Part 20 (1/2)
”Let me put it like this,” said Elaine. ”If weve not beaten 'the rampant rabbit into second place by next Christmas then Im going to be p.i.s.sed as h.e.l.l.”
I chuckled. This was pretty risque for IC but it was becoming clear why Dave was prepared to take the unprecedented step of a full product launch. She carried on talking in my ear as the video presentation neared the end.
”You wont see the accessories advertised anywhere in your brochures. Dave thought it might be regarded as distasteful. Its a good hair removal product, much less painful than wax and much more effective than creams. There is a range of 'innovative extensions. Our pilot trials have produced spectacular feedback.”
”Cant wait to try mine out!” I said.
We exchanged smiles and a final fanfare alerted the audience to the finale. As the final chord echoed throughout the hall, the blonde looked seductively into the camera and spoke breathlessly.
”Much better than Milk Tray!”
The place filled with roars of laughter and the lights came up. Dave walked back to the microphone and announced that drinks and snacks were available in the lobby. The gift packs could be collected at the exits.
The chatter was interminable but the evening was a success with guests energised and enthusiastic. When the VIPs had been safely escorted home in pre-booked taxis, I pulled Dave to one side for a private word.
”Can we slip out of here - there is something I need to discuss. It cant wait until tomorrow.”
Dave nodded, then walked over to Sam and Elaine. He exchanged words with them, shook their hands and spoke with a representative of the PR company.
”Okay were off. They have everything under control.”
Chapter 31.
We walked to a nearby bar and settled ourselves into a corner table. Dave bought the first round a real ale for himself, a gin and tonic for me. As soon as he had parked the gla.s.ses on the table, he removed his jacket and loosened his tie.
”No point standing on ceremony,” I said. ”May as well take it off.”
”Ive been wearing these things for 20 years and still hate them.”
”You should try wearing high-heels!” I joked.
We spent a few minutes discussing the evening. We both thought it had been a mini-triumph. He confessed that he thought the product was risque for IC, but Harry (the MD) had given him the go ahead. With the company enjoying some success, there was a feeling that a calculated risk was appropriate. It might backfire, but if it did so, the portfolio was now broad enough to weather a set-back. Alternatively, it might catapult the company into the top league.
”You wanted to talk about something?” he asked.
”Yes,” I said. ”Ive had quite a day.”
I recounted the events, including the lunchtime meeting with John, and Dave reacted in quite a peculiar way.
”John? Whos this John?”
”I met him at the conference in Paris. Not at the actual conference, on the flight home...”
”Is he married?” he interrupted sternly.
”Yes,” I said a bit defensively, ”Why do you ask?”
His question irritated me.
”Is it wise?”
”Dave! You are married too!” I said trying to lighten the mood.
”Yes, but Im a close colleague,” he said casting me a bad-tempered glance. ”Its different!” he said.
I sat for a few moments wondering why it mattered to Dave. The more I thought about it, the more incensed I got.
”Why is it different?” I said, deciding to defend my friends.h.i.+p with John.
Dave immediately looked a bit put out. Could he be jealous, I wondered?
”Well...I see you all the time. We know each other well.”
I thought about how much more John knew about me. For all the time Id spent with Dave, he knew only a fraction of the real me.
”John and I know each other well,” I affirmed.
Dave looked at me with surprise and I realised that he may have misinterpreted what I said.
”Work colleagues often go out together. Its just different isnt it?”
”I dont see why,” I said firmly. ”John and I exchange e-mails as often as you and I talk.”
Dave raised his eyebrows.
”Its different, Penny,” he said starting to sound defensive.
”How often do you and I go out after work?” I asked. ”I didnt even know that your wife had been unwell until you told me recently.”
I wished that I could hide my irritation, but it must have been obvious because Dave backed off a bit. I could see in his body language and movements that he felt hurt. As I didnt want the situation to spiral out of control I decided to offer some rea.s.surance.
”Im fond of you, Dave!” I said, and his face lit up again. ”How are things at home?”
The smile left his face and his eyes were downcast.
”My parents are with her tonight. I dont think sh.e.l.l ever leave hospital.”
”Dyou want to talk about it?” I asked.
He looked up at me and appeared unsure.
”Maybe after another round of drinks...” he said tentatively.
”Lets get this work stuff finished, then Ill get the next round in,” I said positively.
Dave listened to the story that unravelled with Mike, Nathan and Elona. I watched him closely as I described Mikes part of the story to see if I could detect anything in his response. He seemed to take it in okay, and concurred with me that I would need his authorisation to fund Mikes housing costs until he could find accommodation elsewhere. He recommended that I see Legal to arrange a three-month tenancy. He promised to e-mail them first thing in the morning.