Page 104 of The One That I Want

She narrows her eyes at me, clearly perplexed. ‘All right, now I’m intrigued.’

Without revealing that Greta’s in the know about Anjali’s true intentions – or Ewan’s identity – I outline the status of the case: namely, that Greta is dating someone she met organically and it seems to be progressing well.

‘So, you see, we have every reason to be hopeful,’ I say.

She side-eyes me curiously, the left corner of her mouth lifting slightly. ‘But that’s not cricket, surely? Greta met this man outside of our arrangement.’

It’s interesting that she’s calling this case ‘an arrangement’ and not ‘sneakily forcing my employee to go on dates untilshe falls in love’. Like many people, Anjali seems comfortable rationalising her behaviour – likely because she has good intentions.

‘I’m not taking credit for the introduction, no, but I have had him fully vetted, and I’ve been coaching Greta extensively on how to navigate her feelings.’

‘Oh, I’m not questioning your professionalism,’ she says, backpedalling. ‘It’s just, by engaging you…’

She trails off, but I think I understand what’s she’s getting at. I’ll need to tread lightly. She’s my bosses’ close friend and I can’t have Anjali thinking she’s been short-changed – even if Saskia and Paloma will refuse her attempts to pay for our services.

‘I’m hopeful of this match,’ I say, ‘and I promise to support Greta in any way I can.’

‘And if it doesn’t work out with this other man?’

‘Then I’d suggest closing the case.’

‘Oh.’

‘I can see that surprises you, but I’ve got to know Greta quite well over the past month and even if this man is not her person, I can assure you she’s much more attuned to what she wants from a relationship than she was when we started. I think we need to let her find her own way.’

Anjali smiles. ‘Thank you – for being honest with me and for being such a good support to Greta.’

‘Of course, that’s my job.’

‘Well, yes, but… Imeanit, Poppy. Thank you for looking after Greta.’

‘It’s been a pleasure. Greta may be my client but she’s also a top chick.’

Anjali grins. ‘She is indeed.’

Greta

Despite how the day started, including the onerous task of explaining everything to Taj and Lisaandseeing Taj through a bout of tears so intense, I considered sending them home, by the time I log out of my laptop and leaveNouveau, it has drastically turned around.

Poppy was the bearer of good news when she stopped by earlier – Anjali’s up to speedandpleased – and the response to the second issue ofNouveau Lifehas exceeded last month’s, with more site hits, reader comments, and engagement on social media.

Even Taj recovered. They came to me this afternoon with a proposal outlining how we can distribute Bex’s responsibilities between them, Lisa, and me until we hire a new team member. So, I think I’ve just found my new assistant editor.

And as exhausted as I am, my mind is abuzz with the triumphs of the day and the possibilities of the future. The last thing I can imagine doing is going home – I’ll end up bouncing off the walls. I send a message to Tiggy, asking her to meet me at the Gin Palace, and ride the lift to the ground floor.

By the time I step outside the building, she’s replied that she’ll see me there and I head off on foot. On the way, I receive another message and, hoping it’s from Ewan with details of our date, I open it right away. But it’s not Ewan, it’s Mum:

Ich habe die neueste Ausgabe geliebt. Ich bin so stolz auf dich, mein Liebling. Du bist so clever!

Aww, it’s Mum congratulating me on the issue and telling me how proud she is.

Tears spring to my eyes. It’ssosweet of her to message me.Nouveau Lifeis not exactly pitched at my mum’s demographic, but it means the world to me that she reads it. She’s always read my work – every last thing I’ve ever written. And her pride in my work means the world to me.

I type a quick reply, one I can manage one-handed:

Danke Mama xx

As I’m basking in the glow of her pride, she sends a second message:

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