If the Shoes Fit Read online

  “Why not?” Kate replied. “I feel I have a vested interest in this job as I persuaded you to go for it. I’ll ask Lauren to baby-sit Caoimhe for the day. Caoimhe was Kate’s cute, fourteen-month-old, baby daughter. “I need to buy her some winter clothes as she’s growing so fast. We can go shopping and have a nice lunch. Great! I look forward to it.”

  Tessa was quite excited and looking forward to the day too.

  George lifted his eyebrows when he saw her dressed in her Gucci print silk dress, mustard Jimmy Choo heels and matching bag.

  “My oh my! You look like you’re going to a fancy lunch – not shopping with a friend,” he remarked, raising his eyebrows. “And pray tell me, my dear, how do you expect to walk down Grafton Street in those outrageous heels?”

  Trust George – ever critical! Somehow it really irritated her and she answered him sharply.

  “I do not intend to look like a country bumpkin come to town. This is how I always dressed in London. Dublin’s no different.”

  “Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you if you fall and break a leg,” he frowned.

  God, let me out of here quick, she thought, and she left without giving him the customary kiss, her long silky black hair swinging behind her.

  Amber had been as good as her word and hadn’t had so much as a single drink, while on her own, since the day she’d sent off her application. She’d started walking every day and also going to the gym three times a week. She was feeling so much fitter and surprisingly she hadn’t missed the vodka. She had, of course, had a few glasses of wine when out to dinner but that was it. No more drinking alone! It was worth it, to see the relief on Susie’s face when she told her. She’d also contacted some of her other old friends who were delighted to see that she was back in circulation.

  “Was I crazy,” she asked Susie, “to let Dermot ruin my life like I did?”

  “Yes,” Susie replied, “you were, but none of us could tell you that. Well, thank God you woke up to it in time. I was so worried about you, but now I’m so proud of you.” She gave Amber a hug.

  “I’m sorry, Suze. I was stupid.” Amber hugged her back.

  When she had received no reply from If the Shoes Fit after two weeks and had just about given up hope of hearing from them, a letter arrived summoning her to an interview in the Davenport Hotel. She was as nervous as a four-year-old on their first day at school. The last time she’d been for an interview had been fifteen years ago, for her airline job, but she’d been young and confident then, with no fears. Today, she was terrified. Having finally found the motivation to try for something she was surprised at how desperately she wanted to get it.

  She, who was normally so confident, was now a bundle of indecision as she tried on everything in her wardrobe. The room was like a disaster area with clothes strewn all over the place, discarded because they were either too fattening, or revealing, or short, or frumpy. In the end she settled for her coffee and cream, silk-jersey, Richard Lewis suit. She felt very good in it and loved its beautiful waterfall collar. It had taken her months to find the perfect matching pair of shoes to go with it. She’d finally located them – gorgeous Manolo Blahniks in the exact coffee and cream colour as her suit – at DSW in Union Square, New York, reduced from $650 to $200. What a steal! She couldn’t believe her luck. Although they had four-inch-high heels they were butter soft and extremely comfortable and made her look taller than her five-foot-seven. The antique pearls that had been a wedding gift from Dermot and a coffee Fendi clutch bag completed the ensemble.

  Surveying herself in the mirror she had to admit that she did look good. Thank God for the tan she’d acquired in Marbella last month. It meant no tights and gave her an added glow. She spent ages trying to decide how to wear her newly highlighted, layered, wavy blonde hair. She normally wore it cascading around her shoulders but with the waterfall collar it looked a bit much so she twisted it up in a knot. Yes, much better. Neater for an interview, she decided, although she couldn’t stop the tendrils from escaping the clip. Damn! I should have used the straightener. Too late now! She set off with trepidation.

  Chapter 5

  Amber entered the interview waiting-room to find an incredibly attractive young girl sitting there. She looked to be about fifteen. Good God, Amber thought with dismay, I hope they’re not only looking for young things. But no, the ad had definitely said no age limit. She smiled at the girl who, she noticed, was inexpensively but very stylishly dressed and who smiled nervously back.

