Stand-In Mistress

‘Brad,’ she tried not to stumble over the name, ‘called because he’s in need of a secretary…’

As she paused momentarily, searching for the right words, Steve said, ‘Well, as Milly’s in Scotland, I fail to see how—’

Hearing the faint suggestion of antagonism in her brother’s tone, Joanne broke in hastily, ‘You don’t understand…Somehow there’s been a mix-up—’

‘What kind of a mix-up?’

‘Milly failed to hand in her notice, and apparently no one realised she was leaving so soon. Brad is going to Norway today, and, as there’s no other secretary available, I’ve agreed to go in Milly’s place,’ she finished in a rush.

Looking taken aback, Steve demanded, ‘What about your own job?’

‘Lisa could take over for the few weeks I’ll be away. She said only yesterday that she didn’t have enough to do.’

Seeing by Steve’s face that he was about to argue, Joanne said decidedly, ‘I’m sure she’d jump at the chance to get some added experience. And, as Milly has let Brad down, I feel I owe it to him.’

‘I don’t see that it’s your responsibility to make up for Milly’s misunderstanding.’

‘Perhaps not.’ Then knowing she had to convince him it was what she wanted to do, she added, ‘But I’d very much like the chance to see something of Norway.’

‘I can’t imagine your fiancé will care for the idea of you being away so long.’ It was obvious that Steve had emphasised the relationship for Brad’s benefit.

With more confidence than she felt, she said, ‘He’ll understand when I explain about Milly.’

‘You’re going to ring him?’

‘Yes.’

She would have to make time to break the news. Trevor was already seriously displeased with her over the concert tickets, and this desertion, as he would no doubt see it, certainly wouldn’t help matters…

Feeling too stressed at the moment to cope with what she felt sure would be an angry and hostile reaction, she chickened out. ‘But not now. He’s taking his mother to Bournemouth for the weekend. When I’m sure he’s back I’ll decide on the best way to break it to him.’