“Maybe I could help with the pitch,” I suggest. “I could join the team!”
“I don’t think so,” Luke says without even looking up.
“There must be something I could do,” I say, leaning forward eagerly. “Luke, I really want to help the company. I’ll do anything—”
“It’s all pretty much under control,” says Luke. “But thanks. Do you want to come out to lunch with us?” he adds kindly. “You’re welcome if you don’t mind a bit of shop talk.”
“No. It’s fine.” I give a little shrug. “Have fun. Hi, Gary,” I add, as he appears at the front door.
“Hi, Becky!” Gary says cheerfully. He’s tall and well-built with a broad, amiable face. He’s worked for Luke for three years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look angry, or even rattled.
“Come in,” Luke says, and ushers him into the study. The door closes — then almost immediately it opens again and Luke looks out. “Becky, if the phone rings, could you answer it? I don’t want to be disturbed for a few minutes.”
“No problem!” I say brightly.
Answering the phone is not what I meant by helping the company.
I wander down the corridor toward the sitting room, feeling deflated. I’m an intelligent, creative person. I could be a help, I know I could. I mean, Luke and I are supposed to be a partnership. We’re supposed to do things together.
The phone rings and I jump. Maybe it’s Jess. Maybe she’s here! I hurry to the receiver and pick it up.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Brandon?” comes a man’s raspy voice.
“Yes!”
“It’s Nathan Temple here.”
My mind is totally blank. Nathan? I don’t know any Nathans…
“You may recall, we met in Milan a few weeks ago.”
Oh my God. It’s the man from the shop! I should have recognized his voice straightaway.
“Hello! Of course I remember! How are you?”
“I’m well, thank you,” he says. “And you? Enjoying your new bag?”
“I absolutely love it!” I can’t hide my enthusiasm. “It’s changed my whole life! Thank you so much again for what you did.”
“It was my pleasure.”
Down the line I hear the click of his lighter. I’m not entirely sure what to say next.
“Maybe I could buy you lunch,” I blurt out. “As a proper thank-you. Anywhere you like!”
“That’s not necessary.” He sounds amused. “Besides which, my doctor has put me on a diet.”
“Oh, right. That’s a shame—”
“However, since you mention it… As you said yourself in Milan, one good turn deserves another.”
“Absolutely! I really owe you one! If there’s anything I can do, anything at all…”
“I was thinking of your husband, Luke. I was hoping he might do me a small favor.”
“He’d love to!” I exclaim. “I know he would!”
“Is he there? Might I have a quick word?”
If I get Luke to the phone now I’ll have to disturb him. And explain who Nathan Temple is… and how I met him… and about the Angel bag…
“You know what?” I say, turning back to the phone. “He’s not in right now, I’m afraid. But can I take a message?”
“The situation is this. I’m opening a five-star hotel on the island of Cyprus. It’s going to be a top-of-the-range resort and I’m planning a big launch. Celebrity party, press coverage. I’d very much like your husband to be involved.”
A celebrity party in Cyprus? A five-star hotel?
Oh my God. This would be so wonderful for Luke’s business! Forget about Arcodas. The Nathan Temple account could be fab!
“I’m sure he’d love to!” I say, regaining my voice. “It sounds fantastic!”
“Your husband’s very talented. He has a very classy reputation. Which is what we want.”
“Well.” I can’t help but glow with pride. “He is pretty good at what he does.”
“I gather he specializes in financial institutions, though. Would a hotel launch be a problem?”
My heart starts thudding. I can’t let this opportunity slip away. I have to sell Brandon Communications.
“Not at all,” I say smoothly. “We at Brandon Communications are skilled in all areas of public relations, from finance to big business to hotels. Versatility is our motto.”
“Ah.” He sounds pleased. “That’s what I was hoping to hear. I attended a party run by your husband last year as a guest of a guest. A property investment launch in New York. Very slick affair, and a huge media attendance. I was impressed.”