Shopaholic and Sister (Shopaholic #4) 29

“So, speaking of churches…” I press on. “And… er… religious buildings in general… I suppose you’ve heard of a man called Nathan Temple, haven’t you?”

I look from Luke to Gary, unable to hide my elation. Both men look back at me curiously.

“Of course I’ve heard of Nathan Temple,” says Luke.

Ha! I knew it.

“He’s a pretty big player, right? Pretty important.” I raise my eyebrows in a cryptic manner. “He’s probably someone you’d really like to network with. Maybe even get as a new client?”

“Hardly!” Luke wrinkles his nose as though he’s found a worm in his apple.

I pause uncertainly. What’s “hardly” supposed to mean?

“Of course you would!” I persist. “He’d be a great client!”

“No, Becky. He wouldn’t.” Luke takes a sip of water. “Sorry, Gary, what were you saying?”

This is not going according to plan. I had the whole conversation mapped out in my head. Luke was going to say, “I’d adore Nathan Temple as a client, of course — but how does one get to him?” Then Gary was going to sigh and say, “No one can get to Nathan Temple.” And then I was going to lean across the table with a confidential little smile…

“So, I’ve spoken to Sam Church,” resumes Gary, taking some papers out of his briefcase. “And he gave me these. Have a look.”

“Wait!” I interrupt, trying to haul the conversation back on track. “So, Luke, why wouldn’t you want Nathan Temple as a client? I mean, he’s rich… he’s famous… ”

“Infamous, more like,” Gary puts in with a grin.

“You do know who Nathan Temple is,” says Luke.

“Of course I do!” I say. “He’s a top businessman and… er… a high-class hotelier—”

“Becky, he runs the seediest chain of motels in the land.”

My smile freezes on my face.

“What?” I manage at last.

“Not anymore,” says Gary. “Be fair.”

“Then he used to,” says Luke. “That’s how he made his money. Value Motels. Water beds thrown in for free. And whatever other business went on behind closed doors.” He pulls a disdainful face and pours out more water.

“You’ve heard the rumor he’s considering buying up the Daily World?” asks Gary.

“Yes, I did,” Luke says with a grimace. “Spare us. You know he has a conviction for grievous bodily harm?”

My head is spinning. A conviction? But he seemed so nice. He was so sweet! He got me my Angel bag!

“Apparently he’s reformed.” Gary shrugs. “Become a new person. So he says.”

“A new person?” says Luke dismissively. “Gary, he’s little better than a gangster.”

I nearly drop my glass on the floor. I owe a favor to a gangster?

“ ‘Gangster’s’ a little harsh,” says Gary, amused. “That was years ago.”

“These people never change,” says Luke firmly.

“You’re a hard man, Luke!” Gary says with a laugh. Then he suddenly spots my face. “Becky, are you OK?”

“Fine!” I say shrilly, and take a gulp of water. “Lovely!”

I feel hot and cold all over. This is not going to plan.

This is not going remotely to plan.

My first brilliant networking triumph. The first big client I woo for Brandon Communications. And he turns out to be a motel king with a criminal conviction.

But how was I supposed to know? How? He seemed so charming. He was so well dressed!

And now I’ve said Luke will work for him.

Kind of.

I mean… I didn’t actually promise anything, did I?

Oh God.

I can hear my own voice now, gaily chirping: “My husband would be delighted to do it. In fact, he’ll make it a priority!”

I gaze at my menu, trying to stay calm. OK, it’s obvious what I have to do. I have to tell Luke. Yes. Just confess the whole thing. Milan… the Angel bag… the phone call today… everything. It’s the grown-up option.

I glance at Luke’s taut face as he reads through his paperwork and feel a spasm of fear.

I can’t. I just can’t.

“It’s funny you should have mentioned Nathan Temple, Becky,” says Gary, sipping his water. “I haven’t even told you this yet, Luke, but he’s been in touch with us about doing the PR for some new hotel.”

I stare at Gary’s genial face and feel a huge wave of relief.

Of course they would have made an official approach too. Of course! I’ve been worrying about nothing! Luke will do the job and I’ll be quits with Nathan Temple and everything will be fine…