Page 75
Leafs record: 5 wins, 3 losses, 1 tie (in overtime)
BEEP! “Hi Georgie. It’s Oliver. Please don’t worry. Everything’s good. Just a lot happening.
“Unfortunately, I can’t shop this Thursday. I’m speaking at a museum fundraiser that night. Picture VIPs eating rubber chicken and bidding on Jays season seats while I stammer and sweat in a rented tux, and you’ll get an idea of what I’m in for. Haruki and I have been working on the speech and we’re slowly getting there.
“Are you free on Saturday for prop shopping? Let me know. Hope all is well.” BEEP!
BEEP! “Oliver Jönsson! A tux? Holy James Bond, Batman! Oh, how the other half live.
“Meanwhile, here I am tethered to the school’s payphone, wolfing down an assorted sub for dinner, praying I don’t dribble sub sauce on my sweater. I have to psych myself up for the next round of parent-teacher interviews…” Her voice strayed as she said “Hi” to someone.
“That,” she whispered, “was the mother of the student who was intrigued by Antjef. It’s always the parents of kids who are doing well that show up at these things. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to see them, but it’s frustrating when the parents you really need to see don’t come.
“Okay”—her voice rose to her normal volume—“so looks like we’re out of luck for shopping. I’m working double shifts this weekend and have hockey Saturday night, BUT why don’t you come with me to the game? We can catch up and I’ll show you around the arena, share the team’s history. It has to be said: you won’t truly know Toronto until you know its hockey team. I’ll treat you to all the hot dogs, pizza, and popcorn you can eat, too. It’ll be fun! And it’s Halloween, which means this trickster will be in full costume, one I think you might like, mister!” She laughed, then fell silent.
“Sooo, should I keep talking in the hopes you’ll walk into your living room and pick up? …No? Yes? Maybeee…not? Okay. Well, gimme a ring when you’re free. Let me know how the speech is going and if you’ll come out with me on Halloween. Byeee!” BEEP!
* * *
Thursday, October 29, 1992
Leafs record: 5 wins, 3 losses, 2 ties (in overtime)
BEEP! “Hi Oliver. It’s Georgie calling at eight a.m. I have to say, I’m outraged! The museum dropped Rick Astley! The hold music is now”—she huffed—“Sting?
“Anyway, I know you’re busy, but I just wanted to remind you about Halloween, and to wish you good luck for the fundraiser tonight—not that you need it. I’ll be thinking about you and sending successful energy. Bye.” BEEP!
* * *
Friday, October 30, 1992
BEEP! “Hi Georgie, it’s ten a.m. Friday, and I know you probably won’t get this till later, but I wanted to share some good news. Last night’s speech went off without a hitch, and more importantly, your first consultancy cheque went out in the mail today. I’m told you should receive it early next week.
“I also want to thank you for the hockey invite. I wish I could go, but unfortunately I—” BEEP!
* * *
Saturday, October 31, 1992
Leafs record: 5 wins, 4 losses, 2 ties (in overtime)
BEEP! “Hi Georgie. It’s Oliver and it’s around nine p.m. I tried several times to call you back yesterday after your machine cut me off, but it wouldn’t pick up. The phone just rang and rang. I hope things are all right and you’ll get this message.
“I know you’re at hockey, but I wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween and let you know I’ll be out of town next week. Amalia’s off to a conference in San Diego and wants me to join her. I found out late yesterday and have been scrambling since. There’s much to prepare and I won’t have a chance to see you before I fly.
“So, looking ahead to when I’m back, would Monday, November 9th or Tuesday the 10th work? I know we wanted to get a jump on things and that window seems to be closing.” He paused for a beat. “I’m so sorry, Georgie.
“Speak soon, okay? Take care, be well. Bye.” BEEP!
* * *
Sunday, November 1, 1992
Leafs record: 6 wins, 4 losses, 2 ties (in overtime)
BEEP! “Hi, it’s Georgie. Tuesday, November 10th works for me. Let’s meet at the Canadian Tire at 839 Yonge Street at 6:30 p.m. Yonge and Church is the nearest intersection…safe travels. Take care.” BEEP!
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