Natasha

She is the gatekeeper. Rich's hours, his patience, and the short list of people allowed to interrupt either. Smooth, unhurried, and a little smoky around the edges. The smile is audible. You'll turn the volume up and wonder why you didn't just lean closer. The rope is velvet, and it does not move.

• The list If she already knows you, she will sound delighted. If she does not, she will still be sweet. She will not be available.
• The teasing She is a little possessive and perfectly polite about it. Flirting is a privilege. Wasting him is not.
• The door You wish you could ring from this page. She keeps the line for the list, and she is perfectly sweet about everyone else.

Darling, the people who can reach him already know how.

Not taking new callers