‘Do you have your own solicitor, you know, just someone who can run an eye over it? Make sure there’s nothing been snuck in that you’re unaware of.’
‘No, I don’t. This is kind of the biggest thing I’ve done so far.’ I took a sip of my tea, pondering on what he’d just said. ‘But I’m sure they wouldn’t do anything like that.’
‘Libby. They’re Big Business. With capital “b” s. Never rule anything out. Not everyone is as nice as you are – in life or business.’ He gave me a smile.
From some the comments could have been patronising. Charlie wasn’t built like that, but he operated in this corporate world and knew what could happen. I didn’t – yet. He knew I was excited about this deal, and just wanted to make sure there weren’t any nasty surprises lurking.
‘You think I should get someone to look over it?’
‘It might not be a bad idea.’
‘What sort of lawyer do I need for something like that?’ I knew there were various specialities in law, but I didn’t really have a clue as to where to start looking.
‘Hang on. I have an idea.’ Pulling out his phone from his pocket, he scrolled through his contacts and chose one. Pressing ‘Call’, then the speakerphone icon, he put the phone on the table. It rang twice before a man answered.
‘Charlie! How are you?’
‘Hi, Greg. I’m all right, thanks, mate. You?’
‘Tired. As always. What can I do for you?’
‘I need to pull in one of my favours.’
I glanced up and met Charlie’s eyes, a warning expression in my own. He did a little head-shake thing and put his hand on my arm, reassuring. His warm touch, the gentle strength behind the gesture, soothed me. I knew there was something else too but I pushed that away, and concentrated on the conversation.
‘I’ve got a friend who’s about to sign a contract with a cosmetics company in conjunction with her blog. Would you have a minute to run your discerning eye over it and just check that everything’s as it should be, before she does?’
‘Hmm…’ Greg pondered down the phone. ‘This favour – is it a “whenever you’ve got time” kind of favour or the “I need it done like yesterday so that I can get her into bed tonight and she can show me exactly how grateful she is” kind?’
‘Greg,’ Charlie said, the warning clear in his voice.
‘Oh, come on, mate. Give me a break. Mel and I have barely slept since the twins were born. If we ever get near a bed these days, it’s certainly not to do anything that might involve creating another kid! You’ve got to let me live a little vicariously through my happily still-single friends. So, is she pretty? Of course, she is. Since when did you ever date anyone that wasn’t?’
Charlie by this time had removed his hand from my arm and was now rubbing his right temple with two fingers, while studiously avoiding looking at me.
‘Have you finished?’
‘I suppose,’ Greg replied.
‘Good. So, can you do it?’
‘Of course. When do you need it done by?’
‘Have you got ten minutes now?’
‘I knew it! It is the latter! You little—’
‘Greg. Just so you know, the friend involved is right here and you’ve been on speakerphone the whole time.’
‘Oh.’
‘Yes. So, yes, we do need it done asap, but only so that she has all the facts before making a final decision. No other reason. And yes, she is pretty. But no, we’re not seeing each other. Now, is that everything covered? Can we shoot round with the papers?’
‘Of course. See you in a few.’
Charlie ended the conversation and risked a look at me.
‘Sorry. I thought having him on speaker would be helpful in case he asked anything.’ He pulled a face. ‘Anything that might have been appropriate, at least.’
