Page 51 of Just Like That

Daring a glance at Nick, I see him shake his head in disbelief at my manic outpouring, which makes me feel even worse, because now I’m worried that I’ve hurt him. The wait for Gwen to speak feels like an eternity. She appears to be gathering her thoughts in a similar way to when she prepared her impromptu speech for her management team the other week.

‘Jess, Nick…’ she addresses us eventually. ‘I did hear this morning about how your working relationship has progressed to a romantic one.’ I cringe as she says this. ‘I’ve also heard that it is a very recent turn of events, so I imagine the two of you don’t yet know what it means for you.’

I nod vehemently. ‘Exactly, which means we can and absolutely will nip it in the bud.’

Nick shoots me a look that says ‘Seriously?’ and I shrink back like a tortoise retreating into my shell.

‘Perhaps you can let me speak, Jess?’ says Gwen, and this time my nod is a sheepish one. ‘All right, thank you. What I was going to say was that I apologise for the behaviour of that lot outside.’ She jabs a forefinger in the direction of the main office floor behind us.

‘They’re nothing we can’t handle. At least, that’s what I thought before we walked in here and you did that.’ Nick gives me a pointed look.

‘What exactly did I do?’ I snipe back at him, knowing exactly what I did but unable to own up to it right then and there under the weight of my mortification. Then, horrified by my actions, I turn to Gwen and apologise.

Nick however, doesn’t seem remotely fazed by Gwen’s presence. ‘Do I really need to spell it out? You totally jumped the gun by—’

‘All right,’ Gwen interjects, silencing Nick. ‘I can see that this situation is causing both of you some stress and I want to be up front, not least so I can put your mind at rest, Jess. I have no problem whatsoever with the two of you dating. In fact, it’s been nice to see Nick with a bit of a spring in his step these last few days.’

A look of surprise appears on Nick’s face.

She raises her eyebrows at him. ‘You think I didn’t notice? Son, you’re my most treasured member of staff, because of your expertise and your commitment to the animals and the park. But I’m afraid to say, you’ve been a miserable bugger for the last three years.’

I have to stifle a giggle as Nick looks like he’s been stripped to his underwear and paraded around the penguin enclosure.

‘Right, well, thanks for the feedback,’ he mumbles. ‘I won’t say it’s timely, given it’s three years late.’

‘You were in no place to hear it three years ago, never mind three months ago, so don’t give me that,’ Gwen tuts at him. ‘Anyway, as I was saying, I’m pleased that the two of you have… found a connection. I have no issue with this whatsoever, though that said – and I’m not sure I need to say this, because I trust you both implicitly – I would only ask that you don’t let it interfere with your jobs.’

‘It wouldn’t interfere in any way, Gwen,’ I assure her. ‘There’s no way I’d let that happen, and I really appreciate your vote of confidence in me, especially as you haven’t known me long. It’s just, well, for me, this isn’t just about what you think, it’s also about what my boss thinks when you tell him.’

‘Why would I talk to him about this?’ She picks up a pen from her desk and taps it thoughtfully against her left temple.

‘Because it’s a potential conflict of interest. Because Craig has placed me here to deliver a contract and I’ve blurred the lines between that and my personal life. He may think I’ve behaved unprofessionally and put this project, as well as the company’s reputation, in jeopardy.’

Gwen puffs out her cheeks then exhales heavily. ‘He will think that. Of course he will – which is precisely why I’m not going to tell him.’

‘You’re not?’

‘No, Jess. Your boss, Craig, is… how do I put this nicely… no, sorry, there’s no way to say it nicely. He’s a twat in a suit.’

‘I’m sorry?’ I blink at Gwen in disbelief, then look to Nick, who simply shrugs.

She gets up from behind her desk and slowly paces back and forth, arms behind her back. ‘I apologise if you find this unprofessional, Jess, but I’m the customer, I’m paying the bills, so I can say what I like. Would you agree with that?’ She stops pacing and looks directly at me.

I chew my lip apprehensively. ‘Eh… sure?’

‘Good.’ Gwen seems satisfied with my response and resumes wearing down the claggy office carpet, which I notice has a slightly shabbier looking patch right where she’s pacing back and forth. ‘You see, Craig’s view of the world is very different to mine. Actually, let’s test that theory. Would I be right in thinking he would want you to leave your personal problems at home? Would he perhaps be the type to lack empathy if you were dealing with something difficult in your life?’

An imaginary jackpot horn starts blaring inside my head. Gwen has no idea how close to the truth (and bone) she’s landed. Squirming in my seat, I feel distinctly uncomfortable at the idea of being asked to confirm if my boss is indeed a twat in a suit.

‘You don’t have to answer that.’ Gwen saves me from this discomfort, perhaps having never really expected me to give a response. ‘I know I’m right. So, here’s my way of management: you let people be people. You give them the tools, skills and direction they need to be their best, and you accept that you’re hiring humans, not robots. This means that things will get messy from time to time. Life events will happen – good and bad – and your team members will, at times, fall in and out of love – or lust.’

My face blazes at this comment and I don’t dare look at Nick, because I’m certain that together the two of us could toast marshmallows right now.

‘A man like that doesn’t really deserve to have you on his team, Jess,’ Gwen continues. ‘And if he won’t respect you and treat you like a human being, he can’t expect the same in return. As far as I’m concerned, this is your business and not his. OK? Dismissed.’

Nick and I share a confused look, unsure if we’ve heard right or whether we should get up and leave or not. Gwen guffaws and slides back into her seat.

‘Sorry, forgive me. I’ve always wanted to do that. Listen you two: you have my full blessing to explore each other in any way you wish. So off you pop and have a good day.’

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