by Penny Avis
‘It’s an oxymoron,’ said Alfred. ‘You know, where two apparently contradictory words are put together for effect. Like terribly pleased or deafening silence.’
‘Yeah, thanks for the English lesson. But what does it mean in the context of our training centre?’ Meredith looked at Daisy hopefully.
Daisy thought for a moment. ‘It probably means that she’d like something that reflects an overall theme but that contrasts with the central piece in the foyer.’
‘Oh, right,’ said Meredith, still none the wiser.
‘So tell us some more about these brand values that they want the art to tie in with,’ said Finn.
Meredith turned to Alfred. ‘Over to my able assistant for that.’
This time it was Alfred’s turn to take out a notebook. He gave a small cough, as if to introduce himself to the group. Meredith noticed Daisy and Finn exchange amused glances.
‘Now, I’ve researched this quite thoroughly just to make sure I’m up to date,’ said Alfred. ‘Clinton Wahlberg has five core brand values, which can be summed up as excellence in all that we do, personal innovation, integrity and openness, a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree approach and strength through diversity.’
‘Sounds like a load of old bollocks to me,’ said Finn.
Alfred glared at him.
‘You may well be right,’ said Meredith, playing peacekeeper, ‘but I’ve a feeling that approach probably won’t get you the pitch.’
Daisy grinned at her.
‘Fair enough,’ said Finn.
‘There’s plenty there for you to work with,’ said Alfred. ‘Take the three-hundred-and-sixty-degree approach, for example. Surely that can apply to your central piece for the foyer? Maybe something that works from all angles, something that keeps giving you a different view?’
‘Yes, I’m liking that,’ said Daisy, getting up. She paced around the small office deep in thought and then wiped clean the small whiteboard that was stuck on the wall next to her desk. ‘Let’s talk about what you do. Just throw words at me. Anything.’
‘We provide advice – on investments, on transactions, on strategy. We trade, provide banking, help you manage assets,’ said Meredith, reeling off a list of the first things that came into her head.
‘We raise capital and manage risk,’ added Alfred.
‘Money, currency, cash, loans, dollars,’ said Finn, joining the game as best he could.
Daisy scribbled words at random across the whiteboard and then stepped back to look at it.
‘How about we use currency symbols in some way?’ she said. ‘You know, the dollar sign, the pound sign, the euro… How many are there?’
‘Loads,’ said Alfred. ‘Twenty, thirty, maybe more.’
‘We could certainly incorporate them into the art pieces. I’m not sure how we could sculpt them, though,’ said Daisy.
Meredith suddenly had a thought. ‘There’s a central ceiling surrounded by skylights. Could you maybe suspend them in some way?’
‘Ooh, like a giant wind chime,’ said Alfred, getting excited. ‘I saw something a bit like that in a museum recently. They’d suspended hundreds of different types of model aeroplanes from the ceiling and it made you walk round and round to look at all the different types.’
Meredith wasn’t sure that model aeroplanes were really the inspiration that they were looking for, but Finn clearly thought Alfred was onto something. He leapt up and went to grab an easel from the gallery. He then took a large piece of white card from Daisy’s stock of painting materials and placed it on the easel.
‘How about something like this?’ He began to sketch. ‘We suspend currency symbols from all around the world on different length wires made out of, say, bronze or something else that catches the light. Then we fit a circular display of mood lights to the ceiling that constantly change colour. Then the sculpture will be constantly moving from the natural breeze as the doors open and shut, and also constantly changing colour. It will look different from every angle.’
‘That’s a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree approach,’ said Daisy.
‘And very diverse,’ added Alfred.
‘And open,’ said Meredith, raising her hands in the air in celebration. ‘Brilliant. I love it! And it really reflects the international nature of our business.’
Finn grinned happily at them.
‘So what about something opposite, or whatever the hell it is, for behind the reception desk?’ asked Meredith.
‘Well, if we keep up with the international theme then it needs to reflect that but also contrast with our symbols sculpture in some way,’ said Daisy.
‘How about making it black and white, not colour, and very, oh, I don’t know, fixed in some way, not moving,’ suggested Alfred.
