The Deal (Trading Hearts #3) Read Free

conferences. Is it important?"
    "I think so. Some of our clients stipulate no personal publicity. In my opinion it helps to get out there with your designs, particularly in fashion." He focused on the samples while he chatted. "Think about the big design names you know, the designers are often treated like celebrities. It's all part of the package for retailers and buyers alike. How would you feel about being interviewed, for example? People like to hear about the person behind the designs."
    It was the same question Lucas had asked her two weeks before, except Mr. Melandros wasn’t asking it the way Lucas did. The thought made her smile.
    Her companion looked up from his ponderings. He smiled back at her.
    "I'm willing to try anything, especially if I could get guidance."
    "The willingness is all we need. We have image consultants who can help with public speaking and so on. You don't need any help with personal presentation though, darling," he added. "You look fabulous."
    Naomi blushed. She wasn't sure how to respond. Luckily he continued.
    "I'll be honest with you Naomi, I love your work, but my list only has an opening for one more client at the moment. I met with two other potentials this week. Three of you, all exceptionally talented, and I can only take one on. The company director is most insistent we stick to manageable numbers, so everyone gets all the attention they need."
    Despite the fact he was warning her she might fail to gain their representation, Naomi couldn’t help smiling. It was so Lucas, that emphasis on the client.
    Georgio gestured fluidly with his hands as he spoke. He seemed a little embarrassed he couldn’t give her an immediate answer, and that characterized him for her. He was a nice guy.
    "As soon as a new client has been launched," he continued, "and we move on to the next phase of representation, we can take a new client on board, but not before. I recently had a client move on to faze two of management, that’s why I've been able to meet with potentials these past few weeks. Alas, not all of you will get taken."
    It was hard for her to hear. Especially given she had an Eaglestone contract in her hand just two weeks before. "I didn’t expect to get an answer straight away." 
    "It won't be long, I assure you. I'll have an answer for you by Monday." He returned to his side of the desk, opened his desk diary and picked up a fountain pen. "Let me make sure I have your contact details. I'll get in touch, either way. If we can't take you on, I'll make suggestions of other appropriate agents."
    Naomi gave her phone number and email address again and he nodded.
    "Will you still be in the city on Monday?"
    "I'll stay until I hear the verdict." 
    "Great." Once again he made a note in his diary.
    Naomi was about to file her samples away, when the door sprung open and a little boy ran in, charging at Georgio. His son, Naomi assumed.
    "Georgio!" the boy declared, as he headed across the office.
    Georgio nodded Naomi's way. "Sorry about this."
    "Not a problem," she murmured, curious.
    Georgio stood up, catching the boy as he flung himself at Georgio. "Hey, Toby, what are you doing here?"
    Toby?
    "I came in with my Dad and he has a meeting now but Mum's not here to collect me yet."
    "So you came to visit Uncle Georgio while you wait?"
    Naomi's stared at the little lad, astonished. He was Lucas's son.
    Georgio set him on his feet. He ruffled the boy's hair. It was thick and dark like his dad's. He wore a smart grey school uniform and had a leather satchel slung over his shoulder. An intense yearning lodged in Naomi's chest, some uncanny splinter of love. A need too, a need for Lucas.  What would it be like to have son like that, a child who looked like his dad, the man you loved? The question cropped up in her thoughts on seeing the boy, but it unlocked a sense of yearning in Naomi. It wasn't something she'd ever thought about before. She'd been focused on a career and stuff like having a family of