“Mr Brooker is here for you.”
“Send him in,” replied Steph and was pleased to see him despite the rather subdued atmosphere at breakfast.
Jon appeared in the doorway wearing a dark brown and blue pinstripe suit with a dark blue shirt and brown tie. Steph was still unsure whether brown really had a place in the corporate wardrobe of a man, any man.
“How’s it going ladies?” he asked as he stood next to Steph and rested a protective hand on her upper back.
“Slowly,” she replied, explaining further. “Basically, the research is heavily underfunded and Lucy is happy to offer advice and support, but the foundation can’t afford to subsidise SuLyn’s work beyond that without compromising their existing work. I can put together a financial plan with projections based on varying levels of contributions to try and entice additional contributors, but beyond that, not much else.”
“Ah.” Jon took Steph’s chair as she vacated it to refill her coffee cup. “So, what are you thinking, darling?”
Steph returned to her desk and perched on the edge of it with a sigh. “It won’t make you big bucks, but there are some tax relief options available to you, but I don’t know enough on the health side of things to really be of help. One of my old accountants came from a healthcare background and he may be a better option for you, but as he works for Bakers, he may only do it as a consultant and that could be pricey,” said Steph honestly.
“Who’s that?” asked Jon curiously.
“Martin,” Steph replied, making him smile now.
“He works here on Wednesday and Friday, so we might be able to utilise his time. Leave it with me and I will get back to you when I have spoken to him.” Jon was already getting to his feet, vacating Steph’s seat. “My office at half twelve for lunch and then we can go through the Richards stuff.” Jon kissed her on the lips and then each of the other women on the cheek before leaving them alone again.
“Oh my lord!” exclaimed Lucy grinning. “Jon likes you, really likes you, like the real thing.”
SuLyn laughed and nodded frantically, “I would have to agree. Kissing during office hours.”
Steph laughed along with them despite her embarrassment as she began to jot some notes down.
“Come on, say something, Steph. You know this is not his usual style, don’t you?” asked Lucy more seriously.
“I don’t know anything, but I guess business and pleasure might be something he’d be reluctant to dabble with after Vicky,” said Steph.
“Vicky? He told you about Vicky? Bloody hell, he really does like you. We should do lunch one day and talk,” suggested Lucy. “Call me and let me know when you’re free.”
Steph nodded and thought that Lucy could be a useful ally and maybe a friend.
After completing her notes and an assurance that she too would speak to Martin about any help or advice he would be willing to share with SuLyn, the other women left and Steph felt slightly relieved to have her office back to herself for a while. She checked all of the details for the Richards deal before wondering if Jon was likely to be angry with her still for the catastrophe of her coffee with Simon the previous day.
Steph arrivedin Jon’s office at almost half past twelve, but he was still in with someone so she sat chatting with Andrea while she waited. The door opened a short time later to reveal Martin appearing before Jon and Sophie Marley leaving Steph slightly taken aback.
“Hiya, Steph.” Martin offered a smile.
“Martin,” she replied smiling back.
“Miss Pryor,” said Sophie looking uncomfortable and then asked, “Am I joining you for your meeting with Montague tomorrow?”
“I’m unsure, but meet me in my office at four and we will discuss it,” Steph replied curtly.
“Steph, come in please,” said Jon after watching the exchange.
“What have you done?” asked Steph as Jon’s office door closed.
“I have no idea what you mean!” he protested innocently.
“I think you know exactly what I mean. Sophie and Martin? Ringing any bells?” She smiled as she sat in his chair as he had in hers.
He eyed her with mild amusement. “Ah, I see, yes Sophie and Martin. You look a little too comfortable in my chair.”
“Nice change of subject, but for the record I can see a move down the corridor in a few years,” she teased.
“I see. I like ambition, but if you try and oust me I will be forced to kick your arse.” He grinned broadly.
