‘Go on.’
‘Well, we went to interview this girl band, and that admittedly was kind of fun. I liked chatting to them about their musical journey. And Ash left me to it, really. He seemed more interested in flirting with the receptionist. But then afterwards, he suggested going to the pub for a G and T, which ended up being three, so I was kind of wasted by the time we got back to the office. Then I was trying to type the article from my scribbled notes. But he kept interrupting me and bringing me cups of coffee. So I was drunk, but wired from all the caffeine. I asked him if he didn’t have work to do, and he said, “You’re my work, Jade.”’
She blushes, and I frown. This arsehole really seems to be targeting her. I ignore the fact that I’m actually targeting her too. That’s different. Jade and I have a sexual history. I’m higher up the pecking order.I’mthe only one who’s going to get into her knickers.
‘Anything else?’ I ask, gingerly resting a hand on her knee and reassured by the fact that she doesn’t push it off.
‘I typed up my article and gave it to Danny, the editor. I’ve never used a typewriter before. It was pretty archaic and took fucking ages. I thought I’d done an OK job. Anyway, he returned it twenty minutes later, with most of it crossed out in red pen. He chucked a pile of back issues on my desk, barked “Read and learn”, and disappeared into his office, slamming the door. It was humiliating. I hate it there. I want to go home.’
A tear rolls down her cheek, and my chest constricts. Honestly, I didn’t think she’d be having such a hard time. I could have sent her to London in the 1700s; then she really would be crying. All that horse shit in the street and sponge bathing.
I rub her knee absent-mindedly, thinking about women giving themselves sponge baths, then notice Jade is looking at me pointedly. Right, advice!
‘I think all your concerns are totally valid. And since you’re having teething troubles, I’ll block out some time in my schedule to check on you.’
Jade’s eyes widen as if she’s shocked I’m actually listening to her. ‘Can you really do that?’ she says eagerly.
‘Sure, if you want me to.’
She averts her gaze from mine and says casually, ‘Well, you know, having some sort of support would be good since HR doesn’t seem to exist in this era. Just seeing a familiar face from the twenty-first century would be good.’
‘Would seeing this face make you feel better?’ I draw my lips back from my teeth to resemble a snarl and cross my eyes.
She giggles and punches my shoulder. I punch her back lightly, and she punches me again harder. ‘Ooof, OK, Uncle Seb is not your stress-release bag.’
‘Stop calling yourself Uncle Seb. It’sreallycreepy, especially since I’ve given you a handjob.’
I swallow and resist the urge to ask if she wants to repeat the performance because the way my cock is twitching, it definitely would like her to. But Jade seems more interested in sniffing the air. ‘Mmm, what’s that smell? I’m starving.’
‘Rach must be cooking dinner.’
‘Oh yeah, I was going to ask you. What do my flatmates actually do? I can’t exactly ask them.’
‘Rach is a secretary for a law firm at London Wall. But she’s a bit of a homemaker too and enjoys cooking, as you may have noticed. Kiki is more of a free spirit and into women’s lib. She works in a local clothing shop. And they both love the latest bands, which is why they’ve been so happy that you got the job atPopTrax.’
Jade nods slowly. ‘I see. Maybe I can try to get some extra tickets for them if I’m invited to any concerts then? Ash mentioned something about there sometimes being spares.’
‘I’m sure they’d absolutely love that.’
‘OK, that would be kind of fun.’
She swivels and puts her feet on the ground. ‘Thanks for listening, Sebastian. I feel a lot better about working there now.’
‘You’re welcome.’
There’s a pause. ‘So when will I see you again?’
My heart breakdances in my chest, but I play it cool.
‘Oh, I’ll pop up inPopTrax. When you least expect it.’
14
JADE
Ilevermyselfoffthe bed and turn around to say goodbye, but Sebastian’s already disappeared.
I’m getting used to his coming and going, but it’s making me a bit nervous as to where he’ll show up next. He was surprisingly cool about me dumping on him, and I do actually feel better after our conversation. Funny how he perked up when I mentioned the handjob, but then again, he’s a horny-ass devil. If I even mentioned anything remotely resembling a penis, like, say, a cucumber, I bet he’d perk up his ears. I have to remember he’s not actually interested inme. And who knows what he’s up to in the present? Probably having orgies or something.