That Certain Something by Clare Ashton

Author:Clare Ashton
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2014-05-10T00:00:00+00:00

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When they returned to the office, they peeped round Ed’s door. Ed lifted a hand to silence them and continued to stare at her laptop. She was still wearing a frown when she leaned back in her chair.

‘Well ladies.’ Ed peered over her glasses. ‘You’ve earned yourselves a reprieve. Come and sit down.’

Pia grinned and Cate squeezed her knee as they sat down.

‘It’s not the scandalous article I was after, but an uplifting read is a good balance for all the other muck we’re putting in the first edition. Cate, this is the kind of thing I imagine you could write in your sleep, but Pia.’ Ed turned her severe gaze to her and for a moment she thought her reprieve was very short-lasting indeed. ‘That photo is magnificent. I’ve seen all the agency shots from yesterday and there’s nothing that touches it. Keep it up shortarse.’

Pia’s fright evaporated into elation and she beamed at Cate who gave her a warm smile in return.

‘Now,’ said Ed. ‘There’s something I want to try to test out the demographics. It’ll be interesting to see how many hits this gets with the online version. I have a very dear and old friend with an interesting story.’ She hesitated and glanced at Pia. ‘A chat with Cate is all that’s strictly necessary, but I have a feeling she’ll take a shine to shortarse here and be more forthcoming.’

‘Who is she?’ Cate asked.

‘That you’ll find out.’ Ed smirked.

Cate raised an eyebrow at Ed’s game. ‘Do we have to guess where she lives as well?’

Ed hacked up a laugh. ‘Ah, she’s a cunning old thing. As well a decent bit of cash she wants a nice simple brasserie lunch. By which she means a meal at the Savoy. So you’ll meet her there for lunch.’

Cate’s face changed in an instant. Her willing engagement in Ed’s game switched to mortification and the warmth vanished from the room.

‘Is there a problem with that?’ Ed said, detecting the change in atmosphere.

When Cate didn’t answer, Pia stuttered. ‘No, that’s great.’ She said it with not a milligram of enthusiasm.

‘Good. Enjoy it.’ Ed frowned. ‘And don’t get used to working lunches like this. I want you back on soggy sandwiches before you can say cheap marg on white sliced. Now don’t fuck up.’ Ed ushered them out.

Pia could feel Cate’s tension as they walked from the room. As soon as they were beyond ear-shot Pia turned to her.

‘I’ll see you there.’ Cate was brusque and cut her off. She disappeared down the corridor, without another look or word, and Pia stared after her.

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