Page 19 of One Month's Notice

“Oh,” Nat faltered. “Yes, please.” She was hoping to get this over and done with as quickly as possible, assuming he would want to do the same. Maybe he was just being kind and doing his best to break the news gently?

“So, I thought it was best we did this face to face.” Michael placed a capsule into the coffee machine and flicked the switch. Despite stating the importance of having the conversation in person, Nat noticed he was making every effort to avoid eye contact. “I can’t afford for you to make these types of mistakes. The investor I took out for dinner last night could take the company to the next level. This is a crucial time, and securing finance at the moment is extremely challenging. They have to be sure we are taking any potential deal seriously.” He placed a coffee cup in front of her.

Nat nodded solemnly as she listened to him scold her like a disappointed parent. She was all too familiar with that feeling.

“I’m really sorry.” She pulled the drink towards her, trying not to spill the contents on the spotless counter.

“Milk?” He placed a delicate white porcelain jug down.

“Thank you.” Nat reached forward, and as Michael moved his hand away, it brushed against hers. She flinched at the tiny electric shock that passed between them. Their eyes met. Did he feel it too? After a moment, he broke eye contact and turned away.

“I know it’s only been a week—” he said.

“Please, it has only been a week,” Nat interrupted him. “But it was an honest mistake. There was so much going on and I remember I couldn’t get through on the phone, so I left them a message. They can’t have picked it up.” She took a sip of her drink, the cup wobbling slightly in her hand as she tried to steady her nerves.

“It’s not acceptable.” Michael looked at her, dissatisfaction sitting deeply in the lines carved across his forehead. “I’ve had enough problems with staff not doing their jobs properly. I took a chance with you and I’m starting to regret that decision.”

His harsh words cut into Nat, and she took a steady breath to ward off the tears threatening to spill over.

“I really need this job.” She pushed down the shame that came with her pleading tone. “Would you consider giving me some more time to prove myself? I promise I have learned from this, and I won’t let you down again.”

Michael continued to stare at her, a coldness to the intense blue of his eyes. He took a deep breath. “OK, I’ll give you some more time.”

“Thank you so much!” Nat let out a deep sigh of relief.

“But there are some conditions attached to this.” He placed his hands firmly on the counter. “Your home environment is far too chaotic, and I need to make sure you’re on track with what needs doing. If you can’t find anywhere quieter to work, you need to get yourself to the office. When I’m in the office, you need to be there with me.”

“Of course.” Nat nodded.

“And there will be times when I’m working from home that you’ll need to base yourself here. I know that is a little unconventional, but I think it’s important until we can build more trust.”

“Absolutely, whatever you need me to do.” The tension in Nat’s stomach finally began to ease.

“There can’t be any more mistakes.” Michael’s expression softened a fraction. “I’ll give you a month.”

Nat nodded.

A month might be all she needs.

Chapter ten

Wednesday 4th May

The following morning, Nat returned to Michael’s apartment and set up her laptop on the dining table. The smooth glass top was a stark contrast to the rustic wood at her brother’s house. Every time she put something down, the sound reverberated around the room. Michael sat at the end of the table, positioned to enjoy the incredible view and keep an eye on Nat at the same time.

Nat had a view of light grey walls and the uncomfortable sensation of being exposed from all sides. A plain black sideboard lined the wall, with a simple silver light stand and a large, empty silver bowl. There were no photographs anywhere to give her any clues about his life. The only sound filling the room, now she had finally settled herself down, was the rhythmic hum from the refrigerator and the gentle clicking of a mouse as Michael studied his screen.

She coughed, and Michael looked up at her.

“It’s very quiet, isn’t it?” Nat opened her notebook. The pages were still warped from their soaking earlier in the week.

“Just how I like it.” Michael looked back down at his screen, putting an end to the conversation.

Nat sighed, reaching over to her bag and pulling out a pair of bright yellow headphones, eager to fill the silence. She made sure to unravel them slowly so as not to make too much noise. Michael watched her but said nothing as she stretched the thin wire between her hands and plugged the end into the laptop. She paused just before putting them on her head, feeling his eyes still on her. Selecting an upbeat playlist to lighten her mood, the music filled her head as she opened up a document and began typing.

A few minutes later, movement from the corner of her eye drew her attention. Michael’s eyes were wide and his face had a look of exasperation. “Do you realise you are humming along?” There was a clear undertone of irritation in his voice.

“I can’t help it.” Nat shrugged her shoulders innocently. “It’s just so quiet here and I needed something else besides the fridge and the sound of your constant disappointment.”

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