In the bright light of a dressing room, his legs wide apart and hands on his hips, Robert was trying to figure out: What to choose? Which accents will be right today? Thats the million-dollar question He began to examine the racks of clothes methodically, his feet sinking into the light cream carpet covering the floor of the room. On the left side, on white shelves up to the ceiling, there were all kinds of colourful sweaters, turtlenecks and jeans, tweed trousers and cotton clothing. A row of closed shelves separated a large compartment with casual shoes, containing sneakers and running shoes, flip-flops and boots. Robert was critically examining his reflection in the mirrors in the central part of the dressing room. Regular work-out over the past two years had done their job. He was slim and fit, in good shape. But not over-dried and, even more important, not pumped up. Not too much and just enough. I think its the right way. But, of course, we will go on exercising. His gaze moved on. A compartment with shirts in two long rows: white, light blue and various shades of blue on top, several light grey and pink; from belowin variegated colours with all sorts of prints, from classic paisley to trivial checkered shirts. In another divider, all kinds of accessories were storedties, bow ties, various belts, scarves and so onThen again a large row with shoes, but this time of more reserved shades when occasions demand so. The second to last compartment contained multiple suits and dinner jackets. The sanctuary of the owners style was rounded out by a wardrobe with outdoor pieces, jackets and coats, down jackets, sheepskin coats and all kinds of winter clothing items. I dont think Im going to need a hat today.
Whats the weather like today, Joe? Robert asked his digital assistant.
Robert, its going to be great weather in Central London today. Its sunny all day. Now the temperature is 19 degrees. During the day, the maximum temperature will reach 26 degrees.
Good. And what would you advise me to put on, Joe?
Unfortunately, Robert, Im not ready to help you with that. I can find the contacts of a stylist who will be useful to you with a wardrobe. Should I complete this task for you?
No, Robert replied thinking, I dont need a stupid stylist with a loopy advice, what I need is an image verified to the smallest detail that does the job.
Okay. Lets be logical. The meeting is rather semi-formal. Although, of course, it is important. A café full of tourists does not imply the expediency of a suit. Its hot outside. Brown shoes, blue jeans with a brown belt, light brown polo. Pink socks will emphasize a liberal mood. A watch. Which watch to wear?
So, lets see what we have here Robert came up to the shelf on the right and pulled out one of the drawers. In each cell of a large rectangular wooden pallet there were watches: mechanical, golden, steel, with straps made of leather or steel, sporty, with precious stones, round, square, rectangular, plastic The electronic watch faces, powered by a wireless charger built into the box, were showing the synchronized time "07:44".
Its so much stuff in here What to choose?! Robert carefully examined the rows of watches, matching the thought out style for the upcoming meeting with an important accessory.
I dont know Ill make a neutral choice. An electronic watch in a gold case. Let it be so.
Joe, whats the temperature in this room? Im a little hot.
Robert, the current temperature set in the dressing room is 23 degrees, the assistant replied. Shall I make it one degree lower to 22?
Yes, please.
All right, Robert. Thank you.
Having dressed, Robert critically examined himself in the mirror:
Theres something wrong about all this. Stupid shoes. Need them more casual, but also brown. These classics are too pretentious. The belt doesnt fit either. Need a simpler one.
What do you think, Joe? How, is it? Everything OK or should I fix something?
Robert, please specify what you mean.
I see.
Robert went down to the living room on the ground floor, where Antonio was relaxing on the sofa. Frames of the morning news show were changing on the screen on the wall. The guest in the studio was trying to be convincing while explaining something to the host in the studio, who, apparently, was not very happy with the direction the conversation was taking.
What kind of a weasel is that man, Antonio? Robert asked.
Who knows. I have no idea. Anyway, it is important for me to understand how the presenter will carry on with him. It is quite possible that we will also need to get into the program. So Im trying to read it, Antonio picked up the communicator and started making notes.
Look at meis everything all right?
Whats the matter, Robert? Antonio turned to him. Oh. I see. Antonio got up from the sofa and walked over to his boss, examining him from head to toe. Well, I can tell you, I think everything is fine. Although Wait rather, you know, too good. Its too proper or something. We need a slight imperfection. Maybe let the polo out of the jeans? Eh?
