Neville Conrad’s idea of an ideal job was one that he enjoyed, believed in and paid a living wage. His job at the newspaper only satisfied one of those requirements and his salary, based mainly on sales commission, was also becoming an issue. A combination of the economic woes of the nation, and his lack of motivation, meant that sales were becoming harder and affecting his bank balance. His funds were seriously depleted well before his next salary was due. He did not want to admit it to himself but his outgoings had also increased due to his relationship with Marie. The cost of travelling to meet her at least twice a week, and the dining out, was a drain on his finances. He did not want to discuss it with her but his obvious gloom, during one of their meetings, meant that he had to explain his current and deteriorating situation.
“I’ve listed my priorities,” he explained, “and the one that is not negotiable is my meetings with you. I will go without heating and lighting rather than not see you.”
Marie made some suggestions including the possibility she could give up her job at the library and move in with Neville.
“I could try to get another job near where you live,” she added.
It was the first time either had raised the possibility of living together and Neville was pleasantly surprised but rejected the suggestion out of hand.
“We should be living together because we both agree that is what we want, not as a solution to my financial problems. That is not the way to start our life together and I will not hear of you quitting your job at the library, you love that job and I will despise myself if you were to stop doing that on my account.”
They hugged each other and Marie muttered something about making sacrifices but Neville said no, absolutely not, there had to be another way.
“Have you heard from A.J. Waterson?” Marie asked, “Didn’t you try to ring him?”
“I’ve called a few times and left messages but no luck,” Neville explained, “I’ll give him another try in the morning. I’m not even sure what we are going to talk about, maybe he just wants to place an advert in the paper.”
The receptionist answered Neville’s call to Waterson House and, on hearing his name, immediately connected him to A.J.’s office. A.J. started talking about what time the flowers were to be collected and make sure the card was included. Neville interrupted him and after repeating his name suggested there had been some confusion. A.J. apologised and said that he was expecting a call from a florist whose name was similar and the receptionist must have misheard the name. He went on to explain that his mother had recently died and he was in the process of organising her funeral. Neville offered his condolences and suggested this was not an opportune moment and he would call again some other time.
“No, no, stay on the line, don’t go,” A.J. said rather anxiously, and apologised for not returning his calls. “I’ve seen your messages and have really been meaning to call you. I was hoping to have some news but we simply must talk.”
Neville was rather hesitant but finally asked, “Is it about a job?”
“Let us just say an opportunity that I hope you will find interesting. I can’t talk about it on the phone, why don’t we arrange to meet, are you available on the 16th, that’s the day after the funeral?”
Without hesitation Neville answered yes, and said he was looking forward to meeting him again.
“That’s splendid, why don’t we say late morning, meeting at Waterson House, and we can have a spot of lunch together?”
Neville repeated he was looking forward to it and again offered his condolences.
He immediately called Marie and told her of the appointment. There was an excitement in his voice and she was excited for him although concerned that his enthusiasm might be somewhat premature. “What does he mean by an opportunity?” she thought to herself but restrained from making any comments that might dampen Neville’s spirits.
The morning of the 16th started misty and although Neville set off early for his drive to Barnshead the slowness of the traffic meant his journey took far longer than he anticipated. He had intended calling at the library first to see Maire but instead he drove straight to Waterson House.
Beryl the receptionist, still wearing rather too much makeup, greeted him as Neville entered.
“Good morning, how can I help you?”
Neville explained who he was and that he had an appointment with A.J. Waterson.
“Ah,” Beryl squeaked in her piercing high pitched voice, I’m afraid Mr Waterson is not here.”
“But I only spoke to him a few days ago and we arranged to meet,” Neville exclaimed disappointed and rather angry at the wasted journey.
“Yes, he did mention the appointment,” Beryl squeaked, “He left you this,” and handed Neville an envelope.
He turned and walked towards the doorway, and opening the envelope, found a piece of paper with a handwritten note.
“Change of plans. Meet at the Grenadier Hotel. Ask Beryl for directions. A.J.”
“I’ve listed my priorities,” he explained, “and the one that is not negotiable is my meetings with you. I will go without heating and lighting rather than not see you.”
Marie made some suggestions including the possibility she could give up her job at the library and move in with Neville.
“I could try to get another job near where you live,” she added.
It was the first time either had raised the possibility of living together and Neville was pleasantly surprised but rejected the suggestion out of hand.
“We should be living together because we both agree that is what we want, not as a solution to my financial problems. That is not the way to start our life together and I will not hear of you quitting your job at the library, you love that job and I will despise myself if you were to stop doing that on my account.”
They hugged each other and Marie muttered something about making sacrifices but Neville said no, absolutely not, there had to be another way.
“Have you heard from A.J. Waterson?” Marie asked, “Didn’t you try to ring him?”
“I’ve called a few times and left messages but no luck,” Neville explained, “I’ll give him another try in the morning. I’m not even sure what we are going to talk about, maybe he just wants to place an advert in the paper.”
The receptionist answered Neville’s call to Waterson House and, on hearing his name, immediately connected him to A.J.’s office. A.J. started talking about what time the flowers were to be collected and make sure the card was included. Neville interrupted him and after repeating his name suggested there had been some confusion. A.J. apologised and said that he was expecting a call from a florist whose name was similar and the receptionist must have misheard the name. He went on to explain that his mother had recently died and he was in the process of organising her funeral. Neville offered his condolences and suggested this was not an opportune moment and he would call again some other time.
“No, no, stay on the line, don’t go,” A.J. said rather anxiously, and apologised for not returning his calls. “I’ve seen your messages and have really been meaning to call you. I was hoping to have some news but we simply must talk.”
Neville was rather hesitant but finally asked, “Is it about a job?”
“Let us just say an opportunity that I hope you will find interesting. I can’t talk about it on the phone, why don’t we arrange to meet, are you available on the 16th, that’s the day after the funeral?”
Without hesitation Neville answered yes, and said he was looking forward to meeting him again.
“That’s splendid, why don’t we say late morning, meeting at Waterson House, and we can have a spot of lunch together?”
Neville repeated he was looking forward to it and again offered his condolences.
He immediately called Marie and told her of the appointment. There was an excitement in his voice and she was excited for him although concerned that his enthusiasm might be somewhat premature. “What does he mean by an opportunity?” she thought to herself but restrained from making any comments that might dampen Neville’s spirits.
The morning of the 16th started misty and although Neville set off early for his drive to Barnshead the slowness of the traffic meant his journey took far longer than he anticipated. He had intended calling at the library first to see Maire but instead he drove straight to Waterson House.
Beryl the receptionist, still wearing rather too much makeup, greeted him as Neville entered.
“Good morning, how can I help you?”
Neville explained who he was and that he had an appointment with A.J. Waterson.
“Ah,” Beryl squeaked in her piercing high pitched voice, I’m afraid Mr Waterson is not here.”
“But I only spoke to him a few days ago and we arranged to meet,” Neville exclaimed disappointed and rather angry at the wasted journey.
“Yes, he did mention the appointment,” Beryl squeaked, “He left you this,” and handed Neville an envelope.
He turned and walked towards the doorway, and opening the envelope, found a piece of paper with a handwritten note.
“Change of plans. Meet at the Grenadier Hotel. Ask Beryl for directions. A.J.”