Page 43

First thing the next day, Nicola waited by the Ashmolean Museum, sunlight peeping over the colleges and lighting her breath like a dragon’s. She might lean into that later.

“Morning,” she projected towards Charlotte.

Her daughter crossed the road, all limbs and big tummy. Charlotte bit her lip, trying to suppress a grin, and came to a stop in front. She didn’t hide a single thought.

“Morning,” Charlotte said, very high pitched.

Then she snorted and failed to keep a neutral expression. Eyebrows reached for the tips of Oxford’s dreaming spires, and pursed lips wouldn't hold in laughter for long.

Nicola tutted. “Something amusing?” she asked nonchalantly.

“Nope.” Charlotte rapidly shook her head.

“And I suppose Millie’s seen it too?”

“Yup.” The rapid shake circled into a nod. “I had to stop her from snatching my phone and posting it everywhere.”

Nicola sighed.

“Fine.”

Let them have fun with it.

“So did you find one?” Nicola asked.

“Oh yes,” Charlotte came to and patted her coat pocket. “Here we are.” And she stepped forward with the badge Nicola had messaged her for.

She expected Charlotte to hand it over, but her youngest reached up for Nicola’s blazer lapel and pulled closer.

Surprise. Wonderful surprise.

Eyebrows dipped in concentration, olive cheeks touched with pink as always, with anything from cold weather or a blush. Charlotte carefully pushed the pin into the material. Nicola gazed at her daughter with besotted astonishment, Charlotte standing so near it felt as if she hugged her.

“Almost there,” Charlotte said, her tongue poking from the corner of her mouth.

Nicola blinked. Fast. “So, erm...does this one include the colours to support trans folk?”

“Yes, these ones here. And this circle...”

Charlotte pointed and took her through the representation on the flag. Nicola couldn’t stop smiling because Charlotte beamed while she held the lapel, the warmth between them genuine.

And she couldn’t see the detail without her glasses, but she didn't want to say, because this was everything to her. Charlotte babbled enough for her to picture it though.

“So,” Charlotte said, smoothing down the lapel. “Are you ready?”

For an absurd moment, it sounded like Charlotte sent Nicola off for a first day at school. Day one in her new sapphic life. She dispelled the feeling, but perhaps she did see Charlotte as a mum with Millie after all. Finally, it settled in for real.

“I’m ready now. Thank you.”

“Good luck.” Charlotte held up crossed fingers, the gesture swaying with a margin for error that was very Charlotte.

“Thank you, darling.” Nicola hesitated, because the words tripped off the tongue, but they were authentic. “That means the world.”

Yes, she was ready.

She strode up St Giles and burst through the front door. Chambers swarmed busy for the early hours, but this was the morning of the selection for head of chambers, and everyone had dipped in to cast their vote.

“Nicola,” one of the older barristers nodded, before he twitched with a double take.

So, news had travelled then.

“Well, well, well,” curdled the air, and she slowed to a halt in the wood-panelled hallway.

She spun on her heel. “Neville,” she said.

The snivelling head clerk must have seen it too.

“Are you ready for any last-minute hustling for head of chambers, Nicola?”

With the bile he stirred into her name, she almost suggested he visit the hospital for gallbladder removal. But today...

“I’m ready, as always, for anything, Neville,” she replied. “Which makes me a good choice for head of chambers, don’t you think?”

His expression remained smug, and she wasted no more time on him.

She turned and strode towards her room and nodded to Kirsty who was about to pass. There was no point looking anything but confident. The day might descend into a shit show, but she had nothing to regret.

But Kirsty grinned, pointed to the badge and lifted a triumphant fist. That was nice of her. Really appreciated. And she raised a hand as they passed, which Kirsty smoothly high-fived.

Nicola reached her room and sat down with a sigh, relieved she’d made it this far relatively unscathed. But she still had work to do, and she searched for papers related to the court case in the afternoon.

A gentle knock disturbed the door, and she called for whoever to come in, suspecting it was Philip. He poked his head round with a huge grin on his face.

“Yes?” she let herself smile. “Can I help you?”

He shook his head but kept grinning.

“You never do things by half do you, Nicki.”

“Whatever would be the point, Philip?” she said.

She spun around in her chair with a handful of papers. “My timing could have been better.”

He slipped inside and closed the door.

“Not necessarily.”

“Bernard and Neville,” she paused on the vile man’s name, “have an obvious favourite they’re pushing.”

“Yes, but not one who stands up for junior barristers. And that younger generation won't care so much about you being queer.”

