Today, though, we’re having a beauty sale at lunch because my storage cupboard is beginning to look more like disorganized chaos rather than the beautifully functioning beauty showroom I need it to be. I’ve cleared out the excess lipsticks, eye shadows, foundations, mascaras, nail varnishes and every lotion and potion you can think of and they’ll all be laid out for the rest of the office to forage through and donate money for whatever they take. I’ve chosen Smalls for All to raise for this year, an organization which collects and distributes underwear to help women and children in Africa. I quite liked the idea of raising money on this day that’s so heavily associated with new underwear being for fruity time in the bedroom, and giving that essential item to those in need instead.

Before I can tackle the deliveries I start up my computer and click through to an article I’ve been piecing together for the next issue, a feature on the ageless cat flick along with reviews of different eyeliners available to perfect the look. I sent out little packs around the office for people to try, and funnily enough the cheapest option outperformed the designer brand, something I know our readers will love.

Happy with the wording I then forward it to be edited and puzzled together with the correct images, which really bring the pieces I write and curate to life. This bit of my job is fiddly, but with so many different products constantly flying around, thankfully I’m always super organized. It doesn’t take long to gather what’s needed.

‘I’ve got some pages for you to approve,’ Albie says, breaking my flow while slowly sliding papers across the desk in front of me.

‘Oh,’ I startle.

He lingers.

‘Thank you,’ I mutter, feeling my cheeks blush as his thigh brushes against my arm. I shuffle in my seat and rearrange the fabric of my dress.

‘A group of us are going out later if you want to join us?’ he suggests.

I look up to see him staring at me hopefully.

‘Oh, I have a thing. With my mates,’ I start, not wanting to go in-depth about Pia and suddenly not so pleased with this situation. Chatting over Messenger feels different to whatever this is in the flesh.

‘You mean he forgot?’ Albie asks, looking at me incredulously. ‘That’s a lazy sackable offence, surely? He’s getting too comfortable now he’s put a ring on it,’ he states, finding himself hilarious even though he knows nothing about our situation. I don’t really want to tell him that Liam is also coming with me, even if he is being slightly dragged along for the night.

A frown is all I manage before my phone starts buzzing next to me, with Vicky’s name flashing on the screen along with a silly photo of her wearing the biggest grin.