Fitting In

by Amanda Radley

  Heather chuckled. “Send her in.”

  Yasmin grinned before leaving the office and advising Scarlett that she could go through.

  Heather leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee. The day was looking up; she had coffee and her new love interest was romantically visiting her in the middle of the day. What could be better?

  Scarlett entered the room and stood to attention in front of Heather’s desk.

  “I want you to stop speaking with my father about me,” Scarlett announced.

  Heather raised an eyebrow. “Can’t do that. He’s my boss, you’re my employee. Sometimes there will be crossover.”

  Scarlett looked aggrieved, and Heather gestured to the chair in front of her desk. Scarlett sat down while Heather got up and closed the office door that Scarlett had left wide open in her hurry to come in and say her piece.

  While Heather had full faith in Yasmin, she didn’t want to be overheard during a conversation that may well turn personal.

  She perched herself on the corner of her desk and looked down at Scarlett. The young woman was clearly distressed, and Heather bet she had an idea why.

  “Can I ask what brought this on?”

  “You interfered with my relationship with my father.”

  “No, I told my boss that I thought you would be a good candidate to be on a committee for a project that you suggested to me just last night,” Heather corrected.

  “He said you pushed the issue.”

  “I did,” Heather confessed. “I told him that you needed to be on the committee, and he argued that you didn’t. And then I argued that you did. We went around a few times on that topic.”

  Heather stood, walked around her desk, and sat back down again. She waited. For a change, she was going to make Scarlett come to her.

  Scarlett looked at her with confusion. “What was the result?” she finally asked.

  “He agreed with me. But I didn’t push the issue because you are his daughter; I pushed the issue because you came up with the idea and I firmly believe that you have skills that would lend themselves to the project.” Heather sipped her coffee. “I may push your father now and then, but I can’t change his opinion once his mind is made up. He’s a stubborn man.”

  “That is true.” Scarlett’s expression softened. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come here.”

  Heather smiled. “I’m glad to see you, even if it is to correct a misunderstanding. Are you going to be on the committee?”

  Scarlett shook her head. “No, he retracted the offer.”

  Heather blinked. “What happened?”

  “He offered me the role. I asked if he wanted me on the committee or if he was merely asking because you had suggested it. He said you pushed the issue with him and asked again if I wanted the role. While I was considering it, he retracted the offer.”

  Heather rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. It was one step forward and three steps back with father and daughter.

  “Did you want to be on the committee?” Heather asked.

  Scarlett nodded. “I believe so.”

  “Fine, then you’re on it.”

  “The offer was retracted.”

  “Consider it… tracted. Whatever.” Heather rubbed her forehead wearily. It had been a trying morning, and now she was walking the tightrope between Leo and Scarlett with little luck.

  “I’m sorry,” Scarlett repeated.

  “You don’t need to be sorry.”

  “I’m causing you problems.”

  “You’re not,” Heather reassured her. “In fact, seeing you enter my office just now caused me to smile for the first time today. Until you told me off.” She winked.

  Scarlett offered a shy smile. “I am still invited to your apartment for dinner this evening?”

  Heather nodded. “I’d like that a lot.”

  The evening before, Scarlett had quickly replied to Heather’s text and admitted that she was eager to see her again soon. The boost to Heather’s ego and subsequent rush of nerves and adrenaline meant that sleep had taken a while to come.

  “Scarlett, I need you to know that I will probably continue to try to bring you and your father closer together. It’s in my nature to try to fix things, especially when it comes to family. If I overstep, I apologise now, and I know you’ll tell me. But please know that if I do overstep, I mean well. I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Scarlett nodded.

  Heather waited a beat to see if she was going to say anything, but as the silence dragged on, it became clear that she wasn’t.

  “Are we finished with this meeting?” Scarlett asked.

  “I suppose we are,” Heather agreed. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  Scarlett nodded and left the room. Heather watched her go and smiled crookedly. She still needed to have that conversation regarding other ways to say goodbye.

  Although watching Scarlett breeze out of a room as she pleased was rather amusing.

  41

  Networking

  “How’s business?” Ravi asked Nico as he approached the pop-up shop. He’d seen a steady stream of customers at the temporary store since it had been open, but he wasn’t sure if they were browsers or buyers.

  “Pretty good. I’m getting your posh shopping centre folks on board with good books.” She gestured her head towards the large chain bookstore across the way. “Still more people going in there than coming over here. You should have put my pop-up outside their front door.”

  Ravi laughed. “I don’t think they would have liked that much. There’s talk of us running these more often. Would you be interested in coming back in the future if we did?”

  “Absolutely,” Nico enthused. “Sales are good, and there’s so many people to watch. It gets quiet in my little store.”

  Ravi grinned and leaned on the pop-up counter and looked around. “What kind of people-watching do you get up to?”

  Nico approached and lowered her voice to a whisper. “There’s this old woman who steals socks; she’s quite a laugh. Then there’s this man, I think he works in IT, who is clearly madly in love with the redhead who works in the jeweller’s. She’s obviously into her manager, who is married. But my favourite is the young guy who works at the hot dog place.”

