Page 10 of Another Lucky Number

‘Amber, it’s almost midnight,’ says Cat. ‘Would tomorrow not be a better—’

‘It’s OK, Cat.’ I hold up a hand to stop her. ‘This is preferable to karaoke or any other mischief she might get up to.’ My attention turnsto Amber. ‘That quite a broad question, isn’t it? I sense you have an ulterior motive in asking it.’

‘All right, I’ll get to the point,’ she says. ‘You sacked off your last job rather than addressing the problem there: your conflict avoidance—’

‘My problem was a bullying boss.’

‘Who you didn’t stand up because of your conflict avoidance.’

I narrow my eyes at her. ‘What’s your question?’

‘My question…’ She pauses and sips at her drink, looking thoughtful. ‘Here it is: as someone with no backbone when it comes to dealing with difficult people at work – how are you going to grow one to land this dream career you’re after – whatever it is? I meant it when I said I’d whip you into shape.’

‘Amber.’ I glance around self-consciously once more and lower my voice. ‘Do you mind?’

‘Not really, but thanks for asking.’

‘You know what I mean. I don’t want my private business shared around, and… there are people listening.’

‘Where?’ Amber looks around and shrugs. ‘No one’s close enough to hear.’

‘Him.’ I jab my thumb towards the man at the table behind me. ‘He already got a laugh from your earlier piss-take.’

‘Great. Someone who appreciates my humour. We’ll get on well.’

‘Amber, don’t you dare—’

‘Chill, would you.’ She chuckles. ‘There’s no one there.’

Surprised, I look round and see that the man has gone. An empty champagne flute the only sign that he was ever there.

‘OK, good. And to answer your – slightly offensive – question—’

‘You were the one who wanted me to be specific.’

‘Well, whatever… I’ve already had some thoughts on this. I’m going to invest in some personal development: a career coach. Someone I can work with to manage that issue and grow my assertiveness. They can also help me understand and build on any other weaknesses, as well as make the most of my strengths.’

‘Honey, that’s a great idea,’ says Cat. ‘A really sensible investment that should pay off – as long as you find the right person to work with.’

I beam at her. ‘Thanks, yes, I think so too.’

I try to ignore the fact that Amber’s eyeing me suspiciously.

‘Where did that come from?’ she asks. ‘You were at a total loss just a couple of days ago, more than happy to sign up as my bitch.’

‘I… um… gave it some thought on the plane.’

‘You mean you were readingPsychology Nowmagazine on the plane and you’ve parroted from that.’

I flush. Cat looks and me and winces, obviously feeling my pain.

‘Amber, please don’t,’ she says. ‘What does it matter where Emma got it from? It’s a great idea.’

‘Yeah, maybe,’ she says. ‘I just love seeing the look on her face when she gets outed. Maybe that should be your first session with your new coach, Emma. How to keep a poker face.Thatyou would get as part of the “School of Amber”.’

‘No offence, but I think I need to work with someone who’s not going to teach me their bad habits.’ I straighten my back defiantly. I don’t really mean this. I know that Amber has a strong professional side and her devilish antics are strictly limited to pleasure, not business, but she’s gotten under my skin.

‘Whatever.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘I still suggest you do some work with me too. I’ll give you way more value than any overpriced career coach.’

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