Kay’s enthusiasm for the plan entertained no argument. By the time the phone call ended a few minutes later, Nick was committed to an evening pretending to run a nationwide shoe shining business that was looking to expand rapidly and was considering using PR to enhance the esteem and the image of the humble shoeshiner. There were just two good points for Nick to cling to: it would only have to be for one night; and he would get to spend another evening in the company of Kay, even if there were going to be dozens of drunken business people at the event, who would no doubt be competing with him for her attention. It was only after Nick had put his phone back in his pocket and walked back to his seat that he remembered the arrangement he had already made to meet up with Nicole and Brendan the
