I sat up straighter, levelling my best professional gaze at each of them in turn. “I’d love to report on the anomalies in women’s pay in the media and interview someone like Blaze McGiver, Scotland’s answer to Ru Paul.”

I gathered myself, discovering my momentum. “Then there’s the struggle of women wishing to enter politics, particularly working mothers with families.”

Barbara’s mouth slid into a brief but appreciative smile and she noted something down.

“Even in today’s world, there are still dubieties that exist and there shouldn’t be. I think an influential magazine like Goddess can really play its part in if not eradicating then certainly dispelling myths about working mothers and making their lives a little easier.”

I hesitated, snatching a quick glimpse at each of the three faces of my interviewers. Oh God. I didn’t want to get ahead of myself, but my Spidey senses were telling me the interview was going rather well. Even Athena Mayhew appeared to be smiling, or at least trying to. Then again, maybe her killer heels were a bit on the snug side for her too.

“Ms Mayhew. I’m so sorry to interrupt.”

I spun around in my chair, my chain of thought shattering like broken glass.

It was the young woman with the buffed cheeks. She was shifting from foot to foot in the doorway.

Athena Mayhew narrowed her eyes. “What is it, Orion? We’re in the middle of an interview.”

Orion swallowed hard. “I’m so sorry Ms Mayhew, but it is urgent.”

Oli Noakes muddy eyes bulged out of his head. “Urgent enough to interrupt?”

She flashed me an apologetic look. “I’m afraid it is.” She chewed her lip.

Athena Mayhew delivered a disapproving glower at the shrinking Orion and sashayed out in a swish of her strawberry satin suit. She ensured that the door was pulled closed behind her, while the flush-faced Orion explained what was going on.

This was all I needed! Just as I was locating some semblance of confidence and finding my stride too.

After a few more awkward exchanges between me, Barbara, and Oli about my journey here and the weather, Athena stuck her expensive elfin cut back around the door. Orion scurried off.

“We’ll have to terminate the interview now. Sorry.”

I blinked in surprise. What?!

“But… but it’s only just started…” I could hear myself bleating.

“I’ll liaise with Barbara,” replied Athena in her staccato delivery.

Barbara and Oli scooped up their papers and pushed back their futuristic chairs.

I remained seated for a moment, like an errant toddler consigned to the naughty step. What was going on? Had I said or done something? No. I was sure I hadn’t. There must have been some crisis when that blonde girl came dashing in like that.

I got to my feet, dazed, and snatched up my bag. Disappointment seeped through me.