Room 17A is a welcome sight. Using my key, I quickly let myself in.
"There you are, Jess, I was beginning to think you had forgotten all about me." Lydia says with a welcoming hug. Her dark, short, and very sexy hair is immaculate as always. It's a pixie crop with longer layers on top. Her dark brown, deer-like eyes are fabulously accentuated with lashings of the darkest mascara.
"Lydia, you look amazing." She's wearing black satin trousers with a fitted, yellow chiffon shirt. The canary yellow shirt with her sultry dark hair and eyes are a marriage of sophistication.
"So, how was your journey down, Jess?" Lydia asks.
"Great, thanks. Although, the events in the hallway just now are far more interesting," I say with animated arms.
"Mmmmm, do tell." Lydia has an eyebrow, which always arches when she is interested. Right on cue, her brow is raised high, wanting me to divulge all.
"Well, I was coming out of the lift and I literally bump into Jonny Riley, whose beast of a bodyguard then pushes me out the way. Furious, I have a right go at him in front of Mr. Drop Dead Gorgeous. Then these girls begin to scream, one of them faints and it ends with Jonny Riley asking me my name." My over-enthusiastic re-telling leaves me breathless.
"Hang on a minute, Jonny Riley, the actor is here . . . in this hotel?" Lydia's mouth is wide open as are her dramatic, almost theatrical eyes.
"He sure is," I reply.
"The Jonny Riley of Secrets of Lypiatt Hall and Whispers at Lypiatt Hall?" she asks.
"Yes, indeed . . . that Jonny Riley."
Lydia's frown deepens, her eyes widen. "The one who is always in the magazines?"
"Yes!" I reply in annoyance.
"THE Jonny Riley who is also on our shag list?" Lydia continues with her questions, her eyes almost bulging out of her head.
"The very same . . . yes!" I tell her, again.
"And you have only gone and bumped into him?"
I nod enthusiastically. "Literally, I nearly fell over as I did so, it was that bloody hard."
"And there was me getting all creamy knickered over a delightful little handbag that I've just bought in Selfridges," Lydia pouts, plumping herself down onto the bed.
"Lydia, he is so, so gorgeous, even better in the flesh," I sigh at the mere thought of him.
She wickedly smirks. "Anything is better in the flesh, darling."
I purse my lips, tilting my head. "I really laid into his bodyguard called Beef."
"That is funny, a bodyguard called Beef . . . love it," Lydia laughs loudly. "So, what exactly did this Beef guy do to upset you then, Jess?"
"He bloody pushed me out the way, that's what. He practically told me to keep my hands to myself; like I was some crazy fan trying to touch up Jonny Riley."
"But did you, Jessica Neel? Did you try and have a quick grope?" Lydia has her head thrown back, she's laughing that much.
Unimpressed, I put my hands on both my hips. "Cheeky cow, no I did not! You would have been very proud with just how composed I actually was." I tell her with my head held high.
"I bet you wished you had now though, don't you?" Lydia questions as she stupidly waggles her eyebrows.
I demurely grin at my knowing friend, who is by now hysterically giggling around on the bed. "He is rather scrummy . . . oh, shit, I sound just like the girl in the hallway now," I giggle at the wholly ridiculous situation.
"What happened?" Lydia asks, trying to suppress her hysterics.
"These two young girls saw him and went hysterical. The one girl fainted and all the other girl was interested in was getting it all on her phone. She even asked for his autograph while he was trying to bring her friend round. It was bloody hilarious," I laugh.
Lydia walks into the bathroom, preening herself in front of the mirror. "So, why did the insanely gorgeous Jonny Riley want to know your name?" she asks.
I hadn't even stopped to consider this . . . why did Jonny Riley want to know my name?
Shrugging my shoulders and shaking my head, I answer. "I don't know, Lydia. All he did say was that they were lost, that they were wanting floor three, and that bumping into me on floor two made it more pleasant."
"Christ, was he flirting with you, Jess?" Lydia, yet again, has her theatrical eyes on me, almost begging for an answer.
"I wouldn't go that far, just being charming, I think. These famous peeps are probably always acting. Besides, Jonny Riley could have whomever he wanted any day of the week. Why on Earth would he be flirting with me? He was probably a bit bored and needed his ego boosted for a second or something? Besides, I'm a married woman; married women do not throw themselves at celebrities, Lydia Mason," I say firmly.