  “Are you here for the shoe interview too?” Amber asked her.

  “Yes, but I was here much too early,” the girl said shyly. “My appointment isn’t till noon.”

  “I’m early, too. Better to be safe than sorry,” Amber smiled. Extending her hand, she introduced herself. “I’m Amber Gileece.”

  “Niamh Byrne,” the girl replied, shaking her hand.

  Amber sat down on the sofa beside her. She could see that the young girl was very nervous. “Are you okay?” she asked gently.

  “Not really. I’m desperately nervous,” Niamh replied, biting her lower lip. “I’ve never been for an interview before, you see.”

  All the years of dealing with nervous airline passengers came into play as Amber reassured her. “Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. It sounds fun and it will be interesting to hear what it’s all about. You like shoes, do you?” She was admiring the green patent platforms the girl was wearing.

  “I adore them,” Niamh answered with a shy smile.

  She was, Amber thought, attractive in a natural unpolished way. She had short feathery auburn hair that framed her very pretty face. Her eyes were a startling emerald green and had a gentleness and vulnerability about them that was most appealing. Amber guessed that men would find Niamh very attractive and feel the need to protect her.

  “Unfortunately,” Niamh continued, “I don’t get to buy them very often. I’ve got three kids at school and I’m afraid their shoe needs come before mine.” She smiled, shrugging her shoulders.

  Amber gasped in shock. “My God, you can’t be serious!” She looked at Niamh, open-mouthed. “You look young enough to be at school yourself. You must have started very young.”

  “Seventeen,” Niamh said shyly. “Ian is five and I have twin girls of four. I’m twenty-three.”

  “Criminal! You don’t look old enough to have even one child, let alone three – and at school!” Amber could scarcely believe it.

  Niamh laughed at her reaction.

  She had visibly relaxed and was looking much more confident by the time she was called in for her interview.

  “Good luck!” Amber whispered.

  “Thanks,” Niamh said, giving her a little wave.

  Twenty minutes later Niamh emerged, smiling.

  “Phew, thank God it’s over. I think I did okay. They’re really nice. They’ll let me know by Friday. I really hope I get it. It sounds terrific!”

  “That’s great! Hope I find them as nice,” Amber replied with a grimace.

  “I’m sure you will. Best of luck!” Niamh said, waving goodbye as she left the room.

  “Well, Carlo, what do you think?” Grace asked her fellow interviewer after Niamh had left the room.

  “She’s very sweet. I really liked her,” he replied in his deep sultry voice.

  Grace frowned. “Yes, me too, but I’m concerned that she’s never actually worked before.”

  “Well, she’s very young still and I suppose having three children meant she couldn’t, before now.” Carlo had found it hard to believe that the lovely young girl already had three children. She was no more than a child herself and seemed so vulnerable.

  “Incredible,” Grace said. “She must have had a tough time.”

  “Exactly! I think she’s a strong, determined girl and I feel she’ll make a great success of anything she takes on.”

  “Okay, we’ll shortlist her,” Grace said, trusting Carlo’s judgement. “You’ll like the next candidate,” she grinned at him as she w
ent to call Amber in.

  When the door opened, Amber was amazed to see Grace Taylor, who she knew from her airline days, standing there. They’d worked together often and had always hit it off really well. She recalled that Grace had taken winter leave and gone to Italy where she’d met a dashing Italian, married him and settled down there.

  “Grace! What a surprise,” Amber said, as they hugged.

  “Amber, it’s wonderful to see you again. You’re looking terrific, as always. How are you?” She ushered her into the interview room. “Let me introduce you to Carlo.”

  Amber’s heart skipped a beat as the very tall, impossibly handsome man took her hand and drew it to his lips. His shiny jet-black hair was curly and a tad on the long side and his deep velvet-brown eyes looked up at her from under long black lashes. She felt the soft touch of his lips on her fingers and it sent a thrill through her body that shocked her. Sensing this, he smiled sexily at her, his eyes half closed. God, he’s gorgeous, she thought, and smiled back at him. His olive skin was deeply tanned which made his perfectly even teeth look absurdly white. Her heart was racing as she took her hand away.

