Page 5 of Faking It (and falling in love)

Her first appointment of the day was with a woman navigating her divorce from a man who had controlled her for years. Philippa had been working with the woman for a few months. She strolled out into the reception area to find Daria waiting.

“Lovely coat,” said Philippa. “Is that new?”

“It is,” said Daria, smiling a little more confidently today than she had done in the past. “I’ve got my own bank account now, and I thought it might be ok if I bought myself something new.”

“Gorgeous,” said Philippa, grinning. “It’s a fabulous shade of green.” As far as she could recall, this was the first time Daria had done anything entirely for herself since she’d escaped the clutches of the man who had abused her. It made her happy. She ushered her client’s slim frame into her office. “I think today we should look at the options for the division of assets, particularly around the house.”

Daria frowned and appeared to shrink into her new coat. “Do you think we can do that? Won’t his solicitor try to stop us?”

Philippa smiled. “His solicitor’s job is to get the best deal for their client. My job is to get the best deal for you. And you have every right to it.”

“Do I need to be in the same room as my ex to do this?” asked Daria, her eyes wide.

“Not if I can help it,” said Philippa. “Most of this will be done by letter, but remember, I’m here to represent you, and that’s what I intend to do.”

Daria gave a cautious smile and breathed out. “Ok. So, what are the options?”

Chapter Four

“It’s show time,” said Charlie, ushering Philippa into the glossy corporate offices of the finance consultancy. There was a sign directing them to the networking event on the seventh floor, and they walked over to the lift, which arrived with a polished ding just as they stopped outside it.

“Ugh, I hate these things,” she said.

“Rubbish. You always say that,” said Charlie. “But then you make conversation all evening and come back with a brilliant new contact or idea or, on one occasion, as I recall, a new member of staff.”

“Ok, I’ll admit, they can be useful, but that’s not the same as enjoying them,” she said, looking at herself in the lift’s mirrored wall. She smoothed down her bob and checked there wasn’t any lipstick on her teeth.

“You look gorgeous,” said Charlie. “And who knows who you might meet…” He trailed off and gave her a wink.

“I don’t think I’ll be picking up any hot lesbians here, Charles, but I love your optimism,” she said with a laugh. “Besides, everyone here thinks I’m straight. I’ve been knockingaround corporate Birmingham for years. My straight and somewhat dull reputation goes before me.”

“I’m sure we can change that,” said Charlie. “Although, my love, you have never been dull.”

“Well, thank you,” said Philippa, placing a hand on Charlie’s arm. The lift doors opened. “Once more into the fray.”

They headed straight for a table to their left, laden with red and white wine and soft drinks. Philippa grabbed herself a glass of red, while Charlie went for the white. Philippa spotted Roderick at the other end of the room. She gave a wry smile, predicting he would give her a wide berth this evening.

She spotted a lawyer from a neighbouring firm and walked over to say hello to her, leaving Charlie chatting to a fundraising director from a local charity.

Halfway through the evening, Philippa realised she’d spoken to all the people she needed to in order to keep the right relationships warm. She’d never realised how important this sort of thing was when she was doing her law degree at university, but while she was a lawyer, she was also a business woman, and relationships were critical.

She’d just returned to the table to refresh her glass when a new face appeared at the door. She was slim with long brown hair, ruffled and wavy, and a nonchalant air. She sauntered in, jeans fitting her perfectly, and bangles jangling round her wrist. The woman wore a dark blue shirt and a light blue blazer, and Philippa couldn’t keep her eyes off her. She was familiar with most of the people in the room, but she was sure she’d have remembered this face.

The woman, hands in pockets, advanced towards the drinks table where Philippa was still standing, staring back at her. She gathered herself hurriedly, smiled at the woman, and then hastened her way to the other side of the room where she’d spotted Gerry, the chief operating officer of the firm that heldthis monthly event. She always made a point of saying hello to him.

“Lovely event as usual, Gerry,” said Philippa. “Always a valuable place to do business.”

“Thank you, Philippa. Always a delight to see you,” replied Gerry. He was in his early sixties, wore what looked like an expensive designer suit and gave off the scent of sophisticated aftershave. “I think I saw Paul at the golf course the other day, so I gather he’s not overseas at present?”

“Ah no,” said Philippa, gathering herself for the conversation she needed to have. One of the things about getting divorced, or coming out, was that she found herself having to tell people over and over again. “He retired last year, so he has more time for golf. Although I should probably say that we actually separated a little while ago.”

“Oh,” said Gerry, his eyes softening. “I’m sorry to hear that. Are you ok?”

“Yes, thanks,” said Philippa, “and actually I…”

She trailed off. Just over Gerry’s shoulder, she could see the woman in the blue jacket talking to a man who was standing with Roderick. The man reached his arm around the woman’s shoulder, and Philippa recognised the look on her face immediately. The woman was distinctly uncomfortable. Philippa felt blood rush to her face. “Excuse me,” she said to Gerry. She made her way towards the group of three.

“Maybe I can get you a drink, love,” the man was saying, his words slurred. The woman’s eyebrows shot up and she tried awkwardly to slide his arm off her.

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