Page 34 of Knowing You
‘I don’t know what to say. I thought I was in here to collect my P45,’ says Irfan.
‘I’m so sorry I gave you that expectation. Business is steady, although we can’t afford to get complacent. We’re only as good as our authors. As for Gary, well – perhaps this would have happened sooner rather than later, anyway.’
‘Remember Callum Phinn?’ says Irfan.
Felicity and I nod. The three of us had been knocked sideways by his sensitive story of the gay son of a macho weapon systems operator in the RAF. He almost signed with us but, in the end, went for another publishing house, despite our clear marketing passion and long-term vision. Callum was a debut author and signed for a one book deal offering more money instead of our two book deal that showed more commitment. His novel didn’t do as well as expected and the publisher lost confidence and didn’t re-sign him.
‘One of a successful debut author’s most important skills is to realise they are only as good as their next book,’ says Irfan. ‘The five-star reviews and the raving publicists mean nothing if you don’t keep on top of the writing. Like Grace Webster.’
We all smiled. A former television newscaster, she wrote laugh out loud young children’s books and despite her global success, was the most conscientious of all our authors.
‘I like Gary,’ continues Irfan. ‘I wish him all the best. I would have liked to publish his next books, but for lots of reasons authors move on – we all understand that. I just hope he stays on track.’
Irfan and I stand up and thank Felicity once again for the gifts. She asks me to stay behind. I sit down again. She waits for the door to close.
‘This is awkward for me to say, Violet, and I do hope you won’t take it the wrong way.’ She picks up a biro and fiddles with it. ‘I can’t help but notice… lately… you…’ Her fingers grip the biro more tightly. ‘Okay. I’m just going to say it. Please don’t take offence for me making such a personal remark. Your appearance, it’s very different. And good for you,’ she adds quickly. ‘I mean, you looked great before and do now, just in a different way. I’m just concerned that, well, it’s a very glamorous look and—’
I squirm. This is worse than Farah’s clumsy remarks. ‘I just wanted to get healthy and—’
Felicity holds up her hand. ‘Violet. I’m pleased for you, but I need to know… is this all part of a plan to leave Thoth and push your career forwards with one of the Big Five? Because I truly value you as an employee and if you are thinking of leaving, I’d like us to discuss what I can do to make you stay. Perhaps—’
I digest her words. The changes I’ve made seem to have already pushed my career prospects forwards. ‘Please don’t worry on that score. I love my job here and hope to build on what I’ve already achieved. Honestly. My new look… I just, I don’t know – thought that it was time for a change.’
Felicity’s shoulders relax. ‘Really? What a relief. Thoth wouldn’t be Thoth without Violet Vaughan.’
For some reason, hearing those words makes me want to tear up.
‘And you are quite right. Change can be a good thing. I’ve had all sorts of different hairstyles over the years. Perms. Highlights. I even had dreadlocks as a student.’
I smile.
‘I’m so glad you aren’t leaving us. You’d be sorely missed.’
Suddenly Mondays don’t seem so bad after all. I head back to my desk. Irfan looks like a guilty puppy as he sits behind a half-eaten box of chocolates. I shall leave mine in the office overnight. I don’t want the temptation. Although I might just have one with a coffee, seeing as I didn’t have breakfast. I settle back in front of my screen and take a double-take at my screen. A message from Lenny has dropped into my inbox. This morning is full of surprises.
Hi Violet,
How are you? I hope everything is okay.
I’m sure I don’t need to mention this, but me letting you read Alien Hearts was done as a favour and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t talk to anyone about this manuscript. Casey Wilde has found out that it’s been read before submission. I’d only let a few people take a look, like Hilary in accounts who’s a huge fan of dystopian novels and Dan in marketing. However, annoyingly, I lost a printed-out version I was taking home last month. I took it out of my briefcase at a book signing when I was looking for my phone charger and must have left it there. Casey says he had drinks with some woman at the weekend who’s seen it. He messaged me on Facebook but seemed reluctant to give more details, although it’s obvious he really liked her. Anyway, I know you wouldn’t do this to me, but I do need you to delete the file.
Cheers.
All the best,
Lenny
My appetite disappears and is replaced by a dull ache at the way he emails me in a friendly tone as if nothing has happened. And what about the comment making it clear that I didn’t figure as a contender for being the sort of woman Casey would like?
I haven’t looked at Lenny’s Facebook page again, but now can’t resist. I wonder how Casey and Lenny have talked about me.
Is it possible he could fancy me?
I log in to Facebook with his password and click into the message Casey sent.
Hey Lenny
I’m messaging you privately on here so that – for your sake – our conversation doesn’t get picked up in your office. I met someone at the weekend who’s read Alien Hearts. It’s not even on submission at the moment. She said you were the source. I don’t want to say anymore. She’s a lovely person.