‘Clocks,’ said Daisy loudly, making the others jump. ‘Black and white clocks that are all fixed at the same time, but from every time zone of the world. So midday here, which would be seven a.m. in New York, and so on.’
‘Real clocks?’ Meredith asked.
Daisy thought for a moment and then shook her head. ‘No, painted and all different sizes. A totally fixed image of the time zones of the world.’
‘Honestly, guys, I’m loving this,’ said Meredith. ‘We could carry the same theme to the rooms. Each room could be named after a country or region, depending on how many there are. Vivien said she wanted each room to have its own personality,’ said Alfred.
‘I know – we could have a piece of art or a painting in each room that’s done by a local artist from that country or reflects the culture in some way,’ said Daisy. ‘That way we also pick up the personal innovation value.’
‘Eyes down for a full house,’ said Meredith, nodding happily. ‘I think we’ve got it.’
The four of them recapped what they had agreed and Alfred sketched out the outline of a proposal document for Daisy and Finn to prepare for Vivien.
‘So if you divide it into these sections then that should cover what you need. Will you include drawings of all your ideas?’ Alfred asked Daisy.
‘Yes, or computer-generated images – whichever we think looks best,’ she said.
The four of them wrapped up their meeting and Alfred headed off in search of a vintage record shop that he’d looked up before he came. Old LPs were another of his rather quirky but charming passions. Finn went out front to ‘keep shop’, leaving Daisy and Meredith alone in Daisy’s office.
‘That was brilliant. We’re going to totally blow them away, I’m sure of it,’ said Daisy. ‘Alfred’s a funny guy, isn’t he?’
‘Yes, but he’s also a genius,’ said Meredith protectively. ‘I couldn’t do without him. He has a PhD in applied algebra, you know.’
‘I’ve no idea what that means,’ said Daisy, ‘but it sounds bloody impressive.’
‘It is, trust me. He’s like a human calculator, and more importantly, he’s one of the most hard-working and committed guys I’ve ever worked with,’ said Meredith, reflecting on how her initial disappointment at being assigned ‘a number cruncher with no people skills’ had been so horribly wide of the mark. Alfred had also shown himself to be incredibly loyal and full of more flair and ideas than she could possibly have expected. Meredith firmly resolved to tell him as much on Monday.
‘So,’ said Daisy, settling back comfortably into her chair, ‘tell me, where were you last night?’
Meredith smiled shyly. ‘Out with a guy I met through work.’
‘Excellent,’ said Daisy, rubbing her hands together. ‘Name?’
‘Jamie Spencer. I met him at a team drinks night and then again at a conference. He’s the CEO of a company that designs computer systems.’
‘CEO? How old is he?’ Daisy asked, looking alarmed.
Meredith laughed. ‘Stop panicking – he’s our age. It’s one of those young internet-type companies. You know, where everyone wanders around in jeans and they have beanbags instead of chairs.’
‘Sounds like my kinda place,’ said Daisy.
‘I think Jamie will be your kinda guy too. He’s, well, I don’t know what to say… he’s just lovely,’ said Meredith, staring into space.
‘Ooh, looking at you getting all misty-eyed,’ said Daisy, poking Meredith in the ribs.
‘Ouch, bugger off,’ said Meredith, laughing.
‘When can I meet him?’
‘Give me a chance! I’ve only just got to know him myself.’
Daisy opened her diary and pretended to scan the pages. ‘No, sorry, he needs to be thoroughly vetted. Yes, I think I can be available next Wednesday. You’d better book him in, so I can check that he’s good enough for my very best friend.’
‘Oh, don’t worry, he’s definitely good enough,’ said Meredith, raising one eyebrow.
Daisy gave a small squeal. ‘That was quick! What happened to all that stuff about being nervous about taking your clothes off, wanting to take your time, having a break from men… ?’
‘All crap,’ said Meredith, grinning.
‘Clearly,’ said Daisy. ‘I’ll try to remember that the next time you’re crying on my couch.’
‘Seriously, though, you’re right. It was all a bit quick. But it just felt so right, so natural, and what’s even more amazing is that I didn’t feel the slightest bit self-conscious. I just felt like, well, I don’t know, like… me.’
