This interview was conducted before the events in Lizzie’s Surprise. Colin was asked the same questions as Lizzie. He's a busy man, so he's not particularly chatty!
Lily: Good afternoon, Mr. Blake. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today.
Colin: My pleasure. I’ve a full schedule this afternoon so if we could get to it …
Lily: Of course. Your assistant warned me that you’re busy, so I’ll get started. Who was the last person you held hands with?
Colin: Pardon? What sort of interview question is that? I assumed we’d be discussing the Blake Foundations recent efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lily: I’m sure I told your assistant this would be a less traditional interview, so … Who was the last person you held hands with?
Colin (after expelling a heavy sigh): Likely my daughter, Victoria, but not since she was nine or ten. Pity that.
Lily: They grow up too fast, don’t they? Are you loud, outgoing, or shy?
Colin: I prefer reserved.
Lily: Noted. But not loud or outgoing?
Colin: I’m the CEO of a multinational corporation, so I must at least appear sociable, even if I’m not. And coming from quite a large family, it was sometimes necessary to be loud.
Lily: Alright. Who are you looking forward to seeing?
Colin: No one in particular.
Lily: Okay. Hmm … not even your daughter?
Colin: Well yes, of course, I always look forward to seeing her, but as she’s away at school, that won’t be for several weeks.
Lily: Oh, that's a shame. I’m sure you miss her. Are you easy to get along with?
Colin: Not always, no.
Lily: Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to her?
Colin: Never.
Lily: And, I’m guessing you’re not going to elaborate on that one. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?
Colin: There is no person.
Lily: So that’s a no. You, know Mr. Blake …
Colin: Just Colin.
Lily: Okay, Colin. You can feel free to elaborate, you know. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?
Colin: No.
Lily: Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?
Colin: Do you always ask such personal questions?
Lily: Yes.
Colin: Very well. I am the lone male in a family of women, so it’s likely one of them. But nothing romantic.
Lily: Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?
Colin: Bloody hell! Next question.
Lily: So that’s a yes, then. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Colin: My sister, Nora.
Lily (mutter under her breath): What does your most recent text say?
Colin (pulls out his phone, reads the screen, and rolls his eyes): My stunning date has a friend in town and doesn't want to abandon her. Join us for cocktails? That would be from Court. And no, I’m not going, but I did send backup.
Lily: I’m sure Court appreciates that. Next question, name the most famous person you’ve had a face-to-face encounter with.
Colin (colors slightly): Her Majesty, the Queen.
Lily: Wow. Yeah, you can’t get much more famous than the Queen! Do you like big crowds of people?
Colin: I prefer smaller gatherings, but my job does require a certain amount of socializing.
Lily: Do you believe in luck and miracles?
Colin: I’ve always believed we create our luck.
Lily: What good thing happened to you last summer?
Colin: A proper holiday with my daughter.
Lily: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Colin: Not a chance.
Lily: Do you think there is life on other planets?
Colin: It’s likely.
Lily: Do you still talk to your first crush?
Colin: No. (Notices Lily’s glare.) I don’t even recall her name, but she was French.
Lily: Do you like bubble baths?
Colin (shakes his head and laughs): I reckon I haven’t had once since I was a very small lad, so I don’t recall.
Lily: Fair enough. Do you like your neighbors?
Colin: My neighbor is my best mate, Court, so yes.
Lily: What are your bad habits?
Colin (drums his fingers on the desk): fine Scotch, Cuban cigars, and … my Mum tells me I’m a bit impatient.
Lily: Well if Mum says it, it must be true! Where would you like to travel?
Colin: As I constantly travel for work, it’s not something I often choose to do for pleasure.
Lily: Okay, that makes sense. Do you have trust issues?
Colin: Yes.
Lily: Care to elaborate?
Colin: Not particularly.
Lily (shrugs): I’ll find out eventually. Favorite part of your daily routine?
Colin: A fine cigar and a glass of Scotch at the end of the day.
Lily: What body part are you most uncomfortable with?
Colin: Can’t say that I’m uncomfortable with anything.
Lily: What do you do when you wake up?
