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after Katie was born. It wasn’t really what she’d wanted to do, but she was happy to have a job in a place where the people were nice and didn’t mind a baby in the corner. So she’d stayed and become part of the company, helping Pat Parfitt with everything from organising label printing to invoicing suppliers. Things changed when Parfizz started selling again. There was a pay rise and with Pat’s son, Liam, they were turning the company around. Finally work had become more than just a job. But now this ad ban. From a government that claimed it supported small business. Vanessa put her head in her hands.
    â€˜Hi.’ Liam Parfitt was suddenly in the doorway, looking as if he’d been up all night.
    â€˜You’ve got Weet-Bix on your shirt,’ said Vanessa.
    â€˜It was porridge this morning.’ He grinned.
    One of the things Vanessa liked most about Liam was that he always seemed to be in a good mood. Like his father Pat, he seemed to have missed out on the grumpy gene. ‘I’m amazed you can see me behind all this,’ she said, waving a hand over the bulging in trays. ‘I thought computers were meant to put an end to this kind of mess.’
    Liam shrugged. ‘I’ve bought you a present.’
    â€˜A secretary?’
    â€˜No. Something better.’ From behind his back he produced a bottle containing a green and red swirly liquid. In his other hand he held two glasses with ice. Using his forearms, he cleared a space on the desk. He pulled a bottle opener from the back pocket of his jeans.
    â€˜Merry Christmas,’ he said.
    â€˜Er – it’s October,’ said Vanessa. ‘And this could be the last drink Parfitt’s ever produce. I don’t know if I feel like celebrating.’
    â€˜Well, if that happens, let’s go out with a bang, not a whimper.’ He poured and Vanessa watched, amazed as it fizzed and swirled then settled again into its green and red diagonal stripes.
    It was the drink Liam had been working on all year. He’d kept it secret and now Vanessa knew why.
    â€˜That’s incredible.’
    â€˜I know. Dad had the idea for something like this years and years ago. He was fiddling about with a formula, but it never worked for him.’
    â€˜How did you do it?’
    â€˜I didn’t. But Carole Beauchamp loved the idea and got some of her product development people in the States onto it. It turns out Dad was closer than he thought. It’s all to do with the different concentration of bubbles in each colour.’
    â€˜Wow.’
    â€˜Amazing, isn’t it! If it takes off, and Carole thinks it will, she might roll it out globally next year. I just wish Dad was around to see it.’
    â€˜Yes, but I think wherever he is, he’d be proud.’
    â€˜I think so too. Now, has Katie come up with a name yet?’ They had told her there was a Christmas drink in development.
    â€˜I don’t know, let’s ask her tonight.’
    â€˜She’s okay about me and the kids coming over?’
    â€˜Of course. Katie’s always liked you.’
    â€˜Yes – as Pat’s son. But this is different.’
    â€˜She’ll be fine. We’ll be talking about the new product, anyway. Katie’s always happy when it’s business.’ Vanessa lifted her glass to the light. Then she took a sip. ‘It tastes . . . Christmassy.’
    The phone rang and she put it on speaker. ‘Parfitt Family Soft Drink Company. Vanessa Crisp speaking.’
    â€˜Caesar Maxwell here. Put me on to your boss please, darl.’
    Vanessa and Liam looked at each other. Liam had to swallow his drink quickly, before he laughed.
    â€˜Ah, I’m the General Manager,’ said Vanessa. ‘That makes me the boss, I suppose. Can I help you?’
    There was muttering. Then a cough. ‘Well, it’s Caesar Maxwell .’
    The name rang a bell. Vanessa raised her eyebrows. Liam shook his