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“The impossible. We can never live up to your standard. You’ve made two new employees cry this month. If you hate working here so much, why do you?”

“I’ve been here for years, young lady.”

“I know! We all know, but that doesn’t mean you can bully us all. I’m tired of coming into work wondering what crap you’re going to throw at us next.”

“This is unbelievable. You’ll be hearing from Sue by the end of the day!” Sue Randal was the Director of HR. A lovely woman with beautiful red hair.

“Good! Call her now. It’s about time something was done. This is a hostile work environment.”

Calling Norris’ bluff worked a treat. The man visibly paled. “Fine, I will.” his voice didn’t sound as confident as he hoped, that was obvious.

“Go on then.” Lydia glared at him, daring the man to pick up the phone.

“I’ll call later! Some of us have work to do.” Norris stomped off, almost taking the door with him as he stormed out.

Blowing out a cleansing breath, Lydia sat back down and finished her lunch. Returning to her list helped stave off the bad mood that was trying to creep in. Norris just liked to spread his misery. Bloody Norris.

The next item on the list was more like a list within a list. Lydia realised that, for the most part, she’d trundled through life, not really doing anything. Her 20’s were all about finding a stable job after leaving university. Paying bills took precedence over a career she loved or travelling.

When her grandad left her money, it went straight into the bank. Then her reproductive system kicked up a stink, and that was that. Lydia just tried to get through the days without too much trouble. How sad was that?

All the things she’d dreamed of doing as a kid fell to the wayside. Well, no longer. Her list was going to rectify that. Skydiving, bungee jumping, scuba diving—she would do them all. Plus, some travelling before settling down. Her biggest dream was to still have the house, kids, and a loving partner. She could have two out of three by herself. That had to count for something.

* * *

Jesus, her feet were on fire. After spending a few hours behind the till in the gift shop, Lydia had all but begged Cathy to swap with her for a little while. The doctor told her to take it easy, not to sit on her ass all day. Thankfully, Cathy obliged, and Lydia took her three booked-out tours.

Now her feet were protesting vehemently in her heels. Pushing open the door to the staff lounge, Lydia almost shrieked when a group of co-workers began clapping. Cathy and Harrison were standing front and centre. Cathy added a loud whistle, as if the clapping wasn’t enough.

“What on earth are you doing?” Lydia clutched her chest slightly.

“Everyone heard what you did,” Cathy began. “Sunjit was on her way to have lunch when she overheard you calling Norris out. This is our way of saying thank you!”

“Stop it.” Lydia waved her hand, blushing. “I shouldn’t have spoken to him like that. He’s still my boss.”

“Bollocks,” Sunjit injected. “The man has a chip on his shoulder the size of London Tower. That Kerry girl almost quit after he made her cry.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah, we took her out for a pint. Managed to calm her down.”

Lydia shook her head. When Norris threatened to call Sue, Lydia was happy for him to do it. Now it was obvious he was bluffing, but maybe Lydia should call her, anyway. Colleagues being made to cry to the point they wanted to quit was outrageous.

“Well, thank you for the applause, now can you stop?” Laughing, everyone went about their business. “You guys up for a pint?”

“As if you need to ask.”

“Wonderful, I’ll get my coat.”

The Royal Oak was less packed than usual. Once again, they snagged the table by the fire. Harrison went to the bar, leaving Lydia the opportunity to show her list to Cathy.

“You’re really going to move?”

“Yes, I think it’s time. I’ve got a house viewing tomorrow. It’s on your street!”

“Not the gorgeous Victorian?”

“Yup.” A little squeal of delight left her body.