‘Oh, can I book room two next week for Eddie Bailey?’ I ask. ‘Thursday if we have it.’
Eesha brings up the planner, amused by Shelley continuing to rant about Georgio’s schedule. ‘Can do first thing. Nine a.m.’
‘That’s fine,’ I reply. ‘And also, can we hire someone else to plan his launch party because, quite frankly, I don’t have the time. Unless you think he’d settle for Burger King? Free crowns.’
‘Well, I could help with that,’ Eesha offers. ‘I have ideas. I was thinking about a place I know. . . Yes, Shelley, can I help you with something?’
Shelley, phone still in hand, has now joined us at the reception desk. She moves the vase of flowers six centimetres to the left, suggesting that it wasn’t quite in the spot to her liking.
‘The printer needs more ink. Once you’ve finished playing event planner, can you do your actual job?’
She flounces off, taking her split ends with her. Eesha looks a little upset.
‘Absolute bitch,’ Eesha mumbles. ‘I literally have an events management and marketing degree and—’
‘And even if you didn’t, I’d still want to hear your ideas. Drop me an email with them.’
She nods. ‘Thanks, Sophie.’
Somewhere in the deep recesses of my brain, I knew she studied this. I bloody interviewed her.
‘And ignore Shelley,’ I tell her. ‘She’s just salty.’
She once pitched an idea for a client launch that I shot down in flames. No one wants to launch a drinks brand at a club associated with human trafficking and money laundering, I don’t care if Leo DiCaprio once went there.
As my day goes on, I’m surprised to hear from Alex again. I assumed that after my last email he’d be done.
To:Sophie Smalls
Hey,
Yikes. There’s a lot to unpack in that email (chickens?) but I understand how you feel. Technically it’s good that you did get close to someone but I’m sorry things didn’t quite go as you hoped. I feel somewhat responsible and I’m sure my attempt to put a positive spin on this is misjudged. Sorry.
Let me buy you a coffee when you’re back in London. It’s the least I can do.
Alex
Part of me wants to politely decline, given the steady flow of insanity he’s had to endure from me. The other part is curious as hell to know what he’s like in person.
To:Alex Steward
Hi,
Sure, a coffee would be good. Be nice to put a face to the emails! I feel like I should be buying given that you’ve been kind enough to tolerate the rantings of a stranger over the past few days.
Next week? Just let me know a time and place that suits.
Sophie
Chapter 57
‘So, we’ve looked into renting an industrial space in Camden for Friday the tenth of November.’
Eddie Bailey’s 9 a.m. meeting to discuss the launch for Flirt First is underway. He’s drinking from a black Stanley cup, while the overpowering smell of his mediocre body spray fills the meeting room. I’m tired and grateful that my input is minimal this morning. Eesha, in her black loose-fitting trousers and red waistcoat, clicks on her MacBook.
‘Help yourself to breakfast pastries,’ I say, motioning to the centre of the table. ‘They’re from the bakery down the road.’
‘I’ve already eaten,’ Eddie responds. ‘I have breakfast around six a.m., just before my morning workout.’
