‘Would you be interested in applying for the job of trainee PR officer?’ she explains.

‘Um… I don’t know. What’s a PR officer?’

‘Oh, sorry, PR stands for public relations. Making sure the public has a good perception of the college. Generating positive publicity. That kind of thing.’

‘Oh, right,’ I reply, as though I know what she means.

‘After hearing about the success of your charity event, and reading your brilliantly written article, it’s occurred to me that you might be the perfect candidate for the position.’

‘What? Me?’ I realise I’ve sprayed water over the top part of her face. ‘Oh, sorry, let me wipe your forehead.’

She blinks as water runs into her eye. I get the corner of the towel and dab her face, apologising and praying Jennifer isn’t looking over this way.

‘Don’t worry, I’m fine,’ Sally says generously. ‘We’d train you up and tell you exactly what was expected. But the idea is that you would eventually be a self-starter, creating opportunities and networking locally to raise the profile of the college. Does that sound good to you?’

It sounds absolutely terrifying. But also strangely exciting, and so grown-up. It would be an impressive thing to do. ‘I… I don’t even know what to say.’ I turn off the water for a moment, my brain whirring. ‘I’m flattered that you think I could do it.’

‘Zoe, I think you’d do a great job. And I’d be there to help you. Like I said, it’s a position for a trainee, so you wouldn’t be expected to know everything. But I see potential in you to learn the role. We’d also pay for you to study one day a week at the college. The salary would be modest for the first year but could possibly rise quite sharply.’

I try to imagine what it would be like to get the job. It feels so daunting. Working full-time at Waves would be the safe option. The comfortable option. I know it so well. I know the people. I enjoy it. Taking this PR job would be scary, and I might not like it. I wrap Sally’s hair in a towel, and she sits up and turns around to look at me.

‘Oh bless you.’ She raises an eyebrow. ‘You look just a little bit terrified! It’s a lot to take in, I know. But the deadline for applications is next Wednesday, so let us know if you’re interested by then. Preferably beforehand.’

‘Wow. Thank you.’ The more I think about it, the more interested I become. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And if it didn’t work out or I hated it, I’m sure I could retrain as a hairdresser.