"Well, Just Take A Look At Our portfolio"

Ordinarily, Jerome would not waste his time trying to persuade a timid and **** prospect to take part in his productions. 'This is the deal darling, take it or leave it, plenty more wannabes on the Strip' would have been his normal attitude. But he was savvy enough to see the potential in his English rose and the cachet of her Miz No-E persona, so that he was willing to put in a little more time and effort to hook his catch. Saffron and Jody had briefed him about how the interview was likely to proceed and he had a strategy worked out.

He escorted Debbi into his impressive crib and introduced her to his associates, a middle aged black man in a sharp suit called Cedric and Marco, slightly younger whose name and casual style betrayed his Italian roots. "Oh my dad's Italian" Debbi volunteered. "Though my mum's from London. That's London England" she added for the benefit of her American interrogators. She wasn't sure how extensive their geographical knowledge was ! A glamorous and to Debbi slightly intimidating black girl wafted in with a tray of coffee and accessories. Sometimes such hospitality would have included a line or two but Saffron had advised Jerome that would not play well with the naive Debbi.

Jerome played the host. "I'm told you're a highly successful business lady and only got into this rap thing by accident to make money for charity ?" he began once they were settled. "Yes" agreed Debbi enthusiastically. "I'm the first in my family to go through college and make it into management. I worked really hard and did it all myself" she continued proudly. "That's why I really can't do anything like this. I have to get back to the company and my real life. I'm a really private person" she thought she should emphasize once again. "You've every right to be proud of your achievements and I know how grateful the charity is for your efforts on their behalf "Jerome continued carefully. "And I do see your point of view believe me. I know this project isn't for everyone. But I'm not convinced that you fully realize the window of opportunity you have here with the publicity from my brother's movie. Saffron mentioned some figures I believe ?"

Debbi blushed. "Er, yes, she did" she responded shyly. "Well, consider. Three or four productions at those rates ? Are you so wedded to this company ? Do they really appreciate you ? That boss and your colleagues ? With these sorts of proceeds, in a couple of years you could quit and set up your own company in whatever field you wanted !" Jerome could sense Debbi's head spinning. "At least take a look at our portfolio, see the quality of our product" he continued, taking a folder from his desk and moving to sit next to Debbi on the couch.