  “What’s his story?” Ravi asked.

  “Excuse me, Mr Flynn?” Nico suddenly called out, nearly deafening Ravi in the process.

  Leo Flynn had been walking past and came to a stop, regarding Nico with a curious expression. He came over.

  “Yes?”

  “Hi, I’m Nico. I just wanted to thank you personally for allowing all us independent shopkeepers to set up these pop-ups in Silver Arches. It’s made a real difference to us.”

  Leo looked a little surprised at the thanks but quickly recovered. “You’re most welcome.”

  He smiled happily, despite having nothing whatsoever to do with the project. Ravi kept his mouth closed.

  Nico flashed Leo a bright smile as an end to the conversation. Leo returned the smile and went on his way.

  “What was that about?” Ravi asked.

  “I’m networking.”

  “You’re sucking up,” Ravi pointed out.

  “Look, do you want to know about Hot Dog Boy or not?” Nico asked.

  Ravi knew that Nico probably had a reason for introducing herself to Leo and surmised that he’d find out more about that in due course. Meanwhile, the story of the guy who worked at the hot dog stand seemed like it would be a good one.

  “Okay, go on, what about Hot Dog Boy?” Ravi asked.

  42

  Centre Guidelines

  Heather knocked on the door to the security office and stepped inside. A few people looked up at her and smiled their greeting, Scarlett being one of them.

  Heather was five minutes early in order to do a very important piece of housekeeping. While the staff at Silver Arches were as tight knit as a family, they also gossiped like one.

  She’d come to the decision that she needed t
o be open and honest about the fact she was seeing Scarlett from the start. There would still be gossip, but at least she wouldn’t look like she was actively trying to hide anything.

  Heading straight for Tara’s office, she knocked on the frame of the open door before stepping in.

  “Afternoon,” Tara greeted her, a cocky smile on her face.

  She knows, Heather thought.

  “Hi.” Heather closed the door behind her and came farther into the room, leaning on the back of the chair in front of Tara’s desk.

  “To what do I owe the pleasure?” Tara asked, leaning back in her chair and still grinning from ear to ear.

  “I’ve come to advise you of a change in situation between Scarlett and myself,” Heather explained, even though she felt Tara already somehow knew about that private matter.

  “Oh really?” Tara asked, sounding utterly unsurprised. “Are you asking for my permission to date one of my officers?”

  Heather rolled her eyes at the jesting. “She told you?”

  “She did. In accordance with centre guidelines,” Tara explained. “Chapter fourteen, section three, paragraph two, if my memory serves. Something about the possibility of a relationship potentially hindering centre operations.”

  Heather pinched the bridge of her nose. She’d been meaning to speak to Tara all day, but clearly her delay had allowed Scarlett to get there first.

  “I give you my blessing,” Tara said grandly, smothering a chuckle.

  Heather rolled her eyes. “You’re enjoying this far too much.”

  “I am!” Tara agreed. “You should have been here when she stood on a chair and announced it to the whole team during our lunchtime meeting.”

  Heather’s eyes widened. “What?”

  Tara started to laugh. “It was a thing to behold. But, seriously, no one is bothered. You two just go and have fun. I’m happy to see you happy. Well, you were happy when you stepped in; now you’re horrified.”

  “Not horrified, just wishing I had spoken to her before she spoke to you. All of you,” Heather said. “What did she say?”

  “Simply reassuring us all that while you two may be dating, it wouldn’t prevent her from upholding centre guidelines. A reassurance that she isn’t breaking them either. No juicy details, and I really did try to get them out of her.” Tara was almost crying with laughter at this point.

  Heather sighed as she watched Tara lose herself over the situation. “Are you almost done?”

  “I’m sorry.” Tara wiped at her tears. “Sorry. It was just so good. I wish you’d been here. You would have died. Or thrown yourself at her to get her off the chair. But, in all seriousness, everyone will be happy for you.”

  “I hope so,” Heather said softly.

  Tara sobered up immediately. “They will. Scarlett has made some enemies, but that will all be forgotten in time. She’s actually getting better at integrating with people lately. And people love to see a romance blossoming.”

  “Let’s hope so. I already have Leo to contend with; I don’t need the team turning against me,” Heather admitted.

  “They won’t,” Tara said determinedly. “You have the respect of everyone at Silver Arches; that’s not going to change. And Scarlett is entertaining as hell. I look forward to her next public broadcast.”

  Heather narrowed her eyes and stared at her.

  Tara tried and failed to swallow another chuckle.

  43

  Small

  Scarlett pulled up in the visitor’s space and applied the handbrake. So far, the second date was going well.

  Heather had met her in the security office for their date. Following a meeting with Tara, where laughter could be heard in the outer office, Heather emerged and asked Scarlett if she was ready to go.

  Scarlett was grateful that Heather seemed to understand her desire to eat at a similar time each day. Due to the time their shift ended, it would have been impossible to get to Heather’s apartment and then start cooking a meal. Considering this in advance, Heather had suggested they pick up takeaway from the food court before heading to her place.

