A Walk in Wildflower Park

Chapter Seven

Anna had a spring in her step the following morning as she picked up her things and went in search of the room for her first meeting of the day. At least she wouldn’t be alone with Hudson; she was able to handle him better if other people were involved. Maybe she needed them there to help her keep her annoyance levels in check. She knew she sometimes overreacted but it was only because she was passionate about getting it right. She found the room and checked it was the right one because it was really small. She knew there were loads of people on the invite list. Her smugness blossomed at the thought of Hudson having to apologise to everyone for the tiny room as they all tried to cram inside. She was going to enjoy this meeting. She picked her spot on the far side of the table so she could see his reaction when he came in, and settled herself down.

She was making some notes when Hudson arrived. ‘Hey, Anna. How’s your day going?’

Why did Americans ask that? Nobody did in this country. At best you’d ask someone at the end of the day, but never earlier – and who was interested anyway?

‘Great thanks.’ About to get a whole lot better when everyone sees your room cock-up, she thought. ‘How about yours?’

‘Swell, thanks. Right, let’s get started.’

Anna did a double take as Hudson started tapping on the large telephone in the middle of the table. Anna scrabbled through the meeting notes. It was a bloody conference call; she hadn’t spotted that. If she’d realised, she could have dialled in from her desk. Now she was stuck in a broom cupboard with Hudson for the next hour, but her resolute Britishness meant that she wasn’t going to leave. She’d have to stick it out. ‘Hudson and Anna,’ said Hudson, when the system prompted him for his name. As he was opening the call there was a rush of everyone’s name and Anna didn’t have time to tick everyone off the invite list.

‘Hey, everyone, thanks for joining us this morning. Is Todd on the call?’

There was a very long pause where they could hear breathing, general office background noise and the odd cough. ‘Okay, no Todd, let’s—’

‘Yes. Hi, Hudson. I’m here,’ said Todd, rather belatedly. Hudson and Anna both looked skywards.

‘Great. Thanks, Todd. Can I ask everyone to go on mute to cut out the background noise?’ There was a series of clicks and the phone went eerily quiet.

‘Raj, please can you give us an update on the finance meeting you attended?’ asked Hudson. He looked over at Anna who was jotting notes. She paused and they waited for Raj to speak. Nothing. Total silence. Anna checked the names she had managed to tick off: Raj was ticked off. He was definitely on the call. She shrugged at Hudson. He unmuted their end and started to speak. ‘Raj, are you okay to give us an—’

‘Sorry, I must have been on mute,’ said Raj, followed by an embarrassed chortle. Raj proceeded to run through far too much detail about the very dull finance meeting he’d attended, which had no consequences for their project at all. When Raj finally stopped talking Hudson thanked him and moved on. ‘Carol, Programme Office update please.’ Hudson muted their phone and leaned back.

A loud bark came from the phone making them both laugh nervously. ‘Buster! Quiet. Mummy’s on a conference call,’ said Carol, who was working from home. ‘Hi, everyone, yes. We’ve set up the filing system on the shared drive …’ But Buster was determined to be heard and continued to bark all the way through her update. The only pause was when ‘Todd has left the meeting’ was announced by the automated call system and closely followed by ‘Todd has joined the meeting.’

‘You okay, Todd?’ asked Hudson.

‘My phone keeps cutting out. I don’t know what …’

‘Todd has left the meeting.’

‘Does anyone have any questions or anything they’d like to add?’ asked Hudson.

A jumble of voices all spoke at once, followed by a round of apologies and lots of people politely repeating, ‘No, after you.’ When everyone did exactly the same again Hudson stepped in. ‘Okay. Steve, you had a question?’

‘Yeah, hi, Hudson. The workshop next week, is lunch provided?’

Anna slapped her forehead with her palm and Hudson spontaneously laughed at her. ‘I’m not sure Steve, but I’ll check and get back to you.’

‘Who else had a question?’

There was a long pause. ‘Hi, Hudson, it’s Paul. It’s okay, I was going to ask about lunch too.’

