“Have a safe flight,” I say, falling back on the bed. “Bon voyage.”
“Take care.” He rings off and I close my eyes. Why is it that every interaction with Callum Ferguson leaves me feeling more confused?
* * *
When I get to the office a little after eight on Monday, a box of chocolates and a gift card for the local coffee shop are on my desk. He's scribbled a thank you on a yellow post-it note, his writing as illegible as ever. In spite of the early hour I rip the cellophane from the box and greedily stuff a chocolate Brazil nut into my mouth, letting the gooey goodness s
wirl around my tongue.
“What are you grinning at?” Charlie sits down on the edge of my desk. “It's Monday morning, nobody should be that happy.”
“Correction, it's Monday morning with a box full of chocolates,” I shove the carton at him. “Help yourself.”
“I've only just brushed my teeth.” He stares at me with disgust. “I don't know how you can face chocolate this early in the morning.”
I shrug and pop another in my mouth; this time a caramel creme. “Your loss.”
Charlie picks up the gift card and turns it over. Then he reads the post-it note. If it were anybody but him, I'd get annoyed, but you can't shout at Charlie. It would be like telling off an old, much-loved dog.
“How come you get chocolates when your boss calls you on a Sunday, and I get a flea in my ear for not picking up the phone quickly enough?” he complains. “That doesn't seem very fair.”
I take the card from his hands. “Because he's not my boss anymore and I did him a favour. Plus I respond really well to positive reinforcement.”
“So do I,” Charlie whines. “But nobody ever gives me any.”
“Is there a reason for this visit,” I ask. “Or did you just want to have a general moan? Because if you haven't noticed, I'm a very busy, important person.” I grab another chocolate. “Lots to do, you know?”
“Are you free on Friday?”
I bat my eyelashes. “Why, Mr Simpson, are you asking me on a date?”
He grins. “Yep, a date for ten. It's my birthday and we're heading over to The Salty Dog. Legend has it there's going to be a DJ, too. Music, grub and all the champagne we can drink.”
The Salty Dog is a bar on the edge of the wharf, its name harking back to the days when it was a real, working dock. Since all the interns were banned from China's, this is where we congregate. I've noticed some of the partners prefer its more earthy nature, too. In spite of the stupid name it's a lot less pretentious than China's.
“Is that a good idea?” I ask gently. “After what happened last time we drank champagne?”
“That was a long time ago,” he scoffs. “I was a child then. Twenty one is such a difficult age.”
“It was six weeks ago,” I point out, folding my arms. “And seriously Charlie, remember what Diana said? Two strikes and you're out.”
He mirrors me, crossing his own arms. “Seriously, Amy, I promise to behave myself. And if you see me getting drunk you have my full permission to cut the alcohol off. In fact I insist, it can be your birthday gift to me.”
“I haven't said I'm coming yet.”
“You haven't said you’re not, either,” he replies. “And now you have to be there, it might be the only way to save my job.”
“I can save your job by tying you to your desk.”
“It really is my birthday.” He waggles his eyebrows. “Honestly, Amy, I really will be sensible. A few drinks and a good dance, okay?”
Though every sceptical bone in my body protests, I nod my head and try to look agreeable. “Okay, I'll be there.” Whether it's a birthday party or his last hurrah, only time will tell.
16
“Two Peronis, a vodka tonic and a glass of water, please.” I lean across the bar, a twenty pound note between my middle and fore finger. The bartender has to stoop to hear my voice, which is croaky from hours of shouting above the noise. The DJ is playing tracks at ear-pounding volume, and by this point in the night the choice is dance or go home. I'm tempted by the latter option.
I shove the open beer bottles into my waistband and scoop up the glasses, pushing my way through the throng of people. It's sweaty, the temperature a few degrees above unbearable, and my hair curls damply around my neck and back.