“Screened is aimed particularly towards the film and television market as you may well know, Miss Johnson and the age group were are hoping to particularly sell to is the twenty one to thirty five” as he spoke he was leaning more and more towards her, although his voice never dropped in volume.

Lena wondered if she could pivot her chair further without falling, even as his arm snaked about the back of her chair.

“As you can probably guess Miss Johnson, I am of course interested” he paused as his eyes took a minute glance down and then back to her face “In your work and feel you would be a most welcome addition to our writing staff”

Lena’s considered telling him that perhaps first the magazine should consider getting a new editor before it started taking on writing staff. She bit her tongue, but felt slightly nauseous as she watched his eyes move down over her once more. It wouldn’t do to offend the first editor of a large magazine corporation she came into contact with tonight. Screened was linked with some of the more prestigious magazine editorials on the shelves and she was guessing Edward Lacey was a power player in the firm. He had the air of a man who knew what he was talking about, despite his outward appearance and behaviour. She found herself interrupted once more, this time from an usher.

“Miss Johnson?” he asked looking over the party

“”Yes?” replied Lena

“Miss Fairbanks has asked if you and your guests would like to join them at their table”

Lena merely glanced at the smiling faces of the women beside her, guessing they were probably more amused by Lacey’s behaviour with her.

“Miss FairbanksDana Fairbanksthe tennis player?” she exclaimed sounding thoroughly honoured at the invitation “How very kind of her”

As the other stood, she turned graciously to Edward Lacey.

“I’m sorry Mr Lacey, perhaps we can continue this conversation later in the evening” she said apologetically

The editor merely gave her a sizeable grin

“Not at all my dear, not at all. Enjoy your evening, no doubt there are other editors keen to make your acquaintance.” He made no move to lean away from her as she stood “Just bare in mind my offer, hopefully we shall speak later”

Managing to turn a slight grimace into a smile she moved off to the side following the usher around the room towards number twelve table breathing a sigh of relief.

“Well that was unexpected,” she said, walking beside Shane, who had, along with Bette and Tina, a growing smile on her face

“He seemed quite taken with you,” said Bette

“Seems she has that effect on people” murmured Tina under her breath. Shane was close enough to hear and shot her a look as they reached table twelve, where four empty chairs sat waiting for them. Richard and his partner as well as Alice and Dana were the only other occupants.

“Lena” said Richard with a smile, eyeing up her company

“Richard” replied Lena with a nod as she slipped into the chair beside him

“Who’s your friend?” he whispered into her ear as Shane sat beside her and Bette and Tina took chairs between Shane and Alice, completing their party.

“Who’s yours?” replied Lena in a similarly low tone