‘Seriously, those loos were so busy I considered going to the men’s.’ Ellen pushed her way between Hayley and another visitor at the New York Club. ‘Did you get me a drink?’ Hayley handed her a lager and she took a large gulp. ‘Ah, thanks chuck.’
The London club scene was abuzz with new techno, garage and underground clubs, and Ellen always had the inside scoop on what was hot and what was not. Looking around, Hayley decided the NYC, with its circular stainless steel bars and DJs renowned for their mixing talents, was definitely hot.
‘Good pick, Ellen,’ she said over the music. ‘It’s really great.’
Ellen winked at her and nodded.
They’d been living together for more than four months and it hadn’t taken them long to fall into a routine where Hayley shopped and Ellen cooked, and weekends were reserved for partying. Mark came over to the flat frequently and most of the time Hayley didn’t mind.
‘I think you should drop my rent,’ she’d told them one morning. ‘I could hear you two shagging again last night.’
‘Don’t be jealous just because you’re not getting any,’ Mark said with a grin while Ellen hid her face behind the copy of Cosmopolitan which, Hayley happened to know, contained an article about blow-job techniques.
Although she didn’t want to admit it, she had to concede Mark made a valid point. She’d been single for ages. Was some hot sex on a regular basis really that much to ask?
‘You look brilliant in that outfit,’ Ellen said, observing her.
‘Thanks,’ Hayley said. She’d chosen a black, sleeveless, knee-length A-line dress with silver straps at the back, and paired it with black knee-high boots with chunky heels. Despite the clothes she still felt uncomfortable in large crowds and almost always avoided mirrors and shop windows. She knew full well she’d only ever be ‘average’.
As she looked around again her eyes landed on a guy standing on the other side of the bar. She shivered slightly as she held his gaze, feeling as if she was being visually undressed.
She started humming ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ as she observed him. He stood at six feet tall, at least, had short brown hair and a square jaw that exuded confidence. When he lifted an eyebrow she blushed, then looked away. When she looked back their eyes met again, so she smiled. He smiled back and raised his glass.
‘There’s Mark,’ said Ellen, tapping Hayley on the shoulder and pointing a finger. By the time Hayley looked back across the bar, the hunky stranger had disappeared.
*
The following Monday morning Hayley sat in her office, punching holes in a stack of papers, when Ronald came up to her desk. The buttons on his suit strained against the spread of his belly. He always said that Mrs. Simpson made the best apple crumble in England.
‘Hayley, I need a word,’ he said.
She followed him into his office, smoothing her sweaty palms on her skirt. ‘If it’s about that report, I’ll have it done by three.’
‘Today?’ Ronald raised his eyebrows as he sat down, and Hayley nodded quickly.
‘Yes, you said it was quite urgent.’
Ronald chuckled and slowly turned a multi-coloured Murano glass paperweight with his fingers. ‘I said it needed to be ready by the middle of this week. That’s outstanding, well done.’
Hayley blushed. Ronald was twenty-five years her senior, distinguished and rather posh, Hayley thought, but in a classy not arrogant way. He drove an old BMW and she knew he had a penchant for Swatch watches – showing off his wealth wasn’t his style.
He sat at his desk and gestured for her to take a seat in the chair opposite. ‘Now, we have a potential new client, a Mr. Ian Graham. He owns various businesses in Edinburgh but moved to London a while ago and also has interests here.’
Hayley nodded.
Ronald continued. ‘He wants to invest in some companies and needs advice on structuring the contracts, due diligence and so forth. We’re meeting him to discuss terms.’ He paused as he looked at her. ‘I’ve assigned Tony and I’d like you to shadow him. How does that sound?’
‘Fantastic. But is Tony okay with it?’
‘Yes,’ Ronald nodded. ‘He specifically asked for you and I think it’s a wise choice. I know he’s very demanding, but you’ll deliver. You’ll make a good team.’
Hayley grinned, surprised Ronald trusted her enough to involve her in the acquisition of a new client.
‘That sounds brilliant. Thank you, Mr. Simpson, I’m really grateful.’
‘My pleasure. Thank you, Hayley.’ Ronald beamed. ‘Mr. Graham will be here in about thirty minutes so make sure you’re easy to find.’
Hayley walked back to her desk and plonked herself down in her seat. Ronald had been giving her more assignments and projects than she could count, and they were getting increasingly interesting and complex.
Thirty-five minutes later Ronald’s secretary ushered Hayley into the boardroom. Tony and Ronald were facing the door and Mr. Graham sat with his back towards her.
‘Ian,’ said Ronald as he got up, ‘Allow me to introduce Hayley Adams. She’ll work with Tony if we’re fortunate enough to represent you.’
Ian turned around and Hayley almost tripped over her own feet. It was him – the guy from the club.
‘Pleased to meet you, Hayley.’ Not even the tiniest flicker of recognition crossed his face as he held out his hand.
Hayley plastered a smile on her face, shook his hand and sat down next to Ronald, thinking she must be about as memorable as plain yoghurt.