‘It will be good for you to see how to pitch and negotiate for your own clients one day,’ Hayley said, beaming at me like I had pleased her. I relaxed a little bit in my chair. ‘So, I want you to listen and take notes, and not say anything unless I tell you to. And for goodness’ sake, don’t mention the disaster that was the first panel session. We are focusing on what went well.’

‘Definitely,’ I said firmly.

Hayley eyed me across her desk. ‘Remember that whatever I say in there is to get Jake the best deal possible, okay? Sometimes as an agent, you need to sprinkle a little bullshit over things like icing on top of the cake. Just to make sure you get what you want.’

I was unsure what she meant. Was she going to lie about something to get Jake a better deal? ‘But Jake’s book is brilliant and⁠—’

Hayley waved her hand. ‘No need to fangirl without him here to hear you, Freya. The book is fine, a little mushy for my taste but that’s what he does so well, and why he is so popular. His publishers will eat it up, I’m sure. I expect the full red-carpet treatment for him today.’

‘But you said you thought it was one of his best books…’ I said, remembering what Hayley had said in her office with Jake before we went to New York.

‘Of course I had to tell him that,’ she said with a chuckle. ‘You need to get stronger or this business will chew you up and spit you out. Learn from me and you’ll do fine. If all goes well today, we can talk about the next steps for you and your career.’

I smiled. ‘That would be great, Hayley, thank you.’

She stood up. ‘We should make our way over to meet Jake. I think we can get him one of his best deals so far.’

I stood up too. ‘Wow, just because of what we did at the conference?’

Hayley picked up her Louis Vuitton bag and swung it over her shoulder. I tried to hide my H&M bag behind my back. ‘Taking credit for what your author did? You are learning from me. Let’s go.’

I followed her out, confused as to whether she was praising or criticising me. Hayley was such a formidable character that if I was learning from her, I assumed that was good for my career. She strode through the office, full of confidence, and I hoped one day, I’d feel just as confident.

* * *