I floated home, riding atop an emotional high like none Iād never known. The exhilaration lingered on as I readied for another day of work and left for the office. Only by immersing myself into to drafting Ameliaās investment plan.
I faxed her plan over at 9:30, anticipating sheād make few if any changes, and then turned immediately to making a list of her initial portfolio buys. Just before noon, Amelia faxed back the signed plan without changes with a handwritten note on the cover sheet, āGarrett, Iāve signed the plan as is. The way you conducted yourself last night convinced me that youāre a person I can trust. Iām excited about our future relationship, Amelia.ā
In my first quick read, I thought I detected a cleverly disguised double meaning in the words of her note ā the second pertaining to what weād shared. It was possible that wishful thinking was making me read something that really wasnāt there. I was still bothered by how Amelia had made no promise of future meetings.
Needing to hurry and place buy orders before the market closed, I put thoughts of Amelia and her note aside. Aided by the list, I got them all in. I worked late to get caught up on my other clientās accounts before leaving for the weekend.
I couldnāt help breaking my normal ārecharge the batteriesā weekend routine. I called Amelia twice both on Saturday and Sunday, but only reached her answering machine and did not hear back. Afraid of missing her return call, I didnāt go out the entire weekend.
I went to the office even earlier than normal on Monday and buried myself in work. At ten, Mrs. Smyth called. After exchanging our usual greetings, she asked, āGarrett, have you heard from Amelia Thorne?ā
āYes I did. Weāve met twice and sheās placed her account with me. Thanks again. As always, I really appreciate your referrals.ā
āThatās great, Garrett. Youāve always done well for my friends and I. But, what Iād really like to know is what did you think of her?ā
āSheās exactly what you told me, well off financially and a very beautiful woman.ā
āThat she is. Did she do or say anything inappropriate to you?ā
āNo, it was all strictly business between us.ā If I were Pinocchio, my nose would have shot out.
āGood, Garrett. But, please be very careful with her. If the rumors are true, I fear she might seduce and hurt you.ā
I faked a laugh in replying, āNo need to worry. Our relationship is strictly a business one.ā Thankfully, my nose remained the same length.