Page 65 of Pit

“When can I start?”

“Exactly, when can you start?” she counters, and I laugh again.

“Now?”

She slams her hands on the desk. “Yes. Damn it, yes, I think I love you.”

I release a breath and give a nod, pressing my lips together to hide my huge smile. “This is the salary and contract,” she says, sliding an envelope toward me. “Temp for three monthsand then we’ll assess. That’s your desk,” she adds, pointing to the reception desk. “The appointment book is in the drawer. We open at nine and take appointments from nine-thirty to three-thirty. I like to be out the door at five, earlier if possible.”

“No problem.” I stand. “Thanks so much, I really appreciate this.”

“Keep the coffee coming and we’ll get along just fine.”

I pause at the door. “Erm, one more thing, what exactly do we do here?”

She laughs, throwing her head back. “You mean, Lucas didn’t say?”

“Not exactly, just that it was an admin role.”

“I’m a solicitor.”

“Fantastic. I’ll get settled.”

I take a seat at the desk, placing my handbag underneath. I take a breath and release it slowly. I have a job. I smile to myself.I did it, I have a bloody job!

The telephone rings, startling me, and I jump before glancing back nervously at Anita. She gives an encouraging nod before saying, “Good morning, Jenson’s Solicitors.”

I give a nod and grab the telephone, repeating the sentence in a bright voice. “Anita?” a gruff voice barks on the other end.

“No, I’m Tessa, her new receptionist.”

“Put her on,” he snaps impatiently.

“Of course, can I take your name, please?”

“She left my bed an hour ago,” he growls. “She knows who it is.”

I press hold and turn back to Anita. “He’s really cross,” I tell her. “Wouldn’t give a name but said you left his bed an hour ago.”

She laughs again. “Was he rude?” I nod. “Then cut him off.” I stare wide-eyed. “Seriously, just take him off hold and slam the phone down.”

“Oh, I don’t think that’ll help his mood.”

She grins. “Exactly.” I do as she says, and a second later, it rings again. “If it’s him and he’s rude again, do the same. We don’t speak to anyone who’s rude. They all know the rules, including him.”

I brace myself and answer, “Good morning, Jenson’s Solicitors.”

“Did you just fucking hang up on me?” he roars, and I wince before doing the same again. It’s not how I’ve ever been instructed to deal with clients. When it rings again, I groan but answer regardless with the same bright tone.

“Please, can I talk to Anita?” he asks, and I can tell by his tone he’s gritting his teeth in annoyance.

I smile, shocked her tactics work. “Of course, what name is it, please?”

“Atlas,” he mutters.

“I’ll just put you through.”

I pop him on hold and turn to Anita, who’s also smiling. “See, they soon remember. Press transfer and number one and that’ll transfer him to me.”

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