“Maybe.”

He regarded her.

“There are more of that generation, Nicki. Neville forgets that. All the power resides in his entrenched group, but the majority of chambers is new. As you’ve pointed out, we lack the middle tier of experienced barristers while the original crowd rests on its laurels.”

Yes, she'd noticed. One thing she intended changing if she became head.

“I think,” he smiled, “that I’m looking at the next head of chambers. So,” he changed tone. “Where are you headed?”

“County court. New case. Old adversary.”

“Blake?”

“Yes.”

Philip grinned. “Walk in the park. I have every confidence in you.”

And after a quick stride across town, briefcase in one hand, and in the other her red damask bag with her initials embroidered in gold thread. Today’s judge had requested robes. She entered the building, heels echoing on the hard floor, as someone fell into step beside her.

“Blake,” she said without turning.

“Nicola,” came back.

They took a few more strides, and she wondered if he’d let her get away with her recent publicity.

“I see you’ve made an impression on social media.”

Apparently not.

“Indeed,” she replied, unconcerned.

“I hear you’re resorting to dating women in your old age?”

Well, she wasn't going to let that go. She stopped and spun on her heel, so quickly he almost tripped in surprise.

“We can do this if you like, Blake.” She sighed. “Spar before we even get into court.”

He smirked.

Oh, he thought he had an upper hand. Very well.

“Yes, I’ve happily turned to women. Because with old age comes wisdom, and I’ve finally wised up regarding that.”

He frowned, confused.

She stepped closer, enough for him to realise he exerted no intimidation.

“You believe me at a disadvantage right now. Perhaps think me lesser. And though I might not win for my client today, I will try my best, and the result will not diminish me. Because I’ll go home, where I am loved and supported.” She had Charlotte. She had Geeta. “And I’ll be ready for another day, again and again.”

She didn't waver as she looked him in the eye.

“With my great age and long experience, you find me at my very best today. I’d wish you luck,” she said lightly, before dropping into a purr, “but it won’t help you.”

And she turned and strode into court.

***

A hug. A gorgeous hug.

Maybe it was part of Olivia’s routine now, stopping by the reception desk, leaning down and giving Geeta one of those slightly formal, but so appreciated, embraces. Geeta closed her eyes tight and held Olivia’s arm to her chest. She hoped she never stopped.

“Morning,” Olivia said with a smile so wide it showed her neat teeth. Then she shook her head and sauntered to work.

A little later, Charlotte arrived too.

Geeta breathed in.

Slow, tentative, Charlotte approached the desk. Then she, too, put down her briefcase, and put out her arms.

Geeta leapt up. She didn’t want Charlotte leaning over with the weight on her tummy, and stood on tiptoes to reach the taller woman’s shoulders.

“Hugging people’s getting tricky,” Charlotte laughed, as Geeta stretched over her bump.

After a squeeze, Geeta pulled away and held Charlotte’s hands. “Are you OK?”

Charlotte nodded, waves of hair tumbling.

“I’m...well...surprised!” her eyes shot wide.

“Honestly, the same. Your mother isn’t the person I thought she was, in so many ways.” And terrifyingly amazing too.

“We’re always learning about other people, aren’t we...And ourselves.” Charlotte’s eyes astonished, before everything relaxed into a big beaming Charlotte smile.

Geeta matched her. “I don’t think it ever stops.”

“Then people change too!” Charlotte's expression fell into despair.

“Yes, they do.”

Geeta had over the years, through every role, time playing with her too. Except in some ways, she felt more herself than ever. “And sometimes, they stay the same,” she added.

“I’ll never get to grips with life,” Charlotte groaned.

“You’re doing fine.” Geeta squeezed her hands. “But are you OK with...” she raised her shoulders to avoid spelling it out.

“I will be. Me and Mum have been talking. And...oof...it’s been a lot in some ways, but makes sense in others.”

Charlotte frowned, as if troubled about Geeta. Then the thought fluttered away, and she simply beamed.

Always getting up again. She admired Charlotte for that. Someone who gave others second chances. Like she did with Millie. Like she gave Nicola now.

“You’re a generous person, Charlotte,” Geeta said, tilting her head and letting her fondness shine through.

“Oh.” Charlotte blushed, surprised and shy of the compliment. “Well, I mess up so often, it’d be hypocritical not to forgive others.”

“True of everyone,” Geeta said.

“And I’m horribly forgetful. I can’t remember what most arguments were about so...” She shrugged. “It’s best to just carry on.”

