by Dom Price
Before he could make it over, the manager of the venue approached Dave. “Here you go Mr Marsdon. The microphone you asked for. Just flick that switch there to turn it on. Only problem is that we need it downstairs in about 5 mins as the quiz is about to start. Will that be OK?”
“No problems. No time like the present. Where can I get some prominence?”
“I’d get on there if I were you. You’ll be the best dressed person we’ve had on their week.”
Dave clambered unconvincingly onto the edge of the bar. He was closer to the tall ceiling but still miles away. He nervously held the microphone, and flicked the switch.
A few short coughs alerted the crowd, and every set of eyes turned to him. It felt good and it was re-assuring. A normal person would have cowered or felt the pressure. A normal person wouldn’t have been uncomfortable or jittery. Dave reminded himself. He’d evolved in this environment, was in many ways before his time and had a level of insight and ability that others couldn’t appreciate. There was no need to pause for affect.
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends. This isn’t one of those thanks for coming; it wouldn’t be the same without you speeches.” There was a brief giggle from the crowd. They didn’t expect one of those, even from new Dave. “You will notice that your drinks have either been topped up or replaced and you should all now be the proud owner of a glass of the finest champagne this London pub could provide. The reason for this is that I have some surprising news for you.”
In the corner, Dave spotted a glint in his parent’s eye, and Jane looked excitedly over to Ronnie. The fact that they’d just shared a few stories about Ronnie’s relocation to London, and the time she’d been spending with Dave, had both of them heading for a very different headline than Dave was about to deliver.
“So ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, I have 3 things to tell you. 3 things have changed recently, and I’d like to share them with you.” Ronnie grinned back to Jane. Their man was at centre stage and was about to make them both very happy.
“Firstly, I didn’t have an office with a view, but now I have. Secondly, I was a Director, but I am now a Partner. And thirdly, I was based in London.” The room fell more silent as confusion set it.
“Yes. You are looking at the new Head Partner for the new CEC Sydney, Australia. G’day.”
“Oh darling David, that is amazing.” Jane was first to rush over, and was as surprised as everyone else.
“Well you know, it’s no real surprise. A man of my ability with my achievements was always going to get head hunted for such a role. Darwin pioneered natural selection and Darwin is in Australia.”
“I never even realised they were the same person. Oh, you are so smart. We are very proud of you both.”
“Both? I think you’ll find...” Dave didn’t have a chance to finish. Ronnie moved in, kissed him gently on the cheek and took him aside.
“You should have said something? What about us?”
“Yeah, that is going to be tight. I don’t fly til next Friday, but I’ve got a lot of handover to do between now and then, and I’m sure there are a few clients who’ll want a piece of me before I leave. I’ll have a word with Laura and see if she can lock something in.” The words stung, but the patronising pat on her arm sent fire through her veins. Ronnie held back the tears that were on the tip of her eyes.
“I meant us in a more general sense. You know, us. We? The two of us.”
Dave went back to the same point on the same arm, this time gently gripping her upper arm instead of patting. He had Ronnie’s full undivided attention. She knew exactly what he was going to say and she was ready to melt.
“Yeah, we should definitely stay in touch, as I’ll be targeting Food United Group over there, so shoot over any contacts you’ve got. Obviously I don’t know who my PA will be over there, but once I do I’ll get my people to talk to your people.” Dave accepted another empty handshake from an unknown acquaintance. He felt successful and popular.
Ronnie moved away slowly. She’d been wrong. “Leopards and spots” she thought.
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Written and published by Dom Price.
Contact the author: [email protected]
Thanks
This book wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging those that helped make it happen. Mel, I owe you the world for your endless support. Steph, your eye for a character, story and amazing ability to tell me which bits were crap. Jen, for you crazy attention to detail and for fixing my awful spelling. Naomi for my freebie book cover. To my extended family & friends for believing in me, and to everyone who hopefully buys this and reads it.