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She felt her heart start to thrum a little in her chest. It was important. And he’d told her it was important. He’d spilled his secret to her which meant… Didn’t it? It had to mean… Her mouth was too dry to talk properly.

His smile widened and she saw that actually, under the arrogance, he was quite an attractive man. “Your company is small, but your ideas are exactly what I’m looking for. Unique, but tasteful, minimalist and yet still eye-catching. You have quite the eye for detail.” He paused and studied her more closely. “You don’t have a history of producing large corporate events, however.”

No. He couldn’t dangle this in front of her and then take it away again. Not now. She swallowed hastily. “I do have a history of producing large private events,” she said, thinking of Rachel Cohen’s Bat Mitzvah. “As well as several smaller company functions.”

He nodded. “As I said, I like your ideas and you’re who I want.” He held up a finger to stop her talking again. “However, I will supply you with a company liaison, someone from Darlington’s who will work with you and ensure that everything is running as it should be.”

She could hardly argue about that. Not if she got the contract. Her tummy did a little flip and she nodded in agreement. “Of course.”

“My younger assistant, Toby, should be suited for the job,” he said. “He’s not here right now, but I’ll ensure that he’s here for the full briefing meeting later in the week.” He glanced at his watch. “Now, if you will excuse me?” He stood, holding out his hand.

Ellie stood too, her legs wobbly and not to be trusted. Was this real? “You mean… I mean… We got the contract?”

He smiled again and again she saw that he was actually quite a handsome man. “If you want the project?”

“What? Yes, of course, yes, please.”

“Then it will be a pleasure doing business with you, Ms.Baker.” He gripped her hand and shook it precisely twice. “Discuss your diary with my first assistant on your way out and arrange a briefing meeting.”

He sat down again, his eyes on his computer and Ellie was clearly dismissed. She walked slowly out of the large office, legs still wobbly and a dance in her heart.

She’d done it. They’d done it. She was on her way.

SHE COULD HEAR voices even before she opened the office door. And sure enough, Mo and Carys were lounging in desk chairs, Mo exasperatedly explaining the plot of some ancient film for what was probably the third time. Carys was not known for her long attention span.

But both stopped when they saw her in the door. Mo’s eyes opened a little wider, questioning. Today’s sartorial choices, namely a mustard yellow silk skirt paired with black combat boots, made the office look merrier and brighter. Carys jumped up.

“Well?” she said.

Ellie steeled herself, keeping her face straight.

Carys’s face dropped. “It’s alright,” she said. “You’ll get the next one, thecoc oendoesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“Coc oen?” asked Ellie.

“Lamb’s penis,” Mo supplied. Carys looked at them. “What? I’m not allowed to take an interest in the Welsh language?” Then they turned back to Ellie, their eyes narrowing. “Wait a minute, her face is all pink.”

“So?” Carys said, leaning in to better study Ellie.

“So, she can’t tell a lie without lighting up like a Christmas tree,” said Mo. “Eleanor Baker, come clean right this minute.”

Ellie couldn’t keep a straight face any longer. She broke into a wild grin. “We got it,” was all she managed to say before she was swamped by both Mo and Carys.

Her heart beating wildly and her best friends’ arms around her, she finally let out the shriek of jubilation that she’d beenholding in for the entire tube trip back to the office.

“Jesus,” Carys said, letting go. “I’ve gone deaf in one ear now.”

“We really got it?” asked Mo, also letting go.

“He loved our aesthetic and we’re in,” Ellie confirmed. She turned to Carys. “And you get all the graphics work, promise.”

Carys held up a hand and high fived her. “Much appreciated even though I don’t just come in here for the business opportunities, I swear.”

“So we’re really in,” Mo said, as though confirming it to themselves. They nodded, face becoming more serious. A glittering line of yellow eyeliner twinkled in the office lights. “Then there’s something we need to discuss.”

Ellie stilled. “Mo,” she said regretfully. “I can’t give you a raise. Not yet. Maybe after the party when more work comes in but—”

“But nothing,” said Mo. “I’m not angling for your hard-earned money, you idiot.” Their face split into a smile. “I’m angling for an office party.”