The Holly Man

Spring Awakening

Amy felt the new spring air caressing her face as she made the walk from her small apartment across town. She'd grown to enjoy this part of the day walking through the ancient narrow streets with all the cafes and coffee shops breaking into life. She inhaled, detecting not just coffee but bacon, sausage, and even the slightly piquant smell of brown sauce. She entered her favourite and smiled at Lewis, the barista who lifted a hand, "Hey, morning sunshine! Usual?" Amy nodded and swiped her card on the proffered card reader,

"Thanks." She grabbed the coffee and headed on her way, considering how her pleated skirt was not only too heavy for the newly warmer weather, but also how it was making its way around her waist as she walked, so that the back had become the front. She decided to investigate a couple of clothes shops on the way home, having spotted a few had late night opening Thursdays.

She was standing alone waiting for the small lift's doors to close when Will appeared, slipping between them as they moved. She gave him a small smile and noticed he almost filled the small space despite his attempt to squeeze as far away as possible from her. She couldn't help but think his aftershave or cologne smelt amazing, and the thought only added to her discomfort at their proximity to one another. Amy willed the short upward journey to their floor to go quicker so she could escape the stifling awkwardness, and she bolted out as soon as the doors slid open. She called in at the kitchen to drop her now empty cup into the bin. It was also a ploy to avoid a further close encounter with Will as he made his way to his office on the far side of the room. Raj was holding forth about someone he reckoned wanted to offer him a job at the last client he visited. She moved to her desk next to Liz and grabbed her laptop to plug in. The auburn-haired woman looked up with a neutral expression, "Morning," Amy said, "I've almost finished that report, so I'll send it over for you to review by lunchtime." As Amy had come to recognise in the last six months, Liz never looked excited about anything, and true to form, she merely nodded.

She had only just opened her E mail when Will's PA Sally appeared at her side. She was a lady of around sixty, always immaculately turned out and quietly efficient. Amy had noticed she had distain for Raj, and she was often heard noting "Empty vessels make the most noise" in his presence. She gave the younger woman a smile, "Amy, Will would like to see you for a few minutes in his office." Amy nodded, and her stomach twisted painfully with nerves. With Sally gone, Liz jerked her head towards the office,

"Off you go then," she said, "Don't keep him waiting."

"He hates me." Amy sighed

"Don't be ridiculous." Liz retorted with a snort. "Go and see what he wants."

Amy knocked the door with as much confidence as she could muster and went inside. Will indicated the meeting table with his hand, and he came to sit opposite her. Dispensing with small talk, he opened a file. "I just wanted to talk to you since Richard's out on leave." Amy didn't respond, perched uncomfortably on the edge of the leather office chair, and after a small awkward silence, he continued. "Your probationary period ended yesterday. How do you think the last six months have gone?" Amy wrapped her arms across her stomach.

"Good I think." She paused and added quickly, "I've learned a lot, but I understand there's a lot more I need to get up to speed on." She tried to read Will's expression, but it told her nothing.

"Amy," he said in a more soothing tone than she was used to hearing, "we're very pleased with your work. You are better than you think."

"So you'll keep me on?" she blurted out. Will drew his eyebrows together, and Amy wished she'd reacted with less desperation in her voice since it clearly reminded him why he had so little time for her.

"Yes," he sighed, "Of course." An uncomfortable pause settled across the table until Will got up and said, "Thank you Amy. Please can you send Raj through?"