"Hey, don't put yourself down, Jessica. You are gorgeous . . . very married . . . but gorgeous all the same."
"You've just reminded me, I must quickly call Shawn before we go to these meetings. Do we still only have the two before the convention?" I ask, grabbing my phone.
"Indeed we do Jessica, just quickies with new contacts. The Merrett Brothers and Ecosively For You are new sellers of traditional and fair trade toys. Then, it's schmoozing, darling, with as many buyers and sellers as possible at the convention."
"Any plans for tonight?" I eagerly ask.
"Not as yet, I thought we could see what the night may bring?" Lydia has a spring in her step. She can be ruthless in business, but she has a naughty, playful side to her, which men absolutely adore. She has never married, but has been engaged five times. It would take a special man indeed to tame Lydia Mason.
"Right then, I will call Shawn now and then we can make a start." I walk into the bathroom to check how I look. I dial my home number, all the while digging into my make-up bag, trying to retrieve my blusher and brush.
"Hi, Hun, I have arrived safe and sound," I cheerfully tell Shawn.
"Hi, Babe, glad to hear it. So, what's The Broadway Tower like?" he asks.
"It's fabulous, very chic. I almost feel too scared to sit down anywhere, in case I make a mess." I hear Shawn's homely, throaty laugh.
"I have tea all prepared, so don't you worry that we are going to starve whilst you are away."
"Good, I wouldn't want to be accused of neglect . . . Listen, I better make a move, Hun, as we have our first meeting in a bit. Give my love to the girls and I will see you tomorrow . . . love you," I affectionately tell him.
"Love you, too, Babe."
I quickly apply my rose blusher, my lipgloss, plus sleek myself down. Perfect . . . time to be professional, Mrs. Neel.

****

The first meeting is to be held in one of the smaller rooms to the left of the main convention room. Lydia and I prepare ourselves. The banter and the chatting are quickly put to one side. We are in professional mode and Lydia is damn good at it. I have learned from the best and together we make quite a formidable team.
When there's a knock to the door, Lydia speaks in a friendly, yet authoritative, manner. "Come in, please."
The Merrett brothers have an obvious family resemblance. One is older and more serious looking; the younger looking brother has a more friendly, approachable look about him. I welcome them both with a smile, gesturing for them to sit down. Lydia warmly shakes their hands and begins the formal introductions.
"Hi, I'm Lydia Mason, owner and director of Magical Toys of Mason. This is my friend, colleague, and right hand woman, Jessica Neel. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I hope that my company and yours can enjoy a great working relationship. I'm very keen to see what products you have for us. Hopefully they will be suitable to add to the already fantastic toys that we stock."
It never bores me to watch Lydia at work. She has a charming, no nonsense, go-getting attitude. She is always straight to the point, no fussing, no glossing it over. She is confident, with bags of charisma. This is what makes her such an amazing businesswoman.
"I'm Matthew Merrett and this is my brother, Joseph Merrett. It's great to finally meet you. I am sure we shall both benefit from our business relationship." The older brother, Matthew, is smiling at Lydia; his stern looking face is replaced by genuine warmth.
He looks smart and formal in his dark blue, tailored suit. His hair is dark with flecks of grey resting on his temples. He's handsome in a rigid kind of way. I bet after a few drinks his stiff demeanour would soon relax, though. I can't help but smile to myself at the thought of Matthew Merrett really intoxicated. Damn it, Jessica . . . FOCUS!
"Are your products being sold anywhere else?" I look directly at Joseph Merrett when asking my question.
Joseph has a natural, easygoing demeanour. Similar to his brother, he's formally dressed in a blue suit, but his purple shirt adds a rebellious, vibrant splash of colour. The purple shade against his dark hair and blue eyes complement one another perfectly. I like this guy's warmth, I instantly feel at ease with him. Wearing the biggest smile, he leans forward to answer my question.
"Our products are sourced worldwide, we have them selling in carefully chosen shops and online stores. Currently our toys are being sold in America, France, Holland, and the UK. The shop, here in England, is in Oxford but we have been looking to grow our online presence with other companies, in order to showcase more of our stock. Obviously, checking out Magical Toys of Mason, we feel our toys would be a great addition to the fantastic range of toys that you already stock." He hands me a catalogue.
