She instantly extricated herself from Mutt, but kept his jacket over her shoulders, telling him she had to go over and talk with Mr Cor.
‘I don’t know if you should, that’s definitely not Mr Cor’s wife he’s with,’ Mutt was telling her, but it was too late. Nina was already between their two chairs, making her presence known and wishing she hadn’t had quite so much whisky.
‘Mr Cor? It’s good to see you again.’
He greeted her like an old friend, standing up and shaking her hand. ‘Ah, Nina, it’s you, is it? Glad you’re here. Enjoying the party?’
The woman stood too, which Nina wasn’t expecting. Nina recognised the dress she was wearing instantly; a smock style with cute dropped balloon sleeves. It was by a Colombian designer Microtrends had helped break in Europe.
‘I have that same dress. What a coincidence,’ Nina told her.
The woman looked down at herself, smoothing her hands over the thick fabric as if pleased with it.
‘Are you having a nice time?’ Nina asked Mr Cor.
Perhaps if Nina’s mind had been fully focused on conducting herself in a more business-like manner and not quite so distracted by the electric buzz she’d been feeling every time she looked at Mutt that evening she’d have worked it out sooner. Instead she had to grasp for understanding as, to her horror, the penny slowly dropped.
‘I am, thank you,’ the old man said. ‘I’d say we’ve had a very productive day and I’m glad to be signing the paperwork.’
‘Paperwork?’ Nina looked between the two, blinking and smiling, still failing to understand.
‘Himari flew out with it herself. She’s put forward a very impressive case for collaboration.’ At this Mr Cor smiled at the woman, and Nina’s face fell.
‘Himari?’ Nina looked again at the woman’s dress. ‘Of course, Himari.’
She felt Mutt shifting his boots on the floor just a little behind her. Slipping the leather jacket off her shoulders, Nina handed it to him, giving herself a moment to fix a smile.
‘We haven’t met,’ Nina told the woman who stood cool and impassive, not at all ruffled. ‘I’m Nina Miller.’
‘Pleased to meet you,’ Himari replied, taking the hand Nina had automatically extended. ‘I’m Himari Nakamura.’
‘Microtrends flew you out?’ Nina said, unthinkingly. Wasn’t that obvious?
‘To seal the deal,’ Himari replied. ‘We had a lot to talk about but I’m glad to say Mr Cor’s whisky will be in Remy’s bars and restaurants by Christmas and in an exclusively designed bottle.’
‘That’s… that’s fantastic,’ Nina faltered, finding it almost impossible to smile now.
Nina couldn’t help staring at Himari’s dress. She knew now it must be hers, taken from her wardrobe. Come to think of it, Fournival had kept a few of Luke’s gifts back, some of the more expensive items.
Himari smiled. ‘Have you enjoyed your scouting trip?’ she asked.
‘I have. It’s been… very interesting.Um, Mr Cor, do you mind if I borrow… my colleague for a moment?’ Nina said, trying to sound as sober as possible.
Mr Cor was nothing but cordial and calm. He obviously only saw normal business practice at work. Nina had scouted him out, made first contact, pitched the idea of a relationship to her bosses and then they’d sent a real representative over to talk money.
Nina knew she couldn’t be seen to be having a full-blown tantrum and she fought her thumping pulse and shaky legs to function normally. If only she didn’t feel so unbearably sorry for herself and as though she was going to burst into tears right there in front of the unflappable Himari, who followed her over to the bar.
Mutt was left to make small talk with Mr Cor, but kept a close eye on Nina’s turned back.
‘Are you all right?’ Himari asked expectantly and, Nina had to concede, kindly. She was making it very hard to hate her so far.
‘I’m fine.Umm, so… the deal’s done?’
‘Yes, I’m flying back first thing.’
‘Right,’ Nina gulped. ‘And I’m to stay here for a couple more days looking for more relationships like the one with Mr Cor?’
‘I don’t know.’ Himari shrugged. ‘Nobody discussed your schedule with me.’