Daisy got up and hugged her friend. ‘That’s because you are you, you idiot. Always have been, always will be. And that’s just how we like you. Actually I’d prefer you a little bit taller, perhaps a bit richer and certainly a bit funnier, but everyone else seems pretty happy with you just as you are.’
‘Sod off,’ said Meredith, hugging Daisy back. ‘You sound like a sad, clichéd record.’
‘Not as clichéd as your bloody brand values. Excellence in all that we do; that’s the sort of statement that only a mass murderer could disagree with.’
‘Well, we tried “Excellence in most things we do, except when we’re hungover or can’t be bothered”, but HR just wouldn’t go for it.’
‘Bloody HR, they’re such spoilsports,’ said Daisy.
Daisy went to shut her diary that was lying open on the desk. She glanced at the open pages and turned to look at Meredith.
‘Isn’t it your birthday on Monday?’
Meredith looked at the date on her watch. ‘Shit, yes, it is. I’d completely forgotten. I’ve been so damn busy.’
‘Have you planned anything?’
‘No, but don’t worry – we can do something next weekend. I’ll probably need to work on the day itself anyway.’
‘Nonsense. Call me when you’re done, however late it is, and we’ll have drinks. It’s the law to go for drinks on your birthday,’ said Daisy sternly.
‘Yes, ma’am,’ said Meredith, saluting.
Meredith walked into the office on Monday morning fully expecting her day to be like any other. Yes, it was her birthday, but she’d not had the chance or the inclination to tell anyone else. It really wasn’t that big a deal. But as she walked towards her office, she could see flashes of red and pink floating behind the glass. Meredith walked up to the door and then stopped in amazement. There was a huge bunch of red and pink balloons tied to the back of her spare chair and a plate of beautifully decorated cupcakes in the middle of her desk, surrounded by sprinkles of ‘Happy Birthday’ confetti. Someone had stuck a picture of a monkey to her computer screen and had scribbled ‘I saw a fat monkey and I thought it was you’ on it, and there was a series of cards lined up on her desk shelf waiting to be opened.
Hazel came rushing over to greet her. ‘Happy birthday, Meredith!’ she cried, giving her a huge, and slightly unwelcome, hug.
‘How did you know?’ asked Meredith, staring around her office incredulously.
Hazel tapped the side of her nose. ‘I know everything about this department and I love birthdays!’
‘Who made those amazing cakes?’
‘Jackie. She loves baking,’ said Hazel, gazing longingly at the plate. ‘Aren’t they stunning? Almost too good to eat.’
‘Almost but not quite. I’ll share them round in a bit,’ said Meredith, smiling to herself. Hazel was so funny. ‘Honestly, Hazel, thank you. What a lovely surprise. I had no idea that anyone knew.’
‘Well, they do. And Nick is taking us out for a Chinese at lunchtime. I’ve booked us a table at the Golden Palace.’
‘Whose is the monkey picture?’
‘Mine,’ said a voice from behind Hazel. It was Lars. ‘Happy birthday.’
‘Thanks, I think,’ said Meredith, smiling.
‘You’re welcome. I like to bring a bit of class to the proceedings.’
‘Obviously.’ She carefully took the picture of the monkey off her computer screen and stuck it on the pin board area above her desk shelf. ‘There. It needed cheering up, anyway,’ said Meredith, admiring her handiwork. She turned to look at Lars. ‘Are you coming for lunch?’
Lars nodded. ‘How did it go on Friday?’
‘Great! And your tip about Medisar went down a storm too. So thank you for that.’
Lars shrugged nonchalantly. ‘No problem.’
‘I’ll tell you about it over lunch,’ said Meredith as she saw Alfred and Jackie coming up to join the party outside her office. ‘Hi, guys. How lovely does this look? And Jackie, thanks for the amazing cupcakes! I’ll be sharing them round in a bit.’
Alfred peered into her office and nodded approvingly at Hazel. ‘Looks great, Hazel, well done. Do we get to play funny voices later with the helium balloons?’
‘If you like,’ said Meredith. ‘And we can play musical chairs as well, if you want to. Honestly, you big kid. Anyone would think I was nine, not twenty-nine.’