‘Okay, any questions that weren’t about lunch?’ asked Hudson and was met with a bark from Buster. ‘Okay, if there’s nothing else. We’ll catch up again on Wednesday. Thanks, everyone. Bye.’

A series of disembodied voices said bye in quick succession.

‘Todd has joined the meeting.’

Hudson hit the end-call button and let out a sigh as he slumped back in his seat. ‘Sometimes, things are a lot harder than they need to be,’ he said and Anna had to agree.

‘Night night, Mummy,’ said Arlo, looking perfectly angelic. Sophie’s heart melted with love for her first born. He was a monster sometimes but she loved every inch of him more than she could ever explain.

‘Night night, darling.’ She kissed the top of his head and reversed from the room. She’d almost made it to the door when he spoke and her heart sank. All she wanted was to sit down and put her feet up. She’d had a crappy day at work as she’d managed to forget to go to a meeting and send out the wrong documents twice.

‘Mummy?’

‘Yes,’ she said, being as patient as she could be when she’d been on the go for fifteen hours, her back ached like she’d been carrying cement around all day and her feet were feeling puffy.

‘I’m looking forward to animal day tomorrow. Night night.’

Sophie froze. ‘Animal day? What’s that?’ It couldn’t be World Book Day – they’d done that a few weeks ago.

‘I need a costume of my favourite endangered animal. Can I be a dinosaur? They’re endangered aren’t they?’

‘Costume? Animal?’ said Sophie, struggling to form a sentence.

Arlo giggled. ‘Mummy, you’re funny. Costume. Animal,’ he mimicked. His expression changed to deadly serious. ‘It has to be better than Willoughby Newell’s. He’s coming as a turtle.’

‘You get some sleep. Mummy will sort it out.’

Within minutes Sophie was rifling through Arlo’s school bag. At the bottom was a screwed-up piece of paper smeared in mud and some unidentifiable sticky substance. She unfolded it and speed-read the letter. ‘Argh!’ Arlo was right. He needed to wear a costume to school, a costume that represented one of the many endangered animals on the planet as part of Climate Change and World Awareness Week. How could schools do this to parents? Where was she meant to get an endangered animal costume that was better than Willoughby sodding Newell’s turtle at this short notice?

Dave’s face peered around the living room door. ‘You all right?’

‘Arlo needs to go to school as an animal tomorrow.’ The fight was fast ebbing from Sophie as her body gave way to exhaustion and fatigue.

‘How about a monkey? He goes as that every day,’ said Dave, with a big grin. Sophie wanted to slap him.

‘It’s serious, Dave. He needs an outfit and it’s …’ she checked her watch ‘… a quarter to nine at night.’

‘Ah, don’t worry about it. I bet most of them won’t have a costume. He’ll be fine without one.’

‘He can’t be the odd one out!’ Sophie was outraged. Pictures of poor Arlo dressed in his school uniform danced through her mind, alongside ones of all his friends and Willoughby Newell sporting the best endangered species outfits money could buy. ‘You could help more, Dave.’

‘Okay. What did he wear for Halloween? Could he wear it again?’

‘He was a zombie pirate.’

Dave pulled a face. ‘Sorry. Dunno then.’ And he disappeared back to watch the television. Sophie sat on the stairs, clutching the school note, and felt like crying.

The next morning Sophie came flying into the office; her wild hair matched her eyes and the buttons on her cardigan were done up out of sync. ‘You okay?’ asked Anna, already knowing the answer.

‘No. I have been up half the night sewing.’

Anna did the thing where you open your mouth to speak but your brain is going ‘Nope, I’ve got nothing of any use in this situation.’ ‘Sewing?’ said Anna.

‘Yes, sewing. I made a polar bear costume out of an old sheet, a cardboard box and a weird furry scarf thing Kraken gave me for Christmas, which I’m sure was something she was regifting.’

‘You are such a good mum. Any photos?’ asked Anna.

