Page 14 of The Importance of Being Emma
Robert Martin
Managing Director.
We used Abbey Mill Haulage for most of our transportation and I knew Martin by sight. A large, lumbering man, rather like a carthorse, he reminded me of an intellectually challengedquarterback I’d dated briefly in the States. I tried not to let this prejudice me, just as I refused to be influenced by Harriet hovering excitedly at my shoulder, waiting for my reaction.
I gave a short laugh. ‘“Brightened up the office . . . miss her terribly” . . . Most unprofessional, you should never say anything personal in a reference, you could be sued.’
Harriet’s face fell. ‘He said it was only the troof.’
‘Truth, Harriet. It’s quite over the top, for someone like him.’
‘D’you know Rob Martin?’ she said eagerly.
‘I’ve seen him around,’ I said. ‘Tradesmen are always touting for Highbury Foods’ business.’
‘He says he’s going to expand Abbey Mill now his farva’s retired.’
‘Father. How old is Robert?’
‘He was twenty-eight on 8th June, and my birthday was 23rd June, Rob says there’s only fifteen days’ difference. Or is it sixteen? Anyway, Rob says we’re both Gemini, I thought I was Cancer, but he says I’m definitely Gemini like him.’
‘Let’s hope he doesn’t use astrology to run his company,’ I said drily. ‘Is he married, or living with anyone?’
She blushed. ‘No, he’s still living at home, his mum says he’s ready to settle down, but she doesn’t know who’s good enough for him.’
‘In other words, she can’t wait to get rid of him. How did you meet her?’
‘She works at Abbey Mill, only two days a week since Rob’s dad retired. And she doesn’t want to get rid of Rob, she says she couldn’t have a better son.’
‘Really, Harriet, every other sentence is “Rob says” or “Rob’s mum says”. Do you fancy him or something?’
Another blush. ‘I didn’t at first, Trace says he’s a bit of an ug.’
‘A what?’
‘Ugly geezer. But we get on really well. And on my last day he took me to The Ploughman after work. You know, that pub in Little Bassington that’s just been done up.’
‘I don’t know actually, I never go to pubs.’
‘You’re joking, aren’t you? Anyway, we’ve been out twice since then and I fancy him rotten now.’
This was the last thing I wanted to hear. ‘But Harriet, with your looks you could do so much better. You just need a classier image and that’s why—’
‘Hello, ladies.’ With perfect timing, Philip poked his head round the door.
‘Come in, Philip.’ I gave him a dazzling smile, then continued, ‘And that’s why you’re going to be the face of Harriet’s Secret Recipes.’
‘Me?’ she squealed. ‘What about Victoria?’
‘Harriet sounds just as upmarket as Victoria. And I want to get away from any association with that US lingerie company, I still can’t understand how I had their name in my presentation.’ My lips tightened as I recalled the humiliation of the Board meeting.
Philip placed a hand on my arm. ‘Don’t be too hard on yourself, it was probably subliminal, I bet you’ve got drawers full of the stuff at home.’
I gave him a frosty look. I didn’t mind him speculating about Harriet’s choice of underwear, but there was no need for him to do the same for me.
He went red and hurriedly removed his hand. ‘Sorry, didn’t mean to embarrass you. I came to see if you needed a hand with the photo shoot, you did say you were doing it yourself to save the expense of hiring an agency.’ He grinned sheepishly. ‘You certainly know the way to a Finance Director’s heart.’
I thawed a little. Here was another flimsy pretext for his daily pilgrimage to Harriet’s desk. I had to give the man top marks for effort.
