To read the story from the start go to: https://the-inkling.com/catch-up-with-the-inklings/

When Syafika returned to the office after having coffee with Celine Fanta noticed that Syafika looked upset. Fanta got up to go over and talk to Syafika but was intercepted by Nelson on the way, who asked her to take a folder of paperwork to Briony at Human Resources.

Fanta didn’t want to admit to Nelson that she didn’t know where Human Resources was, so she decided that she’d go down to the reception desk and ask there. A man called Beazley guarded the reception desk every day until 12pm and Fanta liked how he’d greet everyone as they arrived.

As Fanta walked downstairs she was worrying about Syafika. She knew that Syafika needed someone to talk to, especially before she went out to dinner with Anthony that night. Fanta decided that she would make sure she spoke to Syafika before leaving that day.

As Fanta reached the first floor a man entered the stairwell in a hurry, bumping Fanta’s arm as he passed and causing her to drop the folder that Nelson had given her. Fanta looked up at the man who’d bumped into her but he didn’t stop or say sorry.

As Fanta picked up the papers she tried to stop herself from reading them, but because she knew that Nelson was up to something Fanta couldn’t resist and ended up reading each page as she put it back in the folder.

The folder contained job applications, including the ones that she and Celine had submitted. Fanta was particularly interested in Celine’s resume. As she read it Fanta realised that Celine was over-qualified for a graduate role – apparently she’d worked for five years for the federal government in Canberra.

…………………………………………………

At lunchtime Fanta asked Syafika if she wanted to join her for a quick walk around the Botanic Gardens. Although Syafika had decided she wouldn’t have a lunch break she realised that it would do her good to have a talk with Fanta and so she agreed.

“How are you feeling?” asked Fanta as they walked down the stairs.

“Mostly scared, but also jealous of Celine because she says she did go on dates with Anthony. Although when she told me that she looked scared. I think that’s a big part of the reason I’m feeling so scared right now. What am I getting myself into?” said Syafika.

“I don’t know. I don’t like it that you’re going on a date with Anthony tonight. If D’arby wasn’t going to be there watching you I’d probably insist you didn’t go” said Fanta.

“I knew you’d be scared too, and you have a good reason to be scared. But I think I need to go – I think I have to find out who Anthony is before I can get him out of my system” said Syafika.

“I knew you’d say that!” said Fanta. “I just hope you’re right and that this is good for you, not bad for you. What happens if you don’t find out anything else about him? Will you have to go on more dates?”

“I don’t know” said Syafika. “Don’t you think it’s funny that I’m going on a date with Anthony to find out what he’s up to? He’s probably only going on the date with me to find out what I’m up to.”