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‘It’s not right,’ he said, shaking his head.
If Tyler went away unhappy, it would reflect badly on the whole UK office. I forced my mind to focus, wondering what I could do to make things right.
‘What don’t you like about it?’ I asked, buying myself some time.
‘The guest list is going to be very exclusive,’ he explained. ‘Winning accounts with these companies could earn us tens of thousands of dollars. It could harm our brand to host an event in a hotel that favours style over substance.’
I winced, flicking through the notes I’d scribbled on the bus, desperate to find something I could use. ‘Were you thinking of something more traditional, then? Something classy and discreet?’
‘Exactly,’ he said.
‘What about The Savoy? They’ve had a refurbishment relatively recently, and Gordon Ramsay has a restaurant there, which might appeal from a catering point of view. And we could even do a drinks reception in the American Bar, which might be a nice touch for your US contacts.’
‘Carry on,’ he said with a hint of a smile
My mind was whirling with ideas now. ‘Or if you want to go more contemporary, there’s a lovely restaurant in The Shard,’ I said, pointing it out, ‘with a glass atrium and spectacular 360-degree views. It’s always fun to go up there, even for people who live in London. We’re not as used to being up high as you are in New York,’ I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Tyler nodded. ‘That’s more like it.’ He took out his phone and tapped something into it. ‘I was thinking about a signature cocktail. We could call it The Kingsland and it has to taste out of this world.’
‘Right … of course. Good idea,’ I replied, scribbling it down. I could feel a cocktail-tasting session with Val coming on. Sometimes the job had its perks.
Tyler gestured towards the lifts. ‘Shall we go? I think I’ve seen enough. I’m back in London early next month, we should meet again then.’
‘Amanda will probably take over from here on in,’ I told him, heading towards the lifts and pressing the call button.
‘Actually, I’d like to continue working with you,’ he said, touching the top of my arm lightly, ‘if that would be all right? I feel like we’re on the same page, here.’
I bit my lip, thrown off guard. ‘I’d have to speak to Amanda first,’ I replied.
It was flattering that he wanted to work with me, but I also didn’t want to step on Amanda’s toes – it wasn’t fair. She was highly competitive (Worse that you! Val had once very untactfully stated) and would go into overdrive if she thought I was some kind of threat to her position.
‘Listen,’ he said, looking at his huge gold and leather watch. ‘Would you have time for dinner? My PA booked me a table at The Wolseley. It would be great to have some company.’
I looked at him, biting my lip. I’d always wanted to go to The Wolseley. The alternative would be another night in the flat on my own, and hadn’t I had enough of those?
‘Sure,’ I said. ‘I have time for dinner.’
I took a sip of my drink, looking sheepishly at Val. I was going to have to tell her.
‘I’ve got a confession to make,’ I said.
I knew I could trust her and I probably should have told her as soon as it happened. It was just that I didn’t want her getting all overexcited about nothing.
Val tipped the last of her crisps into her mouth straight from the packet. ‘Go on.’
I cleared my throat. ‘I’ve kind of been sleeping with him,’
I said, looking her straight in the eye. I had nothing to be ashamed of.
‘Who?’ she asked, looking genuinely confused.
‘Tyler Martin.’
It took her a moment to register what I’d said and then she pushed her chair back from the table as though she’d been hit by a bolt of lightning, her mouth hanging open. Her reaction was so over the top that I burst out laughing.
‘Since when?’ she spluttered.
‘Since we went for dinner after the meeting at the hotel.’
