Joey Watson didn't quite know what to make of Emma O'Neill's huge farm. He was still feeling a bit jet-lagged from the flight; he missed the noise of New York and found this place way too quiet. He wished Emma had lived in Brisbane or Melbourne, not Parkes; what did this town have, he thought, besides a bunch of sheep and the satellite that showed the moon landing?
After thanking his driver, Joey walked towards Emma's door and knocked. He was nervous about meeting her; he was afraid that he would stumble over his words and botch this effort.
"G'day," Emma exclaimed after opening the door. She surprised Joey by immediately giving him a friendly kiss on the cheek and grabbing his sleeve. Emma had just turned 40 but didn't look a day over thirty; her strawberry-blonde hair was still waist-length, her green eyes still shining, her ivory skin still creamy.
Emma motioned for him to sit down on her couch. She pulled up a wicker chair and flashed the smile that made her famous.
"So, how was the flight over?"
"Oh, it drained me."
"This is your first time in Australia, right?"
"Yes, it's a lovely country. I hope to see more of it."
Emma pulled up the sleeves of her pink sweater to reveal her delicate forearms, and slightly adjusted her jean skirt. "Some more exciting parts of it, right?"
"Well..."
Joey and Emma shared a laugh. He found himself feeling a bit more comfortable, and removed his black jacket.
"I see you work out!" Emma remarked, pointing to Joey's muscular arms.
"Well, uh, yeah, but not as often as I like."
"Often enough!" she replied, winking.
Joey chuckled. "So, I take it Martin briefed you as to why I'm here..."
"Yes. You want to use a sample from 'Heart in Pieces,' right?"
Joey nodded, and began his pitch. "Emma...uh, can I call you Emma?"