Thank you everyone who voted and left comments on the last few chapters. It's your kind attention that encouraged me to keep writing this after quite a long hiatus so thank you! A few people said they'd like the installments to be longer so hopefully this one is a little more satisfying. As ever, I love feedback and thank you for reading.
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The Summer in London was always a beautiful, disgusting thing and Lauren loved it entirely for all of its highs and lows. The awkward moment between Spring showers and Summer heat where everyone was a little bit clammy still in their raincoats, the cool breeze at night on a rooftop bar following the first genuinely hot day, the suffocating stench of ripe, sweaty bodies on the tube when Summer really kicked in and the workmen were returning home from whatever skyscraper they were building and the jostle for position on any strip of green land on a weekend for picnics filled with Marks and Spencer sandwiches and a cheeky bottle of champagne. The city came alive in Summer in a completely new way and Lauren loved it deeply.
As a child living outside of the city she had heard her Dad play 'Waterloo Sunset' so many times that she had been convinced that it must be the most beautiful sight in the world. The dreamy sound of Ray Davies voice as he described that vista stuck with her until she moved to the capital and even now eight years later the sight didn't disappoint. Walking along Waterloo bridge she took her time and admired the oranges and pinks streaking the sky, smiling at the man sat on the floor playing acoustic renditions of Ed Sheeran songs. Work had been hectic lately and she was glad to be outside breathing fresh air instead of trapped inside of her office. There had been so many late nights over the last few weeks that she hadn't seen her friends for some time and so was looking forward to having a few drinks on the South bank.
Walking into The Founds Arms she passed straight through the bar and onto the patio that overlooked the Thames. Spotting her friends she gave a shy little wave, never liking to attract much attention, and weaved between tables of people already enjoying the warm night to their table. "Hey! How are you?"
Tom stood up and smiled warmly when he saw Lauren, pulling her into a hug and kissing her cheek. "Hi stranger, I'm not sure I know you?"
Kath laughed and nodded in agreement, taking her turn to hug and kiss her before they all settled at their table, Kath pouring Lauren a large glass of white wine. "We used to have this friend but then she disappeared..."
Lauren rolled her eyes at that but thanked them quietly for the wine, clinking glasses with them before taking a sip. "I know I've been bad. It's just really tough. If you don't do it you don't get anywhere and-"
"-and the patriarchy and the boys club and-" Tom interjected, shaking his fist in mock outrage.
"Yes! You laugh but it's true. I mean, they have had to introduce a women in finance charter to get banks to commit to hiring women at senior positions because it just doesn't happen." Lauren said with a soft sigh, rolling her eyes. "I know I'm a broken record." she said after a beat.
"No, the industry is a broken record. Everyone moans about how awful it is but it never changes." Kath pointed out. "Because it's not in their interest to change but... you should be proud of yourself. You've done really well but you do need to think about your personal life too."
Lauren nodded in agreement as she sank into her chair, crossing one leg over the other. "You're right. I'm feeling that more and more lately. It's just so hard to meet someone when I'm in work all the time."
"You should try Tinder or Bumble." Tom suggested with a shrug. "Then pretend the dates are meetings and you definitely will attend and will be on time."
Lauren rolled her eyes and gave him a playful nudge, pushing her long auburn hair off her shoulder and was about to comment when she heard a loud cry of 'Happy Birthday'. Following the sound she watched as a group of people presenting a cake to... Jennifer. Her stomach twisted at the sight of her and she quickly turned back around.
"What's that look?" Kath asked as she topped up all of their wine.
"It's nothing, that's my PA." Lauren explained. "Can we go somewhere else?"
"PA? She's hot." Tom said appreciatively, his eyes moving over her for a moment only to tick back to the women he was with. "Why do we need to go? Go buy her a drink, it's her birthday Scrooge."
Kath watched Lauren curiously, seeing the way her friend sank down a little in her seat so as not to be seen even in the crowded bar and she nudged her knee against Lauren's. "What's going on?"
Lauren went to deny it but actually, having kept this all to herself for the last few months had been eating her up. Ever since their time in France they had been working perfectly fine together but Lauren still felt a desire for her that she couldn't ignore or satisfy. Taking a large sip of her drink she revealed the whole backstory from the first time on the plane to the office to the final encounter in France.
"Your life is so much sexier than mine." Tom bemoaned. "What's the point in being an executive if I'm not having sexy times with strangers in bathrooms?"
Kath's eyes were wide in disbelief, this behaviour nothing like anything Lauren had done before but she was proud and happy for her friend as she needed some excitement in her life. Looking over at the blonde woman with a new light she wasn't even Lauren's usual type but there was no doubt she was beautiful. "Wow. Well. While exciting I think you're right. Business and pleasure shouldn't mix. You've worked so hard and what if she sues you?"
