Page 87 of Snowed In with You

Lucy thought about it, feeling flattered but also a little empty inside. If she worked for Sasha, she’d be closer to Nate. But she’d also be under the eye of his mother, which was still blowing her mind in fifteen different ways. Sasha had already shown that she had very strong opinions about Lucy dating her son, and even though it might never happen – could never happen, in the real world – it felt like she’d be firmly closing that door.

‘I’ll think about it,’ she said. ‘It’s a big step.’

‘I’m planning to set up the office out of Paris,’ Sasha said. ‘I hold a French passport; my parents were French but we moved to the UK when I was young.’

‘I’m sure Nate told me it was his father who was French, not you.’

‘I’m sure he did,’ said Sasha with a small smile. ‘I’m also sure he quickly moved the conversation on.’

‘Yeah,’ said Lucy, remembering how reluctant Nate was to talk about his family. No wonder.

‘Anyway, Paris,’ said Sasha. ‘LUNA Gold, launching at the end of the year. I’d love to take you with me.’

Take me away from Nate, thought Lucy, wondering if that was part of Sasha’s agenda and figuring there was no better time to ask than now. ‘Is this actually about keeping me close, so I can’t get near Nate? You’ve clearly worked out that I have feelings for him.’

‘And yet you’re dating Kristoff,’ said Sasha testily. ‘You can see why I might think you’re not entirely reliable.’

‘Kristoff and I split up. Yesterday, actually.’

‘Goodness. You DO move fast.’

Lucy took a deep breath, determined not to lose her temper. ‘Not that it’s any of your concern, but I ended things because I don’t feel the same way about him as I do about Nate.’

‘Hmm,’ said Sasha, taking a sip from her drink. ‘It must be hard, juggling the incredibly successful and high-profile men in your life. Tell me, what happened to the two guys you kept on speed dial for sex? Or was it more than two?’

Lucy raised her eyebrows, realising that Sasha was only just getting started. ‘How did you know about that?’

‘Everyone knew about that,’ said Sasha dismissively. ‘You can understand why I might think you’re not entirely up to scratch when it comes to my son.’

‘Yes, I can see how it might look that way,’ said Lucy through gritted teeth. ‘But he’s also a man in his thirties who can make his own choices, and also it’s none of your fucking business.’

Sasha stared her down, taking a moment to decide which way to play it. ‘Your reputation is on a knife-edge, Lucy. I built you up at LUNA, don’t think I won’t take you down in exactly the same way.’

Lucy shook her head, the sick, nervous feeling in her stomach being washed away by a renewed feeling of strength and determination. What had Nate said in Zermatt? You’re the most talented copywriter I’ve ever worked with. She’d stayed in Bristol for Leo, worked at LUNA because it was safe and familiar, but there was a whole world of opportunity waiting for her. And if she was honest, she’d been working towards this moment for months.

‘I’m leaving LUNA,’ said Lucy quietly.

‘I’m sorry?’ said Sasha.

‘I’m leaving LUNA,’ she repeated, more confidently this time. ‘I’m done, I quit.’

Sasha stared at her, a tiny flash of panic in her eyes. ‘You can’t just quit.’

‘I just did,’ smiled Lucy, feeling a surge of adrenaline pump through her veins for the first time since the earth had moved several times in Zermatt. ‘And just so we’re clear, if you even think about dumping my shit on the table, I’ll dump yours right next to it.’

All the colour drained from Sasha’s face. ‘Are you serious?’

‘Yes,’ said Lucy, standing up and grabbing her bag. ‘And don’t ask me to work three months’ notice. I’ll stay for a few weeks to hand over, then I’m out.’

‘Well,’ said Sasha after a shocked pause, smiling at Lucy with an expression that looked a little bit like admiration. ‘I certainly underestimated you.’

‘Yes, you did.’ Lucy tossed her hair. ‘I’ll confirm my notice by email later today. Are we done?’

‘One thing,’ said Sasha, her face softening. ‘A favour. A huge one, but it’s important.’

‘What is it?’ Lucy wasn’t inclined to give Sasha the time of day right now, but they’d come this far.

‘Stay away from Nate, just until the end of the UK tour. Please. After that, you can do whatever you like. But just wait a few weeks.’