Page 42 of A Little Light

“I know.”

“But thank you for listening. I really appreciate it.”

“You know I’m always here. That’ll never change, Andi.” Jean swivelled in her seat and powered up her computer. “Now, I’m booking that viewing for 133 Raskin Road. Anything else you need from me before then?”

“No. I’ve taken up enough of your time, and I have plenty to keep me occupied in my office.”

* * *

Rachel pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, staring up at the sign on the front of the shop she stood outside. The windchill today was cutting through to her bones, but she was already numb for other reasons, anyway. She had sat with her phone in her hand until one this morning, but she hadn’t found the strength to call Andi. God, she’d wanted to. Hearing that one single sob as the lift doors closed had played on Rachel’s mind all night. It was the last thing she wanted to hear ever again.

Well, this looks like the place. She eyed the signage again. Palmer’s Sales & Lettings. Huh. She owns the place. Rachel would admit to paying very little attention to the paperwork she’d received from Andi for the sale of the loft. She hadn’t a clue which company she’d bought it through; she was too excited to own it to care. But that didn’t matter right now. What mattered was that she had taken the address from the header of the first piece of paperwork she had come across and made her way here. Okay, do the right thing and sit down to talk. Rachel swallowed down her hesitancy and pushed the door open. She was met with a smiling face, a woman immediately rising from her seat.

“Hi. Welcome to Palmer’s. Can I help you at all?” The woman rounded her desk. “Are you looking to buy or thinking of selling?”

Rachel looked around, disappointed that there was no sign of Andi. “Oh, sorry. I’m not here for either. I was hoping to catch someone who works here.”

“May I ask who?”

Rachel eyed the name badge the woman wore. Jean. She would be sure to put in a good word about her. She was lovely. “Andi?”

“Oh, of course. I’ll just see if she’s available for you. One moment.” Jean left the main area, knocking on the door of a room that had the blinds closed. Rachel heard low voices, almost whispers, and decided to peruse the listings scattered across the walls. “Sorry, love. Can I just take your name?”

Rachel turned to the voice, smiling. “Rachel.”

“O-oh.” Jean turned back, slipping inside the office and closing the door.

Great. Everyone knew what kind of bitch Rachel had been. Had Andi told the entire office? She suddenly wanted to run out the door but decided against it. Whatever the issue, it ended now. Rachel wasn’t leaving until she’d apologised. They’d both messed up, and that was that.

The door opened, and Jean reappeared. “Come on through, Rachel. Andi is free.” She popped her head around the door. “Andi, I’ll see you later. I’ll get lunch while I’m out at the viewing. Text me with your order.”

Rachel stepped past Jean, offering an awkward smile. And then her eyes landed on Andi. A very tired and confused Andi. “Hi.”

Andi straightened herself in her seat, not making eye contact with Rachel for any longer than necessary. “Hi. Everything okay? Is there an issue with the loft? I’ve had correspondence from your mortgage company, and the sale should be complete within the next week.”

“N-no. The loft is great. But I think you know that already.”

Andi offered a single nod. She was closing herself off to Rachel. That didn’t surprise her, though. “Okay, then what can I do for you?”

“I hoped we could talk?” Rachel stepped towards the seat facing Andi’s desk, choosing to take it. Hesitancy wasn’t an option here. Not if she wanted Andi to really know she was sorry. “If you have a few minutes?”

“Okay.”

Hmm. Rachel wasn’t sure she liked this side of Andi. No, she was sure she didn’t. “About last night…”

“Oh, we really don’t need to do this. I feel humiliated enough without you landing another blow.” Andi lowered her glasses over her eyes, focusing on her screen. But Rachel could only watch her and admire how beautiful she was. She hadn’t seen Andi in a work setting before. It was kind of adorable…and perhaps a little sexy. Not the time! “Unless there was something else, I should get on.”

“If I was out of line last night, I’m sorry.”

“Out of line?” Andi’s brows rose. “You offered to find me someone I could fuck, Rachel.”

Another side of Andi Rachel hadn’t expected. She chose not to focus on the attitude, aware that Andi was only trying to defend herself. “I think maybe I got that bit wrong.”

Andi exhaled a deep breath, their eyes meeting. “Actually, you got it all wrong.”

“I…did?”

“I asked if you’d give me some advice and tips on getting back into dating. At no point did I ask you to be my escort or hint at needing someone to sleep with.”

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