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‘Ava, you really should go hoht all week’ Sally’s concerned voice coh and flush the chain before exiting to splasharound’ I rey pencil skirt and black blouse She really has transforh necked shirts are a distant memory I haven’t asked, but with this consistent new attire, I assu that internet bloke?’ I ask I would refer to him by nales ‘Yes, I aainst the sink, watching as she starts brushing down her skirt, then proceeds to s me jump ‘He really is perfect, Ava’

I smile ‘What does he do?’

‘Oh, some sort professional nonsense I don’t pretend to understand’

I laugh ‘Good’ I was just about to say be yourself, but I think it’s a little too late for that She certainly isn’t the old Sal any from my new desk ‘Excuseher red lipstick

Approaching nore the deep seated disappointnore my exasperation when I see the caller is Ruth Quinn, my tiresome but infectiously enthusiastic client, whom I have spent way too much time on this week

‘Hi, Ruth’

‘Ava, you still sound terrible’

I know, and I probably look terrible, too ‘I’ much better, Ruth’ That’s because I’ve just e?’ She doesn’t sound so concerned forto God there isn’t I’ to keep this project as sh Ruth sees don’t go her way

‘No problem I just want to clarify a few details’

‘We can do that over the phone’ I pro in my chair Of course she would She always prefers to seeto be astronomical One hour here and two hours there She’ll have spent more money onfurther on an audible groan I a my shitty ith Ruth Quinn I practically started it with Ruth on Tuesday, and I’ve had a mid-week interlude on Wednesday Anyway, it’s three in the afternoon Does she think she’s my only client? I wouldn’twhat has already been clarified, then the next hour feedingto convince me to join her for drinks

‘Ruth, I really can’t do today’

‘You can’t?’ She sounds irritated

‘Monday?’ Why did I say that? I’ll be starting ain