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“Yay! Then I’ll see you there.”
She started to tug Gemma away with her.
“Good luck with shopping,” I said.
“Thanks!”
The two friends strode off together.
As I lugged my shopping bags to the exit, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Was it my imagination, or was that entire exchange rather awkward? Nicole had seemed distant and not so excited to see me. And what was the mix-up with the hen’s invite? Was there something going on that I didn’t know about? I sighed, stepping out towards the pedestrian crossing. Whatever it was, I somehow knew this would have played out differently if Hannah were still around.
Chapter Seventeen
Good enough for you, Jerky McJerkface?
I stared at my reflection, admiring the stylish ensemble on my petite frame. Slim black wool pants, a structured blazer, a silk blouse, and patent leather loafers. I looked good. Classy. Professional. I was even wearing undies that matched my bra for once. Not that Neil would ever need to know that. Perish the thought.
As well as the pieces I currently wore, I had purchased a pencil skirt, another blazer, and two more tops, all optimised for maximum mix-and-match ability. Too bad my outfit lacked one crucial element: a good bag. As I reached for my peeling, faux-leather handbag, I wondered if Neil would let me expense a new one or whether that would be pushing it. I decided I’d save up for one. My salary was more than enough to cover a new bag while I saved for my OE.
Feeling invigorated, I left twenty minutes early, ready to tackle whatever hurdles Neil Kingston threw my way.
He was picking some printing off the printer when I entered the office. He wore his signature three-piece suit and his signature scowl. Petra’s desk was empty. Friday had been her last day. From now on, it was just me and Neil. Could I handle it? If I were going to make it to the end of the year, I’d have to.
“Good morning,” I said cheerily, but the two words made me blush. Somehow, I always forgot their significance until they came out of my mouth.
“Good—” Neil’s eyes landed on me. He looked me up and down. “You went shopping.”
“Yes, I did.”
“You look…” He cleared his throat.
This is it. He’s going to compliment me. My first compliment from Neil since I’ve started working for him.
“…Acceptable.”
My heart sank. I had expected too much from him. Why was I so hung up on receiving his praise, anyway? I didn’t need him to like me. I didn’t care what he thought about me, as long as I could keep this job.
Neil’s eyes lingered on me. I stared back at him, defiant. Then something unexpected happened. He smiled at me. A wisp of a smile, but it caught me off-guard, and I broke my gaze from him, blushing.
What the heck was that?
I stood there dumbly while Neil turned his attention to stapling his document, all traces of the smile long gone, as if it had never happened. Maybe I had imagined it.
Why am I being so ridiculous this morning? Focus, Milly.
I remembered I needed to give Neil back his credit card. I rummaged in my bag, retrieved the card, and presented it to him. “Here’s your card.”
“Keep it. Use it for any office expenses that come up—with my approval, of course.”
“Right then. I will.”
“Scan and send any receipts to Denise.”
“Okay.”
“Oh, and Amelia, now that you have the proper attire, would you accompany me to this morning’s meeting?”
I took a second to respond, stunned by this sudden request. I’ve never cared for meetings, yet I couldn’t help but feel excited. It was like he was inviting me into his secretive world for the first time. After a week of nothing but pointed looks and snarky comments, it felt like a breakthrough.
