little jaunt to the Loire Valley. I still smile whenever I think of our bonne année – it was the best Christmas and New Year ever, wasn’t it?’
‘Ha!’ she laughs. ‘Well, it was certainly a brilliant way of avoiding our families at the worst time of the year. We must make it an annual pilgrimage, as it already seems like an eternity ago. So much has happened in the last three weeks and I’m flagging already.’
She sounds maudlin and that’s not like her. When we booked the gîte, this time last year, I had no idea I’d be living in Lisbon by then. But the holiday had turned out to be the perfect answer to all our problems. I had a legitimate reason not to go back to the UK to spend Christmas with my parents; Judi avoided a house crammed with people and the risk of being drawn into personal squabbles with unforgiving kin.
‘Has something gone wrong? You sound a bit down.’
There’s a moment of hesitation before she clears her throat. ‘The promotion is mine if I want it.’
I stop nibbling on my toast and lean forward, unable to contain my delight. ‘But that’s brilliant news!’
Judi shrugs her shoulders nonchalantly and I’m struggling to understand why she’s not punching the air.
‘What’s that saying? Be careful what you wish for… Well, everything comes at a price, I suppose. I should know that by now.’
I’m totally confused. Judi has been working hard towards this promotion for over two years now and she’s been almost obsessive in her dedication. As the social media coordinator for a company making eco-friendly cosmetics, she never switches off because it’s her dream job. Normally, she’s bouncing off the walls, her head full of crazy ideas which frequently turn into ‘aha!’ moments.
‘What do you mean if you want it? You didn’t get the assistant campaign manager post, after all? I wasn’t aware there was more than one position up for grabs.’
She gives a sigh, avoiding eye contact – which is a bad sign.
‘No, that’s not the problem. There’s been a general restructuring. I’d be reporting to Alex Martin, as Tim is leaving next week.’
She glances directly at me, as if that should mean something, which it doesn’t, and I’m at a loss for words. I continue munching in silence.
‘Why did this have to happen now?’ she continues softly, sounding like she’s talking to herself, rather than to me.
I’m trying my best not to stare back at her blankly. Alex… Alex… I think that’s the new guy who started a few months ago. At times like this, the UK feels like it’s a million miles away and it’s frustrating not being able to pop round, put the kettle on and give her a comforting hug. I had no idea she was having problems and can’t believe she didn’t raise the subject when we were in France. Normally, we talk everything through like sisters. In hindsight, it’s obvious that with my own life in such turmoil, she was simply ensuring nothing spoiled our break away. ‘Judi, did you get any sleep at all last night?’
‘About an hour, in between bouts of pacing around, and drinking several cups of herbal tea to try to relax me,’ she groans. ‘If I can avoid Alex, I’m okay. But working in close proximity to him – can you imagine how impossible that would be?’
Impossible?
‘You’ve mentioned his name in passing probably… twice. The only thing I can remember you telling me was that he was brought in to shake things up.’
‘Yes, that just about sums it up. So, what do you think I should do?’ The eye contact is intense.
‘Do?’ I ask, but her lips stay firmly shut. ‘Well, you say yes and get on with it. If he has a problem with you, then take it to HR.’
‘Yes, well… the problem isn’t his, it’s mine. Whenever Alex is around, it makes me extremely nervous, so I’ve been avoiding him.’
Nervous? ‘Is he trying to intimidate you?’ I ask, appalled.
‘No, nothing like that!’ Her response is firm.
‘Then stand your ground. You’re obviously the best candidate for the job and it’s not like you to back away from people unless… you’re attracted to him, aren’t you?’
I groan, inwardly. Almost two years ago now, a guy named Peter transferred into her department. Even Judi will admit that she has a type. Given the chaotic environment in which she was brought up, it’s not difficult to see why. To protect herself, she’s a perfectionist and someone who values