SOPHIE KINSELLA
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
(aka Shopaholic Abroad)
The second book in the Shopaholic series
ENDWICH BANK
Fulham Branch
3 Fulham Road
London SW6 9JH
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
18 July 2000
Dear Ms. Bloomwood:
Thank you for your letter of 15 July.
It is true that we have known each other a long time, and I am pleased that you consider me “more than just a bank manager.” I agree that friendship is important and was glad to hear that you would always lend me money should I need it.
However, I cannot reciprocate, as you suggest, by wiping ?1,000 off your overdraft “accidentally on purpose.” I can assure you, the money would be missed.
Instead, I am prepared to extend your overdraft limit by another ?500, taking it up to ?4,000, and suggest that we meet before too long to discuss your ongoing financial needs.
Yours sincerely,
Derek Smeath
Manager
ENDWICH BANK
Fulham Branch
3 Fulham Road
London SW6 9JH
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
23 July 2000
Dear Ms. Bloomwood:
I am glad that my letter of 18 July proved helpful.
I should, however, be grateful if you refrained from referring to me personally on your television show as “Sweetie Smeathie” and “the best bank manager in the world.”
Although naturally I am pleased you feel this way, my superiors are a little anxious at the image of Endwich Bank which is being presented, and have asked that I write to you on the matter.
With all best wishes,
Derek Smeath
Manager
ENDWICH BANK
Fulham Branch
3 Fulham Road
London SW6 9JH
Ms. Rebecca Bloomwood
Flat 2
4 Burney Rd.
London SW6 8FD
20 August 2000
Dear Ms. Bloomwood:
Thank you for your letter of 18 August.
I was sorry to hear that keeping within your new overdraft limit is proving so difficult. I understand that the Pied a Terre summer sale is a unique opportunity to save money in the long run, and I can certainly increase your limit by ?63.50 if, as you say, this would “make all the difference.”
However, I would also recommend that you come into the branch for a more comprehensive review of your financial situation. My assistant, Erica Parnell, will be pleased to set up an appointment.
Yours sincerely,
Derek Smeath
Manager
One
OK, DON’T PANIC. Don’t panic. It’s simply a question of being organized and staying calm and deciding what exactly I need to take. And then fitting it all neatly into my suitcase. I mean, just how hard can that be?
I step back from my cluttered bed and close my eyes, half-hoping that if I wish hard enough, my clothes might magically organize themselves into a series of neatly folded piles. Like in those magazine articles on packing, which tell you how to go on holiday with one cheap sarong and cleverly turn it into six different outfits. (Which I always think is a complete con, because, OK, the sarong costs ten quid, but then they add loads of accessories which cost hundreds, and we’re not supposed to notice.)
