Hard to believe we have been going 5 years already. Networking Projects had progressed from a dream in Malcolm's university dorm to a computer consultancy employing nearly 100 people.
Not sure if we were establishment or still the brash new kids on the block we celebrated at the Firkin and Fowl, a trendy restaurant cum disco bar. It was an odd night. Many of the whizz kids in the company were obviously uncomfortable with the etiquette of a formal dinner. But when we went through to the disco area the tables were turned. At 34 I was about the oldest in the company and felt well out of place amidst the strobe lights and techno trance music.
I was hiding in the corner, wondering what would be least conspicuous way to leave early, when Caitlin came over. I knew her by sight; a work experience kid who had joined our customer service team about a week ago. By all accounts useless but decorative. I had even heard that there was a sweep stake running among the programmers to see who would be first into her knickers. She was obviously drunk and wearing a tiny pink skirt and a blue top that left her girly nipples protruding. I knew full well she was under age and sensed trouble looming.
"My gran wants to talk to you", she said.
"What kind of chat up line is that?" I thought. But I followed her eyes to where another party were sitting on the far side of the room. I realised she was serious when a middle aged woman made eye contact and nodded.
I went over still not sure what was going on. It turned out that the woman worked for Barnes and Turnbull, an estate agency where I had installed an intranet a couple of months ago. She had recognised me and simply wanted to make conversation. "Two fish out of water had better swim together," was her way of putting it. I bought her a drink but it was difficult to talk in the racket. She seemed pleasant enough so on the spur of the moment I suggested that we find somewhere quieter.
Outside, as we walked down Churchgate, she told me that her name was Jenny. I got my first proper look at her and tried to guess her age. She read my mind and asked, "How old do you think I am, Mark?"
I hesitated to say what I thought but she prompted me, "Go on, out with it".
"50," I replied.
"You're a genius," she said not in the least embarrassed about admitting her age to a man.
"But you don't look it," I added somewhat fatuously.