“Right.” Nihal shakes my hand, still looking puzzled. “So, how did you know about the baby?”
“Because Sam mentioned it to me,” I lie smoothly. “He was so thrilled for you, he couldn’t help telling me. Isn’t that right, Sam?”
Ha! Sam’s face!
“That’s right,” he says finally. “Delighted.”
“Wow.” Nihal’s face suffuses with pleasure. “Thanks, Sam. I didn’t realize you’d be so—” He breaks off awkwardly.
“No problem.” Sam lifts a hand. “Congratulations again. Poppy, we should really be getting on.”
As Sam and I walk away down the office, I want to giggle at his expression.
“Can you cut it out, please?” Sam murmurs without moving his head. “First animals, now babies. What kind of reputation are you going to give me?”
“A good one!” I retort. “Everyone will love you!”
“Hey, Sam.” A voice hails us from behind, and we turn to see Matt Mitchell, glowing with delight. “I just heard the news! Sir Nicholas is joining the Guatemala trip! That’s awesome!”
“Yes.” Sam nods brusquely. “We spoke about it last night.”
“Well, I wanted to thank you,” he says earnestly. “I know this was your influence. You two guys will add
I stare in astonishment. Sam gave a donation to the Guatemala trip? He gave a
Now Matt is beaming at me. “Hello again. Are you interested in the Guatemala trip?”
Oh my God, I would
“’Well—” I begin enthusiastically, before Sam cuts me off firmly:
“No. She’s not.”
Honestly. What a spoilsport.
“Maybe next time,” I say politely. “I hope it goes well!”
As Matt Mitchell heads back down the corridor and we walk on, I’m mulling hard on what I just heard.
“You never told me Sir Nicholas was going to Guatemala,” I say at last.
“No?” Sam doesn’t sound remotely interested. “Well, he is.”
“And you gave them a donation,” I add. “So you do think it’s a good cause. You think it’s worth supporting.”
“I gave them a
“So actually … that situation turned out really well. Not a disaster at all.” I count off thoughtfully on my fingers. “And the girls in admin think you’re wonderful and the whole ideas initiative is brilliant. And you’ve got some interesting new thoughts for the company. And Nihal thinks you’re the bee’s knees, and so does Chloe and all her department, and Rachel
“Where exactly are you going with this?” Sam’s expression is so ominous, I quail slightly.
“Er … nowhere!” I backtrack. “Just saying.”
Maybe I’ll keep quiet now, for a while.
After the lobby I was expecting to be impressed by Sam’s office—but I’m more than impressed. I’m awestruck.
It’s a huge corner space, with windows overlooking Blackfriars Bridge, a designer light sculpture hanging from the ceiling, and a massive desk. There’s another, smaller desk outside, which I guess is where Violet used to sit. By the window is a sofa, which is where Sam ushers me.
“The meeting’s not for twenty minutes. I’ve got to catch up with some stuff. Make yourself comfortable.”
I sit on the sofa quietly for a few minutes, but it’s quite boring just sitting on a sofa. At last I get up and wander to the window, gazing down at all the little cars whizzing over the bridge. There’s a bookshelf nearby with lots of business hardbacks and a few awards. No photo of Willow, though. Nor is there one on his desk. He must have a photo of her somewhere, surely?
As I’m looking around for it, I notice another doorway and can’t help peering at it curiously. Why does he have a door? Where does it lead to?
“Bathroom,” says Sam, spotting me. “Do you want to use it? Go ahead.”
Wow. He has an executive bathroom!
I head inside, hoping to find some amazing palace of marble—but it’s quite normal really, with a small shower and glass tiles. Still. Your own bathroom inside your office. That’s pretty cool.
I take the opportunity to redo my makeup, brush my hair, and tug my denim skirt back into place. I open the door and am about to step outside when I realize there’s a soup splash on my shirt. Shit.
Maybe I can get that off.
I dampen a towel and give it a quick rub. No. Not wet enough. I’ll have to lean down and get it right under the tap.
