Chapter Fourteen #2
Philip stood and leaned over the table, shaking her hand. ‘I’ve heard many good things.’
Andrea blushed, combing her long, thin fingers through her bob. ‘So, how are we getting on here?’
The room turned silent, and I paused, not quite knowing what to say.
‘Well .?.?.’ I began.
‘Pilates has done a fantastic pitch!’
Shit, shit , the name. I could feel my heart pound as I clocked the look of confusion on Andrea’s face.
‘I’m very impressed.’ Philip turned his head. He seemed to be thinking on the spot, and it was as if I could see the cogs turning in his head – yes, he was thinking that Andrea really was a dick, and I really could lose my job over this.
‘And?’ Andrea pressed.
He laughed. ‘Deals aren’t done overnight, as you well know, Andrea,’ he warned, sinking back into his chair. ‘We were just discussing potential options.’
Her lips pursed. She wasn’t used to people not being terrified of her.
‘Well, I do prefer when they are done overnight, don’t I, Ella ?’
Fuck, fuck, she’s picked up on the name. I tried desperately to keep my face in some kind of order while Andrea raised her eyebrow at me as if alerting me to the fact that I better get this wrapped up or else.
‘Oh, yes! You certainly do, Andrea.’ I attempted a fake laugh, nerves bubbling under my skin at her calling out my name.
‘Well, we should get back to it then,’ Philip announced, staring at Andrea as if to politely say fuck off .
‘Right, yes,’ she murmured, turning to the door.
‘And can you remember to switch off the lights when you leave this time? The electricity bill will be deducted from you and your little friends’ salaries next time.
Honestly,’ she laughed hard to Philip, ‘you have no idea how many times I have to warn them!’
I tittered a little; but honestly, how bloody embarrassing? Sweetly, I smiled back. ‘Sure will, Andrea, goodnight.’
She left the room, and I breathed a sigh of relief as subtly as I could.
The room turned deadly silent again as we both listened to the clip-clopping of my boss’s heels echo down the corridor.
I was humiliated twice over. I’d never understand why that woman spoke to me like such a child, especially in front of a client.
Philip eventually burst out laughing. ‘Wow. She is a lot. God!’ He shook his head in disbelief. ‘Now I understand the lengths you went to just to get me here, Ella .’ He raised a brow, awaiting an explanation.
I could do nothing but gaze at the floor, still far too on edge from Andrea’s outburst to laugh it off or come up with a convincing enough excuse.
‘Yeah, I’m sorry about the name change, and about Andrea, actually.
’ I replied quietly, feeling my toes curl in response to my lie having been unravelled.
‘Why give me a fake name?’ he asked calmly.
I eventually looked at him. ‘I didn’t know you, and I wasn’t interested in getting to know you, so I .?.?.’
Philip smiled in pure amusement. ‘So you created the worst fake name on the planet?’
‘I suppose I did. Yes.’ I pushed my shoulders back, owning my blunder. ‘But you did fall for it,’ I added, smirking at the situation.
‘Trust me, I really didn’t, but I was curious.
’ Philip paused, weighing up his options.
‘Look. Maybe .?.?. maybe something can be done here. I just think you could do so much more with this artist. I mean, you clearly love his work. A hotel venue just .?.?. to me .?.?. just doesn’t cut the mustard.
’ His voice was deep, gravelly, a little bit cheeky, yet polite. ‘Let me think on it.’
Jesus Christ, put me out of my misery here!
‘Would you like me to show you my plan for the function or a timeline of the night I’ve got in mind?’ I reached for the laptop again, hoping to persuade him.
He leaned over me, snapping the laptop shut. ‘No.’
For a brief moment, I could feel Philip’s warm, strong body press into mine, and almost immediately I tensed up. He simply plopped back down on his seat.
‘You know, I’m starving,’ he announced.
‘We have cookies.’ I pointed to the pitiful plate of Sainsbury’s finest stacked up like a Christmas tree in front of us.
‘No, I mean proper food. Shall we go grab some dinner?’ he suggested.
I felt my face twist in confusion. I was finding this man was strange.
I couldn’t get the measure of him. Was he being rude, arrogant, unprofessional?
Was this the kind of behaviour needed to succeed in the business world?
I wasn’t even sure if he’d taken my pitch, well , my attempt at a pitch seriously.
Had he gotten the entirely wrong end of the stick here?
What did he think this was? Maybe I’ll help you, but only if you suck my dick, Ella? Jesus, it wasn’t the nineties.
‘Sorry, no. I don’t do that,’ I replied firmly, tugging at my blouse. Yes, I can be strong and put my foot down here. I am a professional woman.
‘You don’t eat?’ he questioned. ‘There’s a name for that condition.’
I sighed, unwilling to laugh at this joke. ‘I don’t go for private dinners with men I don’t know. I prefer to keep things professional if we are working together.’
Philip laughed. ‘I was inviting you out to discuss your proposition, brainstorm if you like, not jump on your bones. I mean .?.?. unless .?.?.’ His eyes widened.
I felt my jaw drop and aggressively shook my head. ‘Sorry, no. That’s not how we do business here at Smart Reputations.’
His face lifted, and he pointed to me as if a bolt of lightning had just struck him with an idea. ‘Ahh, Ella, you’re gay! That’s why you opted for the name change.’
My cheeks reddened in an instant. ‘I am not!’ I protested a little too forcefully.
Philip tutted. ‘It’s nothing to be ashamed of. My sister is gay and she’s just about my favourite person.’
‘I’m not gay, Mr Khan. I am single, but I’m professional and not interested in you like that.’
‘Wow.’ He leaned forward, looking baffled. He paused for a few seconds, as if allowing my words to sink in. ‘Really?’
My heart was thundering in my chest. I could feel every muscle in my body seize and tighten from how uncomfortable I felt.
‘Really,’ I confirmed.
‘OK. Wow. That’s good to know.’ He paused, chuckling to himself. ‘Well, I’m going to grab a bite to eat. Let me think on your idea.’
Philip stood up, and I joined him.
‘I’ll be in touch tomorrow if I come up with something.’ He held out his hand politely. ‘I would normally hug. I’m a hugger. But I don’t want some sexual harassment case filed. I fear I may have muddied the waters there.’
I shook his hand firmly. ‘I’m not a hugger. Thank you for your time. I do appreciate it.’
Philip headed towards the door of the conference room, then just as he was leaving, he turned to me. ‘And Ella?’
‘Yes?’
‘For someone who apparently likes to leave on the electricity, you really need to lighten up.’
He reached out a hand and switched off the light. Suddenly the entire conference room was plunged into darkness, then the door slammed shut. I could hear his mocking laugh travel down the hallway as he left the building.
‘Ahhhhhgghh!’ I cursed, trying to shuffle my way to the switch, bumping into furniture along the way.
What the hell was that man’s problem?!