Page 18 of Only for Christmas

‘Well, that’s just plum crazy.’

‘Try telling her that.’

Chapter Five

Friday, 9th December

Sarah usually looked forward to her Friday evenings. They were spent curled up on the sofa with a takeaway, a glass of wine and watching an old movie. As she drew the curtains and dimmed the lights, it was like shutting out the world. She liked the peace and quiet, and a chance to unwind from the working week, so being coerced into joining her colleagues for ‘welcome drinks’ at a trendy wine bar was not her idea of fun.

‘It’s not like I’d even be missed,’ she complained to Georgia, as she was virtually dragged down Fulham Road, shivering from the cold. ‘They’ll be so many people, no one’s going to notice if I’m not there.’

‘You read the email. All staff are required to attend,’ Georgia replied, striding out despite her skin-tight dress and pin-thin heels. ‘You don’t want to piss off the new boss, do you? Think of your job.’

‘My job doesn’t require me to attend social events outside of working hours.’

Georgia gave her an exasperated look. ‘I don’t see what the big deal is. No one’s asking you to strip naked and dance. It’s just welcome drinks for the new medical director.’ She tugged on Sarah’s arm. ‘Aren’t you the one always banging on about the importance of being a team player?’

‘At work, yes.’

They reached the venue and stopped to gaze through the tinted glass front, emblazoned with the words Vagabond in bold modern typeface. ‘And this is work, of sorts.’

Sarah raised her eyebrows. ‘You’re not going to be drinking, then? Or dancing? Or flirting?’

Georgia laughed. ‘Hell, yes.’

‘Right, so it’s not a work event. It’s a social event, and one I don’t want to attend.’

‘Really?’ Georgia feigned shock. ‘I’d never have guessed. You hide it so well.’ She pushed open the door. ‘Look on the bright side: Doctor Moreish might be here.’

‘His name is Doctor Moore,’ Sarah replied, her words absorbed by the throb of bass music and loud chatter.

Georgia turned to her. ‘Coat off, please.’

Knowing there was no point resisting, Sarah shrugged off her coat, and immediately felt out of place. This was not your average local pub. The walls were painted dark teal, with rows of industrial steel racking filled with fancy wine bottles. Strings of exposed bulbs were strung around the room, their warm glow providing a soft ambience, in contrast to the loud noise.

‘And we don’t need this.’ Georgia removed Sarah’s scarf. ‘Try loosening up a bit.’ She stuffed the scarf into Sarah’s coat pocket. ‘You’re not at work now. And you want to look hot for Doctor Moreish, don’t you?’

Sarah slapped Georgia’s hand away when she started unbuttoning her shirt. ‘That’s quite enough. And I’ve no interest in Lucas Moore, or any other man, for that matter.’

Georgia smiled. ‘Lucas? First name terms, eh? Interesting.’

‘Not interesting at all.’ Despite her objection, Sarah’s cheeks grew warm.

Georgia grinned. ‘Now, stop scowling. Slap on a smile and pretend like you’re enjoying yourself. You want to impress the new boss, don’t you? Seeing as how you’re so focused on your career, and all that.’

It wouldn’t be appropriate for Sarah to voice her opinions on Stephen Stokes. The more dealings she had with him, the more alarmed she became. Only yesterday he’d sent her a friend request on Facebook. Talk about unprofessional. But Georgia wouldn’t see it that way. She’d probably tell Sarah she was being uptight and reading too much into it. So she bit her lip and kept quiet.

In truth, the new medical director was the real reason why she hadn’t wanted to attend tonight’s event. It was tricky enough avoiding Stephen during work hours; she didn’t need the headache of having to dodge him after work too.

Taking Sarah’s hand, Georgia dragged her towards the bar. ‘Time for alcohol.’

The wine bar was as Sarah had expected, crammed full of people looking stylish in the latest fashions, as they laughed, knocked back the booze and checked each other out. It was an advert for the young and trendy – all the things she wasn’t.

They battled their way to the bar and ordered drinks, before searching for somewhere to sit. Georgia wanted a central spot, with clear views of the room to ensure she was the centre of attention. ‘I’ve not syphoned myself into this dress for nothing,’ she shouted over the noise, exchanging flirtatious glances with a man at the bar. He gave her clingy black dress an approving look and offered to pay for her drink.

‘It’s too loud in here.’ Sarah pointed away from the crowds. ‘I’m going to find somewhere quieter. You stay here and enjoy yourself.’

Georgia fluffed up her mass of hair. ‘I’ll come and find you later.’

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