Page 16 of The One That I Want

‘I know – and it’s more evidence that they areactuallytrying to match me. Why else have me complete it?’

‘There’s less paperwork than this to get a mortgage,’ she says, ignoring my comment about the mounting evidence. ‘Haven’t they heard of online forms?’

‘Apparently, they get more candid responses from a paper one.’

She looks up from the ream of paper and sets it back on the table. ‘Hmm. Worth it, though. And not just ’cause you’re nearly past it.’

‘Ouch!’

‘You also spent far too long crushing on the wrong man,’ she continues, undeterred.

‘Double ouch.’

‘Come on, how many years did you waste on Luca? He was never husband material and you know it.’

She’s right. Too bad it took my nethers so long to get the memo. But maybe it wasn’t just my nethers. Maybe I crushed on Luca because pining after an unattainable man was easier than facing the terrifying prospect of being vulnerable with someone new.

Ugh. I’m too shattered to unpack that right now.

‘Okay, fine, you’re right,’ I say instead. ‘Now, can we please order food? I’m about thirty seconds away from eating the rest of your Wotsits for dinner.’

‘You wouldn’t dare,’ she says, grabbing the bag off the table and clasping it to her chest.

Poppy

‘Georgie Boy,’ I say to my fellow agent as I perch on the edge of his desk. ‘I have something to ask you.’

He slams his laptop shut but not without me seeing he was onSpill the Tea. If I ask him about it, he’ll lie and say it’s for a case, but the truth is that George is addicted to celebrity gossip. But as far as vices go, it’s fairly innocuous.

‘Hello, Poppy,’ he says, propping his chin on his hand. ‘What can I do for you?’

‘It’s about a case…’

‘Mmm…?’ he asks, feigning mild curiosity when I can tell his interest is fully piqued.

This is a well-practised routine of ours. Any time I’ve asked George to be my second on a case, I pretend I’m asking for a massive favour and he pretends to consider it. The reality: I bring my juiciest cases straight to George, because the juicier thecase, the harder he works at it – and we both know that. I also adore working with him.

‘First, it’sNouveau…’

‘The magazine?’ he asks, abandoning his coy pretence and sitting up ramrod straight.

‘The one and only.’

He leans in closer and purses his full lips. ‘Ooh, do tell.’

I paint the broad strokes of the case for him, each detail inciting an exclamation, wide-eyed wonder, or both. I conclude with, ‘The client’s coming this arvo with her completed questionnaire, but I’d love your help reviewing the long list of potentials. So, will you be my second on this one?’

‘Poppy, if you ask anyone else, I’ll never speak to you again.’

‘You were my first and only choice.’

He nods with a slightly smug smile, then leans back in his chair. ‘And what are your thoughts on the angle?’ he asks.

‘For the articles?’

‘Mm-hmm.’

‘I’ve actually left that to Anjali, and I imagine Greta will want to have a say. It’s her online magazine, after all.’

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