Page 26 of One Month's Notice

“Good afternoon,” Michael began. “Let’s get this meeting started.”

Instinctively, Nat opened her notebook and held her pencil, ready to start taking notes.

“First of all, I would like to give an update on the progress of the company growth. As you know, we are in the fortunate position where our user base has expanded significantly over the last few years. In order to make this growth sustainable and take us to the next level, we need to secure more investment. We have narrowed it down to two potential investors. First, we have Spinigma, a US based strategic economic entertainment organisation…” Michael stopped speaking for a moment at the sound of gentle muttering. “Would anyone like to share their thoughts with the room?”

Jamie sat up straighter. “By a strategic economic entertainment organisation, do you actually mean a gambling company?” The room fell completely silent. Michael turned to Clara. She placed her hands together before speaking, as if surrounded by school children.

“If we were still in the 1980s, then yes. But we’re not. We’re in the 21st century and their business practices have evolved. Strategic economic entertainment is the future and generates billions of dollars of profit every year.” She paused for a moment. “It’s the future for those with the sense and intelligence to get on board. They would significantly accelerate our growth.” Clara narrowed her eyes at Jamie, willing him to challenge her further. He just nodded his head and raised his eyebrows, clearly unimpressed with the explanation.

“Our second option is Ethica,” Michael continued. “They are a UK based healthcare and nutrition company with an emphasis on the local supply chain and community development. Although our growth might be slower if we go with Ethica, there are advantages to this, so we need to carefully assess the options before making a decision.”

Michael turned to the presentation on screen and began talking through the proposals in more detail, stopping for people to ask questions and make suggestions. Nat could sense Clara watching her as she scribbled furiously in her notebook. She looked up and they locked eyes.

“I think everyone might need to speak a bit more slowly.” Clara’s words interrupted the discussion as she nodded towards Nat. “It looks like the new girl is struggling to keep up with her notes.”

“I’m fine,” Nat replied, her tone composed despite the flush creeping up her neck. She was desperate to hide the infuriation and embarrassment that simmered within her. “Please, carry on.” The room fell silent.

Michael looked at his watch. “Maybe we should stop for a quick break?” He seemed entirely oblivious to the uncomfortable exchange between the two women.

“Good idea. I think I’ll have my coffee now, Natalie.” Clara looked at her briefly, a tiny smirk tugging at the corner of her mouth. “A double espresso with a dash of hot oat milk. No sugar.”

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Nat said, with a hint of sweetness to her tone that disguised the bitter taste in her mouth. “Would anyone else like something while I’m out?” Everyone shook their head, smiling sympathetically. At least Clara’s behaviour wasn’t entirely unnoticed.

“I’ll give you a hand.” Jamie stood up and linked his arm through Nat’s, guiding her from the meeting room and out into the corridor.

“What the actual fuck?!” Nat whispered, clenching her fists together into tight balls.

“Shhh, wait until we’re outside.” Jamie pressed the button to summon the lift. “Don’t let her know the effect she is having on you.”

As soon as the lift doors closed, Nat let out a frustrated groan.

“Why is she such a bitch?”

“Don’t worry about it. Everyone knows what she’s like. No one will think any differently of you. She’s the one who looks bad.”

“I just don’t get it. Why does she seem to have Michael wrapped around her finger?”

“There’s a long-standing loyalty there. They go back a long way. Michael had a very difficult break-up a few years ago and apparently Clara supported him through that.” Jamie shrugged his shoulders.

“I’m sure she did. She’s such a kind hearted woman and there’s absolutely no trace of possible ulterior motive there.” Sarcasm dripped off her voice.

“Miaow! Put those claws away.” Jamie laughed and Nat reluctantly joined in, letting go of her anger just a fraction.

“Come on then, let’s get her highness that coffee.” Nat gave an exaggerated curtsey. “I’m surprised though…”

“Why is that?”

“I would have thought iced tea would be more her thing.”

Jamie tutted, a warm smile on his face, then followed Nat out into the sunshine.

As they reached the end of the meeting, Nat congratulated herself on remaining calm, despite the occasional snide remark from Clara. She couldn’t help feeling disappointed that Michael did nothing to put a stop to it. Surely he couldn’t be so blind to her behaviour?

Back at her desk, she began packing away everything into her rucksack. Her hand brushed up against the cardboard tube that was protecting the print she had bought for Michael. Today was the first day she had remembered to pack it since the weekend. She was eager to give it to him and see his response, reminding herself it was just a nice gesture from one colleague to another. There was nothing else to it, nothing at all.

“I’m off now,” Jamie said. “Are you coming?”

“Not just yet. I need to catch Michael before I go. I’ll see you later in the week, though.”

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