Colin: First thing? Check email to determine if there is anything that requires my attention.
Lily: Is there anything you’d like to change about your appearance?
Colin: Curly hair can be a bit … unruly.
Lily: It’s sexy. An interesting contrast to the tailored suits. Who are you most comfortable around?
Colin: Court and Lance.
Lily: Have any of your exes told you they regret breaking up?
Colin: No.
Lily: Do you ever want to get married?
Colin: I’ve already been married.
Lily: But do you want to get married again?
Colin: It’s unlikely.
Lily: That’s not an answer.
Colin: Possibly. Is that more acceptable?
Lily: It’ll have to do. Here’s a fun one! Is your hair long enough for a ponytail?
Colin (shakes his head): You can see that it’s a bit long as I’ve just returned from an extended business trip.
Lily: Which celebrities would you like to make love with?
Colin (snorts): You’ll have to forgive me, but I’m not well-versed in pop culture, and I can’t recall the last time I went to the cinema.
Lily: Oh, come on! There has to be someone.
Colin (thinks for a minute): I met Kate Winslet at a charity event. She’s quite lovely.
Lily: So you like a girl with some curves. Hmm. Interesting. Would you rather win a million dollars in the lottery or never have to pay for anything again?
Colin: I don’t need either, but if I have to choose …
Lily: You do.
Colin: I’d win the million dollars and donate the lot to charity.
Lily: Of course you would. Your reputation as a philanthropist is legendary. Do you play sports?
Colin: No time, but I did play cricket, rugby, and football in school.
Lily: Would you rather live without TV or music?
Colin: Television.
Lily: Have you ever liked someone and never told them?
Colin: I imagine everyone has.
Lily: What do you say during awkward silences?
Colin: I don’t say anything as I don’t find silence particularly uncomfortable.
Lily: Do you think age matters in relationships?
Colin: Not particularly. I know couples with significant age differences who are ideally suited and others who are the same age who aren’t. It’s more a matter of connection, isn’t it?
Lily: I agree. What are your favorite stores to shop in?
Colin: There’s a cigar shop in London just down the block from my office that I frequent regularly.
Lily: What did you want to do after you left school?
Colin: Precisely what I’m doing, growing Blake Enterprises and staying committed to the Foundation.
Lily: You’re a lucky man, then. Do you think everyone deserves a second chance?
Colin: Yes, I like to believe that everyone is capable of change.
Lily: Something tells me you’re thinking of someone specific, but I won’t press. If you're extremely quiet what does it mean?
Colin: I’m likely formulating a plan.
Lily: Do you smile at strangers?
Colin: No. Do you reckon I should?
Lily: With those dimples? Hell, yeah! Trip to outer space or the bottom of the ocean.
Colin: Can’t I do both?
Lily: Since you can afford it, why not? Do you want a roommate?
Colin: No.
Lily: What are you paranoid about?
Colin: Nothing.
Lily: Yes, you’re too self-assured for paranoia. What was the meanest thing that someone ever said to you?
Colin: That I looked like a girl.
Lily: And the nicest?
Colin: When my daughter tells me she loves me.
Lily: Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about?
Colin (frowns): Have you heard something?
Lily: Nope. So maybe you’re a little paranoid about people learning your secrets?
Colin: Perhaps. I negotiate sensitive deals every day, and there are often details that we don’t want to be disclosed.
Lily: Ah. You’re all about business, aren’t you? Last question, what language do you want to learn?
Colin: I should probably learn Mandarin and Japanese, and I’m currently studying Turkish …
Lily: Turkish? That’s random! But the question wasn’t should; it was want …
Colin: Right. Turkish is an immediate business need. And if I could choose to learn a language? Italian.
Lily: So do it.
Colin: Perhaps someday. You will provide a transcript of this interview to my assistant before publication, correct? Court will want to review it.
Lily: As agreed. Thanks for your time and Colin?
Colin: Yes?
Lily: Maybe this is an opportunity for you to make time to have a life outside the office.
Colin: Perhaps. It’s unlikely to happen, but it’s a lovely idea. Cheers.
