The taxi driver spoke with a thick accent that I couldn't identify. He repeated it twice before I understood what he was saying.
"Yes. I'm sorry, just a second, please." I begged.
I was calling Deana, my contact with an Atlanta based company that I was consulting for. I knew that I wouldn't be able to call while the cabbie spoke to me. I have always been too softhearted to interrupt people.
As soon as she picked up I slipped into the cab and began speaking with her. Her voice was soft and kind but professional.
"Deana Morgan, Head of Marketing, how can I help you?"
I spoke a little too quickly. I was still nervous after an unpleasant flight from LAX. I was even more nervous about the idea of being in the Southeast. My friends had warned me about the people being less than pleasant to be around in this region.
"Hello, Deana! This is Jenny Sorello. We spoke about the commercial storyboard last month..." I hoped that she remembered the appointment this afternoon. I had failed to call in a reminder. In fact, I had forgotten about the meeting because of a heavy work load.
"Oh, Jenny! Sure, I have the conference room set up for you, Doll!"
I was taken aback by the word "Doll" but I let it pass and went on to explain that my flight was a little over twenty minutes late.
"That's okay, Jenny, we have the whole afternoon. You just be careful getting here." She practically laughed the words. Her energy saved my mood and the moment.
"I will. Thank you, Deana!" I returned mustering a little more cheer.
The cab driver leered from the rear view mirror as he drove through traffic. His lips curled upward but his eyes held something other than a smile.
"In town a while?" He probed.
"Uh, no. Just for the next couple of days." I lied.
"Well, the men in town will be glad to have you among us." His eyes became more unsettling as he spoke those words.
I faked a smile and dialed Regina's number. I was gaining the courage to interrupt quickly. Regina is my best friend. We have been friends since the eighth grade. We have been through heartaches, break ups, family deaths and tough college days together. We were hired by separate companies for the same job after college. The competition never interfered with our friendship. Nor could anything else.
"Hey, Jenny, have you left yet?" Regina chimed.
"I have! I'm here. I haven't seen much of the city yet but Hartsfield-Jackson Airport was pretty big. It took about thirty minutes to get my luggage." I was still speaking a little fast. She picked up on it instantly.
"Babe, are you okay? You sound like three fifteen after a three O'clock coffee bender." She guffawed.
"I'm fine...I just had the veal...and it was not good." I used our secret code for a creepy guy alert. Neither of us eat veal. Both of us had seen the Los Angeles dating scene. Thus, was born the veal message alert system.
"Are you safe? Do I need to call the police or anything?" She said, losing her jolly demeanor.
"No, it's okay. I just can't wait to see Chris at the hotel." Another lie. Chris and I had broken up two years prior, on my birthday. I had been single since that day.
We talked until we reached my hotel on Satellite Boulevard. When we hung up I looked around with a less than sanguine feeling. It wasn't a great place. I paid the driver and gave him a tip. He would barely look at me, much less speak to me.
I checked in at a quarter 'til two. That left me no time for food. My limousine texted me as I was freshening up my make up. I grabbed my brief case and my laptop case and sprung to the lobby.
We drove for only a few miles before pulling into a small but beautifully designed building. It was a cross between a lodge and an office building. Gorgeous.
I made it to the reception area with three minutes to spare before the original appointment schedule. The receptionist was a smiling, blond haired, blue eyed lady of perhaps thirty years of age. Her skin, teeth and hair were perfect. I was a little jealous. I was in for a surprise.
When Deana came into the reception area I was stunned by her flawless looks. Her eyes were cerulean pools of beckoning beauty. They were framed by jet black hair that touched her elbows as she turned to gingerly close the door behind her. Her frame was thin, with high proud breast, her abs were so taught that her blouse hung from her breasts without the danger of ever touching her belly. Her hips swelled slightly to accommodate the most perfect buns I had ever looked upon. Her legs were long, her thighs muscular and her calves looked like those of a fitness magazine model.
I felt a moment of awe...Then a wave of inadequacy.
When she took my hand she shook it with a firm but friendly grasp. Her eyes had the more powerful grip. My heartbeat accelerated and my hands began to sweat a little. After the introduction that seemed to last forever and then, not nearly long enough, she led me to the conference room.
Four men and two women met us there. Deana introduced us and brought the meeting to a laser beam focus. Item by item, we story boarded, discussed cameras, lighting, editing, models, actors and actresses and, of course, pricing.
Once the meeting began, some of the nerves went away and I began to feel my confidence return. I used my same tired jokes with surprising effect. Three hours and twenty-two minutes after the meeting began, Deana closed it out with a gracious word about my knowledge and helpful nature. I blushed like a child.
The feelings of inadequacy returned quickly. The conference room emptied out within a moment or two and she finished her good byes with her coworkers. She turned and smiled. I melted.
"Jenny, Doll, where shall I take you for dinner?" She purred.