Sophie fumbled with her phone and passed it to Anna. Anna studied the picture of a white mass with drawn-on claws in black Sharpie and a conical-shaped head with yogurt pots for ears. It did resemble an animal of some kind but she would have struggled to identify it as a polar bear. More like a ghostly aardvark. ‘It’s amazing,’ she said, in what she hoped was an encouraging voice.

‘I thought so,’ said Sophie, her voice changing into something akin to Linda Blair’s in The Exorcist. ‘It’s not rubbish, is it?’

‘Nooooo,’ said Anna, shaking her head firmly.

‘What’s this?’ asked Hudson, popping up at Anna’s shoulder. He started to laugh and Anna gave him a Paddington Bear stare. He turned his laugh into a cough. ‘Wow, that is the scariest Ku Klux Klan member I’ve ever seen. His hat’s slipped a bit.’

Anna failed to stifle a splutter of a laugh. ‘It’s a polar bear.’ Hudson almost pushed his face into Sophie’s phone for a second look.

‘Arlo refused to wear it. He said it was the worst polar bear in the world and it deserved to be endangered.’ Sophie looked glum.

‘Kids can be harsh critics,’ said Hudson.

‘Dave agreed with him.’

Anna feared for Dave’s safety. ‘And where is Dave now?’

‘He merrily trotted off to work leaving me with a completely naked Arlo who refused to wear anything unless it was an endangered species. I was tempted to tell him to go as he was because his life expectancy was diminishing with every second.’

‘Here, have my coffee. It’s decaf,’ said Anna, passing it to Sophie.

‘Thanks.’ She didn’t look like she meant it.

Anna hardly dared to ask how it all ended but she had to know. ‘So, what happened?’

‘He’s gone to school dressed as the Pink Panther. It’s the costume he wore for World Book Day last year. It’s too small. I had to slit the legs and arms so he looks like he’s had an Incredible Hulk moment.’

‘As long as he’s happy,’ said Anna, trying to ignore Hudson who was still chuckling behind her.

‘He freaked his teacher out when he pulled the long pink tail between his legs and waggled it at her.’ Sophie gave a weak smile. ‘That was almost worth it.’

‘Brilliant.’ Anna giggled as she pictured the scene.

‘What’s brilliant?’ asked Karl, arriving at his desk. ‘They’ve decided to introduce my idea of Naked Thursdays?’ he offered. ‘The next team event is mud wrestling? Roberta’s been abducted by Aston Villa supporters?’

‘Nope, sorry. Sophie’s son went to school as the Pink Panther,’ said Anna.

‘I already knew about that,’ said Karl, plugging his laptop back in. Both the women looked confused. ‘It’s front-page news everywhere. Bloody hell, your lives are riveting.’

‘Shut up, Karl,’ they chorused.

He held up his hands in defence. ‘Okay, okay.’ He turned to Sophie. ‘I read your outline paper. It’s really good. When this syncs …’ he pointed at the laptop ‘… there’s some feedback coming your way. Then you can update and issue it.’

‘Thanks,’ said Sophie, viewing him as if he were an unexploded bomb.

‘What? Don’t look at me like that. I can do a good impression of a sensible person, you know. I’ve got a certificate and everything.’

Silvie wandered over and they all tried to appear as if they were busy. ‘Can we move our three o’clock to four?’ she asked Karl.

He checked his diary.

‘Have you lost weight?’ Silvie asked Anna.

Anna was standing next to Sophie and she immediately straightened. ‘Um, no. I don’t think so.’ Anna’s size was fairly static thanks to her running.

‘Actually, I think it’s just where you’re standing,’ said Silvie, eyeing Sophie.

Karl coughed. ‘Yep, no problem moving the meeting. I’m loving your tan, Silvie.’ Silvie beamed at him and sauntered off.

‘You are such a liar,’ said Anna, once Silvie was out of earshot.

‘What? It’s not a lie. Orange happens to be my favourite colour,’ said Karl, putting his hand to his chest as if saying an oath.

Sophie was looking puzzled. ‘Did that cow imply I was fat?’