Lily: Good afternoon, Mr. Blake. Thank you for agreeing to speak with me today.
Colin: My pleasure. I’ve a full schedule this afternoon so if we could get to it …
Lily: Of course. Your assistant warned me that you’re busy, so I’ll get started. Who was the last person you held hands with?
Colin: Pardon? What sort of interview question is that? I assumed we’d be discussing the Blake Foundations recent efforts in sub-Saharan Africa.
Lily: I’m sure I told your assistant this would be a less traditional interview, so … Who was the last person you held hands with?
Colin (after expelling a heavy sigh): Likely my daughter, Victoria, but not since she was nine or ten. Pity that.
Lily: They grow up too fast, don’t they? Are you loud, outgoing, or shy?
Colin: I prefer reserved.
Lily: Noted. But not loud or outgoing?
Colin: I’m the CEO of a multinational corporation, so I must at least appear sociable, even if I’m not. And coming from quite a large family, it was sometimes necessary to be loud.
Lily: Alright. Who are you looking forward to seeing?
Colin: No one in particular.
Lily: Okay. Hmm … not even your daughter?
Colin: Well yes, of course, I always look forward to seeing her, but as she’s away at school, that won’t be for several weeks.
Lily: Oh, that's a shame. I’m sure you miss her. Are you easy to get along with?
Colin: Not always, no.
Lily: Have you ever given up on someone, but then gone back to her?
Colin: Never.
Lily: And, I’m guessing you’re not going to elaborate on that one. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you?
Colin: There is no person.
Lily: So that’s a no. You, know Mr. Blake …
Colin: Just Colin.
Lily: Okay, Colin. You can feel free to elaborate, you know. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now?
Colin: No.
Lily: Who from the opposite gender is on your mind?
Colin: Do you always ask such personal questions?
Lily: Yes.
Colin: Very well. I am the lone male in a family of women, so it’s likely one of them. But nothing romantic.
Lily: Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable?
Colin: Bloody hell! Next question.
Lily: So that’s a yes, then. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with?
Colin: My sister, Nora.
Lily (mutter under her breath): What does your most recent text say?
Colin (pulls out his phone, reads the screen, and rolls his eyes): My stunning date has a friend in town and doesn't want to abandon her. Join us for cocktails? That would be from Court. And no, I’m not going, but I did send backup.
Lily: I’m sure Court appreciates that. Next question, name the most famous person you’ve had a face-to-face encounter with.
Colin (colors slightly): Her Majesty, the Queen.
Lily: Wow. Yeah, you can’t get much more famous than the Queen! Do you like big crowds of people?
Colin: I prefer smaller gatherings, but my job does require a certain amount of socializing.
Lily: Do you believe in luck and miracles?
Colin: I’ve always believed we create our luck.
Lily: What good thing happened to you last summer?
Colin: A proper holiday with my daughter.
Lily: Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
Colin: Not a chance.
Lily: Do you think there is life on other planets?
Colin: It’s likely.
Lily: Do you still talk to your first crush?
Colin: No. (Notices Lily’s glare.) I don’t even recall her name, but she was French.
Lily: Do you like bubble baths?
Colin (shakes his head and laughs): I reckon I haven’t had once since I was a very small lad, so I don’t recall.
Lily: Fair enough. Do you like your neighbors?
Colin: My neighbor is my best mate, Court, so yes.
Lily: What are your bad habits?
Colin (drums his fingers on the desk): fine Scotch, Cuban cigars, and … my Mum tells me I’m a bit impatient.
Lily: Well if Mum says it, it must be true! Where would you like to travel?
Colin: As I constantly travel for work, it’s not something I often choose to do for pleasure.
Lily: Okay, that makes sense. Do you have trust issues?
Colin: Yes.
Lily: Care to elaborate?
Colin: Not particularly.
Lily (shrugs): I’ll find out eventually. Favorite part of your daily routine?
Colin: A fine cigar and a glass of Scotch at the end of the day.
Lily: What body part are you most uncomfortable with?
Colin: Can’t say that I’m uncomfortable with anything.
Lily: What do you do when you wake up?
