Free Trophy Life by Elli Lewis Page A

negotiations followed, after which a tentative compromise was reached. Once calm had been restored, Andrea moved the meeting forward.
    'I’m very pleased to say that we have a new member joining our committee, my own daughter-in-law, Amy Green.' Andrea's gesture towards Amy was less introductory and more accusatory, like a participant in the 17th century witch trial. All eyes slowly migrated to her. 'Amy has been married to Harry for two years now.' Andrea’s hand remained in the air in Amy’s direction and her tone implied that there was more, but then she stopped. Amy waited. Everyone else seemed to be waiting too. Was that it? Was that the end of Andrea’s introduction of Amy? All she could think to say about her? What about the fact that she was a qualified lawyer? What about her university education? Maybe even that she enjoyed reading? Perhaps just a mention of her fully functioning pulmonary system? But instead there was nothing. Just an uncomfortable silence eventual broken by a short, if not particularly committed burst of clapping before Andrea’s hand fell abruptly.
    'Next, we have our annual fundraiser. We are raising money for a very worthwhile cause.' Andrea looked over at Esther who proffered a sheet of paper. Referring to it, Andrea read, 'The Children’s Fund.'
    Olivia gushed, 'I have so many ideas.'
    'That’s lovely Olivia and you did such a fine job at Christmas,' interrupted Andrea soothingly. 'Didn’t she ladies?' A light, respectful applause rippled through the crowd. 'But we must give someone else a turn.' Her tone was resolute. Final. 'Amy was just telling me how much she would love to organise this event and she has lots of experience in putting this kind of thing together.'
    Once again, all focus in the room shifted to Amy. Unprepared, Amy let out the tiniest squeak, which then turned into a cough. What did this mean? Is this what Andrea had had in mind? She knew she had wanted her involved in organising the event, but did she actually expect her to run it? Surely not.
    Unsure as to what to do, Amy smiled around the room nervously. Her eyes came to rest on Olivia, whose own smile was very firmly tattooed on her face. She reminded Amy of a burst balloon.
    'I have every confidence that Amy will do a marvellous job,' continued Andrea. Like the dutiful right-hand woman she was, Esther now whispered in Andrea’s ear and Andrea gestured for her to address the room.
    Esther’s face, plump and red, looked like an over-ripe tomato as she eagerly gushed, 'We have something very exciting now. Guillermo Hullier’s catering company, Guillermo Guillermo has agreed to cater our event.' She paused to allow for the buzz which flowed through the room. 'They’ve sent over someone to meet us all.' She gestured wildly to the back of the room for someone to come forward, her face becoming even more flushed as she waved her arm erratically.
    Amy’s mind was firmly engrossed in processing the events of the past few minutes, locked in her own thoughts. She couldn’t quite believe what had just happened. She was supposed to plan this event? She had no experience in organising so much as a toddler’s birthday party. Had Andrea been confused? She looked at her mother-in-law, trying to gauge a reaction from her, but she was busy looking elsewhere. Actually, all of the women had turned to look elsewhere. Amy followed their gaze.
    'Thank you Esther,' said a deep voice. A familiar voice. Amy would know that voice anywhere. And immediately, looking up at the stage, their eyes met. 'It’s great to be here. My name is Freddie O'Connor and I’ll be helping to cater your event.'
     

Chapter 6
    Typing the last word with a flourish, Amy surveyed the screen in front of her with satisfaction. She couldn’t help but be proud of her latest article, an in-depth piece about relations between students and locals, looking at the positives and negatives of the relationship.
    'Are you ready to go?' Georgie called out to her as she