Chapter 12 Nancy
“THIS SHOULD LOOK THE PART FOR YOUR LUNCH,” Mum said, twisting the braids she’d been plaiting for the last half hour and pinning them into a smart bun.
“Thanks for helping me after your shift.”
“No worries, I’ll have a nap in a bit.” She hummed a melodic tune as she finished. “So, is the whole team invited to the business lunch, or is David bringing you as his special assistant?”
“I’m not his special assistant,” I said, a little too tetchy, partly for the lie I’d told her about why I wanted to look so preened, and partly because I still wondered if David’s interest in me was more about our shared background than my abilities.
“Apprentice then,” she said, oblivious. “He must think highly of you with all the hours you’ve put in?”
I shifted self-consciously. I still couldn’t believe what Alex had said to me last night. No guy had ever called me smart, funny, genuine, and gorgeous before, and my first thought was that he was playing.
Most guys I’d met had a caveat to a compliment: ‘you’re so smart…
for a first-gen’, ‘you’re so funny…for a girl’, ‘you’re so gorgeous…
with that huge bumper’. More than a few guys had tried it on, but I knew their come-ons were just a power trip, copying the latest tactics from the pick-up artists they followed.
But Alex hadn’t treated me like that. Maybe it was because he was older—or maybe he was a gentleman who didn’t neg the women he was interested in.
His actions over the last three weeks had shifted my opinion of him. Rather than living up to his playboy reputation, Alex seemed kind and thoughtful…even a little vulnerable. And when I’d put him on the spot about Mimi, he’d been open.
While I wasn’t entirely sold on dating someone connected to work, it felt silly to pass up this chance.
Meeting Alex in the lobby on that first day was serendipity, and I wasn’t so cynical about the world to have given up on the good fortune of timing.
We’d agreed to take it slow and keep it subtle, so where was the harm in one date?
“I’d better get going,” I said to Mum, wrapping my hair in a scarf for the ride.
“Remember, Kim’s coming over to do our nails this evening.”
“Perfect, I’ll see you later.” I rose and planted a kiss on her cheek.
Evelyn exited the lift and gave me her usual friendly wave.
I brewed two cups of tea for a chat, as was becoming our morning routine.
She might have three decades on me, but the woman was timeless.
Cool, collected, immaculately presented, and she had the same kindness I remembered in Gran.
No one sat too high or too low for her to chat with.
“Morning, Evelyn. Here’s a cuppa.”
“Oh, you’re an angel.” She took the Earl Grey, looking touched. “You’re in bright and early today.”
“David’s away, so I’m working a few extra hours to keep us on track.”
“He has a dedicated apprentice in you. I hope he realises.”
“He’s a great boss. I’m learning a lot,” I brushed off.
Evelyn settled at her desk and took in my outfit. “You look stunning today. I mean, you always do, obviously, but this style really suits you. You remind me of a sixties fashionista. Very retro.”
“Thanks, I thought I’d try something different.” After fussing for several hours the previous evening, I’d opted for a bouclé minidress—deep blue with dusky pink buttons—paired with knee-high boots and Gran’s heirloom pearls. It said ‘vintage’ without the price tag.
The dress had hung unloved in my wardrobe since I’d picked it up on Vinted over a year ago.
It was more of an aspirational purchase.
The sort of outfit I’d love to wear out but was too self-conscious to make it past the front door.
Every few minutes, I felt down my thighs to check it wasn’t travelling up, but I had to admit I felt beautiful in it.
And why shouldn’t I show some skin for once?
Mum was always telling me I should push my boundaries a bit more.
Just then, the car doors opened and out stepped Alex. When his eyes lifted, his mouth went slack. It was exactly the reaction I’d hoped for. A wide smile crossed his face as he walked towards me. “Good morning, Evelyn, Nancy. Don’t you both look summery today?”
“Watch this one; he’s a charmer,” Evelyn laughed.
“Only to those I like,” Alex said, his gaze remaining steadfast. “David left a message with me. I’ll just put my things down and come over in a moment.”
“Sure thing.” I smiled knowingly. “See you later, Evelyn.” I turned and crossed the atrium, certain he was watching me.
Ten minutes later, Alex entered the secure office and rounded my desk, leaning his athletic frame against the glass top.
The familiar scent of his cologne made my pulse drum.
Cedarwood and sage—classic and intoxicating.
He was a suave act, from his whisky-brown herringbone suit to his razor-close shave. The man was peacocking, I could tell.
“Nancy, you look beautiful.”
I smiled and ran my hands over my skirt again. “Why, thank you, Lord Toverton.”
“Alex,” he admonished lightly, and put his hands in his pockets, seeming a little nervous. “Are you looking forward to our lunch?”
“I am, although I might look forward to it more if I knew what we were doing.”
He gave me a lopsided grin. “Where would the fun be in that?”
“A surprise, then?”
“A surprise, but I promise you won’t be disappointed.”
“I don’t doubt it.”
“I’ll come to get you at one.”
“Okay,” I said, trying to suppress a flutter of nerves.