Chapter Eight

Roberta managed to intercept Anna first thing by thrusting a scribbled note at her and demanding she and Hudson organise a team event, and that it should be treated as their absolute priority, thus sending Anna’s day immediately into a tailspin. Despite her best efforts she had failed to track Hudson down, which was typical, so she had ended up doing most of the legwork herself.

Anna checked her phone whilst walking back to her desk after lunch and found a text: Hi, A. How is your week going? Any more texts from strange men? C. It made her smile involuntarily.

She replied: Hi, C. Week going okay. How about yours? pressing send and then instantly regretting it. His text had been witty whilst hers was simply dull – and who was she kidding anyway? Her week wasn’t okay, it was utter rubbish.

As she sat down her phone pinged again: My week is going great, just bought a new car.

Anna replied without engaging her brain: Exciting! My week has been rubbish by comparison.

The response was almost instant: You need cheering up. Anything I can do? C. Anna smiled again. He was quite sweet really, for a total stranger.

No, but thanks for asking. Got to go, I’m at work.

Anna was aware someone was watching her and she looked up suddenly. Hudson was right behind her. ‘Did you want something?’

‘Nope.’ Hudson slunk back into his desk and started to work. Anna slid her chair over to him.

‘Actually, Roberta was looking for you.’

Hudson glanced over his shoulder in the direction of Roberta’s office.

‘On top of this project we’re also managing a team event – like an away day thingy.’

‘Another clear brief from Roberta I’m guessing,’ he said, with a wry smile. It was a lovely smile, warm and reassuring.

Anna blinked and pulled her concentration back to the matter in hand. ‘Yep, there’s virtually no budget and she’s expecting lots from it. I’m thinking something outdoors and a hostel in the Peak District.’

‘Sounds perfect.’

‘Really?’ Anna couldn’t read if he was serious or not.

He nodded. ‘I’ve been once for a wedding but the scenery was beautiful and who doesn’t like bunking up?’

Anna’s eyebrows did a little jump. ‘Some people object to … bunks.’

‘Not me.’

No, she thought studying his perfect bone structure, your partner is a very lucky man. ‘There’s not much choice as it has to happen next week apparently. Roberta’s usual forward-planning skills.’

Hudson’s expression had changed. ‘Or it’s just been dumped on her.’ He narrowed his eyes. ‘Did she give any clue as to what had triggered it?’

Anna thought for a second. ‘Came from above she said.’

Hudson pouted. ‘I’m sure you’ve thought the same but I’ll voice it anyway. Sounds like something might be going on. Why would you suddenly send the whole team out of the office when they’ve just started a critical project? Makes no sense.’

Anna was nodding. She hadn’t queried it at all, but now she was. He was right, it was very odd. She tried to put it to the back of her mind and fired off an email to Roberta with the details of what she’d discovered.

Anna was mentally planning what she was going to have for dinner when Roberta appeared at her desk. ‘Bunk beds in Derbyshire – is that the best you could do?’ Anna felt something deflate inside and took a deep breath to try to pump it back up.

‘On this small a budget and at such short notice, yes, it is. But it will provide us with a series of team challenges, which I believe will help us to bond as a team and it’s not too far away, which is a bonus.’ Anna’s voice went up at the end. She waited for Roberta’s reaction.

Roberta snorted her derision. ‘I’m not sleeping in bunk beds.’

‘Ah, no, but …’ She hated herself for stumbling over her words. ‘You didn’t say you were coming.’

‘Aren’t I part of the team? Aren’t I, in fact, an integral member of the team?’

It was hard to disagree without it being a career-limiting conversation. ‘Of course you are, but I assumed you’d be too busy.’

Roberta’s perfectly pencilled eyebrows moved up a degree. ‘A fair assumption but no, on this occasion, I will be there. I’m keen to see how everyone performs.’ Things were getting more bizarre.

‘Great, there’s a pub in the village. I’ll book you a room there.’

‘En suite,’ said Roberta, and she strode back to her office.

Anna’s instinct was to run to Hudson and share what she’d learned as it added more fuel to his theory that something didn’t add up about the team event but that would make her look desperate to please him and she wasn’t.

