Page 44 of Jump Start

I echoed his sentiment.

“Harper, I wanted a moment with you to ask how you are feeling about your current role at theDaily. I know you’ve had some recent trouble with your boss, and I thank you for not telling him what happened with Will.” His eyebrows squished together; his face concerned. I always liked Chris’s demeanour. From day one, he was so kind to me. Whatever he had to say to me out on the balcony, he must have wanted a private moment, so I would humour him at least for a while.

“I would never share anything that happens here at the team.You guys are like family now.” I paused. Chris smiled warmly, so I continued. “I haven’t been happy there for a little while now. I wanted to take this weekend to think of what my next move may be.”

Chris’s smile grew as he said, “Nothing like a loud race weekend to do so.”

I laughed. “That’s exactly what Thomas said.”

The area fell quiet, a slight awkwardness in the air. I believe I knew where the conversation was now going, but I didn’t want to lead it there myself.

“Harper, the reason I was asking is because I wanted to see if you were interested in a role I am thinking of creating for Echidna, Chief Communications Officer. You would essentially be the link between Echidna and the press. Holly would still do social media, but she would be working under your guidance. I think you would be perfect for the role, and we would love to have you onboard.”

My face must have been reading like a stunned mullet because he prompted me shortly after. “Harps?”

I took a breath in. “Chris, wow, this is so much to take in. Thank you so much for thinking of me. Are you going to advertise the role to the public?” I wanted to be in with a fair chance and not just be handed the role. “Does Thomas know about this? I would have to speak to him, I think, as well.” I instantly envisioned Thomas and I fighting over who would get to sit at the desk or the couch of his office.

“Harper, I will be one hundred per cent honest with you. You are the only one I am considering for this. Thomas already knows as it was his idea at first, but I have thought about it, and I think you would be the perfect fit.”

Thomas already knew? Why was he orchestrating jobs for me in secret? I couldn’t work out if I was mad or grateful.

“I see. Can I take some time to think about it? It’s a lot to process.”

He leaned in and squeezed my shoulder. “Yes, of course, take all the time you need. You have my number.” He smiled and walked back into the room where the rest of the party was.

It was an exceptional offer, a role much more tailored to my tastes and I was sure I could mould it into what I was happy with.

Thomas appeared with a strange look on his face. Worry.

“What are you, my job pimp or something?” I said sarcastically as I leant in to hug him.

“Sorry, I just wanted to help, and Chris thought it was a really good idea.”

“I appreciate that, thank you. Can you just tell me next time you decide to do something like that, so I’m not stunned like a kangaroo in headlights?” He let out a belly laugh, obviously feeling a little bit of relief over keeping his plan so close to his chest.

“So, what did you say?” Thomas asked, unconvincingly hiding the hope in his voice.

“I said I’d think about it. Is it a good idea for us to be working together? Like, you’d actually need to listen to what I have to say,” I said, poking my tongue out at him.

“Harper, I always listen to you. You can have my office. I’ll just live off the couch.” His faith in us coexisting in the office was genuine and sweet, but I still had my reservations.

“I need a bit of time to think it over. Are you hiding anything else up your sleeve?”

“No more secret jobs lined up. That’s the only one,” he promised with a wink.

I was so grateful for his support. Who would have thought six months ago that we would be in this situation? Considering working together full-time.

***

As I showered and got ready for bed, I thought more about what the offer would mean. Every line of thought arrived at the same result. I’d be silly not to take the role. My only reservation was that if things didn’t work out with Thomas, I would have to leave. It wasn’t like he could leave his own racing team.

I didn’t feel particularly comfortable going back to theDailyfor any amount of time. Harry had shown his true colours, and regardless of whether he was heading towards retirement or not, I didn’t want to be working for someone like that.

“What the hell are you doing in there?” I heard Thomas’s voice from the bed and smiled at myself in the mirror.

“Can’t a girl just have a minute to herself?” Footsteps indicated that he was on his way to the bathroom. Apparently not. He slowly peered through the door.

“You know, if you lived with me, you could have your own bathroom entirely, do whatever you want with it.” His tall stature was slightly hunched as he leaned on the door frame.

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