Tamsin Page 3

  I sat on the train feeling guilty. Mum was at home, struggling with the disease that was wreaking havoc throughout her body. I was on a train to Farden to try to win over their hearts and give me the job of my dreams. I hadn’t even thought of the consequences of getting a full time job right now. It hadn’t crossed my mind until then.

  Mum would want me to do this. She said she was proud of me.

  I tried to reassure myself as fields of green passed by. Sunlight peered between the clouds that had covered the sky since my journey to the train station. Rain droplets started to run diagonally across the window of the train while it moved at speed. To pass the time, I silently bet on which rain droplet would win and watched them race across the glass pane, an oddly satisfying game to play. I blinked and my eyes re-focused, not on the raindrops, but my reflection. My once coiffed hair was flat, but that didn't stop me trying to bring it back to life by vigorously scrunching the curls in my hand as I looked at my reflection. I paused. It was him.

  Suit guy.

  I looked at his reflection in the window a couple of seats down. Facing backwards had never been my favourite, but with this view how could I complain? He looked up from his phone and faced the window. My heart stopped as our eyes met once more. His lips widened as he smiled at me. I smiled back, and the train slowed and came to a halt. I grabbed my things together and completed my mental checklist.

  Phone. Purse. Keys. Bag.

  With my things in hand, I quickly walked past a few seats, all empty of busy and rushing commuters, to where he’d been sat. Suit guy had already left, and a newspaper that read Crewe and Nantwich Guardian lay in his place.

  CHAPTER THREE

  After scrambling from the train station, through the crowds of people in Birmingham city centre, I arrived at Farden Hotel. I found myself stood alongside a tall, sleek building covered entirely in glass. It was like an Apple Store on ecstasy. I questioned if I would fit in at Farden, as the revolving door swept me into the reception area. I knew I wanted to. I’d researched countless websites in preparation for the interview. This hotel wasn’t part of a chain. It was independent and had been run by the Farden family ever since it opened its doors as a small hotel in the late 1960s. Five years earlier, it had relocated, and now towered over Birmingham in all its modern skyscraper glory. It was a shame about the reviews, though. Some of them made me cringe. After a few minutes of waiting and drumming my fingers against a Perspex chair, Roberta finally greeted me.

  “You must be Tamsin Cross. Lovely to meet you.” She held out her hand professionally.

  “Lovely to meet you, too. Thanks for inviting me for an interview.” I tried to exude confidence to hide my nerves. It worked. She led me into a lift and escorted me through the twenty-third floor, to an office encased in glass. A male sat in a black leather swivel chair. He was dressed in a grey suit, without a tie, and sporting an open collar. Roberta wore a blouse and a black tubular skirt, meeting just below her knees, and sat in the empty chair next to him.

  “Please, take a seat.”

  As instructed, I sat with my head propped up high, trying to display the same confidence everyone around me seemed to have in abundance. I shook while trying to hide my nerves.

  “Good morning, everyone.” I looked at the clock. First mistake. It was afternoon and too late to correct myself.

  “Good afternoon, Miss Cross. My name is Ian, and you’ve met Roberta.” Ian spoke for the first time. Shaken with nerves, I thought back to the last time I’d sat in front of someone like being on 'The Apprentice'. I’d only ever had two other jobs, one of which I’d got from messaging someone on social media, which had scored me a job at a local football ground. The other had been at The Rusty Tap, and Aidan had just questioned me about my favourite alcoholic concoctions, of which the list went on!

  I worked myself up, preparing mentally for the interrogation that was about to come my way. In my head, I felt like Ian was about to shine a light in my eyes, to try to get me to confess that my entire three years at university had revolved around drinking and nothing more. I did go to a couple of lectures, I guess.

  “So, Miss Cross, what made you want to apply for the position of Customer Relationship Manager?” Ian questioned while Roberta had a pen poised, ready to scribe my answer.

  I'm sick of being covered in beer and want to do something with my life.

  I held back.

  “I’ve always been passionate about customer service. Whether it’s shopping, buying a drink in a bar, or staying at a hotel, I believe that customers deserve to walk away with a smile. I want to be the one to make that happen.”

  Roberta gave Ian a look. Her eyes told me everything I needed to know. I felt reassured. As the interview continued, I asked them questions about the position in detail. They advised me the role would be the direct line of support for two people–Rach and James–who both worked predominantly in customer service. They also discussed the salary, which was more than I could ever have imagined after just graduating. It was THE dream. I needed to work there. After shaking both of their hands, I turned and walked into the glass wall.

  FUCK! There goes that dream.

  “If I had a pound for every person that has done that.” Both Ian and Roberta laughed in sync. Ian was no longer that professional stiff, but a human.

  “You really shouldn’t clean these windows!” I mocked myself, trying to hide the embarrassment already plastered across my face. As I stood awkwardly, a lady called Sharon was summoned into the room as she walked past the glass encased office.

  “Would you mind escorting Tamsin back to reception?” Roberta asked her in a friendly manner. You could instantly tell they were friends. As we walked through, I scanned my surroundings to avoid clashing with any more glass panels. The building was open plan with rooms on each side. I caught myself peering in each and every room we passed. The majority of people either had their heads down working or were laughing with their colleagues. I knew I would fit in here, but I had done all I could. Fate had to decide. Well, Ian and Roberta did. Just as I was about to sign out, I received a call.

  “Hello?” I said.

  “Tamsin, sorry to call you so soon. We just wanted to let you know that you have the job. You were the last interviewee, and you outshone all of the other candidates. Congratulations.”

  “That’s incredible. Thank you so much,” I said professionally, trying to conceal my excitement with all the power I had.

  “When can you start?”

  “Next week?” I said, a little uncertain if that was possible. It had to be. Aidan would understand.

  “Brilliant, we look forward to it. Do you have to rush off? Roberta and I would love to introduce you to your new colleagues. We have a catch up meeting booked in at the hotel restaurant in half an hour, and we’d love you to join us. It’ll be paid, of course.”

  “That would be fantastic. I don’t have anywhere to be.”

  Could this day get any better?

  I wanted to scream. The day could have gone a little better, I noted as I rubbed my still aching nose. I sat next to the bar, staring at the wide entrance into the restaurant, with my hands wrapped around a tall glass of Diet Coke. I wanted to crack open a bottle of wine to celebrate, or at the very least a glass, but I sensibly resisted the temptation to make a good first impression.

  Ian walked in, accompanied by around half a dozen people dressed immaculately. I felt like a trusty Ford compared with them. Each one of them oozed a sense of authority and luxury just like a high-end Rolls Royce. Ian spotted me at the bar and summoned me over to a table with his fingers. I exchanged pleasantries with everyone sat around the table. One woman seemed a little hostile, but I shook it off. After all, I was the newbie. They didn’t know or trust me yet. Other than that, I felt comfortable, especially having Roberta sat next to me. She was the friendly face I needed to cope with the most daunting lunch I’d ever had. A waitress brought over a bottle of wine and began pouring it into the glasses already placed
neatly on the table.

  “Don’t expect alcohol at all of our upcoming meetings,” Ian announced to the table and nudged Sharon who was sat next to him. You could tell she was a keen drinker. Her glass already held the remains of a good wine after she’d necked it.

  “We’re just waiting for Darren and Callum to join us, so keep chatting amongst yourselves and we will commence shortly.”

  I watched Roberta swirling her red wine in a circular motion before she took a small sip and kept it in her mouth for a while. I almost felt sorry that my glass was already half empty.

  Almost.

  Roberta and Sharon had taken advantage of Ian disappearing to the toilet and started to gossip about their work hours and how they never managed to get out of the office and back home on time. At the time, I selfishly didn’t think about the problems that would cause with me caring for Mum. I was just ecstatic I had a job. A proper job. Sharon's hair was a yellow blonde colour, just shorter than shoulder length. She was older than me, around mid-forties, whereas Roberta seemed to look around early thirties. Sharon looked at me inquisitively.

  “Tamsin, right?” I nodded while taking another gulp of wine. "Where do you live, bab?" she asked.

  “I live in Crewe. It's about an hour’s train ride from here.” I was still nervous I forgot to ask her the same thing, although I could tell Sharon was local. She had a strong Brummie accent.

  “Oh, you poor girl!”

  “Crewe isn't that bad. I–”

  Sharon interrupted with laughter. “I didn’t mean that. I meant that it’s a long distance to be travelling each day.”

  “Ohhhhh.” I giggled. “You’re right, it is, but I don’t mind travelling, especially for this job.” I was so cheesy; for some reason, around my new colleagues I couldn’t get out of 'interview mode'.

  “Well, I admire you. I know I couldn’t do it. It’s an effort for me just walking fifteen minutes down the road to go home.” We laughed. I could relate.

  “Come to mention it, doesn’t Callum live in Crewe?” Sharon looked at Roberta, who nodded with a glowing smile.

  “Near Crewe, I think. You could travel together.”

  Roberta started to play with her black woolly hair. She was a natural beauty, but her personality was enough to fall in love with. I could tell everyone around the table was under her spell. She bit her lip and nudged Sharon while nodding towards the entrance of the restaurant. Her almost flirtatious look grew as two suited guys walked in.

  My heart fluttered, trying to keep itself afloat. I was powerless. My heart sank, unsure what to do next.

  It was him.

  Suit guy!

  All of our gazes followed them across the restaurant to the table, my eyes glued to the mystery man.

  “Callum’s the one in the blue,” Roberta whispered to me, almost bursting with excitement to spill the gossip.

  Callum is suit guy.

  The God-like guy I’d seen at the train station and on the train. I hoped he didn’t think I was stalking him. I wondered if he would actually remember me, and recognise me from the reflection on the train.

  Callum sat in the empty chair next to me, and the other I presumed to be Darren sat beside him.

  Perfect.

  My head dropped towards my neck as I tried to shyly hide away from him.