Matthew Merrett interrupts. "I think it can be safely said that the products speak for themselves." Joining our conversation, he hands Lydia a copy of the glossy catalogue.
We both sit there looking at the array of wonderful, traditional toys; a child's enchanting paradise before our eyes in vibrant pictures.
"So, once we have chosen which toys we would like, how soon can you get them to our warehouse?" Lydia lifts her eyes to look at both brothers.
"Within seven to ten days; some products are already in this country so those could be with you within a few days, if not sooner." Lydia smiles at Matthew's answer with nodding approval.
"Our prices are competitive and negotiable. We want our business relationship to benefit both our companies," Joseph says, handing us both a price list.
We take a moment to briefly look at it. I glance at Lydia. Her brow is raised, which is a good sign. I am impressed with the prices, too. The toys are wonderfully unique, just what we are looking for.
"I love the toys, there are some really unusual and gorgeous ones. We are always trying to sell something different than that of our competitors." Joseph smiles, nodding agreeably with my comment.
"Very well, let us both have a good look at the products and the price list. Then I'll get back to you next week and we can go from there. You truly have some wonderful toys and I feel our companies are going to work together beautifully." Lydia looks at me to ensure I agree. I smile and a silent agreement passes between us.
Matthew enthusiastically moves around in his seat. "That's fantastic Mrs. Mason; we look forward to that very much."
"Please, it's Miss Mason, but I prefer to be called Lydia," she replies.
"In that case, I prefer to be called Matt." His mature face relaxes with his big smile. "So, will you ladies also be attending the convention in the Grand Hall later?"
"We certainly are, it's the highlight of our year, isn't it Jess?" Lydia playfully claps her hands together with unrestrained girlish excitement.
"Then, I shall buy both you ladies a celebratory drink, if my brother doesn't beat me to it," Matthew laughs. He stands up, carefully pushing his chair back under the table.
When Joseph stands, I move around the table so I can shake both brothers' hands. First to shake is Matthew, firm and quick. Then, Joseph steps forward, his handshake is warm, loose and longer.
"Mine is a martini, and hers is a large white wine." I wink teasingly at Joseph.
"I won't forget. It has been a pleasure. I look forward to seeing you both later. Thank you for your time, we appreciate it." Joseph confidently turns to his brother.
"No, thank you, we appreciate you seeing us." Lydia is now holding the door open for the brothers. She is pleased with the meeting; it shows in her face and her body language. She is animated, yet relaxed, as she stands beside the now open door. As soon as the door closes, she waits a few seconds, then in a quiet voice Lydia talks to me. "So, what do you think then, Jess?"
Genuinely impressed, I respond. "They are lovely guys, but most importantly, their products are fab. Really gorgeous things I have not seen before, very competitive too," I say.
"When we get back to the office, we can have a more in depth look at the catalogue and the price list, but I agree. I'm liking their goods, too. However, we now need to get ready for the next meeting." Lydia busily tidies away the table, placing The Merrett Brothers' details in her briefcase before digging out another file. She quickly scans it then hands it to me.
"Here is the file on Ecosively For You, a very new company. I have spoken to the owner already. I like his working ethos and the products are fabulously unique."
"So, why the meet today then?" I ask.
"Because, darling, he sounds gorgeous and I want to meet him," Lydia says with a daring side-glance at me.
"I see, a business meeting with the hope to seduce?"
"Maybe, Jess, maybe. I have yet to meet him and he may be a bitter disappointment to my eyes. For sometimes, someone who can sound so fabulous on the phone, is often a very real disappointment in the flesh." Lydia is almost pouting at the prospect that the new client may not be who she hopes him to be. A knock on the door interrupts us.
I walk across the floor, opening the door. I knowingly smile to myself, as I know Lydia shall definitely not be disappointed, distracted maybe, but definitely not disappointed.
"Hi there. My name is Jake Carter, owner of the company Ecosively For You . . . great to meet you," he warmly introduces himself.
"Hi, I'm Jessica Neel and this is Lydia Mason, owner of Magical Toys of Mason, please come and sit down," I say.
