Something Missing_ A Novel - Matthew Dicks [87]
It wasn’t great, Martin knew, but it didn’t sound bad either. Wordy for sure and a little unnatural. A day of rehearsing would have made a world of difference, but he thought that it might have been good enough to get by.
“I know a great caterer,” the woman said with the exuberance of someone who is excited to help. “A friend of mine. I don’t know if she’s available on Saturday, but if you’d like, I could give you her name and number.”
“That would be great,” Martin answered. “Really great. Thank you.”
Martin completed his transaction with the first woman, signing a receipt for the money that he had passed over the counter while the second woman wrote down the name and number of the catering service on a sheet of stationery. Though Martin knew what she would be writing, he was still shocked to see the words Ashley Gourmet Catering on the slip of paper.
Up until this moment, he had never believed that his plan would work.
Transaction complete, Martin took the notarized copy of his license and folded it carefully before sliding it into his pocket. As he took the slip of paper with the number of the Ashleys’ catering service, he looked up and said, “Thanks so much. You’re a lifesaver.”
“No problem. I’m Laura, by the way,” the woman responded, allowing her smile to linger a moment longer than necessary.
“Oh. I’m Martin. Nice to meet you, Laura.”
Martin said good-bye and exited the office with a spring in his step, feeling more confident than he had ever felt before.
Ten minutes later, he was sitting in his car outside the town hall, rehearsing what he hoped would be his final performance of the day. This one would be considerably easier. First, he’d be speaking over the phone, a means of communication that Martin typically preferred (whenever e-mail was not possible). Second, this call would be more natural and expected, the type of call a caterer might expect at any time of the day. A welcome call, in fact. As long as he got Justine Ashley on the line and hit a couple of key points, his plan would be complete.
Taking another deep, relaxing breath, Martin dialed the phone number from the sheet of paper, though it would have been just as easy to call Information for the number.
It wasn’t the phone number that he had been seeking when he’d entered the office of the town clerk.
It was Laura Green’s recommendation that he had needed.
The phone was answered on the third ring by a girl with a youthful-sounding voice. Maybe even a kid, in Martin’s estimation. “Ashley Gourmet Caterers. Can I help you?”
“Yes, please,” Martin answered. “Could I please speak to Justine Ashley?”
Had Martin been told that Justine was unavailable, he was prepared to tell the person on the other end of the line that he was looking for a caterer but had been referred specifically to Justine Ashley and would speak to her only. Though the request might have seemed a bit strange, he couldn’t see Justine Ashley not making herself available for new business. Thankfully, the voice on the other end of the phone asked Martin to wait a minute while Justine came to the phone.
Moments later, Martin began his first conversation with a client.
“This is Justine Ashley. How can I help you?”
“Hello Mrs. Ashley. My name is Martin. I was referred to you by Laura Green. I’m in need of a caterer for Saturday for my parents’ fiftieth anniversary and she told me that you might be able to help me out. She said to ask for you personally. Are you available?”
“This Saturday?”
Martin liked the tone of the question already. “Yes, I’m afraid so. I know it’s last minute, but I’m afraid the caterer we booked a year ago is now out of business.