Page 7 of The Christmas Star

He rose to his feet, ran his fingers around his trouser waistband to ensure his shirt was properly tucked in and straightened his tie. He always smartened himself up when he had something major to impart and it was good to know he, at least, afforded me some respect.

Getting up from my seat, I gave Callum a superior smile and feeling a big dose of pride and a touch of one-upmanship, I stuck my nose in the air. Finally, Callum was about to find out just how far from the scrap heap this so-called spinster was. A lesson I’d make sure he never forgot.

CHAPTER 5

‘Please take a seat.’

As I did as Rory instructed and made myself comfortable, my promotion acceptance speech ran through my head. Nothing rambling; it wasn’t the Oscars. I planned to thank him for the opportunity and tell him he’d made the right choice.

Sitting down too, Rory leaned forward slightly and rested his clasped hands on the desk between us. He took a deep breath as if gathering his thoughts, and while the seconds mounted, I discreetly checked my watch, wishing he’d get on with it.

I took in Rory’s receding hairline and deep-set forehead wrinkles, wondering if Callum had told him that property was a young man’s game. I silently scoffed. Of course he hadn’t. Callum wouldn’t dare.

Rory’s continued silence tested my patience but having waited years for this moment already, I told myself a couple more minutes wouldn’t hurt; Rory could have his little power trip if that’s what he needed. I gave him a pinched smile. And Callum thinks I’m the one who needs to get a life!

‘Obviously we’re here to talk about the restructure,’ Rory at last said. ‘And what that means moving forward.’

‘We are, indeed.’ Despite maintaining my decorum, party poppers went off in my head.

‘And naturally, it goes without saying what a valuable asset you’ve been to this office.’

My smile continued, but while outwardly I accepted the compliment, inside, I’d never heard such rubbish. While in a perfect world an annual Christmas bonus to reward my efforts wouldn’t have gone amiss, in my less than perfect existence I’d have accepted a cheap bottle of wine or a tin of Quality Street by way of recognition. Even an occasional job well done would have sufficed if that’s what I’d deserved. Unfortunately, I’d received nothing of the sort, which, as far as I was concerned, was bad management. I made a mental note. Once in position, I’d make sure to give credit where credit was due.

‘However, that doesn’t change the fact I’ve received a complaint,’ Rory said.

My brow furrowed as, blindsided, my brain struggled with the redirection. ‘Sorry? What are you…’

Rory put a hand up to silence me. ‘Don’t worry, it’s not an external issue.’

My frown deepened. Of course, it wasn’t. As far as clients were concerned, professional was my middle name. As for my colleagues, I knew better than to use Kelly’s special mug or help myself to Tricia’s not-so-secret chocolate stash; woe betide anyone who did. And even though I didn’t see the point, I’d taken part in Melissa’s precious Secret Santa, which surprise, surprise only left Callum. I rolled my eyes. ‘What have I done now?’

Rory’s cheeks flushed pink. ‘Maybe complaint is too strong a word.’

In my view, there was no maybe about it.

‘Concern might be better.’

I wondered if Rory was testing me? Callum and I had always had a strained relationship and in offering me a promotion, it stood to reason Rory would want to know how I’d manage that from a position of power. I nodded for him to continue. ‘Go on.’

‘How do I put this? The other day you put the milk in cupboard.’

I let out a laugh. If Rory really wanted to rate my abilities he was going to have to do better than that. ‘Shoot me!’

Rory looked at me direct, his face lacking even a hint of a smile and as his stare continued, I shifted in my seat realising his remarks weren’t part of an assessment; the man was being serious.

‘And you put the coffee in the fridge.’

Callum had made it clear he’d do whatever it took to get ahead. From trying to poach my clients to undermining me in the staffroom, his ambition seemed to know no bounds. But even I hadn’t anticipated him stooping so low as to suggest I might be losing my marbles. So that’s the game we’re playing, is it?

Aware he’d be watching events unfold from the other side of the office window, I softened my expression. No way was I giving Callum the reaction he hoped for. Especially over a carton of milk. ‘Am I behind in my work?’ I asked.

‘Last week you ended a call to Tommy in finance with love you.’

That I couldn’t excuse. As soon as those words were out, I’d flushed red and apologised. I swallowed my lingering embarrassment. ‘Have I missed any of my targets?’

‘Now I understand it’s an age thing.’

‘Excuse me?’ I cocked my head. As my line manager Rory had to know he was stepping into dangerous territory. That when it came to my employment, alongside issues of marital status and family planning, age was off limits.