They began on the long, discursive interview process. At 12.30 they crossed the road to a convenient restaurant where they ate salad and drank spritzers. Elise’s hair remained a glossy sheet despite the best efforts of the summer breeze that teased tendrils from Zia’s plait. Elise offered earnestly, ‘The Brighton–Victoria commute’s pretty doable and so’s Brighton–Blackfriars but you could work from home two days most weeks. The role’s varied and with travel, although—’ she pulled an apologetic face ‘—only in Europe. No North America. But it’s exactly the field you’ve been so successful in before and it’s Italian that’s your second language.’

Zia tried to get carried along by their enthusiasm and the sound of familiar terminology. After lunch they crossed back to the office to watch a systems presentation and talk about client portfolio, experience, and future visions. The job was, effectively, what she’d been doing in Brighton but in London, a smaller company, more responsibility and a salary that would not only compensate for commuting costs but allow her to make payments on a new car too. The role was made for Zia.

‘So,’ Elise said. ‘There’s more we could talk about but I already know your commitment and capabilities. What I’d like to do is put together a formal offer and email it to you.’ She must have already got the nod from Tim and Aneka because they all assumed identical anticipatory smiles. ‘What do you think?’

A few months ago, Zia would have asked when she could start. But what came out of her mouth today was: ‘When would you need to know?’

The fixing of Elise’s smile spoke of her surprise. ‘Soon, to be honest. I need someone I trust to coach clients through the deal process.’ She hesitated. ‘Do you have a holiday booked or something?’

‘Not really. But my car’s in Italy and so’s a lot of my stuff.’ She assembled her words carefully, rawly aware that she ought to be grabbing the opportunity. ‘I’m staying with a great-aunt who’s ill at the moment and I’m expected to be there for most of the summer.’

Elise dropped the smile. ‘Ah.’ She closed her laptop and pointed a remote at the AV screen to close it down. ‘So, when would be the soonest you could join us?’

Zia made a judgement from financial need and the lawful limit to her current stay in Italy. ‘Third or fourth week in September.’

Elise’s expression lightened and she exchanged a look with Tim, who nodded. Elise’s smile returned. ‘Not ideal, but we can work with that.’