Free Law of Attraction by Patricia Keyson

yet. Dad and I will also be having meetings with the two new partners we want to take on.”
    “All these changes are thrilling. It will be fun having new work colleagues. Will we have a new junior?”
    “I think that’s the least of our worries right now, but yes I would like to help another young person into work. Let’s leave that until we’re settled. You look tired. Why don’t you take yourself off home? Let me give you a lift.”
    “No, it’s not far to walk and some fresh air will do me good.”
    “Maybe one day you’ll accept, when it’s raining or snowing.”
    “Only if you put the hood of the car up!”
    * * *
    Arriving back at Elm Close, Kay felt wrung out. She had a wash in her room and changed into a pair of slacks and a clean blouse. Then she rinsed her stockings and hung them over the basin to dry. Her tummy growled in spite of her large breakfast and lunchtime sandwiches. It was nearly seven o’clock so she went downstairs to the kitchen.
    “Shall I lay the table?” she asked.
    “It’s done,” replied Olive. “Goodness, you look worn out. Busy day, I expect. Everything new.”
    “We’ve got a fridge,” said Kay. “There’s nothing in it yet, but it will be useful, especially if we have a hot summer.”
    Olive nodded and started ladling stew into big round dishes. “Don’t wait for me.”
    “This is delicious,” said Kay, “and the dumplings are so light. I wish I could cook like you and Mum.”
    “I’ll teach you if you like,” offered Olive, sitting down opposite Kay. “It’s quite easy really if you stick to simple recipes to begin with.” They ate in silence for a while. “I hope you don’t mind eating in the kitchen,” said Olive.
    “Not at all. It’s nice and cosy.”
    After a blackberry and apple crumble with hot creamy custard, Kay pushed back her chair. “I don’t think I can move,” she laughed. “If you’re going to feed me like this every day I won’t fit through the door.”
    “I don’t like anyone going hungry,” said Olive getting up to clear the table.
    “I’ll do that,” said Kay jumping to her feet.
    “I thought you couldn’t move.”
    The doorbell startled the two women.
    “I don’t often get callers at this time in the evening,” Olive said, “I wonder who it could be.”
    Kay stayed in the kitchen clearing up as she was quite sure no one would be calling on her. Olive bustled in followed by Michael.
    “Hello, Kay, I’m sorry to barge in like this. It’s just that I’ve had another key cut for the office.” He turned to Olive. “Kay’s making her mark in the reception area. She’s full of good ideas.” Michael didn’t seem anxious to be leaving.
    “Have a seat and how about a dish of crumble with custard. It’s all nice and hot still,” Olive said.
    “That would be lovely, thank you.” Michael sat at the kitchen table and Kay couldn’t help thinking how comfortable and relaxed he looked.
    “I told Kay she can invite her friends round so I hope to see more of you.”
    “That’s very kind, but maybe Kay sees enough of me at work.” Michael tucked into the large portion of pudding which Olive had put on the table in front of him.
    Kay wasn’t sure what to say. “Olive says we can watch television some time, but I don’t suppose that’s something unusual for you.”
    “I do have a television, but I don’t watch much. It would be pleasant to come and watch a programme with you and Olive.”
    Olive winked at Kay who decided she should put the kettle on to make tea. She listened to Michael and Olive chatting away to each other. She liked the informal way her boss had with people. He always managed to put people at their ease.
    After the tea Michael said, “I could stay here all evening, but I’d better be getting back. I’ll see you in the morning, Kay.”
    “I’m not sure I’ll make it to work tomorrow. I might well oversleep in my cosy bed after such an exhilarating day.”
    Michael smiled. “You’d better