It was warming up outside and Anna and Sophie decided to take their lunch in the square. A simple sandwich seemed better when eaten in the fresh air as long as you could keep the pigeons away long enough to enjoy it.

‘Here,’ said Anna, handing Sophie her phone. ‘This guy sent me a text by mistake.’ Anna wasn’t sure what the sensation was in her gut as she watched Sophie’s expression change as she read the series of messages from the mystery person known only as C. There was definitely a hint of excitement and more than a smattering of intrigue about him and the fact he had bothered to message her again.

‘Bloody hell, Anna. Who is it?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘But who do you think it is?’

‘It’s a random stranger.’ Anna ate the last of her sandwich.

Sophie tilted her head. ‘Or it could be a celebrity who wants to remain anonymous.’

‘Not likely,’ said Anna. ‘And if it is, knowing my luck it’s one of the Jedwood twins.’

‘No, think about it. It could be a famous actor or reality star.’

‘Who happened to stumble across my number because it’s like their friend’s? I think it’s just some guy. But he seems kind of sweet.’ Anna felt a flutter of something and almost rolled her eyes at herself. What was she doing? She was sworn off men. Especially ones she’d never met and who were incapable of sending a text to the right person. The last thing she needed was to get caught up in another fruitless relationship. She needed to focus on being an individual, not part of a couple, and on furthering her career because she knew that wouldn’t let her down. She had a plan and she was going to stick to it, but there was no denying that with a mystery texter and some innocent flirtation, she could do both. She was keeping her promise to herself and she also had the opportunity for safe flirting by text. Did it even have a name? Flexting perhaps? And if at any point she wanted to stop she could block his number. Yes, it was the best of both worlds.

‘What if it’s someone you know?’ said Sophie.

Anna considered this. ‘I don’t think Liam’s that creative.’

‘Mystery admirer?’

‘Possibly.’

‘Are you going to meet him?’ Sophie looked keen.

‘No. It’s just a wrong number.’ But there was something fun about having a little fantasy about who C was and what he might be like, though that was as far as she was prepared to go because this was all from the safety of her own home and she could block him at any point it felt like he was getting serious or turned out to be a crazed lunatic.

‘What if it’s fate?’ Sophie went all gushy.

‘You think C is short for Charming, as in Prince Charming?’

‘You never know. Stranger things have happened. You read about things like this all the time in magazines. People who meet the love of their life in the frozen fish section of the supermarket or get run over by them.’

‘Really?’ Anna was pulling a disbelieving face. She wouldn’t be keen to marry someone who had attempted to run her over, even if it was accidental.

‘Oh, yeah. It’s quite common,’ said Sophie, taking a chunk out of her sandwich. Anna doubted that was true. ‘What if he’s this gorgeous millionaire who wants to whisk you away on his private jet to his castle?’

‘Then I’m wondering what he’s doing cleaning his mate’s patio.’

Sophie openly huffed and handed Anna her phone back. ‘True. Shame. It would be nice to have someone take you away from all this.’ She gestured randomly.

‘How’re things with Dave?’

‘He’s still Dave.’ She said it like she was apologising. ‘He thinks he’s dying because he’s got a cold at the moment. Last night it was like trying to sleep next to someone experimenting with a chemistry set. And he managed to sleep through Petal having two night terrors and Arlo coming into our bedroom at four to ask how many sleeps until Santa comes. Then he woke me switching on the bathroom light too loud this morning.’

‘How do you switch a light on too loud?’

‘I don’t know, but he does it all the time. Then he’s in there for ages and afterwards it’s like sleeping in a public toilet.’

They both pulled faces as if they could smell something unpleasant. ‘Not nice,’ said Anna, who had long wanted an en suite but was filing this for future reference.

‘He said he’d book the train tickets for our trip to London on Saturday but he forgot. He promised to start sorting the garden out. But apparently some new shooty killy game came out, which has kept him busy. Still, I’m looking forward to getting away for a couple of days on the team jolly. Dave won’t know what’s hit him.’ Sophie seemed to perk up.