Janice welcomed her at the door and escorted her to Oscar’s library. At first, Christina was so stunned, she couldn’t remember why she was here. All those books! And the flickering fire and the plump, inviting leather chairs!

“Oh, my goodness,” Christina said. “This room is heaven! I could stay here forever!”

Oscar was sitting behind a massive desk, shuffling through papers. “Yes,” Oscar said. “I like it.”

His businesslike tone brought Christina to her senses. She regretted having spoken so impulsively. She switched into her efficient, professional mode.

“Oscar, Mr. Bittlesman, I’d like to talk with you about—”

“What’s your poison?” he demanded.

“What?”

Oscar’s mouth twitched in amusement. “I asked you what you would like to drink. I prefer Scotch.”

“I’d like a glass of wine. Red or white, whatever is easiest. Or prosecco, but you probably don’t have that. I can have Scotch.” Christina wanted to clamp her mouth shut with her hands to stop her nervous blathering.

Oscar shot her a sour look. He pressed an intercom. “Janice, I’d like my Scotch now, please. And Miss Antonioni would like a glass of wine. She doesn’t know what kind she likes, so I’ll let you decide for her.”

Oh, Lord, Christina thought.

He gestured to a small sofa. “Sit down.”

Christina sat. Oscar continued to work on his papers, so Christina waited patiently, hoping to keep in the man’s good graces.

Janice entered with two glasses on a tray. She took a glass of white wine to Christina and a beautiful Waterford tumbler half-filled with amber liquid to Oscar. She left the room quietly.

“Cheers,” Oscar said, raising his glass.

“Cheers!” Christina replied, suddenly hopeful that this change in Oscar would predict a good meeting.

“Now. What did you come to talk about?” Oscar asked.

Before she could answer, the door flew open and Wink zoomed in.

“Christina! I didn’t know you were here.”

“I’m here for a business talk,” Christina told the little girl.

“Oh, good!” Wink looked at her grandfather. “I’m learning all about business!”

“In that case,” Oscar said, “you may stay here as long as you keep quiet. This conversation is between adults.”

Wink perched on a chair, folded her hands in her lap, and solemnly nodded.