Coconuts and Wonderbras by Lynda Renham

The truth is I have done nothing but ridicule his book, and he has done nothing but ridicule Toby’s work. Honestly, just because he is an award-winning journalist doesn’t mean he can dictate who handles his books. I bundle a wad of loo paper into my knickers and pull up my tights. I really should go back. A quick glance in the mirror confirms my fears. I look gross. I twist my hair up into a messy bun and pinch my cheeks to give them some colour. My lips have cracked from the cold, and the bottom one not only feels sore but looks it. Why can’t I look all sophisticated like Alex’s fiancée Penny? Honestly, couldn’t Jamie have given me some warning that Bryant was coming in today? I’m tempted to phone Issy for advice and then remind myself how disastrous Issy’s advice can sometimes be. No, it is best to follow my instincts on this one. There is no way I can work with Alex Bryant. I give my tights another tug and open the loo door, only to come face to face with him. What is it with this guy and the ladies loo?
        ‘Is this a hobby of yours, or just a bad habit you’re trying to break?’ I say, without thinking.
        ‘I’m having counselling, and I think it’s getting better,’ he replies, grinning at me.
        ‘I’m pleased to hear it,’ I say, feeling myself blush.
    I turn and begin walking back to the office.
        ‘I wanted to ask if you were okay after last night. I didn’t want to ask in front of Jamie.’
        ‘I’m fine,’ I say briskly, while feeling stupidly happy to think someone actually does care about my feelings.
        ‘We can have this meeting another day if it helps?’ He is scrutinising my face.
        ‘It’s fine, really,’ I say, wishing he would stop looking at me.
        ‘For what it’s worth, I think Toby’s an idiot.’
    His arm brushes mine as he passes and it’s like a hundred volts shoot through me.
        ‘See you in a bit,’ he says softly.
    I wait a few seconds, take a deep breath and follow him into the office.
     
    Jamie looks unperturbed when I stroll in, and Alex barely glances at me.
        ‘Right, where were we?’ says Jamie, looking inside the folder desperately.
        ‘I really don’t think I am the right person to represent this particular author. I am sure Mr Bryant would benefit from having an agent that appreciates his work,’ I say as tactfully as I can.
    Jamie opens his mouth to speak and from the corner of my eye I see Alex lift his hand.
        ‘I’m sure we can put personal issues to one side, Libby. What do you think?’ he says looking directly into my eyes.
    I gulp.
        ‘I fly back to the States tomorrow to wrap everything up. I’ll be back the middle of next week. Why don’t you read the book in the meantime?’ He places the enormous volume, which makes War and Peace look like a novella, onto Jamie’s desk. Good God, surely that can’t be full of me, me, me, I’m the master of improvisation and how I fought off a grizzly bear with nothing but a cotton wool bud?
        ‘It’s a collection of dispatches from the time I spent in Cambodia. See what you think and let me have your decision when I get back. I really want to work with this agency. I’ve seen what you’ve done with some of your writers, and I really want you to handle this book and the film rights for Life in a War Zone .
    He turns to Jamie.
        ‘I’d better run. I’m meeting Penelope for brunch before she flies back. Think about what I said. I really would like Libby to handle things, she has an impressive résumé.’
    Surely he cannot be talking about moi. Jamie grins from ear to ear. I nod stupidly while wondering how much one can earn from waitressing. Jamie escorts Bryant to the door and he doesn’t even turn to say goodbye. What an arrogant man. I flop down in the chair again and wait for Jamie to return. He bounces back in with a whoop.
        ‘You don’t seriously expect me to work with him,’ I say