Daniel sat in his car, fingers still gripping the wheel despite having shut of the engine already. He looked out of the windscreen to the building that felt more looming than it had last time. He could do this.
He pulled his phone out and checked it before slipping it back into his pocket, then he got out of the car. At least he had remembered to grab something to eat this morning, Daniel thought as he crossed the car park and entered the building.
*
Angel beamed as she spotted him. "I told you you'd get it."
*
Daniel looked over at the sound of her voice and couldn't help but return her smile with a faint on of his own. "You did. I think you had more confidence in me than I did," he said as he moved over. "Sorry, I ran out on you the other day."
*
That's OK, I'm just the help."
*
His brow creased slightly. "Still, sorry. I know I'm a bit early but I..." He trailed off as his phone rang. He mumbled an apology and fumbled for it, his face becoming one of worry as he looked at the screen.
"Hello?" He walked back towards the door as he answered.
*
Angel's head dropped back to her screen as he walked away.
*
"No, no, no, no... that's an hour earlier... I can't!" Daniel tried to keep his voice down but he really didn't need this. Not today. He stood near the door, the fingers of one hand tight in his hair.
*
Angel couldn't help but glance up at his raised voice.
*
"Just... That's not... Fine." His shoulders sagged but his body had tensed up. "Yeah. After work, yes." He ended the call and dropped his head into his hands.
*
"Hey, can I help with anything?" Angel slid out from behind the desk
*
Daniel lowered his hands and shook his head. "No. No, it's OK. But thank you."
*
"You sure, it's a genuine offer."
*
He nodded. "Thanks, but it's sorted now. What's the time?" he asked.
*
"8.45" Angel replied, heading back behind the desk
*
"OK, so not as early anymore." He scrubbed a hand through his hair. "I don't suppose you know which studio I'm supposed to be in?" he asked. He had known before the phone call but that had just thrown everything around in his brain.
*
"You're in 7," Shine replied
*
"Thanks, Angel," he said and headed through.
*
"Oh! Coffee order?" Angel called after him.
*
He turned back, frowning. "What?"
*
"Coffee, order?" Shine called
*
He frowned at her for a moment longer before realising. "Oh. Erm... just black please."
*
"Right, be with you about 12 then."
*
"OK. Thanks." He nodded and walked through the doors that led to the studios.
*
"Third on the right," Angel called
*
"Thanks." Daniel turned to head in the right direction.