“Thank you.” A mixture of pride and embarrassment washed over Kelly. She prided herself on doing a good job, and while it felt good to have her boss recognise that, receiving praise gracefully never came easily to Kelly. It made her feel conceited, a trait she detested in others.

“I want you to start inducting new employees, carry out monthly audits to ensure all files, food handling certificates, tax declarations, and pay rates are current. It’s a big responsibility and your pay will increase to reflect that. What do you say? Are you up for the challenge?”

Fighting back the insane desire to jump up, fist pump the air, and do a happy dance, Kelly stayed seated.

Besides she wasn’t entirely happy with how the conversation had gone. She scrunched her face up. “I’ll have to think about it.”

Wondering if she’d gone insane to even be considering the offer, Kelly soldiered on. “You questioned my friend’s integrity, whether or not we’d discussed your business, which felt like a slur on my character.”

A broad smile split her boss’s face in two. “I knew I’d made the right choice in offering you the position. I admire your spunk, Kelly.” She underlined something on her notepad then dropped the pen. “I wasn’t questioning Lucy’s integrity. However, most couples chat about work, and keep confidences, so I wouldn’t have been surprised, or angry.”

“Whoa, wait a minute.” Kelly held up a hand. “Who said anything about being a couple? Like I said, I’ve known her for a while. We’re friends.” Technically, it wasn’t a lie.

Jennifer clucked her tongue. “I might be getting old, but I’m not stupid. You’ve been walking around here on cloud nine. I haven’t seen you smile so much since you broke up with that other woman.”

The way Jennifer referred to Paula as the other woman made Kelly cringe.

Jennifer’s gaze flicked to Kelly’s legs and Kelly became acutely aware that she was perched on the edge of the seat, the lip biting into her backside. She had no memory of shuffling forward.

“Look at you. You’re champing at the bit to get out of here. I’m not going to push for more, but don’t lie to me about your relationship.”

“She lives with my ex,” Kelly said, a simple explanation of why she couldn’t shout out that they were dating.

“Oh.” Jennifer nodded her understanding. “That complicates matters.”

A humourless snort burst out of Kelly. “You think?”

Jennifer stood and crossed the office. “You’re off the clock, go make the most of your weekend.” She shut the window and pulled the curtains, blocking out the late afternoon sun.

“What’s said in this room stays in here. Your secret’s safe with me, Kelly.”