I never thought I'd wear a blue polyester suit with a pussy-bow blouse. But, just out of college and desperate for a job, I took the only one on offer, as a receptionist at a large firm of solicitors.
I'd receive visitors, take messages and make clumsy attempts to arrange flowers in a tall crystal vase. It was so boring, I decided I'd stay six months, save some money, then travel.
One morning, soon after I started, a woman appeared with a Tupperware lunch box.
'It's for Mr Torkington,' she said as she passed it to me. Her wedding ring suggested she was Mrs Torkington. Her husband must have forgotten his lunch.
I waited for her to leave, then I opened the box. It contained two bagels filled with smoked salmon and cream cheese, a tub of avocado salad, a packet of luxury crisps and a chocolate brownie studded with macadamia nuts. A paper napkin, wooden cutlery and a carton of mango juice completed the feast.
I thought of my own lunch box and its contents - a thin, white-bread sandwich filled with orange processed cheese and a sorry-looking apple.
I picked up the phone. 'Item in reception for Mr Torkington.' 'I'll be right down,' came his secretary's reply.
Denne historien er fra May 02, 2023-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra May 02, 2023-utgaven av Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
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French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
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Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest