Moon Sworn (The Bound Series Book 1) (20 page)

She let thoughts of witches and eye colour go, as Alison stood as she entered.  She seemed a little nervous, and unsure how to proceed, moving from foot to foot.  Audrey had mentioned that she was shy, so Helen pulled up her own reserve as she confidently walking towards her with her own hand extended.

“Hi, I’m Helen Orpington, and I believe you must be Alison?”

“Hi, yes… yes, I am,’ she answered, seeming a little confused as her brow puckered.  Helen grinned, showing off her pearly whites, and dropped her hand as she tapped her nose.

"Audrey gave me your description, and I quote.  'You can’t fail to recognise Alison, she has the most unusual, but beautiful lavender eyes,' unquote.” Helen said using her fingers as she spoke with a grin. 

“Thank you,” Alison blushed, her cheeks flushing as her long dark lashes lowered as she took the proffered hand, Helen once again held out.  Alison gave a firm, friendly shake, then gestured towards the coffee machine in the corner.

"Can I offer you a drink?"

"Oh god, that would be fabulous," Helen said as she followed her over.  After seeing Jeff earlier, she could do with a pick me up, something stronger would have been preferable but she'd make do with a caffeine hit.  She berated herself for the slip, and again pushed thoughts of him away.

"Wow, this is new?"

"Blake, had them set up in each of the offices a couple of weeks ago.  He said it was quicker and more efficient than a kettle, plus it looks better if a client stops by.  I’m sorry, Len isn’t here to greet you but he'll be back in later."

"Is Len okay?" Helen asked accepting the coffee she handed to her, doctoring it to her liking, a drop of milk and two heaped teaspoons of sugar.  Len had cancelled her interview and had left a message on her answering machine to say the job was hers and when she started.

"As far as I know, he’s fine," Alison said as she moved back towards her desk, taking her seat again.  Helen dropped into the chair opposite Alison’s desk as she didn't want to seem presumptuous by taking a seat at the empty desk.

1
"Oh sorry, I forgot to say that your desk and computer are all set up for you," Alison said, pointing over Helen’s shoulder.  Helen smiled her thanks and let out a relieved sigh.  It was her old desk, and she couldn’t wait to re-acquaint herself with her old workspace.

They sipped their drinks while Alison explained about all the changes that had occurred since she'd left.  It had grown and diversified, so there was a lot more required of them these days.  Alison was easy to talk to, although awfully quiet, but that could only be a good thing as far as Helen was concerned.  It meant that she wouldn't be into office gossip, or digging into matters she'd much rather be left alone.