‘Twenty-nine? I thought you were forty-nine,’ said Jackie, joining in the banter.
‘Ha ha,’ said Meredith.
‘Did you see the email from Equinox’s lawyers?’ Alfred asked as the others melted away from the impromptu office gathering.
‘No, I’ve not had a chance yet,’ said Meredith, starting to sweep the ‘Happy Birthday’ confetti off her desk into the bin.
‘Oh no, don’t throw it away. Hazel likes to keep it. She hates waste,’ said Alfred.
‘Shit, really?’ Meredith looked around for something else to tip her overflowing handful of brightly coloured bits of paper into. Alfred picked up a piece of paper from her desk, deftly folded it into a small triangular boat and held it out for her.
‘Don’t tell me you do origami as well,’ said Meredith, brushing the bits into the makeshift envelope. ‘That’s just sad.’
Alfred grinned and took the boat with its precious cargo over to Hazel’s desk.
‘Keeps her happy,’ he said when he returned. ‘Which, as we know, is well worth the effort. Anyway, the Equinox deal is ready to close. The lawyers emailed this morning to say they’re expecting that the funds to close the deal, forty-four million pounds plus fees, will be transferred today.’
‘That’s great news! Do they have our bill?’
‘Yes, all done. We’ll be paid at the same time.’
Meredith sat down on her chair in relief. Her first fees for Clinton Wahlberg – somehow she’d managed to get away with it. She remembered her resolution to thank Alfred properly.
‘Shut the door a second, will you?’
Alfred shut the door and sat down.
‘I have a few things that I want to say to you,’ said Meredith.
Alfred eyed her nervously.
‘Why do you automatically assume that I’m about to give you a bollocking?’ Meredith asked, laughing.
‘Habit,’ said Alfred.
‘Well, I’m not. I want to say thank you and well done. You’ve worked so hard for me on this project. All those hours in the office, they haven’t gone unnoticed, you know, and your super-sized brain and attention to detail have saved our bacon on more than one occasion. And I know I’ve already said so before, but thank you for not saying anything about my surgery and for h
elping me deal with bloody Audrey Fox and all that… ’
‘I’d never have said anything,’ interrupted Alfred. ‘Firstly because it’s none of my business, but also because that’s the least you deserve. I wasn’t really sure about you when you first arrived… ’
‘Thanks!’
‘But then when you helped me that night when I was falling to bits, well, no other director has ever helped me like that. So apart from the fact that you shout a lot and take the mickey out of me all the time, you’re, well, you know, alright.’
‘Alright? Is that the best I get?’
Alfred smiled uncomfortably.
‘Anyway, enough of the mutual appreciation,’ said Meredith, sensing she’d said enough to make her point. This wasn’t really Alfred’s type of conversation. ‘You’re a bloody genius and I’m very grateful. Enough said. You coming to lunch?’
Alfred nodded and stood up to go.
‘Great, see you there.’
Meredith sat back and surveyed her happily festooned office. She couldn’t believe they’d gone to such an effort for her birthday. What a nice bunch they were, and that almost included Lars. She looked at the picture of the monkey on her pin board and couldn’t help smiling; a picture of a monkey was better than nothing.
Chapter 29
Later that day, Meredith was standing outside Clinton Wahlberg waiting to meet Daisy. Lunch had been a noisy, high-spirited affair and Nick had been in a super-good mood, made even better by the news that the Equinox–Beau Street deal had completed. He had made an impromptu speech congratulating Meredith on her ‘excellent start’ and ‘natural aptitude for the job’, which had made her blush with embarrassment; embarrassment made even worse by one of the analysts starting a Mexican wave in her honour, much to the amusement of the rest of the restaurant. Even Lars had stood up and for a change there had not been a shiver in sight. When they finally stopped and the last person sat down, Meredith had actually felt quite tearful.
Meredith looked at her watch. Daisy was late. She checked her phone and saw there was a text message from her.
Change of plan. I’m not coming.
Meredith stared at the message. What did she mean she wasn’t coming? It had been Daisy who had insisted that they went out on her birthday. And what sort of message was that?