‘Absolutely,’ I said brightly. ‘In fact, Cameron suggested that we swap some ideas over a drink last week, but unfortunately I was time-poor that day. But point taken, Alison. I’ve been working in a bit of a bubble recently and, from a creative point of view, I know that’s not great.’

She nodded. I didn’t look at Cameron.

‘Good,’ she said. ‘I want us to gel and sometimes, when dynamics change, that can take a little effort. I don’t want either of you to feel that you don’t have time to come up for air and conversation.’ She hoisted her mouth back up into a smile. ‘I’m pleased we all agree on this, and, of course, if you have any concerns, or if you feel there is anything which can be done to better facilitate integration and teamwork, do let me know.’

I nodded as it occurred to me that this new, out-there HR approach from Alison might have been prompted by more than just a moan from Cameron. Perhaps she’d taken legal advice after he groped Ruby and was now trying to head off any accusations of managerial culpability, or complacency, at the pass.

She pushed back her chair and stood up. ‘Thank you, both.’

Cameron and I rose and headed for the door. He got there first and held it open for me.

I waved him through and, following him out, headed for my desk, before changing my mind and diverting instead to his, arriving just as he sat down.

‘Sorry I wasn’t free to go over things with you last week, Cameron,’ I said, oozing regret, whilst ensuring that I was visible to Alison and audible to both Luke and Roger. ‘But it would be great to discuss my project with you when you’ve got a moment.’

Cameron, with his back now to the room, looked up at me impassively. ‘OK,’ he said.

‘And maybe I can help you with the cement choices you mentioned,’ I continued. ‘After all, we want to make sure that those boots fit you really well, don’t we?’ I laughed lightly, walking away.

‘Hey! Don’t let her get away with that kind of cheek, Cam!’ called Luke, laughing along. ‘Give her an inch and she’ll take a mile.’

Reaching my desk, I sat down and looked unhappily across at Luke, still resentful of him, but also nostalgic for the pre-Cameron days, the Ruby days, when my colleagues were my friends and I didn’t have to play anyone at their own grubby little games.

Then turning to my screen, I pulled my keyboard towards me and, with grubby games, Ruby’s escape and the prospect of future collaboration with Cameron uppermost in my mind, I tapped out my letter of resignation.

Chapter 15