Personal assistant

Katya

Subtly, I watched her from across the large room, enamoured. The striking, navy blue suit was dreamy, a treat for all my staring. She chuckled airily in response to a stranger's comment, and spun her hair over to one shoulder, mannerisms carefully constructed. She clasped a glass of champagne, the same one in her hand since the start of the mixer. When I pointed it out, she claimed she wasn't a big drinker, and preferred to keep a clear head when in social settings. A tincture of elegance, in this entire room, all eyes were on her. Sofia's were occupied, and I twinkled at the revelation.

Her's were only on me.

After wrapping up the conversation politely, she strolled over to where I was sat with Sasha, collecting another two glasses from the waiter on the way. She passed one to Sash, and one to me, fixing my dress strap tentatively.

"Still hanging in there?" 

She asked, an apologetic air about her question.

"We love people watching, don't we Lana? No need to worry about us."

I nodded my confirmation, Sasha was right, I genuinely was enjoying myself. This celebration had been organised by Rupert, with my help of course. He informed me they held lavish gatherings quarterly at the Beaumont, in one of the large conference rooms on the first floor. Matt noticed us all together, and patted Rupert on the shoulder to signal his attention to end his conversation so they could join us too. I took another swig from my champagne, and waved my greeting to them both. My social battery had depleted quite drastically, introductions today had been lengthy, not to mention thrilling. All these important people were so curious as to who I was, this mystery woman that had somehow woven her way into Miss Bardot's heart and affections.

"I always look forward to these events, even better now that I can bring Lana and Sash along as well."

Matt addressed Sofia, who nodded graciously in response.

"Is Katya well?"

Matt confirmed she was, and explained that his wife couldn't attend as she was nearing her due date, she didn't want to overexert herself. Rupert offered his congratulations, it slipped my mind often that a few in this group were strangers. We all meshed together so well that every interaction felt natural, like it were a daily matter.

"Rupert has been doing all the networking, I'm surprised he hasn't keeled over," Matt chortled, poking fun, Rupert agreed enthusiastically. 

"It's true, you're going to have so many new friends by the end of this Sofia!"

The businesswoman groaned, and I joined in the laughter with the rest of the group. She may have been an expert at socialising, but I knew her quite well, and she didn't like people getting close to her. The amicable banter was just a front, she gave the people exactly what they needed, and drew the line. Rupert was clearly not cut from the same cloth, he was bubbly and obviously took great enjoyment in making new friends. It appeared that my poor boss had been dragged into his socialite plans too. She leant on the back of my chair and joked that Rupert was banned from all mixers moving forward, and he feigned an expression of horror.

I opened my bag and took out my compact mirror, it had been a while since I'd touched up my lipstick, and the wine coloured dress I was adorning today demanded a shade match. I thrust my champagne glass at Sofia for safekeeping without a second glance, and she took it casually, no questions asked. I hung my bag up on her other hand, and again she took it wordlessly, paying no mind to the fact I was using her as a human coat hanger. She stood quietly beside me as I glossed my lips, both of us oblivious to the nudges and smiles rippling round the circle of friends. I snapped my mirror shut, and looked up at her, dimples pooling as I saw the devotion on her face, the eagerness to please me was very becoming. I replaced the mirror in my bag, and she passed me the glass, bending low and placing a quick kiss on my temple as she did so, hand moving to the back of my neck. Her strong fingers rubbed soothing arcs over my tight muscles, and I was grateful for the attention.

"You two are disgusting." 

I looked up at Sash, and then the rest of the group who had their eyes glued to us, grinning from ear to ear. I shot Sasha a dirty look and I heard a soft chuckle from behind me. 

"Sorry Miss Sasha, I will refrain from any more PDA."

My boss teased my best friend, and Sasha easily matched the banter.

"Good, my corneas were about to disintegrate."

I snapped at her to stop being smart, and she plainly grinned at me, wiggling her eyebrows. 

My gosh, sometimes she could be excessively irritating.

"There's one last person I would like you to meet, Miss Willows. Accompany me?"

I nodded, and she outstretched her hand for me. I took it, allowing her to assist me up from my seat, brushing down my long skirt. The conversation between my friends and colleagues sparked with ease again, and I let Sofia guide me away slowly through the crowded space. Finally, she faltered in front of two, a smartly dressed pair, one with a familiar face. 

"Mr and Mrs Angelo, I would like you to meet my personal assistant, Miss Lana Willows."

She coaxed me forward, and I politely nodded my head in greeting, shaking each of their hands in turn. I couldn't place him, Mr Angelo. I was certain I'd never seen Mrs Angelo before, but for some reason I couldn't stop scanning him, his smile was especially promoting to the depths of my memory.

"Good afternoon, delighted to meet you."

I responded the same, and gave up trying to figure out what part of him was nagging the back of my mind to recall.

"It's nice to put a face to the name that Sofia hasn't stopped talking about all evening."

A laugh exchanged between us all, and her hand landed on my back. 

"Don't mind Mr Angelo, he likes to joke."

"Oh?" I questioned, lighthearted. "And here I was thinking you liked me."

She clicked her tongue at me and winked slyly, unnoticed by the duo in front, who were too busy scanning me.

"Funny too," Mrs Angelo murmured, nudging her husband in the ribs. "Miss Bardot, I think you may have finally hired someone who can match you."

Sofia cocked her head to one side in debate, the small upwards curve of her lips never falling. 

"I think you may be right."

I sipped from my glass to hide my own smile, which balanced precariously behind the champagne.

"I may have to find another favourite client, I seem to be seeing less and less of you." The man pointed out, and clasped his hands together before adding further. "Then again, that means you are on the right track, I've only ever been involved when things get too messy, isn't that so?"

"Indeed," the businesswoman replied, breathing out a little heavier than usual, eyes blank as if she'd dipped into her past. Shortly after, it clicked. The photo I'd seen of her, on Matt's phone. The same stare she had now, and his striking smile. Mr Angelo was her attorney. His revelation that she'd needed him infrequently was pleasantly surprising.

"Let's make the most out of what should be our last case together, a bittersweet moment."

They raised their glasses and clinked, Matt's voice promptly interrupted us, a short apology before addressing myself and Sofia.

"I have to go, give me my keys!"

I obliged and opened my bag, confusion written all over my face.

"It's Katya, she's gone into labour!"