“I understand perfectly, sir; you wanted to call your company Philippian … yes, of course, you’re right, it’s not a nationality. As you say, under company regulations that would be a restricted name.”

​

Five-thirty-five. She hadn’t come out yet.

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“Yes, just checking your details. Have you been married long? Eight months! Well, I wish you and your husband a very happy future together.”

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Five thirty-six and twenty-three seconds. She’d be here any minute. He had to get off the phone. “Yes, Mr Balecki, I understand. Phillip and Ian. I know the nationality is Filipino and not Philippian. You’re right, that book in the New Testament is Philippians, not … yes sir, I do sympathise. Certainly: it’s Amare … Am-ah-ray, spelt A-M-A-R-E – that’s exactly right, sir; you’ve got it in one. Many people usually go for a mare. My last name?  Nnaji. And yes, I’ll definitely look into this misunderstanding.”

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Five thirty-eight and three seconds …

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“In the meantime I apologise sincerely on behalf of . . . yes, I’ll definitely make a note of our conversation …”

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The sounds from his colleagues had gone from twitters to giggles to outright laughter. A look from him muted their crowing. Their teasing, however, continued. “Best get off the phone quick, Am-ARE-ray, here she comes now!”

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They were telling him something he already knew. The hair on the back of his neck had risen, and other things besides. He felt sorry for the client, but his own window of opportunity was about to expire. Then she came into view and, as usual, took all his breath away.

​

She had huge eyes, like a startled deer – but they were still smiling. A soft full mouth that had taken a vow of silence, and a chin that said, There was a time I didn’t take crap from anyone.

 

Cheekbones that were thinner than they should be, but in later age would be sweetly plump.  The dress she wore was dark blue, with small, paler blue flowers scattered over it and a skirt that flared softly. Her legs beneath the hem showed brown polished bare skin. Her shoes were the buckle type of sensible elegance favoured by older women and children. They were made from some soft moccasin type material in grey with tiny white flecks that could be flowers, if you looked closely enough.

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He always did.

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