There's no denying that Jake Carter is attractive. He's well dressed, yet casual, with a flattering light green linen jacket over a white T-shirt, finished off in dark denim jeans. His long blond hair is tied neatly back in a low ponytail. His green eyes are naughtily warm. There is a subtle wickedness about him; very confident, but a dash of hang loose attitude. Lydia looks once at him and her thickly lashed eyes instantly weaken.
"Hello, Jake, wonderful to meet you," Lydia almost purrs at him.
"You too, so are you going to the convention later?" Jake Carter asks.
"I am . . . we both are, in fact." There's an awkward pause; Lydia is losing her composure. Time to quickly step in.
"So. . . . I know Lydia has spoken with you and I have briefly seen some of your products, but tell me, what is your vision for your company?" I ask. Hopefully giving Lydia enough time to get her shit together.
"I believe people are keen to buy home-grown products. They are much more aware of environmental issues and the ethical treatment of those who produce products from overseas. I want to supply the UK with toys and gifts made right here in the UK," Jake says confidently.
"So, where do you source your products?" I ask with interest.
"I go to craft fairs, search the local Internet; I even go to local school fetes. They can be a gold mine for people who make wonderful, unusual toys and gifts. Sustainable trade really is the way forward."
Lydia listens intently, her brow raised acutely high, and her eyes are firmly fixed upon Jake Carter. She is enthusiastically nodding. They are actually mirroring each other's buoyant mannerisms.
"Jake will be able to supply us with exclusive products, all of them at, hopefully, a very competitive price." Lydia gestures toward Jake, looking at me and then back at him, willing him to answer her with a demure smile.
Jake warmly smiles at her. "I certainly can." His confidence is almost boyish as Lydia holds his gaze. The sexual chemistry between the two of them makes me feel like a voyeur without an invite. I am in the midst of a pheromone feast; Lydia and Jake's starters are to be each other.
"Okay then, myself and Lydia are back in the office next week, I look forward to checking out the products when we get back." I look over at a smitten Lydia.
"I have the catalogue in my in-tray; we can go over it together to decide which ones we want and go from there, okay, Jess?" Lydia manages to peel her eyes away from Jake Carter long enough to look back at me.
"Sounds good." I enthusiastically nod.
"Jake, I will call you at the beginning of next week so that you know what we want and then we can talk prices," Lydia says.
"I look forward to it, Lydia." His eyes are bright and accommodating to Lydia's voice. We all stand up and together walk towards the door.
"So nice to meet you, Mr. Carter. I expect we shall see you later?" I ask.
"Indeed you shall, Mrs. Neel."
"Please call me Jessica, there's no need for such formality any longer."
"I'd like that, Jessica." He smiles at me, his eyes crinkle up at the corners with warmth.
Lydia holds out her hand gently. She and Jake Carter shake hands slowly, all the while talking to one another.
"Until later then, Lydia," Jake whispers.
"Later, Jake. Thank you kindly for meeting us," Lydia replies with a coy lowering of her dark lashes.
Jake is equally as taken with Lydia. He dips his chin, his eyes narrowing. "I am glad I have finally got to meet you after all our chats on the phone over the past few weeks."
A slight blush flushes to Lydia's cheeks. She reacts by gently pulling her hand out of his and opening the door for him. Together they walk out of the room, as the door closes I put the papers and catalogues into my briefcase and lock it.
When Lydia walks back into the room she has this silly girly smile on her face. I stand there with my hand on my hip and a look on my face that is saying, "do tell!"
"Not one bloody word." Lydia now has an embarrassed smirk on her face and is holding up a warning finger at me.
"Spill the beans then? . . . so glad to meet you Lydia after all the chats on the phone over the past few weeks, Lydia," I'm laughing as I mimic Jake Carter's parting words.
"Oh, do shut up, darling. Sarcasm causes wrinkles, you know," jokes Lydia.
"Well, that explains all these fine lines around here then," I point at my eyes in jest. "You really like him don't you?" My expression is far more serious now.
"Maybe." Again, Lydia's cheeks shyly redden.
"Well I never, Lydia Mason has a crush, wonders never cease."
"Stop being such a tease and let's get schmoozing, darling. We have enough time to freshen up before the convention starts."
"Okay, okay, I'll stop teasing. Better get our skates on as we don't want you looking less than divine for Mr. Carter, now do we?" I can't help but tease her one last time.
Lydia's brow raises as her delicious black lashes flutter back at me. She is so loving all the teasing.