to get this rolling now, which is a big weight off my shoulders. Our timetable is dependent upon Reid being able to make some quick decisions and supply the prints we need to pass on to Bernadette. That must be the number one priority, given the lead time for organising the fabric samples. Naturally, Reid will be required to sign those off, in agreement with Bernadette. She’ll then work closely with the manufacturers producing the garments and the soft furnishings. Leonor has already confirmed that Reid’s business manager will arrange for the paintings for the general exhibition to be shipped over from London. Obviously, Carolina, if we can get hold of some photos of a few of the pieces for advertising purposes, that would be great, and I’ll press for that when Reid gets in touch.’
‘What impression did you get of him?’
‘Well, considering his fame, he came across as very friendly, motivated, and about to get focused. Which is a huge relief. This is a big deal and the exposure he’s going to get will translate into a nice little boost in sales of his paintings. Looking at the guest list for the official party, I doubt whether any of them would lose any sleep over the cost of acquiring an original by Reid Henderson. Goodness, if I could afford it, I’d love to have one of his pieces hanging on a wall, appreciating in value. It’s a sound investment. But it’s necessary to get those people in front of the actual artwork to tempt them.’
Carolina smiles at me. ‘He is a very handsome man and a true gentleman, I hear. Lots of business meetings over lunch to look forward to?’
I shoot her a glance. ‘I doubt that. He’s much too busy to be wined and dined by an event coordinator. I’m sure the directors will want to arrange a special dinner in his honour, as an expression of their gratitude. Maybe even hosted at Senhor Ferreira’s home as, naturally, the invite would also be extended to Rafael and Bernadette.’
It’s strikes me as strange how people perceive these things as being much more fun than they are when you are taking part in person. I’ve had my fair share of sitting in expensive restaurants watching my father suck up to monied people and it’s a chore.
‘Of course,’ she replies, nodding in agreement. ‘Oh, how the rich and famous live; it must be a wonderful life. I might treat myself to a print as a souvenir of this momentous occasion, but my budget will be in the hundreds, not the thousands.’
My father might not be famous, but he has money and I can vouch for the fact that it doesn’t make life wonderful at all. Well, not in the way Carolina means. I believe that happiness is a state of mind.
‘I’m sure that we can wrap up most of the detail in a couple of online meetings. But I will be curious to meet him in the flesh, as I’m sure we all will.’
‘Well, if, and I say if, you could get me a programme signed by him for my mother, I would be forever in your debt. My father bought her one of Reid’s prints for their thirtieth wedding anniversary and she adores his work.’
‘Ah, Carolina, that’s a lovely idea. I’d like to think you’d get the opportunity to ask him yourself on the day, but we’ll definitely make it happen.’
‘I’d better start working on the design for the programme then. The pressure is on to make it extra special now,’ she laughs. ‘I bet I know where you’re heading next.’
‘Yes. Senhor Ferreira is going to be delighted to hear Reid has already begun to put the collection of pieces together. Things will quickly gather momentum and that’s all the reassurance he requires for now.’
3
Not Quite the Saturday I Had Planned
It’s chilly today and the sky is a bleak shade of grey. Here inside my little workshop in the garden I’m more than content to while away my day. My not-so-little marsh sandpiper has taken shape and the task of mounting him onto a substantial platform is making me break out into a sweat. In real life, this little guy would comfortably sit within my hands and weigh no more than eighty grams. The piece I’ve dubbed Pássaro nobre – Noble bird – is seventy-five centimetres long, and sixty-centimetres wide; he’s so heavy that I need to bend my knees to lift him.
‘This isn’t quite right, is it, meu amigo?’