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cubicle neighbours, “I’m going to do it!”
    “That’s great,” Grace exclaimed, before lowering her voice, “but I’m sorry, I really have to go. I’ll call you later.”
    She hung up the phone and twisted restlessly around in her chair, hoping that Jones would return soon. Now that she had finally made a decision, she wanted to get the last step over with.
    To kill time, she searched online for ‘Singapore’. All she knew about the place was that it was one of Asia’s main transport hubs, and it was relatively developed compared to the other Asian capitals. The perfect starting point , she thought. She had booked the flight for exactly five weeks later, and purposely selected the non-refundable option. It helped that it had also been the cheapest. She scrolled distractedly through the search results.
    “Are you shopping again? God help the man who marries you!” Richard Jones’s braying voice cut through her reverie.
    Picking up the letter with a flourish, she trailed him the short distance to his office, where he was still standing, hanging up his coat.
    “Have you got a minute?” she asked.
    He looked at her for a moment before nodding mutely.
    The actual decision had been such a sudden one that she now found herself speechless. Sitting down in one of the chairs facing his desk, she played with the corners of her letter, sensing his growing impatience.
    Might as well just get to the point so I can get out and celebrate . “I’ve decided to leave. I’ve been here for three years now, and I’ve decided to do some travelling.” She looked up at him, waiting for his response.
    The tension had lifted from his face. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
    Really? You look happier than I’ve seen you in months... “ And I’m sorry to leave. I’ve learned so much during my time here.” She would need a reference no matter what she ended up doing.
    He looked at her impassively. “Have you decided what date you’re going to leave? I’ll need to let HR know.”
    A few minutes later, having discussed the practicalities, she left Jones’s office, the reality sinking in. She couldn’t conceal her relief and excitement, practically skipping back to her desk. She clicked open IM, and typed quickly.
    About that drink...
     
    Grace watched Kirsty carefully as she returned to their red leather booth cradling a condensation-covered wine bucket .The bar was an old traditional pub in Moorgate, close to the offices where Grace had been holed up all day in client meetings. It had all the characteristics of an old London boozer, but the location meant that it boasted an excellent wine list, in spite of its rugged charm. The after-work crowd had begun to filter out, leaving behind only a handful of diehards reluctant to set food in the grey London drizzle.
    “So it’s true,” she said, as Kirsty poured two glasses of pinot grigio.
    “Yup.” Kirsty replaced the bottle in the bucket and held her glass to Grace’s. “Cheers. To new beginnings.”
    Grace smiled, and watched her friend take an almighty gulp that half emptied her glass. “What did he say?”
    “Who? Richard or Simon?”
    “Well...both I suppose.”
    “Richard reacted much as I expected.”
    Grace raised an eyebrow. “Barely concealed joy?”
    “Yup, you got it.”
    “Dickhead. I’m so proud of you for finally quitting.”
    “Thanks. It all seems a little crazy now that I’ve done it. What do I know about Asia?”
    “You’ll be fine. I think you’re doing the right thing.”
    Kirsty smiled. “Me too. I was humming and hawing all week, and then I spoke to Simon and that was just the catalyst. I need to get out of this place.”
    Grace nodded, watching her silently.
    “I didn’t think it was true. I mean, I’ve known the guy for years, pretty well I thought,” Kirsty continued.
    “What exactly did he say?”
    “Not much. I asked him if it was true and he said it was. Then later, he sent me an email telling me I could leave his stuff from