“You can go on leave now, knowing these are pretty much sorted,” I say, standing up and collecting my things.
“I can. I can’t wait. We already have a sixteen-month-old boy. I’m secretly hoping this one will be a girl, but I’ll be happy with either.”
We walk out of the room together.
“Well, I hope whatever you have is happy and healthy.”
“Thanks, Titus,” he says, with a hand on my arm and then walks off in the direction of his office.
I walk back to mine. Daniel is hard at work but looks up when I’m near. He grins. “So, apparently, I work for the biggest arse in the building. What did you do?”
I burst out laughing. “Took their voices away so they would stop shouting and we could sort everything. Here,” I say, handing over the notes. “You get the happy task of sorting themall out. Once typed up, can you send them to us for any last-minute changes?”
“Nice,” he says, taking the papers. “Timeline?”
“As soon as possible, before Reggie goes off on paternity leave.”
Daniel nods. “Consider it done. Monica dropped by and said she can see you at four, so you have time for something to eat.”
“Thanks. I’ll be in the canteen if you need me.”
I make my way to the canteen and pass three pregnant women. Seriously, is the universe just rubbing my nose in it now?
I know my family thinks I’ll make a good father, but maybe the universe doesn’t agree. I mean, it wasn’t that long ago I was pompous, maybe this is my punishment, but then what about Kean? He deserves to be a father. He’d make a wonderful one. I sigh, sighing again when I realise how many times I’ve sighed lately.
I pick up a tray and see what I fancy. The food here is lovely, and the fish and chips look tempting, and if I eat now, I won’t need to when I get home.
“Hello Titus, long time no see,” the server greets, smiling at me.
“Hi Fiona, can I have the fish and chips please? How’re things?”
Fiona picks up a plate and starts putting food on it. Fiona is a happy looking older lady; she always reminds me of Mrs Claus. She works here part-time and loves it. “Life is good. Can you believe Easter is just around the corner, though? One minute it was Christmas and now, bam Easter.”
“I know what you mean. Time does seem to be flying by at the moment.”
She hands me my plate, and I notice she has put two chunks of bread on the side.
“Thanks, Fiona.”
“No problem. Do you want a hot drink?”
“A white coffee, please.”
She makes my coffee, chatting about this and that before handing it to me. “Enjoy your food.”
“I will, thanks, Fiona.” I go to the till and pay before walking to an empty table.
This canteen should really be called a restaurant as everything in it screams luxury, from the padded seats to the linen tablecloths.
As I eat my late lunch, I pull my phone out to message Kean.
Hey handsome. Finally got the policies sorted… yay. Have a meeting at 4, I’ll text you when I’m leaving. Hope your day was as interesting as mine. Love you x
I then check the town group chat. Ernest set this up a while ago, I think literally the whole town is in this group. We also have a family one, a town witches one, and a true witches one. I also have one for my brothers and one for my brothers and Kean.
I’m scrolling through as I eat and notice that pretty much everyone is talking about the auditions for the play. I shake my head. I can think of nothing worse than going up on a stage. Thankfully, I can’t sing. I’ve never been so glad of that fact until Ernest mentioned the play and Nora guilted us all into helping.
My phone pings, and I see Kean has replied.