As I replace the receiver I’m grinning from ear to ear.
There’s Luke and Gary, slaving away over their pitch — and meanwhile I’ve snaffled them a fabulous new client without even trying! And not even some dreary old bank. A five-star hotel in Cyprus! A huge, prestigious job!
Just then the study door opens and Luke comes out, holding a folder. As he picks up his briefcase he glances over and gives me a distracted smile.
“All right, Becky? We’re off to lunch. Who was that on the phone?”
“Oh… just a friend of mine,” I say carelessly. “By the way, Luke… maybe I will come along to lunch after all.”
“OK,” he says. “Great!”
When he hears how I’ve been wheeling and dealing with top business magnates on his behalf, he’ll be totally gobsmacked! And then maybe he’ll see just how much of a help I can be to him.
Just wait till I tell them the news. Just wait!
All the way to the restaurant, I’m hugging my secret. Honestly, Luke should hire me! I should become some kind of ambassador for the company! A chance meeting in Milan — and this is what results. A brand-new client for the company. Luke’s going to be so impressed when I tell him the news. He’ll probably order a bottle of champagne straightaway.
This could be an amazing new business opportunity for him! He could start a whole division devoted to five- star hotels and spas. Brandon Communications Luxury Travel. And I could be part of it, maybe.
I could be the one who test-markets the spas.
“So… still on the dinner we’re hosting,” Gary is saying to Luke as we sit down. “You’ve sorted out the gifts?”
“Yup,” says Luke. “They’re at home. What about transport? Have we organized cars for them?”
“I’ll get someone onto it.” Gary makes a careful note on a little pocket pad, then looks up at me. “Sorry, Becky. This must be boring. You know this pitch is pretty important to us.”
“That’s OK,” I say with a demure smile. “Luke was just telling me how winning new business is your number-one priority right now.”
“Absolutely.” Gary nods.
“I expect it’s quite hard work, bringing in new clients,” I add innocently.
“Yes, it can be.” Gary smiles.
I so want to blurt out the whole story. But I must time my revelation perfectly.
As the waiter pours mineral water for Luke and Gary, I suddenly notice three girls at a nearby table, nudging each other and pointing at my Angel bag. Trying to hide my delight, I casually adjust the bag on my chair so that the embossed angel and Dante are clearly visible.
It’s just amazing. Everywhere I go, people notice this bag. It is the best thing I have ever bought, ever, ever. And now it’s brought Luke new business, too. It’s a lucky charm!
“Cheers!” I say, lifting my glass as the waiter retreats. “To new clients!”
“New clients,” Luke and Gary echo in unison. Gary takes a sip of water, then turns to Luke. “So, Luke, just regarding the last proposal we’re making… I spoke to Sam Church the other day—”
I can’t wait a moment longer. I have to tell them.
“Speaking of churches!” I interrupt in bright tones.
There’s a startled pause.
“Becky, we weren’t talking about churches,” says Luke.
“Yes, you were! Kind of.”
Luke looks bemused. OK, I could have managed this a little more smoothly. But never mind.
“So, speaking of churches…” I press on. “And… er… religious buildings in general… I suppose you’ve heard of a man called Nathan Temple, haven’t you?”
I look from Luke to Gary, unable to hide my elation. Both men look back at me curiously.
“Of course I’ve heard of Nathan Temple,” says Luke.
Ha! I knew it.
“He’s a pretty big player, right? Pretty important.” I raise my eyebrows in a cryptic manner. “He’s probably someone you’d really like to network with. Maybe even get as a new client?”
“Hardly!” Luke wrinkles his nose as though he’s found a worm in his apple.
I pause uncertainly. What’s “hardly” supposed to mean?
“Of course you would!” I persist. “He’d be a great client!”
“No, Becky. He wouldn’t.” Luke takes a sip of water. “Sorry, Gary, what were you saying?”
This is not going according to plan. I had the whole conversation mapped out in my head. Luke was going to say, “I’d adore Nathan Temple as a client, of course — but how does one get to him?” Then Gary was going to sigh and say, “No one can get to Nathan Temple.” And then I was going to lean across the table with a confidential little smile…
“So, I’ve spoken to Sam Church,” resumes Gary, taking some papers out of his briefcase. “And he gave me these. Have a look.”
“Wait!” I interrupt, trying to haul the conversation back on track. “So, Luke, why wouldn’t you want Nathan Temple as a client? I mean, he’s rich… he’s famous… ”
“Infamous, more like,” Gary puts in with a grin.
“You do know who Nathan Temple is,” says Luke.
“Of course I do!” I say. “He’s a top businessman and… er… a high-class hotelier—”
“Becky, he runs the seediest chain of motels in the land.”
My smile freezes on my face.
“What?” I manage at last.
“Not anymore,” says Gary. “Be fair.”
“Then he used to,” says Luke. “That’s how he made his money. Value Motels. Water beds thrown in for free. And whatever other business went on behind closed doors.” He pulls a disdainful face and pours out more water.
“You’ve heard the rumor he’s considering buying up the Daily World?” asks Gary.
“Yes, I did,” Luke says with a grimace. “Spare us. You know he has a conviction for grievous bodily harm?”
My head is spinning. A conviction? But he seemed so nice. He was so sweet! He got me my Angel bag!
“Apparently he’s reformed.” Gary shrugs. “Become a new person. So he says.”
“A new person?” says Luke dismissively. “Gary, he’s little better than a gangster.”
I nearly drop my glass on the floor. I owe a favor to a gangster?
“ ‘Gangster’s’ a little harsh,” says Gary, amused. “That was years ago.”
“These people never change,” says Luke firmly.
“You’re a hard man, Luke!” Gary says with a laugh. Then he suddenly spots my face. “Becky, are you OK?”
“Fine!” I say shrilly, and take a gulp of water. “Lovely!”
I feel hot and cold all over. This is not going to plan.
This is not going remotely to plan.
My first brilliant networking triumph. The first big client I woo for Brandon Communications. And he turns out to be a motel king with a criminal conviction.
But how was I supposed to know? How? He seemed so charming. He was so well dressed!
And now I’ve said Luke will work for him.
Kind of.
I mean… I didn’t actually promise anything, did I?
Oh God.
I can hear my own voice now, gaily chirping: “My husband would be delighted to do it. In fact, he’ll make it a priority!”
