“I couldn’t possibly comment.” Sir Nicholas winks at him. “Did you get my email?”
“Did you get
“He’s a bright young talent, Sam,” says Sir Nicholas, looking a little caught out. “Remember his work with Hardwicks last year? He deserves recognition.”
“
“He helped,” Sir Nicholas retorts. “He helped in many ways. Some of them … intangible.”
For a moment they stare at each other. They both look as though they’re suppressing laughter.
“You’re incorrigible,” says Sam at last. “I hope he’s grateful. Now, you know I’m just back from Germany? Few things we should discuss.”
He’s totally frozen me out of the conversation, but I really don’t mind. Really. In fact, maybe I’ll just creep away while I have the chance.
“Sam, do introduce me to your friend,” Sir Nicholas cuts into my thoughts, and I smile back nervously.
Sam obviously has no desire at all to introduce me to Sir Nicholas. But he’s obviously also a polite man, because after about thirty seconds of what is clearly an internal struggle,69 he says, “Sir Nicholas, Poppy Wyatt. Poppy, Sir Nicholas Murray.”
“How do you do.” I shake his hand, trying not to give away my excitement. Wow. Sir Nicholas Murray and me. Chatting at the Savoy. I’m already thinking of ways I could casually drop this into conversation with Antony.
“Are you at Johnson Ellison or Greene Retail?” inquires Sir Nicholas politely.
“Neither,” I say awkwardly. “Actually, I’m a physiotherapist.”
“A physiotherapist!” His face lights up. “How wonderful! The most underrated of all the medical arts, I always think. I’ve been going to a super man in Harley Street for my back, although he hasn’t
“You want Ruby,” I say, nodding wisely. “My boss. She’s amazing. Her deep-tissue massage makes grown men
“I see.” Sir Nicholas looks interested. “Do you have a card?”
Yessss! Ruby made us all cards when we first started out, and I have never been asked for mine before. Not once.
“Here you are.” I reach in my bag and produce a card nonchalantly, as though I do it all the time. “We’re in Balham. It’s south of the river; you may not know it… .”
“I know Balham well.” He twinkles at me. “My first flat in London was on Bedford Hill.”
“No way!” My canape nearly falls out of my mouth. “Well, you’ll definitely have to come and see us now.”
I can’t believe it. Sir Nicholas Murray, living on Bedford Hill. God, it shows. You start off in Balham and you end up knighted. It’s quite inspiring, really.
“Sir Nicholas.” The guy with olive skin has materialized from nowhere to join the group. “Delighted to see you here. Always a pleasure. How are things going at Number Ten? Found the secret to happiness yet?”
“The wheels turn.” Sir Nicholas gives him an easy smile.
“Well, it’s an honor. Absolute honor. And Sam.” The olive-skinned guy claps him on the back. “My main man. Couldn’t do what we do without you.”
I stare at him indignantly. He was calling Sam a “stubborn fuck’ a moment ago.
“Thanks, Justin.” Sam smiles tightly.
It
I’m about to ask Sir Nicholas what the prime minister’s really like, when a young guy approaches us nervously.
“Sam! Sorry to interrupt. I’m Matt Mitchell. Thanks
“Volunteering?” Sam shoots a sharp look at me.
Oh God. I have no idea. My mind is working overtime, trying to recall. Volunteering … volunteering … what was it again …
“For the expedition to Guatemala! The exchange program!” Matt Mitchell is glowing. “We’re so excited that you want to sign up!”
My stomach flips over. Guatemala. I’d
“Guatemala?” echoes Sam, with a kind of rictus smile on his face.
Now I remember. I sent that email quite late at night. I think I’d had a glass of wine or two. Or … three.
I risk a tiny peek at Sam, and his expression is so thunderous, I want to slink away. But the thing is, it sounded like an amazing opportunity. And from what I’ve seen of his schedule, he never takes a holiday. He
“We were all really touched by your email, Sam.” Matt grasps Sam’s hand earnestly with both of his. “I never knew you felt that way about the developing world.
“Sam! Oh my God!” A dark-haired girl, quite drunk, lurches up to the group and elbows Matt out of the way,