Colin: First thing? Check email to determine if there is anything that requires my attention.
Lily: Is there anything you’d like to change about your appearance?
Colin: Curly hair can be a bit … unruly.
Lily: It’s sexy. An interesting contrast to the tailored suits. Who are you most comfortable around?
Colin: Court and Lance.
Lily: Have any of your exes told you they regret breaking up?
Colin: No.
Lily: Do you ever want to get married?
Colin: I’ve already been married.
Lily: But do you want to get married again?
Colin: It’s unlikely.
Lily: That’s not an answer.
Colin: Possibly. Is that more acceptable?
Lily: It’ll have to do. Here’s a fun one! Is your hair long enough for a ponytail?
Colin (shakes his head): You can see that it’s a bit long as I’ve just returned from an extended business trip.
Lily: Which celebrities would you like to make love with?
Colin (snorts): You’ll have to forgive me, but I’m not well-versed in pop culture, and I can’t recall the last time I went to the cinema.
Lily: Oh, come on! There has to be someone.
Colin (thinks for a minute): I met Kate Winslet at a charity event. She’s quite lovely.
Lily: So you like a girl with some curves. Hmm. Interesting. Would you rather win a million dollars in the lottery or never have to pay for anything again?
Colin: I don’t need either, but if I have to choose …
Lily: You do.
Colin: I’d win the million dollars and donate the lot to charity.
Lily: Of course you would. Your reputation as a philanthropist is legendary. Do you play sports?
Colin: No time, but I did play cricket, rugby, and football in school.
Lily: Would you rather live without TV or music?
Colin: Television.
Lily: Have you ever liked someone and never told them?
Colin: I imagine everyone has.
Lily: What do you say during awkward silences?
Colin: I don’t say anything as I don’t find silence particularly uncomfortable.
Lily: Do you think age matters in relationships?
Colin: Not particularly. I know couples with significant age differences who are ideally suited and others who are the same age who aren’t. It’s more a matter of connection, isn’t it?
Lily: I agree. What are your favorite stores to shop in?
Colin: There’s a cigar shop in London just down the block from my office that I frequent regularly.
Lily: What did you want to do after you left school?
Colin: Precisely what I’m doing, growing Blake Enterprises and staying committed to the Foundation.
Lily: You’re a lucky man, then. Do you think everyone deserves a second chance?
Colin: Yes, I like to believe that everyone is capable of change.
Lily: Something tells me you’re thinking of someone specific, but I won’t press. If you're extremely quiet what does it mean?
Colin: I’m likely formulating a plan.
Lily: Do you smile at strangers?
Colin: No. Do you reckon I should?
Lily: With those dimples? Hell, yeah! Trip to outer space or the bottom of the ocean.
Colin: Can’t I do both?
Lily: Since you can afford it, why not? Do you want a roommate?
Colin: No.
Lily: What are you paranoid about?
Colin: Nothing.
Lily: Yes, you’re too self-assured for paranoia. What was the meanest thing that someone ever said to you?
Colin: That I looked like a girl.
Lily: And the nicest?
Colin: When my daughter tells me she loves me.
Lily: Have you done something recently you hope no one finds out about?
Colin (frowns): Have you heard something?
Lily: Nope. So maybe you’re a little paranoid about people learning your secrets?
Colin: Perhaps. I negotiate sensitive deals every day, and there are often details that we don’t want to be disclosed.
Lily: Ah. You’re all about business, aren’t you? Last question, what language do you want to learn?
Colin: I should probably learn Mandarin and Japanese, and I’m currently studying Turkish …
Lily: Turkish? That’s random! But the question wasn’t should; it was want …
Colin: Right. Turkish is an immediate business need. And if I could choose to learn a language? Italian.
Lily: So do it.
Colin: Perhaps someday. You will provide a transcript of this interview to my assistant before publication, correct? Court will want to review it.
Lily: As agreed. Thanks for your time and Colin?
Colin: Yes?
Lily: Maybe this is an opportunity for you to make time to have a life outside the office.
Colin: Perhaps. It’s unlikely to happen, but it’s a lovely idea. Cheers.