I sit quietly with a small cup of takeaway tea and a croissant.

'This is very different from my office,' I think, to myself. 'In my office there is just me and some unopened mail.'

I bite into my croissant and notice a homeless man outside. He is shuffling around, looking at his feet, and he glances inside. I stop chewing my croissant. It feels rude.

'Danny?'

I look up. It is the important man's assistant, who has come to collect me.

Imagine having an assistant! I think, as we walk through the building together. You'd be able to get all sorts of assistance with things. You could say, 'Quick! I need some assistance!' and be guaranteed to receive it. I bet they never have any unopened mail lying around the place. Maybe I should try and be important enough to have an assistant.

In every office we pass, there are more important people, being important, and being assisted by their assistants. I am jealous. Finally we arrive at the office of the important man I'm here to meet.

'Please do take a seat,' says the assistant. 'He'll be here in just a second. And help yourself to a pastry!'

She says this with joy in her voice and indicates a plate of them. She hovers by the door, waiting for me to take one, but I've just finished my croissant, and I don't really feel like another. She looks disappointed.

'I'll have one in a moment,' I promise, but the door has closed.

I stare at the pastries in silence.

The door opens and in strides the important man.

'Danny!' he says, and we shake hands. 'Have you had a pastry yet?'

'I haven't!' I say. 'I just finished one of my own.'

'Oh,' says the man. 'Well - have another one!'

'I'm fine,' I say, patting my tummy and making a satisfied face, to show that I am satisfied, and that I have a tummy.

'They're very good pastries,' says the man, raising his eyebrows and pushing the plate slightly towards me. 'Freshly made. Bought especially for this meeting!'

'Please don't let me stop you,' I say, generously. 'Do please feel free to eat one yourself!'

'Well, you first,' he says. 'I had quite a big breakfast!'

'Well, maybe I'll have one when you have one!' I say.

We are both being very jolly about things but it is clear that there is a certain tension growing. This is becoming some kind of pastry-off.

'Come on,' he says, picking up the plate. 'I insist.'

'I really couldn't,' I say, quite firmly, and holding up my hands.

There is an awkward moment. Suddenly, the important man's voice lowers. His eyes dart nervously towards the door.