This Could Change Everything(14)

‘As soon as possible. Tomorrow? Tonight?’

‘Let’s do it. Hooray, I’ve found someone at last.’ Zillah’s dark eyes flashed with mischief. ‘Thank fuck for that!’





Chapter 8


Later that evening, once her belongings had been shifted out of Scarlett’s overcrowded room and installed in her new attic flat, Essie headed back out into the frosty night in search of some form of job.

One, preferably, that didn’t require glowing references from her most recent employer.

This close to Christmas, everywhere was busy. A couple of bars and restaurants said they might have something for her in the new year. Regardless, Essie gave them her details and said if they ever needed anyone to please give her a call. Would they? Who knew? All she could do was keep going – and remain outwardly cheerful – until someone eventually gave in and said yes.

Because she had some money, but not much. The small amount of savings she’d managed to put away was better than no savings at all, but it wouldn’t last long.

The first place she’d tried had been the Red House, a buzzy-looking bar less than two hundred metres from her new home, situated on the south-east corner of Percival Square. Zillah had suggested she should try there, but a raucous office party had been in progress and the staff were clearly rushed off their feet.

Now, two hours later, she paid a return visit as the last members of the party were trickling out. Hopefully someone would be available to speak to her now.

People were clearing up after what had evidently been a hectic night. Essie approached the tall brunette who was hanging clean glasses behind the bar and explained that she was looking for work.

‘We’ve got everyone we need just now.’ The brunette was sympathetic but unable to oblige. ‘Sorry.’

That was a real shame; a two-minute commute would have been perfect. Essie said, ‘OK, but can I leave you my number? I’m living right here on the square now, so if you’re ever short-staffed and desperate for help, you could just give me a call and I’d be happy to step in. I’ve done plenty of bar work before, and waitressing too.’

The brunette said good-naturedly, ‘Haven’t we all? OK, give me your details and I’ll leave them in the office . . . Oh, thanks, very efficient.’ She took Essie’s card, then glanced down at it and did a barely perceptible double-take. ‘Your name. Where have I heard it before? It’s definitely familiar.’

‘If you’re thinking of something to do with a round robin,’ Essie said ruefully, ‘that was me.’

‘That’s it, yes! I saw all the stuff about it on Facebook. Poor you!’

‘Thanks. Hopefully the novelty will wear off soon and it’ll be someone else’s turn to have the mickey taken out of them.’

‘Your boyfriend really did kick you out, then. Nightmare.’

‘Yes.’

‘You must be devastated.’

There really was nothing like finding yourself an object of fascination. Essie said, ‘Well, it hasn’t been the best week of my life.’

‘I promise you,’ the brunette told her earnestly, ‘if we need someone, we’ll be in touch.’

Sixteen hours later, miraculously, Essie answered her phone and heard a female voice say, ‘Hi, it’s Jude from the Red House. One of our bar staff has just called in sick, so if you’re able to cover his evening shift that’d be brilliant. Could you be here by six so I can talk you through the till and show you where everything is?’

Hooray! Be lovely, smile at everyone, work hard and win them over! This could be the break she’d been waiting for. Metaphorically crossing her fingers, Essie said, ‘Thank you so much. I’ll be there before six.’

At ten o’clock that evening, the absent member of staff left a second message on Jude’s phone to let her know that he wouldn’t be in work tomorrow either. Unfortunately he was more ill that he’d first thought.

Jude called him back. ‘Except you aren’t ill, Henry, are you? Because your friends were in here earlier and I heard them saying you’d caught the Megabus up to Newcastle with Cal to go to his cousin’s twenty-first, because apparently it was going to be the party of the century and there was no way in the world you were going to miss it.’ As she spoke, she rolled her eyes. ‘So I hope the party was worth it, because you’ve just used up your last life with us.’

Essie, pouring wine, did her best not to look too over-the-moon. Because this was thrilling news and just about the best thing that could possibly happen ever.

Well, apart from the Chris Hemsworth fantasy, obviously. If that happened, it would be way better.

‘No, don’t even try,’ Jude continued bluntly. ‘You can’t behave like that and expect to get away with it. You messed us around, Henry, now you pay the price. Because let me tell you, you might not be bothered about this job, but there are other people who are. So you have a great Christmas now, OK? Bye!’

Hooray.

Jude put the phone back in her trouser pocket with a flourish and turned to Essie. ‘Did you hear all that?’

‘Well,’ said Essie, ‘I do have ears.’

Jude smiled. ‘You do. And I’ve been watching you this evening. You’re good. So I’m going to make an executive decision and offer you the job.’