Page 61 of Just Do It
‘Umm, well no, I mean.’
‘OK, I’ll tell you what I know and then you can fill me in.’
By the time I was back in my office, thankfully now vacated by Bella, Inis had had a full rundown of the evening’s events.
‘So you had no idea Friedrich had been snooping around our staff?’
‘Nope. We’re not exactly chummy.’
‘I don’t blame you. I feel the same way. Although I suspect if I am ever in a position to be useful, he may be less cool in his manner towards me.’
She had a point.
‘Sorry. I shouldn’t be bitching about him. Blame it on the hormones.’
‘Bitch away.’ I laughed. ‘I’m long past caring. I was initially annoyed at him poaching staff but the truth is, Bella would be daft not to take the opportunity. I just don’t need the drama that appears to have come with it.’
‘Ah yes, well, you’ve ended up with a prize she had her eye on.’
‘Not intentionally.’
‘No. But perhaps the universe finally took things into its own hands.’
I rolled my eyes.
‘I heard you roll your eyes.’
‘You know I don’t believe in any of that,’ I replied, laughing. ‘And neither do you.’
‘No. Not really. But either way, Finn’s lovely. And gorgeous. It’s about time you were appreciated by someone for something other than your academic writings and ability to do your job to a brilliant level.’
‘Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll be getting top marks on the staff management part of my annual review this year.’
Inis made a dismissive noise. ‘From everything I’ve heard it sounds like you’ve acted completely professionally. Bella’s going to face more competition and far more people willing to escalate, rather than try to dispel, confrontation as she goes further in her career. You know what academics are like.’
I did.
‘And in life in general.’
‘Funny. Finn was saying something very similar earlier.’
‘He’s got a good head on those delightfully broad shoulders.’ She paused then let out a laugh. ‘Yes, your shoulders are lovely too, my darling. Men are so insecure,’ Inis said, returning to our conversation after teasing her husband, amusement still in her voice.
‘How are you?’
‘I’m fine. Finn was, annoyingly, right about not overdoing it. The midwife said the same thing the other day. So I’ve been perfecting my epic nap technique.’
‘I’m glad to hear it. Don’t try and do too much. Everything’s under control here. I’ve just been down on site and it’s all coming along nicely.’
‘It looks like a bombsite, doesn’t it?’
‘Yes. But I’m reassured it’s coming along nicely anyway.’
She laughed again. ‘Good.’
I glanced at my watch. ‘I’ve got a meeting about the loan mummy’s scan shortly so I’d better go and get prepared.’
‘OK. Thanks for keeping it all together over there.’
