I set to work on the long list of tasks that Jack and I discussed. Soon I’m immersed in my work and it takes my stomach rumbling to make me realise that lunchtime has come and gone.
‘I’ve brought you a latte and a bun, Scarlett. You should eat something.’
Margaret has an uncanny ability to read my thoughts. She might be new to me but she’s done this job for years now so she’s used to looking after her fee earners and I’m thrilled her last one retired.
‘You’re a star!’ I say, taking the food.
She rolls her eyes in a way that suggests my compliment is undeserved but I know she likes to hear my appreciation. I’m slowly getting used to having a secretary to myself. My previous was a share with Amanda but a perk of my promotion to Senior Associate is that I get my own. I suppose I have Jack to thank for that.
‘Scarlett!’
My arms jerk midway between the desk and my mouth, spilling salad from my sandwich onto my keyboard.
Summoning my best faux smile, I step into his office, still clearing bread from my back teeth. ‘Jack?’
The faintest smell of stale alcohol drifts past my nose. It’s a little after half-past three but Jack would be sitting in near darkness if it wasn’t for the cadmium green lamp illuminating the documents on his desk.
‘We’ve got a new deal. A big one. I need you to clear the decks. Get Amanda and that boy, what’s-his-name, you know the one, to take some work off you and give everything you can to what’s-her-name,’ he demands.
‘Doug and Margaret.’
‘What?’ He jerks his head up from his desk to look at me. His eyes are fierce.
‘Her name is Margaret,’ I whisper.
Ignoring my remark, he gives me instructions to prepare for a meeting at eight-thirty tomorrow morning.
‘And Scarlett.’
‘Yes?’
‘This is a big deal. You can’t fuck it up.’
You can’t fuck it up! You! I know how the game works and I know that there are years of this ahead of me but I’m still furious. The fact is, dwelling takes time and time is what I just don’t have.
Margaret pops her head into my office before she leaves for the evening. ‘Can I get you anything before I go?’
‘Absolutely not. Go home, Margaret. Thank you for your help today; there was a lot to do.’
‘It’s my pleasure. Goodnight then. Don’t let him keep you too late now, will you?’
‘Never,’ I say with a smile.
Switching on my lamp, I continue my preparations for tomorrow, looking through the history of our potential new client – annual accounts, the nature of the company’s goods and services, its key customers and suppliers, making sure that I’ll be ready to answer any question they might ask.
Stiletto heels click the corridor floor, the volume increasing as they near my office, the overhead sensor lights reacting to the movement. From the sound alone, I know Amanda’s strut. She appears at my desk looking as fabulous as ever in her tightest forest-green dress. She’s tall and has the kind of curves women would kill for. Her red hair is bouncing as if she’s just touched up her blow-dry in the ladies’.
‘Sure you won’t come for a drink? There’s a group now.’
I really must get home. I promise I’ll make it up to her next time and tell her to have a good night, then as soon as I hear Jack leave, I pack up my desk and take everything home that I’ll need for the meeting tomorrow.
Cold air strikes me as I step into the night. It’s close to freezing, the chill feeling more like winter than autumn. I button up my mac and fasten the buckle around the collar.
‘Scarlett.’ Jack’s voice is hoarse. ‘Can I drive you home?’
He drops the butt of his cigarette to the ground and stumps it out with the heel of his black, crocodile-skin shoe. He has the same prowling look in his eyes as earlier.
‘I’m fine, thank you. I’m only a few stops on the Tube; it’s quicker than driving.’ I manage to force my lips to turn up. ‘Plus, I’m out of your way.’
