Page 15 of The Wife
‘Oh, right,’ I reply, as though I know what she means.
‘After hearing about the success of your charity event, and reading your brilliantly written article, it’s occurred to me that you might be the perfect candidate for the position.’
‘What? Me?’ I realise I’ve sprayed water over the top part of her face. ‘Oh, sorry, let me wipe your forehead.’
She blinks as water runs into her eye. I get the corner of the towel and dab her face, apologising and praying Jennifer isn’t looking over this way.
‘Don’t worry, I’m fine,’ Sally says generously. ‘We’d train you up and tell you exactly what was expected. But the idea is that you would eventually be a self-starter, creating opportunities and networking locally to raise the profile of the college. Does that sound good to you?’
It sounds absolutely terrifying. But also strangely exciting, and so grown-up. It would be an impressive thing to do. ‘I… I don’t even know what to say.’ I turn off the water for a moment, my brain whirring. ‘I’m flattered that you think I could do it.’
‘Zoe, I think you’d do a great job. And I’d be there to help you. Like I said, it’s a position for a trainee, so you wouldn’t be expected to know everything. But I see potential in you to learn the role. We’d also pay for you to study one day a week at the college. The salary would be modest for the first year but could possibly rise quite sharply.’
I try to imagine what it would be like to get the job. It feels so daunting. Working full-time at Waves would be the safe option. The comfortable option. I know it so well. I know the people. I enjoy it. Taking this PR job would be scary, and I might not like it. I wrap Sally’s hair in a towel, and she sits up and turns around to look at me.
‘Oh bless you.’ She raises an eyebrow. ‘You look just a little bit terrified! It’s a lot to take in, I know. But the deadline for applications is next Wednesday, so let us know if you’re interested by then. Preferably beforehand.’
‘Wow. Thank you.’ The more I think about it, the more interested I become. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And if it didn’t work out or I hated it, I’m sure I could retrain as a hairdresser.
‘What do you think?’ she presses. ‘No, actually, that’s not fair of me, putting you on the spot like that. Think about it, okay?’ She bends to retrieve her handbag from the floor.
‘I think I might be interested.’ I inhale and give her a cautious smile.
Sally echoes my smile. ‘I knew you would be! Great!’ She reaches into her bag and pulls out a bunch of forms, taking the top one and handing it to me. ‘Here’s an application form. But you can also apply via our website if you prefer. Remember, the deadline is Wednesday. Interviews will be held in two weeks’ time, and the job start date is September.’
‘Thank you.’ I take the form, fold it in two and stuff it into the back pocket of my jeans. I have the feeling that this is one of those life-changing times. One of those events where I’ll look back in ten years and say this was the moment that launched my career, my life.
My heart beats faster as I consider the opportunity before me.
Eight
NOW
‘Come on, you two. Out you get!’ I chivvy the kids along. Why do they always take so long getting out of the car? I prefer walking to school, but in typical Monday-morning style we overslept this morning, so had no choice other than to drive if we wanted to avoid being late. Plus, I wanted to get to the playground at a reasonable time so that I could catch Madeline. But with the time it took to scrape the ice off the windscreen and then the nightmare parking, we may as well have walked.
Once Alice and Jamie are on the pavement with their backpacks over their shoulders, I slam the door to my blue Vauxhall Corsa and click the lock. I’m still no closer to finding out why Madeline’s avoiding me. And I didn’t have the courage to ask Toby what she was doing with him in our house last week. I gave him every opportunity to tell me about it. I said what a shame it was that he and I couldn’t meet for lunch that day, but he just compounded his lie by apologising for being so busy at work. There’s definitely something going on, but I’m not in the right frame of mind to deal with it. I feel so wobbly at the moment. Fragile.
The kids and I hurry along the icy roads to school. It looks like the gates opened ages ago. Most of the parents have dropped off their kids and are leaving already.
‘Hi, Zoe!’ I turn to see a couple of the mums, Ellen and Liz, with their three kids and adorable chocolate lab.
‘Boots!’ Alice runs to give him a hug.
‘Come on, Alice, you’re going to be late.’ But I can’t resist stroking Boots either.
‘Hi, Ellen, Liz. You okay?’
‘Usual Monday morning madness.’ Liz raises a perfectly plucked eyebrow.
‘Same here.’ I smile.
Jamie and Alice head into the playground with their friends and we watch until they’re all safely inside the building.
‘We’ve gotta run,’ Liz says with a wave, ‘work calls.’
‘But let’s catch up with a cuppa soon,’ Ellen adds.
‘Definitely. And hopefully Georgina can make it next time.’ As my friends stride away down the pavement with Boots tugging on his lead, I half scan the streets around for any sign of Madeline, but I must have missed her. I was going to play it casual and ask about her weekend away. Act like I wasn’t hurt at her treatment of me. But if she’s not here, I can’t do any of that. I’m destined to spend another day wondering and brooding.
