I sorted through the morning replies. Too old; too ugly; too hairy; too creepy. Was there not even one viable candidate in the seven hundred plus replies I'd received to my personal ad online?
I sighed in frustration and stepped away from my desk to retrieve a glass of water. Ahead of me lay another long and monotonous day at the lobbying firm which employed me and my only distraction was proving fruitless.
I made my way out of my office and to the shared kitchen, pouring water from the Culligan and sipping it thoughtfully.
Back at my desk a few minutes later, I smiled as I reviewed the picture of the latest applicant. 5'10", brown hair, and brown eyes. Incredibly handsome, educated and successful he was absolutely perfect. I emailed him in reply immediately.
Come to the address in my signature block at 1pm. Do not be late. Make sure you're wearing socks. I have chosen you. Do not disappoint me.
I hit send. And I smiled with anticipation.
At 12:58pm the director's scheduling assistant buzzed me on the intercom.
"There is a vendor here to see you."
"Please escort him to the conference room to wait and block off the next half hour."
I rose from my desk and walked confidently to the conference room. I smiled at my coworkers as I passed them.
Arriving at the door at the end of the hall I put my hand around the knob and steadied myself.
I opened the door only a small fraction, knowing that he could not see me from any vantage point inside the conference room. I said quietly and calmly through the door, "As we discussed Eric".
I looked up at my guest as I entered and closed the door behind me and indeed his eyes were closed as previously discussed and arranged. He was standing beside the table.