‘See, that’s exactly what I’m talking about.’ She looks to the ceiling. ‘Okay, well, what are your plans for the rest of the week?’
‘I haven’t got that far yet.’
‘Would you like my opinion? I’ll give it to you anyway. You should go home and put your feet up. Pamper yourself, do something with Sandy.’
‘You know what…’ I sigh. ‘I think you’re right.’
‘I am,’ she states with her hands on her hips in jest. Then, softening, she tells me, ‘I’ll see you on Friday. If you need or want me before then, just call and I’ll be there in a flash.’
‘Okay.’
I hug my best friend.
The smell of fresh polish permeates the air when the elevator doors open on to the high-gloss floor. The usual immaculately presented receptionists are in position beneath the gleaming Eclectic Technologies plaque. Artificial lighting reflects in the windows, illuminating the space. One man in a navy suit and red tie sits on the sofas, perusing the Financial Times and intermittently glancing at the flat-screen television playing BBC News.
‘Good afternoon, welcome to Eclectic Technologies,’ says Juliette, according to her gold name badge.
‘Good afternoon, I’m Scarlett Heath. I’m here to see Mr Ryans and, if they’re available, Mr Williams and Mr Lawrence too.’
‘Do you have an appointment?’ she chimes as she taps on her keyboard.
No, and part of me hopes you’re going to tell me he isn’t in the office then I can leave these documents with you and be on my way.
‘No, I don’t, but it’ll only take five minutes.’
‘Ooh, let me see… it looks like they’re all in a meeting together until?—’
‘I can wait.’
‘Oh,’ she says in a way that makes me think her blue, silk necktie is choking her. ‘Well?—’
The sound of his voice constricts my torso. I stare with wide eyes along the corridor as he draws closer, unable to move. I can’t do this! Sweat forms on my palms beneath the pile of documents I’m gripping tightly.
‘This has been a productive afternoon, Mr Cheung,’ he’s saying.
I contemplate running, hiding, dropping to the ground, but it is too late. He sees me. He stops dead in his tracks, his eyes locked on mine, his conversation suspended. All rational thought has escaped me. Blue suit. Crisp, white shirt. Hair neatly combed.
Williams coughs, breaking the near silence of the room. ‘Mr Cheung, allow me to introduce you to Scarlett Heath.’
‘Hello, Mr Cheung,’ I say, my professional alter ego kicking in. ‘I’m a legal advisor to Eclectic Technologies.’
He takes my hand in a limp shake. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you.’
I muster all the charm I can. ‘The pleasure’s all mine.’
‘They have a lawyer involved already. Should I worry?’
I laugh, a fake hearty laugh. The kind I reserve for business networking. ‘Only if you’re doing something you shouldn’t be, Mr Cheung.’
‘Quick! Hide the documents!’ he shouts theatrically to three others in his group.
The men laugh, except Gregory, who remains taciturn.
‘Let me show you out, Mr Cheung,’ Williams eventually says.
‘Yes, yes, we shall be going. We’ll see you tomorrow.’
Williams leads the four men to the elevators, leaving Gregory, Lawrence and me in silence. Gregory and Lawrence both watch me, waiting. Compose yourself, Scarlett.
