Page 45 of Be More Capybara

‘We’ll come to our new lady at the end,’ Kevin said, looking past her to the man on her right. ‘Give her a chance to see how it all works.’

Helen was beginning to see what Kate had been hinting at. ‘I’m a veteran of several networking groups in London. I’m more than happy to go next.’ She stood up before Kevin could object.

‘Good morning, everyone. I’m Helen Simpson. I’m an award-winning interior designer who specialises in turning tired houses into welcoming homes you can be proud of. I grew up in Dashford, and I’ve recently moved back. I’m looking for holiday home owners who would like to invest in redesigning their property interiors to attract high-end clients. Thank you.’

‘Thank you, Helen,’ Kevin said grudgingly. ‘We normally have a painter join us, but he’s on holiday this week. I’m sure he can teach you a thing or two about choosing colours and finishes.’

‘Or I could teach him?’ Helen said, determined not to be talked down to.

Adrian, the renewable energy expert, appeared to be choking on his breakfast. She glanced at him.

‘Well done,’ he whispered, as the next person stood up.

‘Will you be coming back?’ Adrian asked as he followed Helen out into the hotel car park.

‘Is Kevin always like that with women?’

‘Yes. In fact, you got off lightly. It’s embarrassing in this day and age.’

‘So why does no one call him out on it?’

‘He’s the regional co-ordinator for the group. If you challenge him, you’re out on your ear. And I get some decent business from this group. I think the others do too, so we’re a bunch of spineless idiots.’ He grinned. ‘Can I make it up to you by meeting you for coffee sometime? I’ve got some contacts who might be useful to you.’

It sounded plausible, and he was friendly. She didn’t think he was coming on to her, and he looked about five years younger than her, so he was unlikely to be interested anyway. ‘Yeah ok.’

He smiled. ‘I picked up your business card. I’ll give you a call.’

32

NIGEL

‘What is that?’ Mark asked as he walked out of the Grange’s front door and onto the gravel drive.

Nigel grinned at him and looked back at where the delivery driver had parked his new convertible. ‘That is a BMW Z4 Roadster.’

‘It looks more like a mid-life crisis to me.’

‘You’re just jealous.’

‘Possibly.’ Mark started circling the car. ‘Red, though. It’s a bit of a cliché.’

‘The alternative was a more expensive gunmetal grey - not very exciting.’

‘So exciting was one of your selection criteria?’

‘And the issue with that is?’

‘Nothing. Just unusual for you, that’s all. Where did you buy it from?’

‘The BMW dealer in Exeter.’

Mark looked inside the car. ‘Automatic?’

‘Yes. Cruise control. Heated seats. And she’s only got 30,000 miles on the clock.’

‘Miles per gallon?’

‘46-ish’