Chapter 1 #2
“No problem,” I said, taking in his stocky but toned five-ten profile. His deep ebony skin gave way to a freshly faded buzz cut and designer stubble.
He looked over at the panel. “I see we’re heading to the same location.”
“What? Oh yes, I’m here for an interview.”
“Of course you are Nancy Cooper.” He chuckled, reading my temp pass. “You’re here to see me.”
“I—oh, you’re David Warner?” Oh crap, am I late? I thought about checking my phone, but it would’ve looked too obvious.
“The very same.” David gave me a warm smile and extended his hand.
I fumbled swapping my bag over but managed a firm handshake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too. My apologies for the entrance. I usually have impeccable timekeeping, but my husband held me up this lunch. He’s redesigning our house and I’m accosted with a swatch of one sort or another at any given opportunity.”
I laughed and shook my head in understanding at his tardiness (hopefully negating my own) while thanking the gods that the hot guy interviewing me was gay. The last thing I needed was the distraction of a crush. It was one of those unfortunate things I actively avoided.
The lift opened onto the reception, enveloping me in office bustle.
Staff sat and stood at their desks, taking calls, gathered in discussion, or engrossed by their monitors.
Phones rang, and different voices repeated the greeting, “Goldfields Accounting and Finance.” The professional hum set off a flutter inside me.
David walked just ahead. “I’ve booked a meeting room for us. I’ll drop you and grab my notes. There’s a coffee machine on the side. Feel free to help yourself.” He held open the door, and I ducked through, lingering as I debated the coffee, but my heart was already drumming like a baseline.
I tried to control my breath, in for four and out for four, and went to the row of windows.
They showcased a broad view of the City from St Paul’s baroque dome to the futuristic glass towers of the business district.
Even a few miles from home, this landscape was unrecognisable from the London I was born and raised in.
If anything, my heart beat faster.
Behind me, the office ambience suddenly grew, and I turned to see David enter holding my CV. “Please take a seat. Are you sure you don’t want a coffee?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I sat across from him and interlaced my fingers to hide the shake.
“Now, I wanted to thank you for coming in on such short notice. I know that’s not fair to you, but unfortunately, we’ve had a dropout from the graduate programme.
Apparently, they were offered a lucrative opportunity at their family’s business and didn’t give us much notice.
That leaves us a staff member down as we enter our key auditing period, so here you are. ” David gestured to me.
“I hope I can fill that role. Goldfields was the first application I sent out after graduating. You’ve always been at the top of my list.”
“That’s great to hear, and what is it about Goldfields that attracts you?”
“Well…” I drew a deep breath. “You’re head of the pack for both accounting and financing divisions.
Despite ongoing challenges in your key client sectors, you’ve achieved sizable market growth, fuelled by your expansion into adjacent specialisms such as forensics.
I think that’s why Goldfields remains a business leader even after two centuries.
You have a forward-thinking strategy that’s especially important in the current economic conditions. ”
David paused, and I realised my accent had shown through more than I would’ve liked.
My distinct inner-city twang gave away my background in a way my resume wouldn’t.
He grinned. “That is the best answer I’ve heard in some time, Ms Cooper, and without any preparation, too. You clearly know our market.”
I let out an audible breath. “With my second month’s waitressing pay, I bought a subscription to the Financial Times.”
“Oh yeah?” he chuckled, and a familiar inflection entered his otherwise business tone. “And what did you do with your first?”
“I—I brought new shoes,” I lied with an easy smile. My first month’s wage covered our red letter notices from the council.
David chuckled again and looked through my application. “So, you’re a straight-A student. A-levels in Maths, Economics, Business, and Psychology… Why Psychology?”
“It complements business. Know your client’s mind, and you’re two steps ahead.”
David smiled. “So, Nancy, what I’m wondering is, why not Oxbridge? Why the London School of Economics?”
“Well, I knew early on that business interested me, and I loved maths at school, so I pursued both. My maths teacher suggested I check out LSE, and I was impressed…” I wavered, wondering if I should continue with the second part of my answer, but something about David told me he’d get it.
“And my mum’s on her own, so I wanted to stay home and support her. LSE was ideal from that perspective.”
David nodded, and his expression turned earnest. “So, World’s End Estate.
” I cringed at what usually came next. When the posh students at uni found out I lived at the ‘unfashionable’ end of King’s Road, I’d either been labelled inspirational or received some tired joke about the end of the world.
“I grew up in Streatham myself,” he said with a knowing smile.
“You did?”
“Yep, and like you, I loved maths and business at school, so I applied for a scholarship, but for Cambridge, and, well, long story short, here I am. By the look on your face, you weren’t expecting that.” His accent shifted to mine, and I laughed with relief.
“No, no, that’s amazing! It’s exactly what I want. To have the opportunity to show what I can do. Work hard, build contacts, and take the career path.”
“Do you know what you’d like to specialise in?”
“The forensics side definitely appeals. My mum always said that if I didn’t work in business, I’d be a detective.”
David laughed again. “I like that. We’re all detectives when it comes to figures.
The forensics side can be very rewarding.
” He paused in thought for a moment. “Well, Nancy, I don’t know about you, but I think you’re a great fit for Goldfields.
As I said, we need someone to step in as soon as possible, so I guess the last thing to ask is, when can you join us? ”
“What? Oh my god!” I stumbled out. “I mean, that’s excellent news! You won’t be disappointed. And straight away. I don’t have a notice period with the restaurant, so I can start as soon as tomorrow.”
“Well, tomorrow is Saturday,” he chuckled.
“And I promise we don’t work our staff that hard, so Monday will be fine.
I’ll let Jennifer know and ask her to rush the paperwork over for you to sign.
You’ll have an orientation with HR on Monday morning and then join the team on this floor.
We’re preparing for a six-month audit starting in a few weeks, but we’ll get you caught up. ”
“Who’s the client?”
He pointed behind me, and I turned to face the largest of the glass skyscrapers. Its helix shape rose in a graceful ninety-degree turn, the left side reaching slightly higher than the right, like a pair of dancers embraced mid-spin. “Toverton PLC. They’re Goldfields’ biggest client.”
I looked back with an unashamed grin. “Then I know what I’ll be researching this weekend.”
David rose and extended his hand. “I knew I’d like your attitude. Congratulations, Nancy.”
I shook it, beaming ear to ear. “Thanks so much, David. I can’t wait. Have a great weekend.”
“You’re welcome. I’ve got to run to another meeting. It’s hectic today. Are you okay getting back to the lobby?”
“Yes, no problem.” I made my way to the lifts in a daze and pressed the call button. Did that really just happen? Was I about to start working for Goldfields? I pulled out my phone and messaged Mum.
I got it! I start Monday <3
Three dots popped on the screen.
I knew you would! I’m so proud of you! Invite Jem and Kim over to celebrate. We’ll have a girls’ night. There’ll be something in the freezer for dinner.
I’ll text them. I’ve still got the ￡40 (long story). I’ll get pizza, prosecco, and face masks for us.
Even better! C u in a bit x
I exited the lift and pulled up Citymapper as I left the lobby.
A cooling wind, intensified by the tall, narrow street, rippled the loose polyester of my suit trousers as I followed the directions towards Liverpool Street.
I skirted left and right around the techy suits, barely holding back a hop, when I was blinded.
I lifted a hand to the glare and peered between my fingers to see Toverton Tower filling my view, the afternoon light uncomfortably dazzling in its reflection.
A rueful smile spread over my face.
Bring. It. On.