Emily stared moodily at the contents of her suitcases, the sum total of her belongings spread out before her in two small piles on her bed. She’d never really had much, but this seemed particularly depressing. She did her best to remind herself that she was truly starting over this time, with no strings attached to her previous life. As soon as she began getting some paychecks, she could start to really rebuild her life, and the paychecks would start coming in as soon as she finalized arrangements with Andy Stone.

Without putting away a single item of clothing, she reached for the cordless phone she’d brought up with her after Mary had left for the studio. As she carefully dialed the numbers on the card in front of her, she began rehearsing the call in her head, hoping she’d avoid making too huge a fool of herself.

She didn’t have much time to practice, and was caught off guard as her call was answered on the second ring.

Janet: “Andrew Stone’s office, this is Janet Chang. How may I help you?”
Emily: “Hi, this is Emily Laine. I’m supposed to be making an appointment to meet with Mr. Stone about a photography studio.”
Janet: “He’s expecting your call, Ms. Laine. Please hold for a moment while I transfer you over to him.”
Emily: “OK.”

There was a brief pause, and the faint clicking sound of the line being put on hold. Emily was very aware that she had been speaking far too quickly, and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down.

Andy: “Ms. Laine, it’s lovely to hear from you so soon! How are you this morning?”
Emily: “I’m just fine, thanks. I’m calling about setting up an appointment to talk about the studio. But I have to be upfront and tell you that if I need to pay you first and last month’s rent or something, it may be awhile before we can work together. I just don’t have that kind of money right now”
Andy: “I’d already planned to waive the normal start-up fees for you, so don’t worry about that. As for a meeting, I’d like to give us at least two hours to go over all the paperwork, just so we’re not rushed. It just so happens that I have a two hour block free this afternoon at eleven-thirty, or an early Tuesday opening at eight. Which would be best for you?”
Emily: “I wanted to get this settled as soon as possible, so I guess today will work. Mary even left me the car.”
Andy: “Excellent, we can make it a lunch meeting. Do you like Italian?”
Emily: “Quite a bit, actually!”
Andy: “I’ll go ahead and have Janet set up a reservation at Serafina’s, which is on the corner of Boston and Eastlake.”

Emily fumbled wildly for a pencil and paper, certain she wouldn’t be able to find one and would instantly forget when and where she was supposed to go. Thankfully, Mary’s mother kept the desk well-stocked with writing utensils and notepads.

Emily: “Boston and Eastlake?”
Andy: “Yep; it’s across the street from a large architect’s office. Just take Avondale downtown, then make a right on 3rd. The reservation will be under ‘Andy Stone.’ Did you have any questions?”
Emily: “Do I need to bring anything?”
Andy: “Not at all. Was there anything else?”
Emily: “No, I think that’s it. Thank you so much!”
Andy: “You’re very welcome. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call. I’ll see you in a few hours.”

Emily hung up and stared at the piece of paper she’d scribbled out the restaurant information on, a feeling of accomplishment slowly working its way through her nervousness. With a blooming smile, she hurried to get ready.