  “Callum, this is Tamsin. She got the job they were advertising and is starting next week,” Roberta blurted, and Callum’s eyes locked on mine. My eyes fell shyly and I found myself looking at his wide smile. I exhaled in lust. He remembered me. Darren peered around to introduce himself, and I shook his hand. He was broad, and older than Callum. Callum extended his arm out towards me, and I felt his grip tighten as it closed around mine. His long gaze left me vulnerable to him, yet I didn’t want it to end. I was being stupid. Pure lust was taking over my body. I was not about to lose my integrity and act like a school-girl around him, no matter how strong the power he held over me. I was unaware of how long we’d held on to each other; I was completely and utterly lost in the moment until Ian commenced the meeting. He introduced me formally and explained the role I would be taking on within the business, and then he got everyone to announce themselves in a circle.

  “I’m Sharon, Events Manager, and I started last year.”

  “I’m Roberta, HR manager here at Farden.”

  “My name’s Callum. My role is Marketing Manager and I’ve been here for a few years now.”

  “Darren. IT and social media operations.” A man of very few words. The others continued to introduce themselves in turn.

  “And, of course, you all know who I am. I’m the General Manager of Farden Hotel and Spa,” Ian said, tittering to himself. I could tell he liked to have a little banter with the others, but he knew there were boundaries as manager. I couldn’t be sure if he was genuinely funny or if I was laughing to impress him.

  “I am pleased to introduce Tamsin Cross, a new addition to the Farden Family. As Customer Relationship Manager, she’ll be tackling the complaints and reviews the hotel has started to see. Tamsin, would you like to add anything?”

  Shit.

  I stuttered and stumbled.

  “Umm, just that I am happy to be here and help, and that, umm, if anyone has any advice or can help when I start my role I would greatly appreciate it.”

  Phew!

  I’d had enough stress dealing with an interview already today; I was not prepared to speak in front of everyone. In front of Callum.

  Callum turned to me and whispered under his breath, “Far too pretty to be working in an office all day.”

  I turned beetroot red.

  “I’m sorry, what did you say?” I heard him. I could have said the same about him. Too pretty for most things. Working in an office, and definitely too hot for clothes. Despite that, I was still a massive fan of his suit.

  “So, T, what did you do before getting this job?”

  He had given me a pet name, already. I couldn’t cope!

  “I work at a bar in Chester, worked there for about two years while I was at uni. You?”

  “I went to Chester Uni, had a gap year in America after graduating and then did some volunteering. Been working here for about two years now,” he said while everyone else went back to talking amongst themselves.

  “Wow!” I gasped, trying to work out his age.

  That must make him at-least twenty-four.

  “What degree did you do?”

  “Business studies, you?”

  “Me too!” I said, almost too loud.

  “Do you live in Crewe?” he asked bluntly. “Did I see you at the train station today?”

  “I do, yeah. Oh, you may have done?” I tried to play it cool.

  Callum smirked. My gaze caught his lips as they twitched slightly. I felt like I was about to melt in the warmth that surrounded him. Both of us. His crisp white collar grazed his tanned skin and stubble as he looked down at his phone under the table.

  “The first item on the agenda are the planned refurbishments to the hotel to commence next week,” Ian interrupted. “The spa will be closed during the refurbishment, set to last twelve weeks. The existing sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi will be ripped out and replaced. It’s very exciting.” He adored this hotel. He had worked there since before the relocation, so they were practically married and celebrating their twentieth wedding anniversary.

  “Looks like you are going to have your work cut out.” Callum laughed once Ian had finished enthusiastically telling us about the plans.

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “The spa is going to be closed completely. You’re going to be drowning in complaints.” He paused.

  “That’s true, but you haven't seen me in action, yet,” I said confidently, the wine providing a small amount of Dutch courage.

  “Well, Tamsin, I’ll be marketing the new spa, so I guess that means we are going to be spending a lot more time together.” He passed his phone to me under the table and grazed my right leg sligh
tly. My whole body tingled as I looked down at it. My name appeared on the screen, with the cursor flashing in the contact number section.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  I arrived back home, exhausted and overwhelmed from how the past few hours had panned out. An interview and a job offer all in one day. Then there was Callum. I couldn’t help but check my phone every few minutes, feeling phantom vibrations in my pocket even though there was nothing. No text or call.

  What did I expect? I was reading far too much into the situation. He wanted my number to talk business.

  That’s what I told myself to cover the disappointment I felt. I was always like this–clingy, needy even. Something had to change. I had a new career to focus on and a place to re-invent myself. This was a big deal, and I wasn’t going to let some Adonis ruin it for me. This time, I was in control.

  Mum was slumped in her chair with the television flickering in front of her when I got home.

  “So…” she said in a worn out voice, turning to me as my heels drummed the floor.

  “I GOT THE JOB!” I screamed and ran over to hold her tight. A smile lit up her face and a stray tear rolled down her cheek. It was the first time she had smiled for a while. The chemotherapy was draining the life out of her. The woman who had brought me up, who I adored more than life itself, was fading and it was tough to see. If anything, getting a job was worth it just to see her smile like that. It made my pain go away, and it seemed hers disappeared for a little while, too. She’d always told me I could be whatever I wanted while I was growing up, so I knew how proud she was.