Shopaholic and Sister

“In that amazing brownstone?” I chime in, delighted. “With the marble staircase and the champagne cocktails? I was there too!”

I nearly add that I was the one in a backless red Donna Karan dress, but stop myself in time.

“You work for the company, then?” He sounds interested.

“I have a… small consultancy role,” I say, crossing my fingers. “Specializing in strategy. And by sheer chance, one of our current strategies is an expansion into the… er… five-star travel arena.”

“Then it looks like we might be able to help one another out,” says Nathan Temple. “Perhaps we could set up a meeting this week? As I say, we’re very anxious to have your husband, Luke, on board.”

“Please, Mr. Temple,” I say in my most charming manner. “You did me a favor. Now this is my chance to repay it. My husband would be delighted to help you. In fact, he’ll make it a priority!” I beam at the phone. “Let me take your number, and I’ll get Luke to call you later today.”

“I look forward to your husband’s call. Nice talking to you again, Mrs. Brandon.”

“Please! Call me Becky!”

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.