’It’s one of his best works.’ He retorted the moment I finished my sentence.

I applied his 8-second rule correctly. ’It’s one of his works you like the best Erik. But it’s far from Monet’s best work. You want funds right? I won’t have it there.’

A pinkish color rose on his puffy face his eyes shot me a warning look, but mentioning money sealed his mouth. Soon the meeting was done. I followed Sylvie outside, but when I had the doorknob in my hands, he summoned me back.

’The Hamiltons are coming? I’m very pleased.’ His eyes didn’t smile as he sat down in his brown leather executive chair. ’You know these kind of people like to see stable families Bette. We, as the team are a family of course, but I assume you will bring Tina to the dinner as well. She’s so.. ’ He rubbed his hands together. ’She’s a real people person and let’s not forget her contacts in the movie business.’

I wanted to slap the self-pleased smile from his face. Describing my marriage as merely unsteady would be an understatement, rendering it far from the point where I could even consider inviting Tina to join me for our customary annual dinner. What would make matters even worse would be the fact that, unbeknownst to her, she would have to live up to my boss’s expectation for her to practically do her own job, but then at my work, to safe my job. ’I’m unsure about her availability. She’s currently shooting,’ I explained.

’I wasn’t asking.’ Erik’s lips curled back, revealing a row of yellowish teeth. ’The Hamiltons are too big, too important, if we don’t get them…’

And then my phone rang.