Chapter 4
Emma braced herself before pushing through the heavy glass doors into Latimer Bank. It had been a week since she’d submitted her application for voluntary redundancy, and she was waiting with bated breath for some kind of response. From discreetly asking round her colleagues, she knew that there were only two others who had done the same, both in their late fifties with good pensions no doubt to rely on. What did she have? Her savings for a start, but they wouldn’t last forever, then what? Initially, when Emma had heard of voluntary redundancy, she’d been elated. Now, having had time to reflect on the matter, she was more rational than excited. Although adamant she still wanted to leave Latimer Bank, it had opened up a whole new can of worms.
Emma was a big believer in fate. She truly trusted things happened for a reason. Look how her mum and Perry had met. They weremeantto visit the Maritime Museum that day. Perry had worked there as a volunteer and they had got chatting. Then, when Emma and Valerie had gone into the café, he’d been there too on his coffee break and little Emma had run over to sit at his table. The rest was history. Perry had wowed them both with his canal boat, taking them on day trips and weekend aways. A year later Perry and Valerie had married and he’d moved into their cottage in Lancaster. Perry had been the best thing to have happened to them – and all because Emma had pestered her mum to take her to the museum. It was inconceivable to think what they could have missed out on had they not. Emma would have been an orphan at the tender age of thirteen.
Then there was the band. Emma had just happened to be stood by the bar in a crowded pub when she overhead a conversation between two guys. They were forming a group and needed a singer. Emma, being Emma, turned round and introduced herself. She could sing, she told them with gusto. One of the boys gave a lobsided grin.
‘Go on then,’ he coaxed, looking her up and down.
Not to be put off, she lifted a provocative eyebrow.
‘What do you want me to sing?’ she replied, determined to stand her ground and not be intimidated.
‘You pick,’ said the other boy, narrowing his eyes in assessment. It would be interesting to see what she chose. She certainly looked confident enough to head a band, with her self-assurance and style. He took in her tie-dyed fitted dress, biker jacket and laced boots. She wore amber jewellery which matched her eyes and those chestnut curls ran wild. Very rock-chic. But did she have the voice?
‘How aboutRespect?’ she suggested, holding his gaze.
He gave a wry grin. She’d obviously clocked him giving her the once-over. Hmm, feisty too, he thought, warming to the girl.
‘Go ahead,’ he nodded.
Emma sang the famous opening line and soon the people around them stopped mid-drink and turned to see who was singing. Once Emma had finished, they all cheered, put down their glasses and clapped. She gave a small bow and grinned at the two boys.
‘Well, am I in?’
‘You’re in,’ they replied in unison.
That had been seven years ago, and she’d made friends for life with Gaz and Mitch. When Mitch’s girlfriend, Sophie, had later joined the band, Emma had played the keyboard as well as sang. Sophie tended to be the lead singer, as she didn’t play any instrument. Together they’d all got on well and it had been a successful venture.
If Emma hadn’t been stood at the bar that night eavesdropping on Gaz and Mitch she wouldn’t have joined the band. Fate again, in her eyes.
So, according to Emma, voluntary redundancy had reared its head for a reason. It was her opportunity to seize the moment. Or so she thought. Now, after she’d just entered the bank, taken off her coat, sat at her desk and opened her inbox, it was all too real. There sat the email she’d so, so wanted. Latimer Bank were offering her voluntary redundancy. Emma blinked and re-read the message with all the terms and conditions attached. She was leaving.
Gulping, she grabbed her bag and rose from the chair. She went straight to the Ladies’. Once alone, she pulled out her mobile, sat in a cubicle and rang her dad.
‘Dad,’ she whispered, ‘I’ve got it.’
‘Voluntary redundancy?’ asked Perry.
‘Yes,’ she hissed.
‘I’m pleased for you, if that’s what you really want,’ he replied calmly.
‘It is…’ she said, her chin wobbling slightly, suddenly feeling emotional.
‘Well then, time to start a new chapter,’ Perry stated assertively, sensing her unease.
‘Yes, time for a fresh start,’ replied Emma with conviction. She always felt better after talking to her dad.
Later that night, after a celebratory supper of fish, chips and prosecco, Perry sat back and eyed his daughter. He could read her like a book.
‘Having second thoughts?’ he asked.
‘Not really, but I do need to start looking for another job. I know I’ve savings and a lump sum from the bank, but—’
‘There’s also the money I’ve kept aside for you,’ Perry gently interrupted.
Emma frowned. ‘Sorry?’