No, it would be too informal.
Well, actually, yes. I agree, Robert. Then heres what. I know. We need to change the watch. Keep it simple and out of place.
Robert looked at the chosen watch:
Okay. Good. Then, the best choice is up to you.
Of course, in a moment, Antonio replied and went into the dressing room. As you know, every detail is important in our business! climbing the stairs, he shouted out.
So its exactly the problem, that I know muttered Robert.
Barel, who was sitting in the kitchen and reading the news, looked at the boss, distracted by their conversation with Antonio:
Good morning, boss, he said in a loud voice.
Oh, hello, Barel. I didnt notice you. Everything OK?
Well, yes. Its all good. The weather is great today.
Now, thats fine, Barel. Were going for a little walk today.
Yes, boss. Meeting with the Chinese guys at 12:30?
So it is.
What do you prefer, bossby tube or by capsule?
It will be hot on the tube. Well drive somewhere closer to the meeting place. And then Ill walk. And you have to stay in the car, Barel. Ill go with Antonio.
Barel looked at Robert:
If I must, then I must, boss. Whatever you say. Anyway, Ill be there. I think there shouldnt be any problems.
Im positive too. But, as our old friend used to say, the best improvisation is prepared improvisation.
He was right, your friend, boss.
Robert smiled.
Parliament
Barel, having made sure that everyone was in place and ready to go, took a seat on the first row in the capsulethe car smoothly started accelerating. On the control panel, he double-checked the route and microclimate settings for the drive. Everything as Robert prefers: 22 degrees, active filtration and ionization of the intake air, noise reduction and silence in the cabin. Then, his task was to look around and to not interfere.
Robert, should I go through the main points of the conversation as weve outlined it? Antonio asked.
Listen, everything is going to be as usualno matter how many times you repeat, nothing will go according to the plan.
This is, of course, true. But the key issues should be worked out in any case.
I do remember everything perfectly, Antonio. Dont you worry. Last night I double-checked everything and thought it through again.
All right, boss. Whatever you say.
He calls me boss when he feels hurt or when hes nervous, Robert thought. Everything all right with my fishes? Have they sorted it out among themselves or are they yet pretending to be civilized, he plunged into thoughts, looking at the houses in the streets of London on their way.
A new page in his life history opened with London. Roberts parents decided to try their luck in the States in the middle of the 21st century, emigrating from the UK to Los Angeles. As it sometimes happened to the middle class English aristocracy, the inheritance received by his mother did not provide even for paying utility bills in their estate, not to mention the maintenance of the ancestral nest at the adequate level. His mother was convinced of her innate artistic talents, but she believed that European venues would be too cramped for herand it was not for her pure-blood baroness status, to measure herself against the so called local élite, as she used to say, asserting herself. A different matter altogether was the Olympus of Hollywood, with its boundless potential of studios that have written their names into the walk of fame of the world film industry. In the end, the house was sold, and they left for the west, full of new expectations. She was deeply and genuinely surprised though with things going wrong there, in the New World as well. To be fair, for the rest of the Richardson family, who remained to languish on the ever foggy island, the news from the other side of the Atlantic was not a surprise. The newcomers had to move to the suburbs of Los Angeles, Emily began working as a sales assistant in a local shop, and her father, never finding himself in the new world, could not stand new challenges and took to drinking. Roberts uncle, Emilys brother, who remained at home in England, managed to get back on his feet and achieved a certain position. He was well versed in marketing and being a good psychologist found his vocation as an excellent PR man, combining in his practice an understanding of the laws of perception and clients business interests. Later he opened his own agency in London. It was Uncle Oliver who invited his young nephew to London and agreed to pay for his studies at one of the best business schoolsOxford University. There was only one single conditionhaving graduated, Robert had to join his uncles team and develop the company together with him. Later, however, other circumstances of the deal came to light, which Robert did not suspect initially. Finding himself in the middle of the capital for the first time as an adult, Robert fell in love with its imperial greatness, inspired by the history of great conquests, financial ambitions and achievements, political intricacies. To a young man who grew up in the City of Angels, London appeared to be one of the pillars of the modern world.