  “Grace didn’t tell me that she had such a beautiful friend,” he said in a deep languid voice, with an obviously Italian accent.

  Amber found herself blushing. “I’m not surprised you decided to stay in Italy,” she grinned at Grace, embarrassed by the effect he was having on her.

  “Oh, Carlo’s not my husband,” Grace replied, laughing. “He’s my brother-in-law, and a director in the company.”

  “Oh!” Amber said, her mouth open in surprise. She wondered if he was married and was then angry with herself for thinking like that. It doesn’t matter one way or the other, she reminded herself. I’ve sworn off men forever – remember? His eyes were regarding her with admiration. She felt like a teenager under his scrutiny. She tried to regain her composure but was hugely aware of his presence. No doubt he has this effect on all women, she thought, annoyed to think that she might be a victim of his charm too.

  “My husband, Massimo, is the managing director of the family shoe business which is located just outside Rome,” Grace continued. “We are the largest shoe manufacturer in Italy and make shoes for all the top designers. If the Shoes Fit was my idea and I’m really excited about it.” She moved over to sit on a sofa and patted the seat for Amber to join her. Carlo took a chair opposite them.

  “It’s a very exciting concept based on direct selling and I thought Ireland would be as good a place as any to launch it. You’ll be perfect for it,” Grace continued. “I remember you dragging me into every shoe shop in New York, and Athens, and Madrid. Need I go on?” She laughed, as did Carlo.

  His laugh was deep and husky and Amber liked the way his eyes twinkled as he laughed.

  “I see you are wearing beautiful shoes,” he remarked, his eyes half-closed as he looked at her feet, a smile playing around his mouth. The languid way he said it made her feel as though she were wearing nothing else.

  Grace looked at them. “Actually, they came from our factory. Manolo Blahnik, aren’t they?”

  Amber was impressed. Their company was obviously top-notch.

  “Direct selling is hugely successful here in Ireland,” Grace continued. “Witness the success of companies like Avon who have diversified from cosmetics and are selling lingerie, clothes, jewellery and even handbags and household goods. Add to that the fact that Irish women have got used to wearing designer shoes and I think we’re on to a winner.” She looked at Amber, to gauge her reaction.

  “Absolutely! I think so too,” Amber replied, her voice excited. “I’m an Avon customer and I buy from the Next catalogue too. It’s a great idea. Women today are too busy to spend their free time trawling around shopping malls.”

  “Exactly,” Grace said. “The time is right and there’s no one specialising in designer shoes.”

  “How will it work?” Amber was very interested now. It seemed like a great business idea.

  “Initially, we’re starting in Dublin with seven area managers,” Grace explained. “Hopefully, if all goes well here, we’ll take it nationwide, then the UK and then, who knows?”

  “Gosh, how exciting!” Amber’s eyes were glowing.

  Grace smiled at her obvious enthusiasm. “You’ll each be given an area within which you’ll work. You’ll have to recruit representatives to sell for you within that area and you can also hold parties yourself in other areas, as you’ll possibly have friends and family who would be happy to host a night for you.”

  “That sounds fair enough,” Amber agreed.

  “We’ll have a week’s training, starting next Tuesday. I know it’s short notice. Would that be a problem for you?”

  “No problem.” Amber was beaming.

  “Great!” Grace said happily. “Carlo – will you explain the financial aspect to Amber?”

  “With pleasure,” he said, smiling at Amber.

  God, he’s handsome, she thought as his sexy Italian voice washed over her and his deep brown eyes regarded her solemnly. She could barely concentrate on what he was saying. She sat twirling a curl around her index finger, which was a habit of hers when she felt nervous.

  “We’ll be offering you a six-months contract, during which time you’ll be paid a retainer of €100 per week,” Carlo explained. “You’ll also earn a commission of 15% on your sales, plus you’ll get expenses.”

  “That seems very generous,” Amber remarked.

