I smile. ‘I’m totally with you there. I’m not supposed to admit this, but these parties fill me with dread. I’m much happier talking one-to-one too.’ Argh. Does that sound too cheesy? Like a bad pick-up line?

Olivia reappears at my side. ‘Right. All sorted. Now then …’

‘Olivia – this is Ria. She runs Ria Events and books locations through Redbush sometimes.’ Making an introduction. Giving them both some information about each other. Olivia will be impressed – it’s what she’s always trying to drill into me. I don’t want Olivia to whisk me off to talk to more boring men in shiny suits – I want to stay here and talk to Ria. She’s the only woman who’s spoken to me all evening, and definitely the only person I’ve met here, or anywhere recently for that matter, who I’d actually like to spend more time with.

Olivia extends her hand. ‘Ria. Lovely to meet you. Thank you for coming. I hope you’re enjoying the evening? I’m so sorry, but I’ll need you to excuse Hugo, he has to give a speech …’

‘It was lovely to meet you, Ria. I’d love to continue our conversation later,’ I say. I feel myself blush. I’m terrible at this. Was that too direct? Am I going to scare her away? Am I supposed to pretend I’m not bothered in case she thinks I’m a potential stalker? Might she even think I’m harassing her? Am I being inappropriate as she’s a client? Would she feel like she had to come for a drink with me if I asked? It’s such a minefield talking to women these days. ‘I mean, only if you’d like to …’ I bluster.

Olivia looks at her watch, clearly embarrassed for me. ‘Hugo, we need to—’

‘I’d love to,’ Ria says, to my utter amazement.

Olivia’s mouth drops open. I clap my hands together, and then silently admonish myself for doing so. ‘Great! Well, I’ll get my presentation out the way, then we can go somewhere quieter. Nicer. Just you and me. Like we were talking about a minute ago.’

She smiles shyly. ‘Yeah. That would be lovely.’

Olivia takes me by the arm and smiles tightly at Ria. ‘Will you excuse us, please?’

‘I’ll see you by the stage in twenty minutes,’ I call behind me to Ria as Olivia bustles me away.

‘What was that about?’ Olivia hisses.

‘What? Can’t I ask a girl out if I want to? I mean, ask a woman out?’

Olivia rolls her eyes. ‘Well of course you can, but this is hardly the time or the place. You’re supposed to be networking, not asking out the first female who thrusts her tits at you. You’re the boss here – there’s no need to be so grateful.’