The Debt & the Doormat(84)

‘And what did you think about the story?’

‘Oh, fab...really...emotional.’

‘Emotional?’

Crap.

‘Yeah...but in a funny way,’ I say desperately trying to think of what a film with a dog in it could be about. ‘I love dogs.’

He leans back in his chair and stares at me some more, as if he’s trying to figure me out.

‘You haven’t seen one of my films have you Poppy?’ he asks smirking.

‘Yes I have!’ I squeal.

‘No you haven’t,’ he laughs. ‘Do you even know who I am?’

‘Um...OK, no I don't. Look, I’m really sorry I wasted your time.’

I get up and head for the door.

‘Why? You’re hired.’ He leans back in his chair smiling widely.

‘Sorry? What?’

‘You’re hired. I’ve had about six women interview for the position, but the minute they meet me they go all crazy ass on me.’

‘It’s true,’ Charlotte says nodding, ‘we’ve had some right stalkers in here.’

‘So...you’re not bothered that I don't know who you are?’ I try to clarify.

‘No – I think it's fantastic. Anyway, I must go get back, but unless we see anyone else today up to the job, it’s yours. Charlotte will ring you to confirm soon. See you very soon Poppy.’

Wow – I can't believe it. I’m walking out of here with a new job. And the money – my God the money! I don't want to brag, I really don't. But...well, let’s just say that it's £7,000 more than what I’m on at the moment. Can you believe it!? And they want me to start right away. Plus, the new job is going to be at different locations all of the time – depending on where the films are. They even said I’d have to occasionally travel with him to America and other film locations. I know I’m not really the travelling type. I mean, I’m terrified of flying and with my luck it would either crash or get held up by terrorists, but still.

My name is Poppy Windsor and although I am single and pathetic I have a brilliant job working for a movie director.

* * *





Cheryl’s number flashes up on my phone.

‘Hey Cheryl. How are you?’ It's amazing how being away from even the most annoying people can make you miss them.

‘I’m fine thank you Poppy.’ she says formally. ‘I’m ringing to invite you to the leaving drinks this Friday.’

‘Leaving drinks?’

‘Yes. For the people made redundant. We’re having drinks at Harry’s Bar. Nothing that special, but I think you should come.’

‘I don't know...’ I can imagine Lilly as she bottles me with her beer bottle.

‘Yes Lilly will be there, but for goodness sakes, you two need to make up. Lilly’s miserable about it.’

‘Really? You’ve heard from her?’

‘Oh yes, we’ve talked almost every day.’

What?

‘Promise me you’ll come?’

‘I don't know. Maybe.’

‘Promise me Poppy. Swear on Matilda’s life.’

‘Cheryl! I can't swear on her life!’

‘You can if you promise.’

‘OK! Jesus, I’ll be there.’

‘Amazing. I have to give you back your tea cup anyway. Now, I’ve got an idea.’

* * *





When I arrive at the bar that Friday night, goodbye banners greet me. Even though Cheryl had promised that it would just be a few people there must be thirty people here. How embarrassing. Probably came to laugh at what a nut case I am.

‘Hi Poppy,’ Cheryl says, before I’ve even taken my coat off. ‘Are you all set?’

‘Yep,’ I say, taking yet another deep breath. ‘You got the CD and everything OK?’

‘Yep. All organised with Phil in IT. Ready to go.’

‘Oh thanks.’ I smile as I realise she’s already pretty pissed.

‘I’m really jealous of you Poppy. Going to work for a famous movie director – travelling all over the place. Being free and single. You don't have a sham marriage like me.’

‘You’ll work it out,’ I say hopefully, scanning the room nervously for Lilly.

‘Will I?’ she says, suddenly seeming sad. ‘I confronted him about the affair and he says it's over, but how can I ever trust him again? He hasn’t bothered with me since Matilda’s been born.’

‘I’m sorry Cheryl.’ I don't know what else to say.

‘Yeah I know. I’m fine, I’m just being silly.’ She quickly wipes away a tear. ‘Just make sure you appreciate all that you do have while you can.’

‘OK thanks,’ I say as she heads off to the toilet.

