Page 59 of Who’s That Girl?

I turn to see Larry gesturing a cocktail-shaker.

‘Ooh, my favourite,’ cries Cindy, her face lighting up. Which is impressive, underneath all that make-up.

‘Charlene?’

‘Actually, I better not.’

‘Oh, I see. Twelve steps?’ Cindy taps her nose conspiratorially.

I look at her blankly.

‘AA,’ she says, lowering her voice as if people might be listening. ‘All our friends are in it. In fact I was saying to Larry just recently that maybe we should join. They have some fabulous benefits.’

‘Oh, no.’ I shake my head. ‘I’m just driving.’

‘That’s what they all say.’ She smiles as Larry passes her a Martini.

‘No, I really am—’

But Cindy interrupts again. ‘Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with us.’ Pressing a manicured talon to her collagen-enhanced lips, she says in a low voice, ‘Larry and I are the souls of discretion.’

‘No wine for Charlene – she’s in AA.’ Throwing her hand protectively over my glass, Cindy hollers loudly at the wine waiter, who’s circumventing the table with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. A few people at neighbouring tables turn to stare. I feel my cheeks burn.

‘Actually, I’m not—’

‘It’s OK, honey. You don’t need to explain,’ she whispers loudly, patting my hand.

I smile tightly. It’s going to be a long evening.

Two rounds of dirty Martinis later and we’ve decamped to the restaurant downstairs. Cindy insisted on bringing Foo-Foo, her miniature chihuahua, and after a tussle with the maitre d’ – ‘No dogs are allowed, madam.’ ‘Foo-Foo is not a dog, she’s my baby!’ – we were allowed to our table, under strict instructions that her ‘baby’ stays in her Fendi handbag.

‘So as I said, I’m really interested in hearing your views on the new space we’re thinking of for the flagship Star Smile clinic,’ says Larry Thompson, producing a folder and clearing a space for it on the table.

‘Yes, absolutely.’ I nod, relieved to be finally getting down to business.

‘I’ve just received an email from the designers in LA and London, regarding the interior of the clinic. We’re thinking organic, a totally new visual concept, very modern, minimalist, space-agey, sexy, but with all the latest high-spec equipment. A sort of Barbarella meets General Hospital.’

‘Right, OK,’ I say, hurriedly trying to get my head around that.

‘Obviously with the total refurbishment, we’re hoping for a launch date of late autumn, though realistically it’s probably going to be December.’

‘But that’s great,’ I enthuse. ‘That means we can really utilise that time to build up excitement and interest, raise your profile here in the UK. To an even higher degree,’ I add quickly, seeing his face twitch. ‘Launch the Star Smile brand, get a waiting list going, involve some celebrities, really build up the hype …’

‘Exactly.’ He nods, looking pleased.

‘And you said that you might want my input on deciding on the exact location …’

‘Well, we have a couple of spaces we’re currently negotiating for, both in Harley Street.’ He takes out a piece of paper from his folder and slides it towards me.

‘Of course.’ I nod, as my eyes scan it. It’s the floorplans of two offices, together with photographs and architectural drawings. ‘Right, I see. Well, they’re both large spaces, and they’ve got all the amenities you’ll need.’

‘Hmm, yes, yes.’ He’s nodding and sipping his wine.

‘And of course Harley Street is a prestigious address and renowned across the world for the best in medical services.’

Larry Thompson gives a smile of satisfaction. ‘Exactly, that’s what the location scout said, which is why we’ve been working hard on securing premises there.’

I hesitate. ‘But if you don’t mind me saying, it’s a little …’ I pause.