Page 61 of Whispered Promises

Me

Definitely don’t like him. Why does he treat his wife like that? He’s obviously the one who did it. Probably had an affair with her, because I can’t see him actually wanting to be with the wife. Or is that too obvious?

Noah

Agreed. That would be the obvious plot approach. Don’t you think it’s curious that Aubrey is always there? When you get to the village fair, let me know…interested to see your thoughts on what happens.

Noticing the time, my shoulders slump. Reading on my lunch break is not ideal; it always feels like I have to end midway through something exciting.

Me

Now you have my interest piqued… Sadly, I have to get back to work. Have a good day! X

Placing the device and my empty lunch box back into my bag, I shift my focus onto work. With the midday break over, now I can be on countdown until I’m done here for the day. I just need to survive for a few more hours.

The work phone on my desk ringing startles me from my thoughts. With my heart beating a little unsteadily, I quickly grab the receiver.

“Good afternoon. Mairweather Recruitment Services, Rosy speaking.”

Silence creeps in on the other end.

Clearing my throat, I try again. “Good afternoon. Mairweather Recruitment Services⁠—”

“I heard you the first time, Rosemary. You should listen better, then you would have heard my reply,” Peter snips, his tone reprimanding.

“I’m really sorry, I didn’t hear⁠—”

“I heard there was an issue with Brett’s job?” he interrupts, making me wish I hadn’t even bothered apologising.

“Just a delay with the references, as we’ve struggled to get in contact with the compa⁠—”

“Have you sorted it?”

“Yes, I managed to find an alternative contact and have just received an email back confirming they have picked it up and will send it over to us by the end of the day.” I finally manage to finish my whole sentence.

“Good, Rosemary. You’re dependable. I like that about you. I really do.”

My throat closes, an itch crawling beneath my skin.

“I heard you had a good weekend.” It doesn’t come out as a question, but a statement. How he knows what I got up to, I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to anyone at the office about my weekend; I’ve never really been close to anyone here. With my desk being in the lobby area to greet any visitors, I’m fairly isolated compared to the agents who all sit in a large open-plan office down the corridor.

I don’t know how to respond.

“Yes…I guess I did. Did you?” I ask, feigning a politeness I don’t want to feel. My mind is still busy whirling through all my recent interactions.

Did I bump into him at some point and just forget about the encounter?

No, I wouldn’t have forgotten that. Steph would definitely have given me an earful if we’d met him when we were out. Although some parts feel a little fuzzy. But we had a good time. It was nice to just spend some time together when we’ve both been so busy. Sure, I may have avoided talking about the insanely handsome neighbours and redirected her every time she tried to probe…but I wanted to get out of my thoughts for the night.

“Very much so. I went somewhere new, and the views were…thrilling, if a little crowded.” His words come out oddly intimate, as if confessing something.

“That sounds great; glad to hear it.”

A visitor enters through the door, and my shoulders drop.

Thank you, thank you. I mouth to the universe.

“Someone’s just arrived, so I have to go. Thanks, Peter.”