planning for the future?

In search of a new life

I had agreed to meet Nicola for coffee before we started work, just far enough from the office in Southborough Lane so as not to be seen by the rest of the team. It was also only 7 am, so I had a full hour before I would need to report for my first 8 am goddess time slot with Beth.

A little under five minutes later, Nicola joined me in a small family-run coffee bar. I had got us a table at the back, so we were far enough away from the window not to be seen by any passers-by, just in case. On our table were my double espresso and a double shot latte for Nicola, which she had requested by text before she arrived.

On seeing her, I offered one of my best good-morning smiles, and she returned the compliment. She was looking very professional in her navy blue business suit. Her jacket was buttoned at the waist and accompanied by a knee-length skirt with a slit running up the side, displaying enough leg to be sexy but not coarse. She had light brown nylons, plain black business shoes, and a comfortable two-inch heel. Her short blonde hair was tied back, giving her a serious, no-bullshit air of confidence. She strode across the coffee bar like she owned the place.

"So, how do I look, Chris?" Nicola asked

"Wow, Nicola, you look very confident and professional. I wouldn't mess with you!" I responded.

"You better not, Chris or I may be forced to discipline you!" Nicola said with her cheeky smile.

I was a little excited by this but ran with it as the joke it was intended to be. "You're starting early, Nicola," I teased.

"I'm just getting some last-minute practice before our big day. I so hope it will be okay for you," Nicola said in a caring tone.

"Me too, Nicola, but I am not too hopeful. I will just try to keep my head down and stay out of trouble as long as possible."

"Well, on a brighter note, I think I have found you another job, Chris."

"Really?"

"Yes, Leading Edge Associates are hiring consultants as part of their UK expansion. They have several roles from junior all the way up to director. I am sure you will walk a senior consultant role and maybe could even try for team leader?"

"Wow, that sounds great, Nicola, thanks. Do you have the details?"

"Yes, I got them on my personal laptop. I didn't think it was smart to print them and bring them along just in case, but I can pop around to yours later, and we can go through them together?"

"Excellent, thanks for doing that. I just need to stay discrete about this until I can get an offer. I look forward to running through it later with you," I said with renewed optimism.

I knew, of course, I would need to ensure none of the pictures or videos would be leaked to a prospective employer and try to work around the references, but I figured either David Parkinson or Michael Hepstein could help me there.

Nicola and I exchanged some further small talk, then reached across the table and kissed before splitting up to head to the office. I went first as I needed to be on time for my first meeting with Beth. I knew I couldn't be late.

I got to the office around ten minutes to eight and quickly headed into our offices on the ground floor. I passed the basement staircase to the gym and had a quick peek at the facilities down there. They were very impressive with treadmills, cycle machines, weight machines and a range of mats and weights.

Heading into the office, I could see they had been fully renovated. Several small meeting rooms and two larger vacant offices were at the entrance front, leading into the main open office space. I saw partitioned cubicles with the team's names and a small open area leading up to Beth's office at the back. I was surprised to see there was no desk outside for me, as usually, a PA would position themselves just outside their manager's office.