‘In the bin?’ Grandad cowers. ‘But I’m trying so hard, boss.’
‘Not hard enough, old man!’
We all laugh again, the stress of the week melting away.
‘And you!’ She turns to me. ‘You’re fired!’
When Isla is in bed Grandad and I can talk properly. I fill him in on what’s been happening at school. He listens patiently before reassuring me that there is nothing more I can do at this stage. The school is right to give Gemma a chance, although he understands how much I hate the thought of Isla having to see her day after day. Perhaps the problem has been caught in time. ‘Children are often cruel through ignorance, just as adults can be.’ I mention that Dan and Fiona have been exceptionally supportive, Fiona explaining late last night that if the school didn’t deal with it properly, my next port of call would be one of the school’s governors, the police liaison officer or local authority. With any luck it won’t reach that stage, but with her advice at least I feel more in control.
Grandad puts down his paper. ‘When I was at school, many moons ago, there was a young boy called Ned. He was a handsome, ambitious lad, but he had a birthmark across his face that would make any boy self-conscious. But what was criminal was a teacher ridiculing him in front of the class and encouraging us children to call him names. I’m glad to say I was having none of it, January, but the weaker boys did as they were told. So often it’s the cowards that bully because, well, in this case, this wretched teacher had probably failed in all other areas of his life. I was in touch with Ned recently, on Facebook. He’d seen my name, sent me a message. It was rather moving. He’d had a successful career in law – human rights. The point is, it was a deeply unpleasant phase in his life, but no doubt he’d grown from the experience, just as you did, January.’
‘I’m hardly a success, not like Lucas.’
‘Flying first class and making a lot of money doesn’t always mean success.’
‘I’m not happy at work, Grandad.’ I bite my lip, trying hard not to cry. ‘I’m going to hand in my notice.’
Grandad peers at me again, like a wise old owl. ‘January, I understand I’m a poor substitute for your grandmother but I’m here for you, if you want to talk.’
‘Oh, Grandad…’
‘Are you having man trouble?’ he asks, and for some reason it makes me smile.
‘You could call it that.’
‘It’s not all about Spencer. It’s about me,’Ward had said,‘and the way I reacted. I had no right to interfere in your evening but when I saw you with him… There’s more, January, more I need to tell you.’
‘Put the kettle on,’ Grandad suggests.
27
I type into my search engine, ‘How to find a new job fast’, only minutes before our boardroom meeting. Since my weekend with Grandad I have taken on board his advice not to be impulsive and hand in my notice, despite the situation with Ward. He was right. I have bills to pay and Isla to consider. ‘But start looking,’ he’d said. ‘It’s always easier finding a new jobinemployment rather than out.’
‘January, no!’ Graham exclaims. I hadn’t even noticed he’d crept up on me. ‘You can’t leave us. I won’t let you. You can’t.’
Nadine rushes into our office. ‘What’s this? You’re not leaving, are you, Jan?’
‘Shush,’ I urge them when Ward joins us with a mug of coffee, but it’s too late.
‘Who’s leaving?’ he asks, staring at me.
‘Let’s crack on.’ Ward fires up his laptop.
As Ward goes through the list of properties I tune out, instead thinking about Isla’s week so far at school. On Monday Miss Miles had a meeting with Gemma and Isla during break time. Gemma shook hands with Isla and said she was sorry. Gemma’s friends also shook Isla’s hand and everyone has agreed to be kind and respect one another. Who knows if it will work? The good thing is Isla didn’t need dragging out of bed and she ate her breakfast and played with Spud this morning. Ruki tells me she’s been brighter, more talkative at the end of the day. The baking cases and tins have come out of the cupboard again. Yesterday I came home to the welcoming smell of warm syrup sponge.
After my weekend in Cornwall I have felt much stronger. As Granny used to say, only I can change my life. Life doesn’t owe me anything; it’s up to me to be happy. I have one job interview tomorrow at noon. It’s at a literary agency in Soho. I’ve pretended to Nadine that I have a dentist appointment, trouble in the root canal department that means a series of appointments. The role is a PA one, but I want to do more; I want to learn the business side of the job, but I’ll only get there by working my way up the ladder. There will be many applicants. I touch my locket. ‘Believe in yourself,’ Grandad had said to me.
‘January?’ Ward is waiting for me to say something.
‘Sorry, what was that?’
‘You’re coming to Cornwall with me.’
‘What?’ I’m listening now.
‘I’m pitching for a place in St Mawes tomorrow, south coast, not far from your grandparents’ home. It’s a fantastic location, right on the sea, close to the castle. You know the countryside.’
‘I’ll come,’ Lucie pipes up when she sees my face. ‘I know the area too, Ward.’
