‘I know this will be a huge disappointment to you both, but it isn’t a forever decision. It’s just for the time being.’ He smiled benevolently, as if he’d revealed a fabulous surprise, as opposed to handing the pair of us a double-ended shitty stick.
I’d officially been dumped by workandmy husband in the same calendar year.
‘When will the next review be?’ I asked, deflated.
‘There’s no definitive timeline,’ Antony said. ‘It could be as soon as next quarter. We’d like to see you both land a high-profile win and then we can look at it again.’
It didn’t make sense. The boardroom was hot, and I zoned out as he carried on talking. I’d heard all I needed to hear. One more minute of Antony’s patronising pity and I’d be in tears.
My watch flashed to flag my blood pressure, then vibrated as another email came in.
‘Thank you, Sara, Bobby,’ Antony said, dismissing us. ‘We’ve got a couple more points on the agenda to discuss, so if you wouldn’t mind leaving us to it.’
I followed Bobby out, completely thrown. I had a banging headache and my eyes were fuzzy. I needed a cheese sandwich. We walked down the corridor in silence until it was safe to speak.
‘What the hell was that?’ I hissed, ready to scream.
Bobby was fuming. ‘This place is fucked. That promotion had my name all over it.’
‘Or mine, more likely.’
‘As if you’re ready to be a partner,’ Bobby sneered.
‘What would you know? You’ve been trying for five years and still no joy.’
He quickened his pace. ‘The timing’s always been off,’ he blustered. ‘It’s complicated being promoted to partner, you know.’ He pulled his trousers up over his gut and tucked in his tie.
‘Yeah, well, I don’t like to be on the losing side.’ I flopped into my chair and turned to face my computer, frown already in place.Just get through the day.Then get through next week.And then I was off on annual leave. I hadn’t wanted to take it, but now I knew this was the situation, I was grateful it was booked.
*
My gilet fluttered in the wind as I made a beeline for Hicce to meet Abi and Kat. Coal Drops Yard was buzzing with people, the fountains lit up in a rainbow of colours, and fairy lights strewn across the square. King’s Cross had transformed in the two years I’d lived with Mark in Chelsea, but I still managed to orientate myself in the right direction, like a hungry homing pigeon.
The maître d’ beamed as I walked in. ‘Good evening, Ms Pearson!’ he said, with an exaggerated bow.
Ouch.That was going to take some getting used to. I glanced at my wedding rings and faked a smile. I hadn’t taken them off yet, but this was the problem with being a regular – people got to know you, and it was difficult to pretend.
‘Hi Franz!’ I said, handing over my gilet. ‘Looking handsome, as always. I’m meeting some friends.’
‘Of course,’ he said, peeking through the blue feathers. ‘The ladies in the corner are waiting for one more.’ He pointed to the back of the restaurant, where Kat’s blonde locks glowed gold against Abi’s mahogany blowout. The LA lifestyle suited her.
‘That’s them,’ I said, waltzing over and giving Kat a kiss. ‘Evening, girls!’
‘Here she issss! How did it go?’ Abi asked, reaching for a hug and searching my face for good news.
I shook my head. ‘Not today. ’
Kat groaned. ‘Bastard. I’m so sorry, babes. Did he say why?’
‘Apparently I need another significant case under my belt.’
‘What?!’ Abi said with a frown. ‘There’s no more room under your belt.’
‘White wine?’ Kat asked, pouring me a glass. ‘It’s chardonnay I’m afraid. Sorry.’
‘It’s all I deserve.’ I laughed, then covered my glass. ‘Not too much. I’m taking it easy on the booze.’
‘Are you? Why?’ Abi’s frown deepened.