And she seemed to both despair about that and be grateful at the same time.

Friday afternoon, and lack of sleep and tumultuous changes caught up with her. Everyone wound down for the weekend, but Geeta was so tired she was tempted to nap at her desk. Maybe she could rest her head for a moment. No, she’d definitely nod off. Perhaps close her eyes for a minute though. She sighed and leant back in her chair. And when she opened her eyes again, there was a presence.

She flicked her gaze to the side to find Liz sitting next to her with a huge grin on her face. The rumble of laughter got louder.

Dammit.

“How long have you been there?” Geeta sighed.

“Long enough.” The grin grew wide.

“I’m sorry.” Geeta blinked. “Won’t happen again. I had a very late night.”

“Oh, I know what you’ve been up to.” Liz full on laughed. “Sooooo, Nicola Albright is a bit more than ‘all right sometimes’? Hmm?”

Gawd. Geeta shot her a look.

But Liz only cackled louder.

“I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”

“Nope. And I think it’s marvellous . And no surprise either, after seeing such glowing cheeks when you pass each other in reception.”

“Hot flushes.” Geeta pointed her finger. “They were hot flushes.”

“I wasn’t talking about yours,” Liz chuckled, and she crossed her arms. “Melting Nicola Albright KC.” And she laughed some more. “But I’ll give you a break, for now, because I need to discuss work.”

Good.

“So,” Liz continued. “Zain is back soon.”

Her heart tripped with worry. She had nothing lined up after this temporary post finished and Zain returned.

“Apparently, he’s become an influencer while on his travels and wants to return part-time only.” Liz tilted her head. “So, are you interested in the other half of that job?”

“Oh.” Geeta sat back.

“I’d hire you for a different role, because you handle more that Zain does, but it would include covering reception.”

“Right.”

She’d love it. Honestly, she adored working here. But...

“I need a full-time role.”

Liz nodded. “I thought you might. But would you consider it? Perhaps another job might crop up to fill the gap?”

Unlikely, but she’d look.

“Thank you. I’ll try, because I enjoy it here and working with you.”

“Good.” Liz patted her knee.

And when Liz left, Geeta made herself a strong coffee and put her head down into work for the afternoon.

Then, footsteps.

She wasn’t sure if she heard them, but something sparked awareness. She tuned in and, yes, there were distinctive strides. She bit her lip. She didn't have to lift her head to know who strode into the quiet Bentley reception and waited in front of the desk.

“Can I help?” she said, barely containing a smile. Then when she did look up, it bloomed.

“I’m here for Geeta Sachdeva,” Nicola said, unrestrained glee on her face too.

“You’ve found her.”

Geeta stood up, walked around the desk, reached up and cupped Nicola's cheeks while Nicola's arms slipped about her waist. She gave her a single, gentle kiss on the lips.

“Hello,” Geeta whispered.

What a gift to greet Nicola like this.

“How was your day?” Geeta murmured.

“Not bad.” A smile curled. “Woke up with the woman I adore. Made her a passable breakfast.”

“It was a very nice breakfast.”

“Thank you,” Nicola nodded. “Then came out at work. Negotiated best terms for a client at court. Was selected as head of chambers–”

“You know already?”

“Just heard,” Nicola grinned.

“Well...Congratulations.” She hugged her. “When does that start?”

“A while yet. I need to wrap up several cases. But afterwards,” Nicola breathed in. “I’ll focus solely on directing chambers. It’ll be hard work, but for the first time in decades, I’ll have control over my hours.”

Nicola gazed at her, the implication clear, that they could settle into a life together.

“How about you?” Nicola added.

“Oh. I had pretty much everyone tell me they knew about us already.”

Nicola laughed.

“And an offer of a part-time job here in the future.”

“Good. Can you take it?”

Geeta breathed in. “I need more than a part-time wage.”

And they both fell quiet. Nicola’s eyes met hers, blues sparkling with what Geeta recognised now as deep love and high regard.

“OK, I’m just going to say it.” Nicola blinked. “If I move in properly, we can share expenses and bills. I realise that’s moving fast, but something to think about?”

Geeta did need to consider carefully. Her head knew that. It was early days, but her heart was ready.

“Something we can work out maybe?” Geeta replied.

Nicola's eyes shone. “Please.”

Geeta gazed up at her. Yes, she was ready to try this.

“Let’s go home,” Nicola whispered.

And Geeta plucked her bag from beneath the desk, waved to Liz in the office behind. Then she took Nicola’s hand, and they walked out together.