Subject: Some in-flight viewing
Russo,
Thought I’d share a little bit of pure gold with you before we send you on your way. Hope you like it as much as I do. Just realised I don’t think I ever said thanks for your steer on this, did I? Well: thank you. For this and a whole lot more that I will attempt to articulate tonight at your leaving drinks. In the meantime, I hope you’re enjoying your last day. Has Andrea been over with her X-rated novelty cupcakes yet?
Darling xxx
I hit send as another email comes through, from Martin O’Donoghue.
Hi Lisa,
Great to catch up on the phone yesterday. I ran the idea of the mid-size model show by a few people here and everyone loves it. Can we say Tuesday 15th at 11am for our meeting? We’ll host. Will it just be you coming at this stage?
M
Dear Martin,
That date is perfect – it’s in the diary. I’ll be bringing Daisy Fellowes, who came up with the concept. I think you’ll like her a lot. See you then.
Lisa
I hit send as a WhatsApp message lights up my phone, followed by another one, then another. Soon, the handset is almost jumping from the number of pings. I click on the PTA group chat. Denise Dandy, it seems, has spoken.
Dear all, I am writing to let you know that I have just informed the Principal, the school governors and other relevant staff that, when my current tenure as CEO of the PTA comes to an end this term, I will be stepping back from duties.
‘Oh, shit,’ I mutter.
It goes on to give a heartfelt and almost Trumpian address about how it has been a great honour to lead the PTA to ‘triumphafter triumph’ during her time in charge. She lists her personal highlights, including introducing a Crochet-a-thon, a Pedicur-a-thon, a Car Wash afternoon AND ‘Roebury’s Got Talent’ (I’d be the first to admit that this was an unforgettable evening, thanks to Jeff’s duet with the Head of Chemistry). It goes on and on and on, before adding a final PS: that anybody interested in taking over the helm of the PTA should send an email to the governors by close of play next week.
The words ‘not if my life depended on it’ spring to mind.
I’m midway through joining the throngs of well-wishers with a nice message thanking Denise for her commitment and hard work when a different WhatsApp group lights up. The Roebury Besties. This message is from Jeff.
What do you reckon? Should I go for it and take the helm at the PTA?
Nora replies first. I’d vote for you. Though . . . is this all because you enjoyed being on that mike so much at the Wine Quiz?
Jeff doesn’t miss a beat. As a matter of fact, I thought it would be nice to do my civic duty. Still, any opportunities to take the stage are always welcome
For the rest of the day, I am hit by a variety of, let’s say, challenges. Locations that have fallen through, presenters that have dropped out at the last minute, health and safety certificates having expired several months before filming was due to start. It’s only as I’m approaching 5pm that I realise Zach still hasn’t responded to my email. I start to get an ominous feeling about this. In truth, I start to develop a theory as to why.
I haven’t explicitly said anything about our future, my concerns that this is never going to work long-term. But he knows. Of course he knows. Having flip-flopped back and forth between decisions, unable to imagine the word ‘goodbye’actually coming out of my mouth, I have a horrible feeling he’s going to solve this problem for me.
I push open the door and spot Andrea by the bar, chatting up a guy I recognise as the presenter of a property show. Most of the people here are from Scheduling . . . including Rose, who has popped by briefly, after a meeting with Krishna about her future. I spot her chatting to a couple of her colleagues, most of whom she hasn’t seen since she went off for her treatment. She’s wearing a floaty dress, soft make-up and looks brighter than she did even 24 hours ago.
‘You look lovely.’
‘That’s what a good night’s sleep does for you,’ she says. ‘I haven’t had a decent one for ages, but after the relief last night, I even had a lie-in.’
‘Good for you. So, what did Krishna say?’
‘He was predictably lovely. Said all the right things and tried to persuade me to stay. But then said he understood and gave me his blessing to go.’
‘He’s far more understanding than me then,’ I smile.
She laughs. ‘Do you think this is bonkers?’
I shrug. ‘I can’t deny I was surprised, but actually . . . no, I don’t,’ I decide. ‘I think this is your stunning second act, Rose.’
