Page 35 of Faking It (and falling in love)

“I’m thinking that we could bring together Sienna’s ability to create social media content, with your design talents, so we arrive at a visual style, for our slides in the first instance, and then for the service itself, assuming we’re successful. Gerry said it when we had dinner, he’s had an influx of much younger staff in the last few years, and he’s not always sure he’s reaching them through traditional means. We could help him with that through this project.” Philippa steepled her fingers and rested them on her desk.

“Yes,” said Sienna, her enthusiasm clear in her voice.

Alex didn’t look up, spending a moment scribbling on her pad, her brow furrowed.

“Alex?” said Philippa. “I mean, if you’re up for this, it could make all the difference. We would of course pay you the going rate for your time and expertise.”

Alex was still intent on her activity. Finally she put her pen behind her ear. “Something like this?” She turned around her pad to display a sketch of a social media ident, the kind of thing that could be used on slides, reels and so much more.

“Yes,” said Philippa, beaming, “exactly like that.”

“I love it,” said Sienna, her smile seeming to grow ever bigger. “You’re so talented. I’d love to be able to sketch like that.”

Alex shrugged. “It’s just a rough idea, but I can work it up in design software. I’m figuring the deadline is, like, yesterday?”

Philippa gave a sheepish grin. “You read that correctly. But of course, it doesn’t have to be the finished article. Just a prototype, if you like?”

“No problem,” said Alex, jotting down a few more notes in her pad. “By the end of the day tomorrow?”

“Perfect,” said Philippa. “Thank you. And Sienna, are you ok to work with Alex on this?”

“Definitely,” said Sienna. She was now taking notes of her own on her laptop.

“We’re going to crush this,” said Philippa, immediately regretting her choice of words. What was it about having Alex in the room that made her act like a teenager. Alex and Sienna’s heads both snapped up from their notes, surprised at her turn of phrase, while Philippa took off her reading glasses to give them a clean.

“I’m going to dash, if that’s ok, Philippa,” said Sienna. “I’ve got a meeting now with Roderick for a new case.”

“Yes, of course,” said her boss, relieved that she was leaving. Although Alex didn’t follow. She just stayed in her seat, an insufferable grin on her face.

“Don’t say it,” said Philippa, rolling her eyes.

“Say what?” asked Alex, stifling a grin. “How excited I am to crush it?”

“Ugh,” said Philippa, bringing her hand to her forehead. “You really are incorrigible.”

“Well, boss, I was actually going to say that I’m just relieved you showed any kind of weakness. You’re very intimidating here in your natural habitat.” Alex gestured around her, then nodded towards where Sienna had been sitting. “This one is very clearly smitten with you.”

“Rubbish,” said Philippa.

“I’m not even kidding,” said Alex. “Did you not see the way she mooned at you throughout that conversation?”

“Oh shut up,” said Philippa. “The only thing that might – and I do meanmight– be at play there, is a desire to follow in my professional footsteps.”

“Well, she definitely wants to do something with you, that’s for sure. Maybe even in this office,” said Alex with a smirk.

“Please, with the glass door?” said Philippa. “I can’t think of anything less practical.”

“Oh, so that’s the only thing stopping you,” said Alex, laughing openly now.

“Well, obviously not. There are plenty of things stopping me, not least that she’s so much younger than me,andthat she’s my subordinate,” said Philippa, starting to feel slightly flustered at Alex’s line of thought.

“You’re hot when you’re in charge. You know that, right?” said Alex. “I mean, objectively. I guess I’m biased here, given the other night. But really, if all the girls in here aren’t swooning over you in their droves, I’d be highly surprised.”

Philippa blushed. “I’m not sure this is a helpful conversation to be having.” She felt hot and confused. She knew Alex liked her even if she didn’t want to be with her. But talking about it like this was making it harder to deal with.

“No,” said Alex, holding up her hands. “Sorry. Really. Unhelpful of me. But I do think you underestimate how cool you are. But yes, not my place, really.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

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