Page 8 of It's All Sun and Games

‘Anyway, work…’ I start, attempting to steer the conversation away from Liz’s antics. Yep, now I want to talk about work, even though I have nothing to say.

‘Have you heard the rumours?’ Cait asks us all.

‘No, what?’ I reply.

‘Apparently there’s a promotion up for grabs,’ she replies. ‘Maybe something extra – like a pay increase. Julie’s been blabbing. She reckons whoever impresses Rick the most during this Italy pitch might be the deciding factor for him.’

‘At least if we all know, we can call it fair, right,’ Henry points out. ‘But, really, it’s not in our interest to work in big groups, not if we want a clear winner. I suppose we can brainstorm initial ideas, though.’

‘Perhaps we should wait, to talk work, until Liz joins us,’ James suggests, his eyes back in her direction.

‘Erm, yeah, okay,’ I reply.

We fall silent for a second.

‘So, James, are you nervous about the wedding?’ Henry asks James, breaking the silence.

‘What are you, er… are you getting married?’ Priya asks him.

Priya knows that I have a crush on James, and that I’m dying to ask the question myself, so she’s doing me a real solid by asking for me.

James laughs as he shakes his head.

‘No, no,’ he says, suspiciously firmly. ‘I’m part of Rick’s wedding party. I’m actually the best man.’

‘Wow,’ Cait blurts, her eyes widening in disbelief. ‘Does Rick not have any friends or something?’

James feigns offence, but laughs good-naturedly.

‘Shit, sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it,’ she adds.

‘That’s okay. It is a bit weird,’ James admits. ‘Sort of like the wedding generally. Getting married on a work trip says a lot about Rick. Work is his life, so his life has to fit in with his work.’

I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for Rick, even if he is playing a blinder by combining the two.

‘It’s kind of sad really,’ I say softly.

‘It’s not sad, Robin,’ James quickly insists. ‘It’s an admirable work ethic. In a business like this, that’s the must-have attitude that gets you ahead.’

If combining your wedding with a business trip is a sign of success then perhaps that’s why I don’t feel like I’m getting any further in my career. Maybe I don’t have the drive to succeed, because I can’t think of anything more depressing, but if that’s what it takes then maybe I don’t want it.

‘Guys, looks like we’re going to have to reschedule,’ Liz interrupts us, her new friend in tow. ‘We’re going to grab a bite to eat so I guess I’ll see you all in the meeting tomorrow. Don’t wait up.’

She dashes off as quickly as she appears and it causes a chain reaction. James’s face falls, then my face falls because his does. He is bothered.

‘Perhaps we should finish these and then call it a night,’ James suggests. ‘We can’t talk work without Liz.’

I’m sure that’s not true.

‘Okay, yeah,’ I reply.

I pick up my cocktail and take a huge gulp. Some night this has turned out to be.

4

‘It’s not like Liz to be late,’ Cait points out.

‘Lucky for her, it is like Rick to be late,’ Priya adds. ‘With a bit of luck, she’ll get here before him.’

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