7. Chapter Seven
Chapter Seven
A widescreen television filled one wall of James’ office. Evie, Grace and James sat at one end of a table that could have sat ten people, and continued listening to the popstar who was listing off all the issues she had with being on tour. Cyan had spent the first five minutes of the call with her back to the screen as she didn’t want to show her face without makeup on, and it was only after some coaxing from all three she had finally turned to look at them. She had then told them she could only give them fifteen minutes, and promptly proceeded to spend the next ten listing all the current problems she was experiencing.
‘I can’t even get the water I prefer over here y’know?’ she said, her jaw moving up and down as she chewed on the third bit of gum she had popped in during the call.
‘If I may,’ James interjected before she could continue anymore. ‘We need to get your opinion on a few important areas before we head to the property next week.’
‘Sure, but I’ve got like two minutes,’ Cyan replied after consulting the enormous watch that hung loosely on her thin wrist.
Evie heard Grace take a deep breath, but now wasn’t the time to lose patience. They needed sign off from Cyan on some important areas, they couldn’t let her go without it.
‘Hi Cyan, I’ve got some paint samples I need your approval on,’ Grace began and Cyan did nothing to cover her boredom, sighing deeply on the call.
‘Great. Again. I thought we’d been over this. I don’t like them.’
‘But I haven’t even shown these ones to you,’ Grace replied, another sharp breath coming from her. Evie looked at her, she wasn’t sure she was okay but it wasn’t her place to jump in.
‘Cyan, I love that watch,’ James said, distracting them all from the tension that was building. ‘What is it? I’m a bit of a watch person myself,’ he explained, holding up his wrist so she could see he had a similarly large timepiece.
A huge smile broke out on Cyan’s face. ‘Oh this? They sponsor the show, it’s like a Tag Heuer or something, very cute. I’ll get someone to send you one.’ She looked off camera at what must have been an assistant to make sure they heard her. ‘I’ll get them to send one like this. It’s the best,’ she said without a trace of smugness.
‘That’s not necessary but I really appreciate the gesture. As we don’t want to take up much more of your time, can I give a suggestion?’ James said, his voice calm, warm and sincere. It was all the qualities that had attracted Evie to him.
She could see it was having a similar effect on Cyan. ‘Sure. What have you got in mind?’
‘Look. We can go back and forth on all these details but I think you’re a woman who likes class, elegance and wants the best. Am I right?’ James waited for a nod to come from Cyan before continuing. ‘Rather than seeing all the parts of the design separately, which could feel a touch disconnected, why don’t you trust me that I know what your taste is. I know what you’ll like, and my team here, who are the best in the business, will be able to achieve more than you could possibly imagine. When you arrive in three weeks’ time at your home I promise it’ll be perfect. Just leave it to us.’
Cyan chewed on her gum and Evie realised she was holding her breath. Surely this woman wouldn’t just fall for James’ charm and patter?
‘You’re on. But if it sucks I’ll tell you,’ she grinned down the lens. ‘You ladies should take a leaf out of his book, this guy clearly knows what he’s doing.’ With that she ended the call, leaving the three in silence.
‘Seems she likes it when a man tells her what to do,’ Evie broke the silence.
‘Don’t we all darling,’ Grace laughed, then groaned, clutching her side.
‘What’s up? Everything okay?’ Evie could tell from the wincing that her friend was trying to cover up how uncomfortable she was.
Grace shook her head firmly, ‘I’m absolutely fine. Don’t fuss. Instead of focusing om me, we should all be working towards getting all the elements we need shipped to the property. She’s given us carte blanche to get on with it all, thanks to the Mr Smooth over there,’ she said, winking at James who blushed at the praise.
‘It was nothing. I’ve just met types like her in the past, they think they know what they want until you give them options. Much better to just present the finished product.’
‘What about all that nonsense that she was a classy woman?’ Grace asked as Evie listened, interested in how James had assessed their client in such a short space of time.
‘Easy. She’s taken in by big brands, like that watch. She’s been used to the finer things for the last decade and doesn’t even understand there being another option. She’ll want to know we got the most expensive tiles for her kitchen, which she won’t use, and the most well stocked cellar – which she won’t drink from,’ he said with a slight smile.
Evie had to hand it to him, he knew people. Or at least he could read successful performers. She wasn’t certain he could do the same to her.
‘Well, I’m impressed,' said Grace. ‘I assume you’re coming with me to the property? We’re leaving this Saturday and we can’t expect to be back for a fortnight at the minimum, so pack for every eventuality.’ She stood up and began collecting her papers from the table, then doubled over.
James was immediately at her side, and Evie on the other. ‘What’s going on?’
Grace looked up, concern written on her face. ‘I think something’s wrong.’