Now I understand.
This job can feel quite isolating. We don’t film the commercials; we only send them out. We don’t negotiate with reps; we only ask for a quick email confirming receipt.I don’t mind, but for a social butterfly like Holly, it could be an issue.
But how do you make one of the most boring jobs in an advertising company a little less monotonous?
“What if you…” I scan her desk for inspiration. Oh! “What if you include little quotes after your signature line? Or jokes! Just something to jazz up your emails.”
She takes another slurping drink from her mug. “That could be fun.”
“Exactly. And as a bonus, you’d be doing your clients a huge favor when they get those free spots.”
Her smile is restored once more. “Thanks, Loren.”
I tap my mug against hers. “Anytime.”
Hopefully, she takes my advice. I leave Holly’s cubicle feeling a little jollier than before. I wave to Levi, the other traffic manager, on my way past his desk, then quietly slink by Carson so he doesn’t grumble at me for my shoes being too loud.
Meg’s head pops from behind the gray wall. “Did you do it?” she whispers.
I give her a thumbs up and she high fives me on my way past.
“You’re amazing. Thank you.”
“Shhh!” Carson hisses.
“You’re welcome,” I mouth.
Time to get back to work.
CHAPTER 11
LOREN
Dad
Are you sure you don’t want to come home for Christmas?
Why don’t you guys come here?
You know we can’t leave.
What if someone dies?
Meg burstsinto the break room, her purple lunch box swinging from her arm as she hurries over to the table we’ve commandeered as our own between twelve thirty and one every single day. “You’ll never guess what I found.”
I slide my PB&J from the same plastic baggie I’ve been using for weeks. Don’t worry. I wash it out every night. I’m not a monster. “An original Tiffany lamp at a thrift store.”
Her nose wrinkles as she pops the lid off her salad full of colorful vegetables. “What? No.”
Hmmm… “A priceless piece of jewelry that used to belong to the Astor family?”
“No, Loren. What is wrong with you?”
“I’ve been watching a lot of Antiques Roadshow, okay?” I can’t afford any of the streaming services and the cost of cable is criminal, so I’ve been watching highlights on YouTube. I’ve learned a lot over the last few weeks. Mostly that I should be attending more yard sales in search of hidden treasures.
Too bad it’s winter and there are no yard sales.
Thankfully, Nashville and the surrounding areas have plenty of second-hand stores. Not that my weekend visits have yielded anything fruitful. Yet.
