A Funny Thing About Love by Rebecca Farnworth

Will touched her briefly on the shoulder. ‘I’ll catch up with you in a bit,’ he said, moving off to talk to Janie, one of his clients, a female comedian whom Carmen was convinced had the hots for him. It had been one of the many things she’d teased him about.
    â€˜He’s not interested in Janie,’ Trish told her, seeing Carmen looking at the couple.
    â€˜He’s been pining for you,’ Lottie said, ‘in a state of depression.’
    Carmen looked at the pair of them in disbelief. ‘No way.’
    â€˜It’s true.’ Daisy actually spoke. Usually she restricted herself to glaring, eye rolling and vigorous gum chewing. ‘He really hasn’t been himself.’
    â€˜You see,’ Carmen exclaimed, ‘this is exactly why I always said I wouldn’t have a relationship with anyone at work. I don’t need the analysis!’
    â€˜Oh, shut up,’ Lottie said good-naturedly. ‘And tell us if he’s asked you out yet.’
    A pause, which Carmen milked for dramatic effect, then she came out with, ‘He might have.’
    â€˜Carmen!’ the trio exclaimed in exasperation.
    â€˜Okay then, yes!’
    â€˜That’s so romantic,’ Trish sighed. ‘Will is lovely. I know he has that tough exterior, but underneath he’s so kind and warm and passionate, I’m betting.’
    â€˜She’s just pleased that Will managed to get the fish for her,’ Daisy said.
    â€˜They’re tropical – I’ve got some guppies and angelfish,’ Trish said proudly. ‘Do you want to see the pictures of them?’
    â€˜Could I get some more champagne first?’ Carmen replied. She really could not be expected to look at Trish’s fish sober.
    Conversation then moved on from Will and fish, and Carmen didn’t hold back on the champagne. She felt happier than she had all week and she wanted to hold on to that precious feeling, which had been in very short supply lately. The bubbles went straight to her head as she’d barely eaten anything that day, because she was so nervous about seeing Will. Then Casper turned up the music and dimmed the lights and people began dancing. Carmen found herself being led on to the dance floor by Matthew as they all danced to ‘We Are Family’. He spun her around and they both energetically threw some shapes. She was slightly worried about Matthew’s dodgy hip, but it seemed to be holding up well.
    â€˜So have you and Will got a bit of a thing going?’
    Matthew shouted in her ear over the music. Carmen was surprised. Matthew didn’t usually comment on people’s private lives. She shook her head. Matthew looked sceptical. ‘Just be careful. Will is pretty ruthless. I think he only really cares about work, and I don’t want you to end up getting hurt, especially when you’re feeling vulnerable. I know how much the news about Nick and the baby has upset you.’ Matthew was one of the very few people at Fox Nicholson who knew about that, and his reference to it took the wind out of Carmen’s sails. Right now it was the very last thing she wanted to be reminded of.
    â€˜We’re just having fun, Matthew, and I might go out for dinner with him sometime. It’s really no big deal.’
    Matthew put his hand lightly on her arm. ‘Good girl, you deserve it.’
    He made to spin her around but she smiled. ‘I’m going to get a drink.’
    She wove her way through the dancers, trying to block out Matthew’s words. Molly was passing out shots of tequila. Carmen waylaid her and downed two in quick succession. ‘Respect.’ Molly said, looking at her in awe.
    â€˜Rubbish,’ Will replied, appearing at Carmen’s side. ‘It’s not big or clever.’
    â€˜It’s my leaving party and I’ll get drunk if I want to,’ Carmen replied, taking a third shot. She stumbled slightly and Will reached out to