“Well, if you insist.” I felt like throwing my arms around the guy and kissing him. “One steak sandwich it is.”

At which point, a stunning actor/waiter sidled up to our table. Like the hostess, he shot Stan a high-wattage smile. Something about Stan simply radiated importance. I, on the other hand, in spite of my Prada and Manolos, wasn’t fooling anybody. The gang here at the Gardens instinctively knew me for the poseur that I was.

“Hi, I’m Phineas,” the waiter said, still beaming at Stan, “and I’ll be your server today.” He reeled off the list of Today’s Specials with all the intensity of Hamlet yakking at Yorick’s skull.

“We’ll have two steak sandwiches,” Stan said when he was through.

“Wonderful choice!” Phineas gushed.

“And how about we split a tiramisu for dessert?” Stan said to me.

Was this the boss from heaven, or what?

“Sounds great!”

Phineas whisked off to get our food, barely restraining himself from leaving a head shot and resume in Stan’s lap.

“So,” Stan said when he was gone, “tell me about yourself, Jaine.”

I put on my tap shoes and launched into my usual spiel, telling him about the work I’d done for Toiletmasters (In a Rush to Flush? Call Toiletmasters!), Ackerman’s Awnings (Just a Shade Better), and Tip Top Dry Cleaners (We Clean for You. We Press for You. We Even Dye for You.) I wished I had classier accounts to talk about, but Stan seemed interested.

After a while, Phineas showed up with our steak sandwiches. We devoured them with gusto, and afterwards, Stan looked through my book of writing samples. When he was finished, he shut the book and popped the last of his fries in his mouth.

“Frankly, Jaine, I was looking for someone with a bit more experience on national accounts.”

My heart sank. Oh, well. I had to look on the bright side. At least I got a steak sandwich out of the deal.

“On the other hand,” he said, grinning, “I like the way you write.”

He liked the way I wrote! Maybe I had a shot at this gig, after all.

“So the job is yours if you want it.”

“Oh, yes! I’d love it.”

Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get any more divine, Phineas showed up with what had to be the creamiest tiramisu this side of Tuscany.

“Perfect timing,” Stan said. “Let’s celebrate.”

I picked up my fork and was just about to plunge it into the delectable confection when Stan asked, “Don’t you want to know what the assignment is?”

“Oh, right. Sure. The assignment.”

In my excitement over the tiramisu, it had sort of slipped my mind.

“It’s a brand new product launch. I think you’ll be perfect for it. I’ve got all the facts here in my attaché case.”

He reached down to get his case and frowned.