Of All People,It's You

NEW BEGINNINGS

Actually..." poppy exhales. "There's something I haven't told you."

“Promise you won't be mad.“

“Come on, spill. What is it?"

She bites her lower lip nervously. "You know how I've always wanted to work in theatre makeup?"

"The dream goal?"

She nods, her eyes lighting up. "I got accepted."

My steps slow down. "What?"

"I got an internship."

"Omg Poppy... where?"

"At the Royal Crescent Theatre."

I stop walking completely. "Are you serious?

The Royal Crescent?! The 2nd biggest theater in Manchester. That Royal Crescent!"

She laughs nervously, clutching the cake box. "Yes! I met one of their senior makeup artists a few weeks ago, and she encouraged me to apply. So I did."

"Oh my goodness..."

"And I got in. I've actually known for a little while," she admits softly, looking down. "I just... didn't want to pressure you while you were still figuring everything out with Boisnoir."

I stare at her, my heart swelling. "You i***t. Oh my goodness, this is huge.“

"I know."

"You should've told me immediately!" I pull her into a tight hug before she can say another word. "I'm so ridiculously proud of you."

She hugs me back, laughing softly. "I'm only starting as an intern for now, though."

"So what? It's the Royal Crescent Theatre, Poppy! You've made it."

She beams, her cheeks flushing. "I know. I'm so excited."

"Don't worry," I squeeze her shoulders. "You're going to become the best theatre makeup artist in Manchester. I can feel it.“

“You know my feeling is never wrong right?.“

“Of course, I know.“

We both burst into laughter as we walk home.

***

The apartment door swings open, and the rich smell of garlic, butter, and spices immediately fills the hallway.

"Welcome home!" Ethan calls out from the kitchen.

Poppy lifts the cake box high in the air. "Hi, Chef! We have cake!"

A short while later, the three of us gather around the kitchen island. Ethan cuts three generous slices of Murray’s cake, handing one to each of us, and we end up celebrating late into the night.

“Yum…this is insanely delicious” Ethan blurts excitedly.

For the first time in a long while, everything feels... different.

I have a new job. A fresh start. Even if that fresh start comes with an arrogant, impossible boss, I'd rather not have to face tomorrow.

I smile to myself as I finally crawl into bed. No matter how awkward or chaotic today was, I can't lose sight of why I fought so hard for this position in the first place.

I am finally inside Boisnoir Building Supplies.

I am closer than I've ever been to the truth about my father's death.

As exhaustion finally wins, my eyes drift shut, and one final thought lingers in my mind.

*I'm coming, Dad.*

*And this is only the beginning.*

‐‐‐

The next morning comes far too quickly.

I smooth down my wine-colored office dress for what has to be the fifth time before turning towards Poppy.

"Well?" I ask, stretching my arms out. "How do I look?"

Poppy looks up from the kitchen table, where she's halfway through buttering a slice of toast.

She whistles.“Executive Secretary Diane Ellis. You're going to distract the entire staff. This dress is the perfect definition of tight. I love it."

I roll my eyes.

"Seriously."

She walks around me once before nodding in approval. “You look beautiful."

A relieved smile slips onto my face.“Thank goodness."

"But," she adds, "you definitely need more office clothes."

"I know." I glance down at the dress. "I only have a few decent ones. We should probably go shopping this weekend."

"We are absolutely going shopping. I resume next week as well."

I grab my handbag from the sofa.

"I should get going. It's my second day of the handover, and I'd rather not give Garrett Boisnoir another reason to charge me interest."

Poppy laughs.“I wish you better luck today.“

"Don't remind me."

I wave as I head for the door. "Later.“

"You've got this!"

---

By the time I arrive at Boisnoir Building Supplies, I feel much calmer than yesterday.

At least today, I know exactly where I'm going.

I step through the revolving doors and almost head straight for the lifts when Ivy's voice stops me.

"Diane."

I turn around.

"Good morning."

She smiles warmly before glancing at her watch.

“You're a little late."

I frown”...Late? It's only a few minutes before eight."

She nods.“It is. But as Executive Secretary to the President, you should always arrive before Mr. Boisnoir. Seven-thirty is usually the safest time."

My stomach drops.“Oh... I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Add that to your notes, though." She taps the notebook tucked under my arm. "Mr. Boisnoir must never arrive before you. NEVER, EVER, DIANE. "

I blink.

"Never?"

She laughs and looks down at her heavy stomach. "Only labour would excuse it. If he somehow arrives before me, then I know I should already be on my way to the hospital."

I can't help laughing.

She smiles reassuringly, “Today isn't a problem. Just make it a habit from Monday onwards."

"I just need to collect a few files. You can head upstairs first."

"Thank you."

I step into the lift just as the doors begin to close.

"Hold it!" A hand slips between the doors.

They slide open again.

A tall man in a navy suit steps inside, carrying two takeaway coffees.

He offers me a polite nod. “Hi there,Good morning."

"Good morning."

His eyes flick briefly to the visitor's pass clipped to my blazer. “Are you new?"

"Yes." I nod. "I'm the new Executive Secretary."

His eyebrows lift slightly.

"Oh, you're the one replacing Ivy Wales.

I nod

“Congratulations. I heard the selection process was quite competitive this year."

"Thank you."

He shifts one of the coffee cups to his other hand before holding it out. “Adam Hayes."

I shake his hand politely. “Diane Ellis."

"Nice to meet you, Miss Ellis."

“You too."

He seems... surprisingly warm. I steal another glance at him. Why does he look so familiar though?

He looks at me for another second. “Forgive me if this sounds strange..."

"...have we met somewhere before?"

I frown.“I was about to ask you the same thing."

We both burst into a small laugh.

The lift doors slide open and he steps out first.

I follow behind him, my gaze lingering on his back for just a second longer.

Then it clicks.

My steps falter. No way.

I know exactly where I've seen him before.

He's...