Page 53 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“And has she enrolled Seren in a school there?” Philippa leaned over to her desk to grab a pad and a pen. She jotted down a couple of notes.

“Not yet,” said Alex.

“Good,” said Philippa.

Alex looked up. “Why does that matter?”

“Well, she can’t actually change Seren’s school without consulting you. The law is a greyer area in terms of moving her more generally, but aside from that, have you given written permission for Jess to take Seren out of the country?” asked Philippa.

“No,” said Alex.

“Right, we need to act quickly then,” said Philippa, getting up and moving to her desk. She put on her reading glasses and turned on her laptop. “She can’t actually take Seren out of the country without your written consent in the first instance. And even then, she can’t change her schooling without your consultation. Obviously, we need to work fast, though, given how quickly she seems to be making her plans.”

“So we can stop this?” asked Alex, a glimmer of hope in her eyes for the first time that evening.

“I think we can,” said Philippa. “And I’m going to do everything in my power to prevent it from happening.”

“But can you act as my solicitor, given, well, you know,” said Alex, a half-smile appearing on her face.

“Not formally. But I can provide you with the advice you need. We will work something out, I promise,” said Philippa, looking over at the woman who had come to mean so much more to her than she had ever expected.

“Thank you,” said Alex. “You really are my hero, you know.”

“I do my best,” conceded Philippa, with a smile of her own.

“Can I just say how hot you look, all sweaty and post-exercise?” said Alex.

Philippa rolled her eyes. “Let’s focus on the matter in hand.”

“Yeah, but don’t tell me you haven’t thought about bending me over your desk,” said Alex with a smirk.

Philippa ignored her but went very red. Alex appeared to have a hotline into her brain again. She shook her head slightly and started writing an email. Her fingers moved quickly and efficiently. Alex stayed quiet for ten minutes while she finished it off and pressed send.

“Right,” said Philippa. “I should be able to get something for you tomorrow once everyone is back in the office. In the meantime, don’t respond to any messages from Jess. And for goodness’ sake, don’t go to France.”

“Oui,” said Alex. “Message received.” She saluted Philippa. “I genuinely don’t know what I would have done without you. Jess told me that because she’s the primary carer, she can go wherever she wants with Seren. I couldn’t see any way of making it work without going with her.”

“I could tell by the look on your face. Even your freckles went pale. Honestly, I’m relieved you have a bit more colour now,” said Philippa. “And, for the record, you know I’m not interested in Sienna, right?”

“Yeah,” said Alex. “I’m not going to lie, I did have a bit of a moment when I saw her kissing you.”

“You stormed off,” said Philippa. “Not without good cause, I might add.”

“Yes, I did that, but as soon as I read your message, I knew you were telling the truth.” Alex rubbed the back of her neck. “You don’t seem the kind of woman to hide behind a lie. So after I’d cooled down, I started to reply to you. Then Jess called and this whole nightmare began.”

“I see,” said Philippa. “That makes sense.”

Philippa took off her specs and placed them on the desk. She walked around to the other side and perched on the edge of it to face Alex, who stood and walked towards her.

Alex smiled and put her arms around Philippa. The pair embraced, and Philippa breathed in the scent of Alex’s hair.

Alex moved her head back so she could kiss Philippa. “I know I’m a bit of a mess,” she said, “but I’m your mess.”

“You’re no more mess than I would be in your position,” Philippa told her. She kissed Alex back. “Come on. I need to get a shower. You coming with me?”

Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “I sure am. Is Dottie with Paul?”

Philippa grinned and nodded.

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