle Jacob have created a remarkable workplace and culture. The fact that someone from my generation feels the urge to let me know speaks volumes about the types of people they hire. Except for two.

‘They’re my two favourite men in the world.’ With that, I go to leave.

‘Oh, oh. If you know Jacob, you’d know his son then? Lincoln? He works here now. I think he’s still here.’ I go rigid at her words and try with all my might to act like they don’t skewer me like a shishkabob.

‘Oh. Well, we’ll see,’ I say, stumbling away.

As I round the corner, I see my first nightmare materialise in front of me. Billie is sauntering towards me in a slutty red dress and giraffe-like platforms. The vision of her is jarring, as the rest of the employees I passed were dressed business casual or in business attire.

What draws my attention the most is how dishevelled she looks. Her hair is mussed and her dress is cinched up her thighs. Centimetres higher and I’ll be able to see her underwear—if she’s even wearing any.

She stops short when she sees me, her mouth leering into a sneer. ‘Well, if it isn’t Gold Coast’s golden girl, returning to greet us lowly peasants with her presence,’ she snickers.

I honestly don’t know what I ever did to her for her to detest me so much.

---