Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
I ’m buzzing with adrenaline as I take in what’s just happened. Where did that come from? I just accused my boss of being a liar and a manipulator – and quit my job – something I would never have dared to do in a million years. Who even am I?
‘What took you so long? You got the runs or something?’ Amber’s arms are folded with impatience when I collapse into my seat at the table.
‘Honey, are you OK?’ Cat has picked up that something’s not right.
‘I’m… yes… no… I think so. I just bumped into Karla in the toilets.’
‘ Oh no ,’ she gasps. ‘Are you OK? Lottery win or not, that was the last thing you needed.’
‘Tell me about it.’
‘What did she say? I can’t believe she’s here. This is going to make things even worse for you at work.’
‘Actually…’ I smile guiltily, my heart rate returning to normal. ‘I just stood up to her for the first time ever. And… um… I quit my job. ’
‘ What? ’ Cat and Amber just about keel over in shock.
‘Nice one, Emma!’ Sara slaps me a high five. ‘Never had you down as so spontaneous… or brave. So proud of you. Now you can chill for a bit and—’
‘ Hold on .’ Amber cuts her off. ‘You – Emma the wuss – kicked some bitch-boss arse in the toilets? No way. You’re making it up.’
‘I’m not.’ I shake my head, eyes wide as saucers. ‘I really can’t believe it myself. I don’t know what I was thinking, or if I was thinking at all, but I did it.’
I play back the scene from the toilets in a low voice while my friends listen intently. Once I’m done, there are vastly contrasting reactions to my heroic moment of liberation.
‘Point her out , ’ Amber demands. ‘I’ll tell her exactly where being a nasty manipulative cow’s going to get her.’
‘Thanks, Amber, but I’ll politely decline your kind offer of support,’ I reply, relieved to note that Karla is nowhere to be seen.
Cat seems the most concerned about me having quit my job. ‘Emma, I know this all happened in the moment and it’s a bit of a rush, but have you really thought this through? What about your career aspirations? Surely, they’re not off the table all of a sudden. You said yourself you haven’t won enough to live the life of a socialite. And what about your work references? Karla could really mess—’
‘ Chill, Cat.’ Sara plants a calming hand on Cat’s shoulder to power her down. ‘Emma needs this. She’s been miserable for ages and I know exactly what Karla’s like. Now’s the perfect chance for Emma to get out of there and find her dream job.’
‘That’s right.’ I flash Sara a grateful look, because it’s not just Cat that needs convincing, I do too. ‘I know it was a snap decision in a heated moment, and I have no idea what I’ll do next. But I’m kind of excited too. I already feel freer. Cat, we talked before about me having a brand-new start. Now I’ve got the opportunity to do it properly. I can find myself a new pad – mortgage free – and take some time to work out the right career path for me.’
‘I guess you’re right. So, I suppose that means you’re moving out.’ Cat’s tone is laced with disappointment.
Ah, shit. I was so pleased to get the approval I needed from Sara that I’ve missed the impact on Cat. She’s loving us being roomies. And she made such a kind offer of a time-limitless place to stay. I can’t just dismiss that.
‘ Oh, Cat . No, not yet.’ I grab her hand and squeeze it tight. ‘The new place can wait. I should probably go slow on the big decisions anyway, and with that one I can really take my time.’ I give her a little wink and she perks up. ‘But as I’ll be staying on with you for a bit, I want to pay my way – rent, bills and everything, all right?’
‘OK, sure.’ She smiles. ‘There’s no need for the rent part, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, then that’s fine.’
We leave the restaurant and say our goodbyes, and as Cat and I wander along Fountainbridge to her apartment on West Bryson Road with a cool gusty wind whipping round us, I’m still buzzing with excitement and incredulity. Like one of those wind-up toys that keeps going and going.
‘I have no idea what happened to me,’ I say to her. ‘I was in control like I’ve never been before – something just took over me. It was like I was her equal or even that I had power over her, and I can’t put it down to anything other than having some extra cash in the bank.’
Cat shrugs. ‘You have had an adrenaline-boosting few days. The alcohol probably played a role as well – giving you extra courage.’
‘Yeah, maybe. But you know… it really is amazing the fe eling of security that comes with money. It makes my worries seem less huge – like all the fear I had was rooted in my financial vulnerability, and now that I’m better off, I’m not scared anymore. I’ve never felt so liberated in my life. I know people say money can’t buy happiness, but at this particular moment, I really can’t agree.’
‘Hmm… I suppose. Quitting your job like that was a bold move and you do seem like you’re in a better place. Just don’t let the money go to your head, though, eh? Don’t want you turning into a right diva on me.’
‘Promise.’ I laugh, linking arms with her.
‘So, will you work your notice?’
‘Yeah, I will. You were right about my references. I want to keep them clean. I could contact the doctor and try to get signed off again, but I’d have to fake it and that’s not me.’
‘Sorry, honey.’ Cat grimaces. ‘I don’t envy you having to face Karla after what’s just happened.’
‘I know.’ I mirror her expression. ‘I can’t say I’m relishing the thought. However, things have shifted between us. She doesn’t have the upper hand anymore, so I’m hoping she’ll leave me alone.’
‘Fingers crossed. And what about your mum and dad? When will you tell them? You can’t leave it much longer.’
‘I know. I’m visiting Aunt Lottie tomorrow, so I’ve said I’ll go and see them on Saturday. Will you come for moral support?’
‘Sure.’ She grins. ‘No way I’m missing that entertainment.’
‘Thank you. So, what about you then? Who’s this mystery guy you’ve met?’ I give her a playful nudge.
‘He’s… just a guy.’
‘Well, come on. Spill. ’
‘I… don’t want to.’ Cat looks at the ground. ‘It’s early days and I really like him. I don’t want to jinx it.’
‘Oh, Cat.’ I feel a rush of sympathy for her. ‘You won’t jinx it. If it’s meant to work out, it will.’
‘I know. It’s just that I always get my hopes up about the new guy on the scene, and then a couple of weeks later I have to admit it’s over. It’s humiliating, Emma. I’ve decided that from now on, I’m not sharing any details until I find myself in a proper relationship.’
‘Well, good for you. Play it cool and let him do the chasing. Looking back, I should have been more that way with Dave, though it probably wouldn’t have made any difference.’ A lump of emotion forms in my throat and my voice cracks. ‘You know, even with how horrible he’s been, I still miss him. Pathetic, huh?’
‘It’s not pathetic at all…’ Cat’s suddenly wearing that same troubled look I’ve seen on her recently, and I realise that what I’m saying probably has her pondering her own situation. That must be what’s bothering her. She’s worried that this new guy isn’t who she hopes he is, which means she must really like him.