Page 104 of A is for Aftercare

“Through work,” he replies, taking the decision away from me. “I’m Hamish’s PA.”

His parents stare at us both with wide eyes and slack jaws.

“You work for Hamish?” Katherine asks.

“Yes,” Archie replies.

“That doesn’t sound very professional,” Sean says.

“That’s why I’ve handed in my notice and I’m going to find another job,” Archie says.

I’m still holding his hand, so I can tell that he’s tensed up.

“I’m not sure you should have started seeing each other in the first place,” Sean says. He eyes me up. “I’d have thought a man of your reputation and age would have known better.”

“Dad,” Archie hisses.

“Your father has a point,” Katherine says.

“It’s something we talked about at length,” I assure them. “We decided—and have proved—that we can balance our work and private lives.”

“Yet you’re still quitting?”

Archie breathes in deeply. "That's because we're going to be living together." He looks at me and smiles. "While we could work together and date, working and living together is too much, especially as Hamish is indirectly my boss."

“Indirectly?” Sean asks.

“Yeah, I’m employed by an agency,notby Hamish.”

“And do they know about your affair?”

“Well, no…”

“I’m not sure ‘affair’ is the right word,” I say quietly. No one pays me much attention.

“It doesn’t matter,” Archie asserts. “We’re in love. Once I’ve found a new job, I’m moving into Hamish’s.”

“What about your brothers?” Katherine asks. “And Lexi?”

“They’re looking for somewhere new to rent together.”

Archie’s parents exchange a glance.

“Well, while I’m not entirely happy you were in a relationship while you were boss and employee, you have made a sensible decision to get a new job before you move in together,” Sean says.

The conversation pauses as the waiter brings our food over, putting each steaming plate in front of the right person before leaving us alone again.

"You're happy?" Katherine asks as she cuts into her steak.

“Very,” I reply. “Archie is amazing. He’s my muse.”

“Your muse?”

“That sounds very grand,” Sean says.

“It’s the truth.”

Archie rests his head against my arm briefly before sitting upright and slipping his hand away from mine so we can both eat.