  The fact that she had pondered the matter and come up with a plan that was suitable had cheered Scarlett immensely. Before Heather told her the plan, Scarlett had been wondering how to bring up her desire to eat at precisely six o’clock and the issues that might bring.

  Once the food had been collected, they each got into their respective cars and drove to Heather’s apartment. Heather had offered Scarlett a lift, but that would have left her own vehicle at the centre, which would have been inconvenient.

  Scarlett got out of the car and looked up at the modern apartment building. It looked pleasant; residents had made an effort to decorate their balconies without going overboard. Elegant flower boxes and the odd piece of garden furniture made the building look homely.

  She joined Heather, and they entered the communal lobby and got the lift to the top floor. Heather handed Scarlett the bag of food while she got her keys out and let them both into her apartment.

  Scarlett stepped in and looked around in fascination. “It’s very small.”

  Heather laughed. “Well, it’s the right size for me.”

  “That’s true,” Scarlett agreed.

  “I’ll get some plates.” Heather took the food from Scarlett and entered the kitchen.

  Scarlett followed, looking around at the compact kitchen with its small dining table in front of a window that overlooked a beautiful garden down below.

  “Some people might be offended if you go around calling their living space small,” Heather pointed out as she plated up food.

  “But it is small,” Scarlett explained.

  “It is, but some people may not like you mentioning it. Maybe use a word like… cosy?”

  “What if it doesn’t feel cosy?” Scarlett asked.

  Heather paused. “You know what, I shouldn’t be telling you what to say. I’m sorry, that was rude of me.”

  “It wasn’t rude,” Scarlett disagreed. “You simply made a suggestion.”

  Heather placed the two plates of food on the table. “Should I really be correcting what you say and how you say it, though? And can I get you a drink?”

  “Water,” Scarlett said. “And yes, if I have said something that could be considered rude. I know I… rub people the wrong way. Frequently.”

  Scarlett sat down, and Heather placed a glass of water in front of her and handed her some cutlery.

  “Do you know why that is?” Heather asked.

  “I doubt it has escaped your notice that I’m different to most people,” Scarlett said.

  She knew that Heather was perceptive and intelligent; there was very little possibility that Scarlett’s different behaviours had alluded her.

  “It hasn’t escaped my notice,” Heather confirmed, pouring herself a glass of wine. “Do you know why that is?”

  “Presumably I’m autistic,” Scarlett replied.

  44

  Different, Not Weird

  Heather stared at Scarlett in shock. She’d been hoping that they could slip into a conversation about Scarlett’s behaviours and maybe figure out a way to talk about them in more detail.

  But here was Scarlett, surprising as ever, just coming out and saying the thing that had been resting on Heather’s mind.

  “You’re autistic?” Heather asked.

  “I believe so,” Scarlett said, picking up a fork and separating the different elements of her meal on the plate. “I exhibit many of the symptoms.”

  “I see.” Heather put the wine bottle back on the counter and took her seat opposite Scarlett. “I had considered it a possibility, but I didn’t know whether you knew or not.”

  Scarlett looked up at Heather with a kind expression that still loudly indicated she thought Heather might be stupid.

  “I’ve lived my life for twenty-six years. I noticed that I was different from other people when I was as young as five. It became more obvious as I got older. How would I not know?�
��

  Heather didn’t have an answer for that. Perhaps it had been a stupid question.

  “But you’ve never been diagnosed?” Heather guessed.

  “No. I considered it, but never got much further than that. I didn’t know if there was much point. As I say, it’s quite obvious to me.” Scarlett finished separating her different foodstuffs and then regarded Heather seriously. “Will that be a problem for you?”

  “No,” Heather said. “But it does mean we have to give each other a little more leeway. I’ve never dated someone with autism before, so I don’t know what you need from me. I might make mistakes; if I do, then you have to tell me.”

  Scarlett frowned and then returned to her meal.

  Heather smiled. “Like that, you just frowned. Why?”

  Scarlett looked back up again. “I’m just surprised. I’m used to being the one who makes mistakes and has to adjust my behaviour accordingly.”

  “I’m not an expert, but I thought autism meant that sometimes those behaviours are beyond your control?” Heather asked.

  “Some do seem very difficult to change,” Scarlett confessed. “But in previous relationships, like my last one, I felt as though I was the one at fault.”

  Heather frowned. She didn’t like the idea of that at all. She still had a huge amount to learn about autism, and specifically about Scarlett’s autistic behaviours, but she was aware that adapting to those would often have to come from her end and not Scarlett’s.

  The fact that Scarlett had been in a relationship where that wasn’t the case was unsettling.

  Heather pointed to Scarlett’s plate of Indian food with her fork. “You seem to have issues with food. Can you tell me more about them?”

  Scarlett looked down at her plate. “I do not like food types to mix.”

  “I see. How about… pizza? That’s many ingredients on a piece of dough. How do you feel about that?”