Page 30 of Love or Your Money Back

He feels a little awkward, especially since Kat doesn’t reply. Awkwardness is an unusual feeling for him, and he doesn’t like it. He’s fairly sure it’s making him look less handsome.

When they reach the elevator, Freddy is so afraid of the awkward silence that he feels compelled to build upon the stupid thing he said:

‘Do you know something, Kat? We need to get you married off quickly. Because if someone doesn’t take you off the market, I will. And that won’t end well. You’d probably cut my balls off, and they’re my second favourite body part.’

Kat makes a disgusted face. ‘As if you could take me off the market.’

Freddy feels a little offended. ‘I could.’

‘No, you couldn’t. You’re not my type. I like decent, ethical men.’

‘Like Chris?’

‘Chris … okay, fine. Perhaps his actions haven’t been all that ethical of late. But in his own way, he wants to make the world better.’

‘What rubbish,’ Freddy snaps. ‘He’s all talk.’

‘Well, you’d know all about that, Mr champion salesman.’

‘I don’t just talk. I take action to make the world better every day of my life.’

Kat gives an outraged laugh. ‘By selling people things they don’t need?’

‘No. By integrating eco and diversity principles into my workplaces and donating a sizeable portion of our profits to global charities. Of course, I wouldn’t expect someone as prejudiced as you to notice that.’

‘Me? Prejudice? I have every anti-Nazi, anti-homophobe, anti-racist badge going. And I mean that literally. I have a drawer full of them.’

‘That doesn’t make you not prejudiced. You judged me as an arsehole from day one. Basically, for wearing a Rolex and using sound business sense.’

‘I didn’t –’

‘Yes you did,’ says Freddy. ‘Let me tell you something, Katerina. I may be a tad shallow. But having less money and a semi-failing business doesn’t make you a better person. At least if I want to help the world, I can do it.’

‘But are you helping the world?’

Freddy shrugs. ‘Here and there. Your packaging looks great. Are you ready to try out placement?’

‘Um … ye-es? I suppose so. What do you mean by placement, exactly?’

‘It means, Katerina, that I am taking you out tomorrow night. For dinner in elegant surroundings. With two great potential customers.’

‘I’m sorry. What? You’ve set me up on a date?Tomorrow?’

‘Yep.’ Freddy grins. ‘A double date, actually. With two eligible men.’

‘You want me to go out with two men I’ve never met?’

‘You make it sound so sordid.’ Freddy presses the elevator call button. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll be there to hold your hand. I mean, not really hold your hand but you know … metaphorically. I’ve set it up as a business dinner. No romantic pressures. Just people with T&C media connections getting to know each other.’

‘You’ll be there too?’

‘Of course. I need to make sure you stay on brand.’

‘Freddy, I’m not sure this is a good idea. I’ve barely learned to walk in heels yet.’

‘Trust me.’ Freddy watches Kat’s stunning, but worried, reflection in the elevator doors. ‘You look great, and I have two customers, ready to buy. Why wait?’

‘Must you use the word customer?’

---