Twenties Girl 68

Oh wow. The head of PR at Dewhurst Publishing.

“Hi, Sonia.” I shake her hand in my most professional manner. “I’m in recruitment; do let me give you my card -No!” An involuntary cry leaves my lips.

Sadie has bent down and plunged her face into Ed’s trouser pocket.

“Are you all right?” Sonia Taylor looks concerned.

“I’m fine!” My eyes are darting all around, anywhere but at the sight in front of me. “Fine. Really, really fine…”

“That’s good.” Sonia gives me a slightly strange look. “I’ll just find your name badges.”

Sadie’s head reappears briefly, then plunges back in again. What’s she doing in there?

“Lara, is something wrong?” Ed turns to me with a puzzled frown.

“Um… no!” I manage. “It’s all good, all good…”

“Goodness!” Sadie’s head suddenly reappears. “I got a good view there.”

I clap a hand over my mouth. Ed eyes me suspiciously.

“Sorry,” I manage. “Just… coughing.”

“Here we are!” Sonia turns back from the table and hands us each a badge. “Ed, can I steal you for a moment to run through the order of events?” She smiles stiffly, then leads Ed away.

At once, I pull out my phone as camouflage, then wheel around to Sadie.

“Don’t do that again! You put me off! I didn’t know where to look!”

Sadie raises her eyebrows wickedly. “Just wanted to satisfy my curiosity.”

I’m not even going to ask what that means.

“Well, don’t! That woman Sonia thinks I’m a complete flake now. She didn’t even take my business card.”

“So what?” Sadie gives an insouciant shrug. “Who cares what she thinks?”

It’s as if a switch flips inside me. Doesn’t she realize how desperate I am? Hasn’t she noticed me and Kate working thirteen-hour days?

“I care!” I round on her furiously and she shrinks back. “Sadie, why d’you think I’m here? I’m trying to build up my business! I’m trying to meet important people!” I gesture around at the milling hall. “I’ve got to find a candidate for Leonidas Sports by tomorrow! If I don’t do something soon, we’ll go bust. We practically are bust. I’ve been totally stressed out and you don’t even care. You haven’t even noticed.” My voice is suddenly shaking a bit, which must be because of all the double-shot lattes I’ve drunk today. “Anyway. Whatever. Do what you like. Just stay away from me.”

“Lara-” Sadie starts to speak, but I stride away from her toward the double doors to the main banqueting room. Ed and Sonia are on the podium, and I can see her explaining the microphone to him. Around me, tables are filling up with dynamic-looking men and women. I can hear snatches of conversation about markets and retail sectors and TV campaigns.

This is my big chance. Come on, Lara . Plucking up all my courage, I take a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, then approach a group of business types, all laughing merrily away about something.

“Hi!” I plunge in brightly. “I’m Lara Lington, L &N Executive Recruitment. Let me give you my card!”

“Hello,” says a friendly-looking man with red hair. He makes introductions around the group, and I hand cards to everyone. From their name badges, it seems they all work for software companies.

“So, does anyone here work in marketing?” I ask casually. All eyes turn to a blond-haired man.

“Guilty.” He smiles.

“Would you like a new job?” I blurt out. “It’s at a sports-equipment company-great benefits, a really fab opportunity!”

There’s silence. I can’t breathe for hope. Then everyone bursts into laughter.

“I like your style,” says the red-haired guy, and turns to his neighbor. “Can I interest you in an Asian software subsidiary, only ten years on the clock?”

“One careful owner,” quips another guy, and there’s more laughter.

They think I’m joking. Of course they do.

I hastily join in the laughter too. But inside, I feel like a total moron. I’m never going to find a candidate. This was a ridiculous idea. After a little while I excuse myself and move away, to find Ed approaching me across the floor.

“How’s it going? Sorry to abandon you.”

“No worries. I was… you know. Networking.”

“We’re at table one.” He leads me toward the stage and I feel a flicker of pride, in spite of my low mood. Table 1 at the Business People dinner!