Page 38 of The Gin Lover's Guide to Dating

‘Err…’ I draw a sharp intake of breath to try and emphasise the level of confidentiality involved. ‘Can’t really share that right now. I’ve signed a non-disclosure agreement. You guys will be the first to know, though.’

‘OK… sure.’ Tom is now looking perplexed.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Sharon studying me curiously. She sits forward and puffs out her enormous bust.

‘A confidential restructure, you say?’ She fixes her gaze on me.

‘Err… yes.’ I shift a little on the spot.

‘And it’s a company in this city?’

‘Mmmm.’ I keep my reply non-committal, concerned about where she’s going with this.

‘That’s interesting…’ Sharon makes a show of racking her brain. ‘Because I’m very well connected – been around a long time, you know how it is – I don’t remember any contacts mentioning anything about a restructure as sensitive as that.’

‘That’s because it’s top secret.’ I nod affirmatively. ‘It would have huge implications for the share price, profits, everything, if it were to get out.’

‘Of course.’ Sharon recommences her hard deliberation. ‘See, the thing is, Liv.Nothingever stays “top secret”. There’s always rumours, even information leaks. If by some miracle it has actually managed to stay off the rumour mill, I’m just wondering why they would tell you about something so sensitive; when you don’t even work for them yet. How do they know they cantrustyou?’

There’s a stifled snigger from someone I’m unable identify on glancing insecurely at my ex-colleagues. I feel the burn in my cheeks as the humiliation sets in, and I process the double meaning in Sharon’s message. She knows fine well that I’m making this up, and she’s enjoying this game of cat and mouse; letting me hang myself.

I look around the group, hoping to see at least a hint of disgust at Sharon’s behaviour. All I’m greeted with are faces of discomfort, pity or amusement. Even from Anya, who despite my gaze lingering on her in an appeal for some kind of support, refuses to make eye contact with me. My eyes shift towards the bar in desperation, hoping to find the sympathetic faces of Reyes and Amir. But instead of the encouragement I’m seeking, I make eye contact with a self-satisfied Clara, standing watching, her arms folded across her chest. She simply stares coldly at me for a couple of seconds, then sweeps out of the bar. This is just too much. I have to get away.

‘Well…’ I bluster. ‘Obviously, I’d love to fill you all in, but as I said, I can’t. I have more customers waiting. What can I get you?’

Sharon looks like a pig in shit as I race round the group, taking their drinks orders as fast as possible. Anya and Tom are barely able to make eye contact with me as they relay their orders; Stella looks like she might faint. As soon as I can, I excuse myself. Returning to the bar – where Reyes and Amir are nowhere to be seen – I bolt for the store cupboard. Once inside and out of sight, I slide down the wall in despair, head in my hands, my heart racing.

‘Why did that have to happen?Why?’ I murmur inconsolably.

‘Chica, I am so sorry.’ Reyes’s voice comes from inside the store cupboard.

I look up and see that she and Amir are standing just a few feet away. In my anguish, I didn’t even notice they were there.

‘Oh… sorry.’ Embarrassed, I stand up quickly and brush myself down.

Reyes gives Amir a little nod and he quietly leaves the room to make up the drinks order, giving my shoulder a little squeeze as he goes.

‘It is OK. Come. Sit down.’ Reyes pulls a chair from the corner, which I slump into gratefully. ‘We could not watch anymore. Not like Clara. She is the beast.’

My mind numb from what has just unfolded, I say nothing for a minute or so. I just sit silently, with Reyes holding my hand.

‘She really is a beast,’ I say eventually. ‘A nasty piece of work. And so is that bitch out there.’ I nod towards Sharon.

‘The loud one that is making strange noises when she laughs?’ Reyes asks.

‘That’s her,’ I confirm, realising I had never noticed that before.

‘She was your manager?’

‘She’s the director for the department. She has this following: people who want to be like her and be in her crowd. Even I did. Until she as good as fired me, and I met the real Sharon. She pretends to care about people, but she doesn’t care about anyone but herself and her career. Just like Clara, I suspect.’

‘She is devil in disguise.’ Reyes screws up her face angrily in a show of solidarity with my plight.

‘Yes. She is.’ I smile weakly at the fact that Reyes has used this particular turn of phrase correctly.

‘To me it feels like you are better to be away from this woman.’ Reyes squeezes my hand comfortingly.

‘I suppose. And I guess she’s part of the reason why I’ve avoided my friends for the last few months. That, and because I lied to them about having a new job.’

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