From Notting Hill to New York... Actually by Ali McNamara

Author:Ali McNamara
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780748128334
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
Published: 2012-11-21T22:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

‘Lot Eight: this very elegant Tiffany necklace and earrings set,’ Bradley announces from his podium, while I hold aloft the velvet case containing the jewellery.

The auction has been going incredibly well so far, and I seem to have picked up the demonstrating technique with some ease, I feel. I’ve watched them on the shopping channels often enough, displaying their goods, and it’s not so different from that, really, as I march up and down with my wares, flourishing my hands across the various lots, tickets and promises like a weatherman predicting storms and high pressure across a map of the British Isles.

Oscar, Jamie and Max had looked a mite surprised to see me when I’d first stepped nervously onto the stage beside Bradley. In fact Oscar (after he’d stopped staring at Bradley’s crotch) had mouthed the words: ‘How the hell have you managed to get up there with him?’ and proceeded to point at Bradley in what he thought was a discreet manner by masking his pointing finger with his other hand – but was in fact quite obvious to anyone standing in front of him; i.e. us up on the stage.

‘Do you know that guy?’ Bradley had asked when he’d seen Oscar pointing. ‘Only I met him earlier in the gents’ toilet. I’ve never seen anyone stand quite so long at a urinal and not pee.’

I’d looked casually across at Oscar. ‘Never seen him before in my life. I expect you get some very odd types at these events. Act like they know you and everything.’

Bradley was about to agree when Peter had taken to the stage to introduce his star guest and his new assistant for the evening. I could actually feel the pain of all the daggers being cast in my direction with looks varying between jealousy, outrage and pure evil intent from certain members of the audience, and I’d wondered if I might need a bodyguard for the rest of the night after this appearance.

But once we’d got into the swing of it, and the bids had started coming in, I’d forgotten all about my safety and concentrated on helping Bradley raise as much money as we could.

We’re just in the middle of auctioning a VIP trip for two to have dinner at the Top of the Rock when I happen to glance down in Oscar’s direction. Not only do I see the familiar faces of Max and Jamie standing next to him clutching glasses of beer now instead of champagne, but I see another face I think I recognise, though I’m not immediately sure where from. Then, when I see her laughing and chatting with Oscar, I realise who it is. It’s Jennifer, his sister.

I’ve only ever seen her properly in photos at Oscar’s house, and the only time we’ve ever come into contact – well, you couldn’t even call it that really – I was in a wardrobe and she was in a hotel room with Sean (you had to be there) and I couldn’t see her face.

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