Read Online A Dream Come True by Cindy Jefferies - Free Book Online Page B

almost seemed to be piercing her back as she went. She tried desperately to think of something, anything she might have done to bring this amount of anger in her direction. Apart from a week ago, when the Editor had referred to her as “it”, Angel had hardly acknowledged Ellie’s presence, and Piano simply ordered her about. What on earth could Angel want? Was it something about the interview with the Lowthers? Had they complained? But they’d seemed so happy with the way it had gone.
    It was no good, she couldn’t think of anything. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t hang about any longer, with both Piano and Carlotta watching her. She simply had to knock on the door.
    Ellie could make nothing out by the tone of voice Angel used to summon her. She opened the door, went in and was slightly relieved to find that Francesca was there as well. However, judging from Francesca’s expression she wasn’t ready to take Ellie’s side any time soon.
    Angel was holding Ferdinand under her arm as usual. She said nothing, but looked at Ellie as if she was the lowest form of life. She left Francesca to do the talking.
    â€œA few minutes ago we took a call from Joe,” Francesca told Ellie in a cold voice. “You know Joe, the photographer?”
    Ellie found herself nodding quickly. “Yes, of course.”
    â€œHe was scheduled to do a major shoot this morning with Sapphire, but she didn’t turn up.”
    Ellie’s face and mind went blank as she tried to work out what on earth a famous model not turning up for work had to do with her.
    Francesca went on. “When we rang the agency to find out what the problem was we were told that someone had cancelled it on Thursday.”
    Ellie was waiting for Francesca to make it clear what any of this had to do with her, when Angel’s voice cut across Francesca’s as she stooped to put Ferdinand in his basket. “For goodness’ sake, Francesca, get on with it… You! Whatsyourname, Ellie Ixos. What the hell did you think you were doing?”
    Ellie’s mouth dropped open and she hastily shut it again. “I…er…” She spread her hands in bewilderment. “I’m afraid I have no idea who might have done it. I was busy with the interview, and then the artic—”
    â€œNever mind that! Are you deliberately trying to make trouble?”
    Ellie took a deep breath of air into her lungs and tried to defend herself calmly. “No! I’m doing work experience. I just tidy up, and run errands – apart from the interview last week.”
    The sudden silence in the room was broken only by Ferdinand scratching in his basket next to Angel’s desk.
    â€œI don’t have time for this!” Angel waved a hand dismissively at them both. “And neither do you, Francesca. I expect you to run the office smoothly. Things like this should not happen.”
    Francesca’s poise slipped a bit, and Ellie could tell that she was angry with her boss, but she didn’t say anything.
    Angel sat down behind her desk and pulled a sheaf of glossy photographs towards her. She spread them out on the desk before looking up at Francesca dismissively. “And I want ideas by lunchtime on how to fill the gap this blunder has left in next month’s issue. Send Piano in. You’re obviously too soft with the staff.”
    Francesca gave Ellie a little push and guided her out of the office. She closed the door behind them and led the way over to her desk. “Carlotta, you’ll have to do the coffee run this morning,” she said in a level voice. Carlotta had been lurking near the Editor’s office, trying to look as if she might have some business being there. She pouted, then put her nose in the air and went to fetch her coat. Piano had rushed back to her desk as soon as Ellie and Francesca had appeared and was pretending to be exceptionally busy.
    â€œPiano, Angel wants to see you