２  Away on Business

Switchboard operator: Bluestream Advertising. Good morning.

Steve: Could I speak to Michael Wilkinson, please?

Switchboard operator: One moment, please ... I’m sorry the line’s busy. Do you want to hold?

Steve: Er ... could you try Joanna Castle, please?

Ben: Ben Mornson.

Steve: Hello. Could l speak to Joanna Castle, please?

Ben: I’m afraid she’s in a meeting. Can I take a message?

Steve: Yes, this is Steve Newton here. I’ve got a meeting with Joanna and Michael Wilkinson at eleven thirty this morning.

Ben: Is that the Omnitour meeting?

Steve: Yes, It is. But I’m afraid my flight from Manchester’s delayed by about an hour. It doesn’t arrive until twelve o’clock now.

Ben: Twelve o'clock ... OK, Mr Newton. Thank you for letting us know. I’ll give Joanna the message.

Steve: Thanks. Bye.

Michael: Here he is now. Hello, Steve. How are you?

Steve: Fine, thanks, Mike. It’s good to see you again. Thank you for coming to meet me,

Michael: No problem. Let me introduce you to Joanna. Joanna Castle. Steve Newton, the Marketing Director of Omnitour.

Joanna: Pleased to meet you.

Steve: Pleased to meet vou, too, Joanna.

Michael: Let’s get a taxi and go straight to lunch.

Steve: Good idea.

Michael: Joanna’s our Account Director.

Steve: I see. What’s your title these days, Mike?

Michael: Creative Director.

Steve: Very impressive! How’s the family, by the way?

Michael: Very well. The kids are both at school now.

Steve: Really? How old are they?

Michael: Jasmine’s six and Billy’s eight.

Steve: Doesn’t time fly?

Michael: Is certainly does. River Street, please.

Michael: See you inside.

Joanna: OK.

Driver: That’s eight pounds fifty, please.

Michael: Could I have a receipt please?

Driver: Certainly. Here you are.

Michael: Thanks. Bye

Driver: Thank you very much. Bye

Joanna: How often do you come down to London, Steve?

Steve: Oh, two or three times a month. I usually take a train. don’t like driving long distances very much.

Joanna: I hate driving in London. It’s really awful.

Waiter: Are you ready to order?

Michael: Yes, think so, Joanna?

Joanna: I’ll have the trout, please.

Steve: The same for me.

Michael: And I’ll have the chicken.

Waiter: Would you like to order some wine?

Michael: Yes. Is white OK for everybody? There’s an excellent Chablis.

Joanna: That's fine.

Steve: Great.

Michael: Could we have a bottle of Chablis and a bottle of mineral water?

Waiter: Still or sparkling?

Michael: Still?... Still, please.

Waiter: Thank you.

Michael: OK. Shall we make a start? Steve, how can Bluestream Advertising help you?