‘Scarlett,’ he calls as I reach for the handle. ‘Your interest in my personal life is noted.’
He glares at me, his dark eyes wide, unreadable.
Shuddering, I step into the corridor and pull the door shut behind me.
Back at my desk, my email count has risen by eight. I hone in on the one from my best friend, who is incidentally also my colleague.
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Darling, Amanda
Sent: Monday 6 Oct 2025 9.48
Subject: Old Coot
Why is he shouting at you today? He can’t be sexually frustrated!
I smile to suppress a laugh.
To: Darling, Amanda
From: Heath, Scarlett
Sent: Monday 6 Oct 2025 10.16
Subject: Re: Old Coot
Shhhh, you can’t say things like that on your work email! You know how it is, partner vs. associate, puppet master vs. puppet on a string. What he says goes!
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Darling, Amanda
Sent: Monday 6 Oct 2025 10.18
Subject: Re: Old Coot
Don’t worry, one day it will be us calling the shots! Post-weekend pick-me-up drink after work?
To: Darling, Amanda
From: Heath, Scarlett
Sent: Monday 6 Oct 2025 10.19
Subject: Re: Old Coot
On a Monday? Tut tut. Would love to but I really can’t tonight, sorry. Maybe next week.
To: Heath, Scarlett
From: Darling, Amanda
Sent: Monday 6 Oct 2025 10.41
Subject: Re: Old Coot
Next week. I’ll hold you to it!
