Above the trees, Essie’s building pointed to the sky. Jake once said it looked like it was giving the middle finger to the rest of the city. Even if she might get fired today, Liv hoped Essie had returned after disappearing and was writing at her desk.
In the building’s foyer, she admired the huge bronze plant pots that looked like cauldrons and the wall of windows overlooking a Japanese-inspired courtyard. Liv said her usual quick ‘hi’ to a giant golden Buddha statue. The ride up in the lift made her ears pop, and she polished the stainless-steel button panel to distract herself.
Liv had her own access card to the flat and smiled to herself when she saw the writing-room door was open.Great, Essie’s back, she thought.
Her initial excitement was soon replaced with a pellet of dread as she mused on her honesty about the book review. Once more, she pushed back her shoulders and tried to channel her inner Georgia Rory.
The writing room was empty, and she found the author in the kitchen sitting on a high stool instead. Liv couldn’t recall ever seeing her eating in here before. Essie usually skipped lunch or ate at her desk.
The marble worktop was covered with tiny paper plates, displaying triangles of sandwiches and pastel-hued cakes. The sweet smell of vanilla made Liv’s stomach growl. There was a china floral teapot and matching cups and saucers. A bottle of champagne sat in a silver wine cooler.
‘Ah, Olivia,’ Essie said, taking a slow sip of her tea. ‘You’ve decided to grace me with your presence.’
Liv thought this was a bit rich coming from someone who had vanished without saying goodbye to her last time. ‘Sorry I’m late,’ she said, running a hand through her hair and feeling knots of paint. ‘I got waylaid at another job. I’ll wash my hands and get to work.’
Essie’s eyes followed her around the kitchen as she ran the tap and lathered up soap.
‘I’ll start with the bathrooms, first,’ Liv said.
The author wrapped her fingers around her vintage teacup. ‘Have you lunched already?’ she said.
Liv shook her head. ‘I’ve not had the chance. I forgot my sandwiches.’
Essie pursed her lips together and thought. ‘You may help yourself to refreshments, if you wish.’
Liv froze. Essie offering her food was apinch-memoment. Surely, she wouldn’t feed and then fire her? Her first instinct was to politely refuse, but her stomach gave a groan so loud it sounded like thunder. She was also feeling faint after skipping her breakfast.
‘There’s too much for one person, and I abhor food waste,’ Essie said. ‘Your hesitation just wastes my time and yours.’
‘Well, maybe just a little something,’ Liv said. She picked up a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich and cupped her hand under it as she ate. The bread was as delicate as rice paper.
‘Do use a plate, Olivia.’ Essie sighed and removed her glasses, nodding towards one. ‘And sit down. I can’t stand people hovering around me like tsetse flies.’
As Liv pulled out a stool, Essie poured her a flute of champagne, but left her own glass empty.
‘Is this a special occasion?’ Liv asked, taking a sip. The bubbles popped against her nose, making her feel like giggling. ‘Aren’t you joining me?’
Essie placed a hand on her stomach. ‘I’m not very hungry.’ Her expression didn’t alter. ‘It’s the publication day forFew and Far Betweenin the US today. The afternoon tea is a treat from my publisher.’
‘Wow, congratulations. That’s so special.’ Liv sighed to herself at how rewarding being a writer must be.
Essie looked around her as if noticing the spread for the first time. ‘Yes, I suppose it is. They sent things a day late last year. How difficult is it to get a date correct?’
‘It looks like the Mad Hatter’s tea party inAlice in Wonderland,’ Liv said.
Essie harrumphed. ‘Perhaps, but the Hatter tells Alice he is always having tea because the Queen of Hearts sentenced him to death.’
‘Yes, because he sang to her, and she claimed he murdered time,’ Liv added.
Essie’s left eyebrow twitched upward, as if both surprised and impressed. She nibbled on a scone and then pushed it away. ‘Did you inherit your love of books from your family?’
Liv nodded. ‘I read with my parents all the time. I’d loved to have studied English at uni, but…’ She pressed her lips together and glanced away. She’d read somewhere Essie hadn’t gone to university either, and liked to think it was something they had in common. ‘I think I told you my dad was a professor? He taught English at Manningham University.’
‘Hmm, yes, I think so.’ Essie looked down and distractedly folded a napkin. She focused on it for a long time.
Liv thought she’d lost her attention until the author looked up again.
‘Books must be in your blood,’ Essie said.
