The Consultation Continues

"So, the bottom line is that you're getting tired of taking part in these morale boosting events and that is the main motivation now to be looking for another job ?" Alan wanted to clarify. "It's not that I'm now getting tired of them, I never wanted to do them in the first place but I got out manoeuvred at every turn it seemed, especially when they proved to be successful from the company's point of view" Debbi replied. "But the introduction you wrote in this brochure claims it was all your idea ?" Alan pointed out. "I didn't write that, Diane wrote it as if she was me and just stuck my name at the end" Debbi answered. "And you have reason to think that Diane will continue to arrange these things for you to do ?" Alan was curious. "I know she will" Debbi affirmed. "There's now talk of having me mud wrestle someone in a couple of weeks !"

"Well, I'm not sure I can place you somewhere quickly enough to stop that" Alan said, to Debbi's disappointment. He wanted to see her mud wrestling in any case but also, he wanted to start a makeover campaign to get Debbi a real high flying appointment and not simply a move sideways. She certainly had the potential but apart from that, his motivation was twofold. The better the position he obtained for her, the larger his commission. And the more chance he had of getting her into bed !

"OK, so, we're going to be aiming high" he told her. "How does that sound ? How do you feel about commuting to town, or even relocating ?" Debbi considered. London was only thirty miles away. The trains were expensive but there was a regular service and if she drove and parked to catch the Elizabeth Line it would be even quicker. Affording an apartment in London was out of the question but that could be an aspiration for much later. These thoughts raced through her mind as she replied, "Er, yeah, fine, I could do that."

"Excellent" said Alan. "I'll start chasing up my contacts. And that way, we needn't worry so much about these escapades." He held up the souvenir brochure once more. "They're too well known around here but haven't had any national impact that I'm aware of" he smiled. Debbi was relieved to hear that at least. Alan began to study her more closely. "Now" he continued. "Your wardrobe."

"What about it ?" Debbi asked. "What's wrong with it ?" She was wearing a smart pin striped trouser suit with a crisp white blouse. "Nothing" Alan replied. "It's very smart and let's face it, you'd look good in anything !" Debbi flushed at the compliment. "But it kind of screams middle management. It suggests suburbia. We want something more eye catching. Have you been watching that American TV series 'Suits' they're re-running at the moment ?" "The one with Megan ?" Debbi asked. "That's the one. Have you noticed how the women dress in that ? All those figure hugging designer gowns ? That's the look we'll be going for."

"I haven't got anything like that" Debbi replied. "No, so we'll take a trip to Windsor. A cousin of mine's a Lady in Waiting at the castle and she gets all her gear from a discrete little shop in Eton." "But I can't afford to pay a thousand pounds for a dress" Debbi complained. She vaguely knew the kind of place Alan was talking about and the sums involved. "There are always deals to be done" Alan reassured her. "And anyway, I've got a budget for client expenses it can be charged too initially and I'll adjust it in the final invoice when we get you in place."

"I can't accept that" Debbi protested. "It's not a gift, just investing in you as an asset that will pay me back ultimately" Alan explained. "I'll phone the shop. It's appointment only, they don't like time wasters. We'll go there on Saturday." "You'll come as well ?" Debbi queried. "Well, I'll be paying and we want you to get the most appropriate outfit" Alan smiled.