Page 9 of One Month's Notice

“Natalie?” His voice was rich and deep.

Nat jumped and swung round. Her eyes widened as the man she had been staring at moments ago now stood next to her with an expectant look on his face. She cleared her throat to compose herself.

“Yes, hi. You must be Michael. Please call me Nat.” She thrust her hand out to shake his, grabbing it clumsily. “I was just about to get a drink. What would you like?”

“Let me get these.” He turned to the barista. “I’ll have my usual please, Jack, and…?”

“Oh. An Americano, please.” Despite desperately wanting a cappuccino to calm her nerves, Nat remembered Lexi’s advice.

“Great.” The barista flicked a cloth over his shoulder and smiled. “Take your seats and I’ll bring them over to you.”

Nat followed Michael to the table in the corner and took the seat opposite him. With his defined features and composed demeanour, Michael radiated an air of authority that only intensified her unease. His piercing blue eyes studied her every move, causing her hands to tremble slightly underneath the table. She steadied them by straightening out her skirt, hoping it would have the same effect on her nerves. She was so out of her depth.

“So, Natalie,” Michael began, his voice smooth and confident, but with a hint of impatience. “Why don’t you tell me a little bit about yourself.”

Nat swallowed hard, trying to remember back to the interview practice Simon had drilled into her the night before.

“Well, my main experience is as an interior designer. I have been running my own design business since I left university a few years ago.” She paused as the barista arrived at the table with their drinks. “But I’m a quick learner and I’m eager to take on new challenges.”

“I can see that.” A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. “You certainly took a leap by applying for this position.”

Her cheeks flushed. She refused to let her lack of experience define her. This opportunity would not be taken away from her like everything else in her life at the moment.

“Yes, it might seem unconventional, but I believe the skills in organisation, attention to detail and creative problem-solving I have developed in running my own company would be valuable assets in this role.” She nodded her head as if agreeing with herself, hoping Michael found the conviction in her voice persuasive enough to believe her.

He took a steady sip of his coffee, studying Nat’s face while he drank. Her heart skipped a beat, unsure of what he might be thinking. Had she completely blown the interview with the truth that she had no experience of being a PA and didn’t have the first clue about what it might entail? Simon might have helped prepare her with the words, but they felt hollow and lacking conviction as she said them out loud.

After what felt like an eternity, he placed down his cup.

“Do you know what, Natalie? I appreciate your honesty. It’s refreshing.”

A tiny flush of confidence caused Nat to sit up a little straighter, and the tension seemed to ease. They continued to discuss her experience and skills, and the challenges of the role. The weight of the interview began to lift, replaced by a spark of hope. Nat’s focus was on Michael and the opportunity to prove herself.

The sound of a bell momentarily distracted her as the cafe door swung open. Her gaze locked onto Joe’s figure as he entered the coffee shop. A wave of shock washed over her and her heart began to race. She immediately felt sick, her stomach twisting and turning as he took off his jacket, revealing an all too familiar red jumper—the one she used to tease him about for looking like Father Christmas. His messy blonde hair and the way he always seemed to carry a permanent smirk on his face—she found those endearing at the start of their relationship. Now she found them irritating. Everything about him filled her with old emotions. Ones that she had been fighting to keep at bay.

This was the last thing she needed at that exact moment. In a city the size of London, bumping into him twice in one week seemed like terrible luck. Either that, or she had left her location tracking on her phone and Joe was going deliberately out of his way to wind her up. Despite how their relationship ended, she didn’t believe he would be that cruel. She really did just have terrible luck.

Nat watched as he settled at a table, his new girlfriend beside him. The affection in their gestures was crystal clear, even from a distance. As much as she was doing her best to move on, seeing Joe with someone else was a stark reminder that her heart still carried the scars of their recent history. The interview, her newfound confidence—it all felt insignificant in the face of this unexpected encounter.

She looked back at Michael, struggling to regain her composure. His voice seemed distant as he continued to talk, but Nat’s mind was consumed by memories and the feelings she was struggling to suppress.

“Is everything OK?” Michael said. It was difficult not to notice the uncomfortable look on Nat’s face.

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Nat waved her hand to brush away his question.

Michael frowned, but then continued to talk Nat through the key responsibilities of the job and what he expected of the successful candidate.

“So, how do you feel about that?”

Silence.

“Natalie, how do you feel about that?” he said again, more impatiently.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Nat’s face fell. “I was totally distracted.”

“What’s going on?” Frustration flashed across Michael’s face. “You’re supposed to be here for a job interview. And perhaps I should remind you, it’s a job you don’t even have any experience in so the odds aren’t stacked in your favour.”

Nat winced as the words, delivered with an acid tone, cut her deeply.

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