I sat in the chair on the other side of her desk as I had done so many times in the months I’d worked here but this time, I was trying to act like an agent like her, and not like her assistant. When I had walked in wearing my new outfit, she had done a double take and given me a smile, which I took to be a big compliment. I had chosen a black suit – straight-leg trousers and a blazer with a white blouse underneath – and I wore black court shoes with a heel. I was trying to channel Hayley’s power suits and the outfit definitely made me look older and more professional. I felt smart, if a little uncomfortable and unsure if the outfit was flattering on me.

But I told myself that didn’t matter. I didn’t need to look good, just capable. Like I could be a powerhouse agent just like Hayley was.

‘We need to big up how much readers loved him being honest about his personal life, and how they are now clamouring for his next book,’ Hayley continued. ‘Sharing what happened with his father was gold dust. I’ve had so many requests for interviews so lots of publicity opportunities are there for the taking with a new book. His publishers will love that. And I might even pitch a non-fiction book idea to them. Maybe something about not making the same mistakes as your parents in marriage and relationships.’

I looked up in surprise. ‘Would Jake want to write a book like that?’ I asked, thinking that with how reticent he’d been to even talk about his father, I couldn’t imagine he’d want to write a book about it. And what would his poor mum think?

Hayley frowned. ‘I haven’t talked to him about it. But he wants his career back on track, and we want to make money… This is a real opportunity; we have to seize it.’

‘Surely it’s up to Jake what he writes⁠—’

‘Freya,’ Hayley cut in impatiently. ‘Who is Jake’s agent?’ she demanded, eyebrow raised.

I flinched at her tone and the look on her face. ‘You are, of course.’

She nodded. ‘Exactly. Now, you went rogue in New York, which we very much need to talk about, but I was pleased you finally showed initiative and did exactly what I asked you to do. Now his publishers are keen to discuss a new contract, it’s my turn to do my job.’

‘I’m just glad to be in the meeting,’ I said meekly.