Page 43 of The Dicktionary Club

‘When I heard Philip Khan was in the building, I just had to come and introduce myself!’ she announced. ‘I didn’t know your pitch had already begun?’ She side-eyed me and I felt my spine straighten up in an instant.

I managed to force a smile onto my face. ‘Oh sorry! I didn’t realise you wanted to sit in, my apologies, Andrea. Mr Khan, this is my boss, Andrea.’

Philip stood and leaned over the table, shaking her hand. ‘I’ve heard many good things.’

Andrea blushed, combing her long, thin fingers through her bob. ‘So, how are we getting on here?’

The room turned silent, and I paused, not quite knowingwhat to say.

‘Well .?.?.’ I began.

‘Pilates has done a fantastic pitch!’

Shit, shit, the name. I could feel my heart pound as I clocked the look of confusion on Andrea’s face.

‘I’m very impressed.’ Philip turned his head. He seemed to be thinking on the spot, and it was as if I could see the cogs turning in his head – yes, he was thinking that Andreareallywas a dick, and Ireallycould lose my job over this.

‘And?’ Andrea pressed.

He laughed. ‘Deals aren’t done overnight, as you well know, Andrea,’ he warned, sinking back into his chair. ‘We were just discussing potential options.’

Her lips pursed. She wasn’t used to people not being terrified of her.

‘Well, I do prefer when they are done overnight, don’t I,Ella?’

Fuck, fuck, she’s picked up on the name. I tried desperately to keep my face in some kind of order while Andrea raised her eyebrow at me as if alerting me to the fact that I better get this wrapped up or else.

‘Oh, yes! You certainly do, Andrea.’ I attempted a fake laugh, nerves bubbling under my skin at her calling out my name.

‘Well, we should get back to it then,’ Philip announced, staring at Andrea as if to politely sayfuck off.

‘Right, yes,’ she murmured, turning to the door. ‘And can you remember to switch off the lights when you leave this time? The electricity bill will be deducted from you and your little friends’ salaries next time. Honestly,’ she laughed hard to Philip, ‘you have no idea how many times I have to warn them!’

I tittered a little; but honestly, how bloody embarrassing? Sweetly, I smiled back. ‘Sure will, Andrea, goodnight.’

She left the room, and I breathed a sigh of relief as subtly as I could.

The room turned deadly silent again as we both listened to the clip-clopping of my boss’s heels echo down the corridor.

I was humiliated twice over. I’d never understand why that woman spoke to me like such a child, especially in front of a client.

Philip eventually burst out laughing. ‘Wow. She is a lot. God!’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘Now I understand the lengths you went to just to get me here,Ella.’ He raised a brow, awaiting an explanation.

I could do nothing but gaze at the floor, still far too on edge from Andrea’s outburst to laugh it off or come up with a convincing enough excuse. ‘Yeah, I’m sorry about the name change, and about Andrea, actually.’ I replied quietly, feeling my toes curl in response to my lie having been unravelled.

‘Why give me a fake name?’ he asked calmly.

I eventually looked at him. ‘I didn’t know you, and I wasn’t interested in getting to know you, so I .?.?.’

Philip smiled in pure amusement. ‘So you created the worst fake name on the planet?’

‘I suppose I did. Yes.’ I pushed my shoulders back, owning my blunder. ‘But you did fall for it,’ I added, smirking at the situation.

‘Trust me, I really didn’t, but I was curious.’ Philip paused, weighing up his options. ‘Look. Maybe .?.?.maybesomething can be done here. I just think you could do so much more with this artist. I mean, you clearly love his work. A hotel venue just .?.?.to me.?.?. just doesn’t cut the mustard.’ His voice was deep, gravelly, a little bit cheeky, yet polite. ‘Let me think on it.’

Jesus Christ, put me out of my misery here!

‘Would you like me to show you my plan for the function or a timeline of the night I’ve got in mind?’ I reached for the laptop again, hoping to persuade him.

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