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Chapter Four

“ I t’s show time,” said Charlie, ushering Philippa into the glossy corporate offices of the finance consultancy. There was a sign directing them to the networking event on the seventh floor, and they walked over to the lift, which arrived with a polished ding just as they stopped outside it.

“Ugh, I hate these things,” she said.

“Rubbish. You always say that,” said Charlie. “But then you make conversation all evening and come back with a brilliant new contact or idea or, on one occasion, as I recall, a new member of staff.”

“Ok, I’ll admit, they can be useful, but that’s not the same as enjoying them,” she said, looking at herself in the lift’s mirrored wall. She smoothed down her bob and checked there wasn’t any lipstick on her teeth.

“You look gorgeous,” said Charlie. “And who knows who you might meet…” He trailed off and gave her a wink.

“I don’t think I’ll be picking up any hot lesbians here, Charles, but I love your optimism,” she said with a laugh. “Besides, everyone here thinks I’m straight. I’ve been knocking around corporate Birmingham for years. My straight and somewhat dull reputation goes before me.”

“I’m sure we can change that,” said Charlie. “Although, my love, you have never been dull.”

“Well, thank you,” said Philippa, placing a hand on Charlie’s arm. The lift doors opened. “Once more into the fray.”

They headed straight for a table to their left, laden with red and white wine and soft drinks.

Philippa grabbed herself a glass of red, while Charlie went for the white.

Philippa spotted Roderick at the other end of the room.

She gave a wry smile, predicting he would give her a wide berth this evening.

She spotted a lawyer from a neighbouring firm and walked over to say hello to her, leaving Charlie chatting to a fundraising director from a local charity.

Halfway through the evening, Philippa realised she’d spoken to all the people she needed to in order to keep the right relationships warm.

She’d never realised how important this sort of thing was when she was doing her law degree at university, but while she was a lawyer, she was also a business woman, and relationships were critical.

She’d just returned to the table to refresh her glass when a new face appeared at the door.

She was slim with long brown hair, ruffled and wavy, and a nonchalant air.

She sauntered in, jeans fitting her perfectly, and bangles jangling round her wrist. The woman wore a dark blue shirt and a light blue blazer, and Philippa couldn’t keep her eyes off her.

She was familiar with most of the people in the room, but she was sure she’d have remembered this face.

The woman, hands in pockets, advanced towards the drinks table where Philippa was still standing, staring back at her.

She gathered herself hurriedly, smiled at the woman, and then hastened her way to the other side of the room where she’d spotted Gerry, the chief operating officer of the firm that held this monthly event.

She always made a point of saying hello to him.

“Lovely event as usual, Gerry,” said Philippa. “Always a valuable place to do business.”

“Thank you, Philippa. Always a delight to see you,” replied Gerry. He was in his early sixties, wore what looked like an expensive designer suit and gave off the scent of sophisticated aftershave. “I think I saw Paul at the golf course the other day, so I gather he’s not overseas at present?”

“Ah no,” said Philippa, gathering herself for the conversation she needed to have.

One of the things about getting divorced, or coming out, was that she found herself having to tell people over and over again.

“He retired last year, so he has more time for golf. Although I should probably say that we actually separated a little while ago.”

“Oh,” said Gerry, his eyes softening. “I’m sorry to hear that. Are you ok?”

“Yes, thanks,” said Philippa, “and actually I…”

She trailed off. Just over Gerry’s shoulder, she could see the woman in the blue jacket talking to a man who was standing with Roderick.

The man reached his arm around the woman’s shoulder, and Philippa recognised the look on her face immediately.

The woman was distinctly uncomfortable. Philippa felt blood rush to her face.

“Excuse me,” she said to Gerry. She made her way towards the group of three.

“Maybe I can get you a drink, love,” the man was saying, his words slurred. The woman’s eyebrows shot up and she tried awkwardly to slide his arm off her.

“I don’t think she wants a drink,” said Philippa, addressing the group and inserting herself between Roderick’s companion and the woman.

Roderick looked ashen and the other man staggered slightly.

“What are you?” said the clearly inebriated man. “Her girlfriend?”

“Yes,” replied Philippa without thinking. “I am. And I am also a solicitor, so I would advise you to step away.” The woman’s face whipped round to face Philippa’s, whose cheeks were now burning with fury.

“Yeah,” said the woman, her voice low and treacly. “I wouldn’t cross her if I were you.” She put her arm around Philippa’s waist. “I’ve been looking for you all evening, babe.” She kissed Philippa’s cheek.

Within seconds Roderick and his friend had melted away, and Philippa wondered if she had fallen into some kind of parallel universe where this woman really was her girlfriend. Her cheek tingled where the woman’s lips had touched it.

“Hi,” said the woman with an amused smile. “I’m Alex.” She removed her arm from around Philippa’s waist. “Thank you.”

“Oh, yes, well, you’re welcome,” said Philippa, reeling slightly. “I’m Philippa. And I hope that was ok. He looked like he was being a horrible letch, and I can’t bear that kind of thing.”

“Hey, that was fine,” laughed Alex. “By far the best networking event I’ve ever been to. I suspect it wouldn’t have been long before I had to give him a slap, so you’ve saved us all some embarrassment.”

Philippa laughed. “He could probably have done with a slap, but as your legal counsel, I’d advise against it.”

“Ah yes, you’re a lawyer,” said Alex. “I’m sure you would have made mincemeat of him. I’m just an arty graphic designer, so I don’t do anything that contributes to the betterment of society or justice.”

“Yes, but everyone needs a bit of creativity,” said Philippa, still slightly shaken by the last few minutes. “That said, I’m a family lawyer, not a criminal defender, so I suspect my job is less dramatic than you might imagine.”

“Fletch!” came a voice from behind them.

“Charlie!” said Alex, throwing her arms around his neck. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

Charlie put her down. “I see you’ve met Philippa already.”

“Oh, we’ve done more than just meet,” said Alex with a wink.

Before they could talk any further, Gerry appeared. “Sorry, Philippa, I can see you were about to impart some news to me before, but I think I know what you were going to say. I’m so thrilled to see you happy with your new partner – Roderick told me all about it.”

Philippa felt a bubble of panic. She wasn’t afraid of Gerry knowing she was gay, but she didn’t know how she could explain that Alex wasn’t actually her girlfriend, that in fact they had only just met.

“Enchanted,” said Alex without missing a beat, taking Gerry’s proffered hand. “Philippa’s told me all about you.”

Charlie’s eyebrows hit his hairline. He gave Philippa a questioning look. Philippa just stared back at Alex as the other woman talked for them both.

“She’s too kind,” said Gerry.

“That’s my girl,” said Alex. “Kind to a fault.” She reached out her hand and took Philippa’s.

“She is kind,” said Charlie. “Surprising, too, sometimes. Full of ways to keep me guessing.” He side-eyed Philippa.

“Mmm, well,” said Philippa. Her hand felt strange, as if it had caught light where Alex touched her. “We’ve not been together for long.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” said Gerry, “I must catch up with Erin over there.”

The trio waved Gerry off, and Charlie turned to face them both. “What the actual hell is going on?”