I order myself a wine and almost down it. I really need as much courage as I can get. I scan the room but this time I spot Lilly. She looks as fabulous as ever, her hair freshly blow dried. She’s wearing a skin tight black dress which shows far too much of her boobs.

Cheryl signals to me from the other side of the room as the projector is turned on. She gives me the thumbs up and I smile. I walk as calmly as I can towards her, but my stomach’s a mess. It's shaking so violently I’m sure I’m going to shit myself at any given moment. My throat is even trembling. Why the hell did I agree to do this? It's not even going to work. She’s going to laugh in my face, call me chubby again and walk out.

‘Ladies and gentleman,’ Cheryl announces on the microphone. ‘We’re all here today not to feel sad about the few of us that are leaving, but to celebrate the time we had together.’

This is actually the most upbeat I’ve ever heard Cheryl. She should be a motivational speaker.

‘I’d like to hand you over to someone everyone here knows and who has also recently left: Poppy Windsor.’

Even though I’m expecting it I still start in shock. I take the microphone from her and stare back at all of the familiar faces; all of them waiting silently for me to do something. They probably think I’m just going to entertain them. Maybe I should. Maybe I should do the can-can or start the Mexican wave or something.

‘Hi,’ I say into the microphone, it seeming to echo all the louder. Lilly is staring at me, her eyes full of contempt. ‘So, I found this old photo the other day.’

Phil nods at me and a picture of most of us here from five years ago appears on the projector. Everyone instantly laughs. We all look ridiculous and young.

‘So, most of us think this is funny. We’re all so young and have such ridiculous hair styles. A lot of things have probably changed since then. A lot of you have gone on and got married and had babies. Well...obviously not me.’

Cheryl laughs politely. She’s the only one.

‘Anyway. I remember my first day here. I’d barely arrived in reception when this big breasted red head came barging past me, telling me to ‘watch it’. I thought to myself, who on earth is that bitch?’

A few people giggle and look at Lilly.

‘Little did I know she would turn out to be one of my best friends.’ I stop myself, as I feel the emotion rising inside me.

‘Well most of you will have heard that Lilly and I had a big argument and she decided she didn’t want to be my friend anymore.’

I realise I’m speaking like a child, but I continue.

‘Well, I don't think that's acceptable. I think most of you married people agree that in marriage people make mistakes all the time and you forgive each other, right?’

I avoid looking at Cheryl. Whoops, I didn’t realise I’d upset her with this bit.

‘Anyway,’ I turn to Lilly. ‘Lilly, I’m so sorry for everything that I did to hurt you. I honestly didn’t mean it. So I thought I’d re-jog your memory of the past five years and if you still don't want to be my friend then fine.’

A photo of us doing shots at the first year’s Christmas do appears on screen. A photo of Lilly holding up a broken heel and me crying hysterically next to it. A photo of us at Cheryl’s hen night, dressed in pink tutu’s, singing Grease on karaoke. Lilly and I on the floor after fighting over Cheryl’s wedding bouquet. A photo of us drinking a fish bowl at a posh bank do Lilly got us into. Lilly dancing on the table at that do while I’m getting chucked out by the manager. Me asleep on the pavement and Lilly dragging me home with a traffic cone on her head. Us at a fancy dress party as Thelma and Louise. Me getting sick on her carpet. Her chucking a drink over a guy’s head because he dared say he didn’t like my dress.

I watch Lilly throughout all of the images, as everyone around her laughs. I don't know if I imagine it, but I swear she looks slightly touched underneath all of that stubborn aggression on the outside.

The last photo flashes up. It's us squeezing each other in a tight hug, our eyes shut with the force. The projector turns off and people turn back to me.

I stare at Lilly and take another deep breath. I slowly get down onto my knees.

‘I knew you’d make me beg.’

Everyone laughs and looks expectantly at Lilly, who still hasn’t raised a smile. Is she seriously going to leave me hanging here?

‘You’re a real stupid bitch, you know that?’ Lilly says, loud enough for everyone to hear.

I gulp, not sure if this is good. ‘Um...yes?’

‘Well, as long as you know,’ she says, breaking into a massive smile. She runs up to me and hugs me tightly, so tightly that I think I might burst. Everyone around us applauds and honestly, it's just like a movie. I got my friend back.