“I need to check my schedule,” I said and raised my index finger before anyone could make a sarcastic comment. “I mean it this time.” I looked at Natasha. “When will this wonderful event of yours take place?”

She finished her Champagne cocktail before answering the question. “It’s tomorrow.” This time it was her turn to raise index fingers. “I know it’s short notice but do try to make it and I promise you won’t regret it.” She raised her eyebrows and smiled. “They’ll have an open bar.”

***

The next day Christopher and I presented ourselves at the venue, properly dressed and groomed. Since it was a black tie event, I chose my deep double-breasting Tom Ford tuxedo with wide lapels and a custom-made white dress shirt from Charvet. The latter was a luxury investment in a masterpiece of shirt making which the likes of Sir Winston Churchill and His Majesty Napoleone Bonaparte had appreciated long before me. I was pleased to see that Christopher looked dashing like a movie star in his tux from Henry Poole & Co. that slimmed his torso and broaden his shoulders.

Just as we were about to compliment each other on our sartorial choices, Natasha showed up in a spectacular black maxi dress with open back detail and asymmetric neck cut. I could not tell the brand of the dress, and it did not really matter. She was gorgeous and her beautiful diamond chandelier earrings added a sparkling detail to her striking look.

“Glad you both could make it,” she said after she did her compulsory red carpet photo session and pecked us on the cheeks. “There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

“May we just take a moment and pay you a compliment before we start networking?” I said, kissing her hand. “You look amazing.” I looked at Christpher. “Doesn’t she?”

“Absolutely,” he said and took his turn to kiss Natasha’s hand.

“Thank you,” she said and looked at someone behind us. “Oh, that’s the gentleman I’d like you both to meet.”

We turned.

“He’s a billionaire from the States who moved to the City a few months ago,” Natasha explained. “His names is –”

“Jared Shannon,” I finished.

“You know him then,” Natasha could not hide her disappointment in the fact that I had just ruined her surprise and pursed her lips.

“How do you know him?” I asked, watching Jared waving to Natasha, and beelining towards us.

“Oh, we met at a thing a few weeks ago. You know, I must meet this kind of people to … Oh, hello Jared.” She opened her arms for a hug and greeted the man in a fine tuxedo who I’d been hoping to become my way out of the approaching financial abyss. The fact that they were already on a first-name basis felt a tad unsettling.

“May I introduce my friends to you?” Natasha said, after she finally released Jared from her hospitable embrace that looked a tad clingy to me.

“I think I know at least one of them,” Jared said and extended his hand for a shake. “How are you, Alex?”

I shook his hand. “Fine, thank you.” I pointed to Christopher. “This is my friend Christopher Deven.”

“It’s baron Christopher Deven.” Natasha corrected me with a friendly but slightly judgmental shake of her head.

“Christopher’s fine,” Christopher saved me from the introductory faux pas and shook Jared’s hand with a smile.

“How are you doing, Christopher?” Jared asked and looked at Natasha. “I didn’t know you’d be bringing guests tonight.”

“These two needed a bit of fresh air.”

We all laughed politely; the way people do when they have nothing to say.

“I’ll just escort my friends to the table,” Natasha said and took Christopher and me by the hands. We’ll see you later at the after party, won’t we?”

“There is an after party after this?” Jared asked, laughing.

“There always is.” Natasha smiled.

“Enjoy the event,” Jared said. “I don’t think I’ll be joining the party.”

He nodded to us with a smile and walked away to a group of twittering young people who met him with exciting greetings. I was glad he had not mentioned our little deal because I was not ready to make it public just yet.

“You seem to know him quite well,” I said when we reached our table, and I helped Natasha to take her seat.