Read Knowing Me Knowing You for Free Online Page A

make it - o h hello, now we definitely haven’t met before . I’m Miranda, Kate’s boss, ’ Miranda spoke, spotting Joel and immediately standing up to give him the full effect of her horrendously short dress.
    Kate was convinced Kate Winslet had never worn anything that short or crass to the Oscars.
    ‘ Hello, I’m Joel, pleased to meet you, ’ he spoke politely, smiling at Miranda and taking the hand she offered him.
    ‘ Likewise. Goodness, you are tall and so handsome. W here have you been hiding this one Kate? ’ Miranda asked, holding onto Joel’s hand and continuing to look him up and down.
    ‘ We met at the swimming pool, Bethan just loves going there, ’ Kate said hurriedly, fixing a smile on her face and sitting down next to Frank Peterson.
    Frank was in his late fifties. He had made his money on the stock market, had a thriving financial advisory business with offices all across Europe and was also now involved in helping African communities set up small sustainable businesses. He was a happy-go-lucky character who loved nothing more than entertaining. He was one of Kate’s favourite clients. In fact he was her only favourite client.
    ‘ Hello Kate, how are you? ’ Frank asked, grinning jovially at her.
    ‘ I’m fine thank you Frank . N o Marion tonight? ’ Kate enquired , noticing his wife was absent from the table.
    ‘ No she’s laid up my girl, had a little op on an ingrown toenail and it’s got to stay up for a week, ’ he responded.
    ‘ Oh poor her, give her my best wishes for a speedy recovery, ’ Kate said, spotting the open bottle of white wine and willing it closer to her.
    She wished she had paid more attention to Paul McKenna shows although she wasn’t sure even he could hypnotise inanimate objects.
    ‘ So this is your chap is it? Hello there, I’m Frank Peterson, ’ the president introduced himself.
    ‘ Joel Brown, pleased to meet you, ’ he replied, shaking the man’s hand and sitting down next to Kate.
    ‘ I can’t believe you’ve kept this one a secret Kate, what a dark horse you are. Anyone would think you had him manufactured he’s so perfect, ’ Miranda carried on her eyes out on stalks, unable to keep them from Kate’s date.
    ‘ I’m flattered but to be honest I’m the really lucky one, ’ Joel answered and he put his hand on top of Kate’s and held it.
    He was good. Half convincing. He obviously did this a lot. Perhaps this was going to work after all. It was a shame he wasn’t drinking . I f he got a bit drunk and dishevelled himself he might look less good looking.
    ‘ Can I get anyone some wine? Miranda? Perhaps a drink will distract you from ogling the poor fellow. I’m Colin, nice to meet you Joel, ’ Colin Sykes spoke, standing up and shaking Joel’s hand before getting more wine.
    ‘ Nice to meet you, ’ Joel answered.
    Colin was a partner in the Private Client department. He had started as a runner in the post room when he was sixteen, had been given a training contract at twenty and worked his way up. Now he was listed as a leader in his field in the Chambers guide. Unfortunately, although he was successful and loaded, he was also balding, skinny and had a nose the size of Luxembourg .
    ‘ Could I have some wine please Colin? ’ Kate asked, pushing her glass nearer to the bottle he was offering.
    ‘ Of course - so are you getting nervous? ’ Colin asked, smiling at Kate as he poured the liquid into her glass.
    ‘ Nervous? ’ Kate queried , picking up her drink and taking a much needed sip.
    ‘ About the contest. Very good of you to volunteer, you’re a braver person than I, ’ Colin continued.
    ‘ I’m sorry Colin , I’m not sure what you’re talking about . W hat have I volunteered myself for? Frank, you don’t need me to sell raffle tickets again do you? ’ Kate asked with a smile at her client.
    ‘ No my girl, the contest on stage . It’s my treat for ever yone here after I bored you all rigid with the slide show last