Page 109 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

I smile to myself, reflecting on how I have such great friends now in comparison to Anya and the rest of the McArthur Cohen lot. In fact, I have such a great life full stop – apart from things being a bit tight financially. The office and my ‘high-flying’ career had its appeal. I was caught up in the game, the politics, the never-ending search for my next career ‘hit’. But I was never truly in control of my life. I was one tiny cog in that huge grinding wheel. Now, here, doing this. I’m free. I’m my own boss, I make the decisions, and best of all, my successes are totally mine. I’ve opened doors I never even knew existed. This is a much better fit for me than any corporate environment.

While lost in my thoughts, I become aware of someone having occupied the empty table next to me. As I glance over, I do a double take, then immediately panic. It’s Aaron.

Shit. What shall I do? I haven’t seen him since I got fired. And I don’t think I can face him. Since he’s not seen me yet, I decide to try to slip away unnoticed.

Keen not to waste my drink as well as any writing opportunities, I scan the bar for another table, spotting one where I’ll be at a safe distance. However, just as I’m surreptitiously gathering my stuff, and getting ready to slink away, Aaron looks over.

‘Liv? Is that you?’

I freeze. He’s seen me. What do I do now? Put on a voice and pretend to be someone else? I have my back to him, so he doesn’t know for sure that it’s me. I realise I’m being stupid, and a bloody coward. I’ve been busted, so I need to face the man, and humbly apologise. Then it’s over and done with.

Slowly, I start to turn towards him. ‘Aaron? Hi. Sorry, I didn’t see you there.’

‘Yes, you did.’ He greets me with his usual flat tone. ‘And you were hoping to sneak away unnoticed.’

‘What? No.’ I plaster a look of shock on my face. ‘I wouldn’t do that.’

‘You absolutely would.’ He throws me the same don’t-bullshit-me look I often receive from Dylan. ‘Especially after being fired from the hotel.’

‘Oh, yeah, about that…’ I reluctantly sit back down, squirming unbearably inside. ‘I’m…reallysorry about that. I know I totally abused the opportunity you gave me, as well as your trust. It was reckless and immature, and be assured that I’ve learned my lesson – big time. I really am so sorry, Aaron.’

I sit back and wait for his response, unable to make eye contact. For a few moments Aaron says nothing, and I’m aware of him scrutinising me in his appraising way, making me squirm even more.

‘I just wish you’d covered your tracks better,’ he says eventually.

‘Sorry, what?’ I stare at him in amazement.

‘Your blog was good.’ He shrugs. ‘Really good. And you were a good bar worker. No reason why you couldn’t have done both. It was just a clumsy error. You upped the drama and humour around the situation, but you kept the factual details too accurate. I bet you make sure no one can recognise themselves in your writing now.’

‘You’re spot on there.’ I’m still looking at Aaron with utter bewilderment. ‘But, wait… I thought you’d be really angry with me. I’ve had that same reaction from the others – that I could have done both. From Dylan, even Amir, but I never expected it from you. I was your hire and I let you down; surely you must be pissed off?’

‘Why? Because I’m the stuffy hotel manager?’ Aaron tilts his head and examines me like I’m some kind of lab experiment. ‘Liv, I believe in helping people get on: which includes encouraging them to harness their entrepreneurial spirit – if they’re lucky enough to have some.’

‘I know… I mean…’ I’m so simultaneously astounded and relieved – Aaron’s approval meaning so much to me that I’m tripping over myself. ‘I knew you were supportive… I just… well… youfiredme.’

‘Thecompanyfired you,’ Aaron corrects me. ‘There was no other way. If I could have stopped that, I would have. It was out of my hands. If I’d stepped in, questions would have been asked. And that customer would have followed through on her threat.’

‘I understand.’ I nod. ‘Wow. Thanks, Aaron. The thought of bumping into you, after everything that happened… it’s been filling me with dread for weeks.’

‘I can see that.’ He grins almost proudly. ‘Never saw myself as the scary type.’

‘You’re actually not.’ I smile. ‘Well, not in comparison to a lot of people. I’m so glad you liked my blog. I’m still writing it, you know.’

‘I know.’

‘You’re following it?’ My amazement reaches new levels.

‘I am. And your new one too. It’s still as good as it was.’

‘I take that as high praise coming from you.’ I’m elated to hear this. ‘I’ve actually been offered some freelance blogging work as well. By a couple of people who have been following me online. That will really help with my cash flow.’

Aaron studies me for a moment. His forgiveness and reassurance make me uncomfortable. I take a swig of my gin and tonic as an excuse to look away.

‘As much as I know you would be great at it, I don’t think you need to find a new job in communications, Liv,’ he says finally. ‘I think you’ve found your niche. And I think you’re going to be very successful.’

‘Stop it.’ I wave my hand at him. ‘You’re going to give me a big head.’

‘Don’t worry. That was all you were getting.’ His face returns to its usual poker expression.

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