So I absolutely couldn’t believe it when Ria approached me at the party. It was a work party, and I hadn’t wanted to go, even though it was a party thrown by my company so, by extension, a party hosted by me – not that I had any hand in organizing it beyond signing the cheques. I’m not very good at events, but my brilliant PA Olivia says that, as the owner of the company, I have to go to these things. I don’t really see why – I think if anything, my social ineptitude is likely to put people off using my company rather than encourage them to do so. Olivia is beautiful and clever and always knows what to say, so personally I think it would be better if she did all the socializing for me, but no. That’s not how it works. Not according to Olivia, anyway.

‘Clients like the fact that we’re a small company with a real face – your face,’ she says. ‘When they book a holiday through you, they feel they’re getting personal service.’

‘But I don’t have anything to do with the clients. I certainly don’t book their holidays for them. Most of them do it online now, anyway.’

She tuts and rolls her eyes. ‘Stop being so literal. You know what I mean.’

I don’t, but experience has taught me there’s no point arguing with Olivia.

My driver takes us to the party – this one is at the Natural History Museum. At least if I get stuck for something to talk about with the clients, I can comment on the exhibits. Everyone likes the big blue whale, but many liked the dinosaur better. I wonder if Olivia had that in mind when she booked the place – a ready-made conversation piece. She knows I am useless socially and makes allowances for me. I don’t know what I’d do without her.