Shaping the Ripples by Paul Wallington Page B

shimmered in her hair.
    “She scrubs up quite well, don’t you think Jack?” Rebecca said with a mischievous smile.
    “You look absolutely beautiful, Katie.” I said as my voice returned.
    “Thanks.” she smiled, “We’d better get going before Becky thinks of some really embarrassing story to tell you about me.”
    “Oh, we’ve already been through all of those.” Rebecca teased her as we left.
    We spent the short journey into the city going through what we each planned to say after the meal. We reached the restaurant and were shown upstairs to a large dining room with spectacular views of the Minster. A waiter hurried over with a tray laden with glasses of champagne, and we both took a glass and moved to the side of the room. The room was set out rather like a wedding reception, with a table set at the head of the room, and a number of other long tables crossing the purple carpeted floor. All around the room, groups of people – mostly men – were talking animatedly.
    “Ever felt like a spare part?” Katie murmured to me and I nodded in agreement.
    “Katie! Jack!” A cheerful voice boomed across the room and we saw Ian Jacobs striding towards us. He approached with a welcoming smile.
    “Let me show you where the two of you are sitting. I’m afraid I only managed to fit George onto the top table, but I’m sure you won’t mind missing out on the privilege of having everyone watch you while you’re eating.”
    As he talked, he was leading us to the furthest of the tables. At the end nearest the door, Katie’s name was on the card marking the final place. My name was on the place opposite.
    Ian continued talking. “You look totally stunning, Katie. Now I don’t want either of you to worry about your presentation. Just relax and enjoy the meal and you’ll both be fine. Remember that by the time it’s your turn to speak, everyone will be stuffed with food and wine, so they’ll all be in a benevolent haze. Let’s see what I can tell you about the people you’ll have sitting next to you.”
    He bent forwards to examine the name tags on the next couple of places, and then looked up with a slightly concerned expression.
    “I’m afraid you’re due to be next to the group from A.G. Taylor. They’re a nice group, quite young, which was why I thought this would be a good place to put you. Unfortunately their MD rang a little while ago to say they were having a bit of a crisis and may not be able to get here.” His frown deepened. “We don’t want to leave the two of you out on a limb. Perhaps I should try and move you, but the first course is ready to be served and if they do manage to get here …” Ian’s voice trailed off.
    “Don’t worry.” Katie interrupted, “I’m sure Jack and I will manage to entertain each other if we do end up next to empty seats.”
    “Yes, but” Ian began, but had to break off as the head waiter banged a small gong.
    “Ladies and gentlemen, could you please take your seats for the feast.”
    As people began to mill around the tables, Ian gave us an apologetic look. “I’d better go and sit down then, I really am terribly sorry.”
    After he’d gone, Katie grinned “Actually it will be a bit of a relief not having to make polite conversation to complete strangers. But can you cope with having to talk to me all evening?”
    “I dare say I’ll put up with it.” I said, and began to read the menu.
    Sure enough, the chairs next to us did remain empty as the meal began. As a result, the two of us seemed to have exclusive rights to four bottles of wine (two white and two red with all of them looking very expensive) and a basket of warm bread rolls.
    “If we work our way through all of this, I won’t be able to stand up at the end of the meal, never mind speak coherently.” Katie commented as I poured her a glass of the Chablis.
    “Well, you’re pretty much on your own with the wine, unless you feel like walking home.” I reminded her.
    At this, she got up