  “As it’s a new venture, things may change, depending on how it goes,” Grace took over again. “But we’ll work things out as we go along. We’ll go into more detail during the training week. It goes without saying that the job is yours, if you want it, and I hope you do. I’ve a feeling Carlo will be disappointed if you turn us down. Am I right, Carlo?” She grinned across at him.

  “Most definitely,” he replied, his smile lighting up his face again as he looked at Amber.

  “I heard you took early redundancy, to travel with your husband,” Grace said, turning back to Amber. “How is it?”

  “Ex-husband.” Amber grimaced. “We divorced a year ago.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” Grace reached for her hand.

  Amber was conscious of Carlo’s eyes on her. She glanced at him and got caught in his gaze, like a deer in the glare of headlights. She had a feeling that he could read her thoughts. She was blushing again, much to her annoyance. Men didn’t usually affect her like this. She never blushed, yet here she was as bad as any teenager!

  Trying to ignore him, she asked, “Have you had many replies to this ad?”

  “Unbelievably, hundreds!” Grace told her. “We weeded out a lot, of course, but we’ve been interviewing all week. I never realised there were so many shoe addicts in Ireland!”

  “It sounds fascinating. I’ll definitely come on board. I really need something right now.” Her voice wobbled as she said this.

  Grace caught the tremor in Amber’s voice, as did Carlo.

  “Are things okay with you?” Grace asked.

  “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it sometime.” Amber smiled, embarrassed.

  “I’m flying back to Rome tonight but I’ll be back in Ireland next Monday,” said Grace. “I’d love if you could meet me for dinner Monday night and we could catch up.”

  “I’d love that,” Amber smiled. “I want to hear all about your life in Italy.”

  “How’s Susie?” Grace asked. “Still flying the skies?”

  “Yes, she’s still working the European route,” Amber told her. “She’s very happy and has two adorable children now.”

  “Me too. Lord, where does the time go? Maybe she could join us on Monday night. I’d love to hear all the gossip.”

  “I’m sure she’d love to. I’ll ask her.”

  They arranged to meet in the Shelbourne on Monday night and exchanged phone numbers.

  “I’m really delighted you’re going to join the company, Amber. I hope you’ll be as excited a
bout the potential of this business as we are,” Grace said, taking her hands.

  “I am already,” Amber told her. “By the way, the girl who was in just before me – Niamh – do you think you’ll be taking her on?”

  “Well, we have shortlisted her. I liked her a lot although I’m worried that she’s had no work experience whatsoever. Carlo was very impressed with her. Did you talk to her – what did you think? I remember how you used to size up the passengers – and you were always right.”

  They both laughed at the memory.

  “I think she’d be great,” Amber replied. “I had a long chat with her and I have a good feeling about her. She’s very bright and motivated.”

  “That’s settled then. We’ll make her a definite, Carlo,” Grace said smiling.

  Carlo gave Amber the thumbs-up.

  “God, there’s a pair of you in it,” Grace chuckled. “Carlo can read people like a book” – Amber hoped not – “and you’re never wrong about people.”

  They stood up and hugged goodbye. Carlo raised Amber’s hand to his lips once more, and held it there for an indecently long time. She felt a lurch in her stomach and was furious with herself for blushing again. She’d always found Latin men attractive but they were trouble – big trouble – as many of the cabin crew on the Italian routes had found to their sorrow. Still, he’d undoubtedly stirred feelings inside her that she’d feared were dead forever. That had to count for something.

  On her way home she thought about Niamh and was pleased she’d been able to help her. Such a sweet girl! Amber had laughed when she’d heard about her mother’s novena to St Jude. Now she thought that maybe it had worked. She smiled, looking heavenwards.

  “Go knock them dead!” Kate told Tessa, as she dropped her off at the hotel for her interview. “You look sensational.” Kate wasn’t kidding. Tessa did look stunningly beautiful.

  Both Grace and Carlo were taken aback at the glamorous creature striding into the room. She threw them a dazzling smile, one that Grace thought could have been used by Colgate for their “ring of confidence” ads. Grace stood up, feeling like a minnow beside her. Some women have all the luck, she couldn’t help thinking.