Page 73 of Happier Days

Ava wasn’t one to pull a sickie at the drop of a hat, and she’d worked overtime whenever necessary. Since her divorce she’d barely taken a holiday, choosing odd days here and there rather than a longer break. But Monday morning, getting onto the Tube, then merging in with the crowd, almost being pushed along, she wished she didn’t have to go into the office at all.

Nancy’s welcoming face made her feel a little better.

‘Ava, I’m so glad you’re back.’ She rushed round to give her a hug. ‘I’ve missed you so much.’

‘How’s the bull?’ Ava removed her coat and popped it over the back of her chair. ‘Is he in yet?’

Nancy nodded, sliding back into her seat. ‘He seems quite happy this morning.’

‘Oh? Any reason why?’

‘I have no idea, and I don’t even want to think the obvious. Imagine waking up to his face of a morning.’

Ava snorted. ‘I’ve missed your humour, Nance. Shall we catch up over lunch out?’

‘It’s a deal. I want to know all about you-know-who.’

An image of Jack flashed up in Ava’s mind. Only four more sleeps and she’d be with him again. She’d already booked hertrain for five-thirty on Friday evening. There was no way she was staying over. She wanted every spare minute she could muster.

Spying Brendon coming into the room, both women put their heads down, pretending to be busy.

‘Ah, Ava, you’re here at last.’ Brendon snapped his fingers. ‘I need a word.’

Ava stared at Nancy, sending her a message telepathically that she knew she’d understand. What did Brendon want now?

‘He could have given me half an hour to have a coffee,’ she muttered, pushing herself reluctantly to standing.

‘I’ll make you one for when you’re back.’

Ava passed her mug over and walked across the office. Only a month ago, she’d done the same thing, a sense of trepidation in her step. But it had turned out to be the best thing to happen to her in a long time. Now, though, she dreaded what Brendon was going to say next. Nothing could top the last four weeks.

‘Sit down.’ He ushered her in with the flap of a hand. ‘I wanted to talk to you about something.’

‘Is everything all right?’ she asked.

‘Yes, yes. In fact, everything is tickety-boo.’

Tickety-boo?

‘I’ve had an email from Stella Broadhurst, telling me how much she has enjoyed working with you over the past month, how good a job you’ve made, and that she wants to hire you again soon.’

‘Oh.’ Ava sat upright, excited to hear that Stella had been in touch. ‘I was left to my own devices a lot of the time. Giving me free rein meant I could design something bespoke and?—

‘Yes, I know all that,’ Brendon interrupted. ‘I’m going to chase her up this morning.’ He wrote himself a reminder. ‘So, in light of the work that you’ve done, I’ve been touting for more around the country and I have another job lined up for you. Itwill involve working out of the office again, but I’m sure you’re used to that now.’

Ava’s shoulders sagged. She had thought she’d be back to her normal role. She didn’t want to go parading up and down the country, catching trains, being away from home. And she could bet the digs she’d be put in wouldn’t be a tap on Sapphire Hotel.

Still, it would only be for a few months while she set up the new business. The loan Jack had offered her was tempting, but she needed to do this on her own. His guidance, however, she would value.

‘I thought the placement in Somerley was a one-off,’ she said.

‘It was, but you’ve done such a good job of the website that I’ve been able to get others interested, too. What’s more, I’d like to offer you a promotion in lieu of the extra work.’

‘A promotion?’

‘I’m going to raise your salary by one thousand pounds and give you two days extra holiday entitlement.’

He sat back, pleased with himself.

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