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Idon't have troubleconcentrating in class as a rule.
But today is an exception, since all I can think about is the call I'm scheduledandlegally obliged to make (unless I'm willing to pay the penaltyandruin my friendship with Andie, which I'm not, on either count).
I take a peek at the time on my phone, and I nearly fall out of my seat when I realize I have less than a minute left before classes end.
Stop moving so fast, Mr. Time!
But since I'm no Dr. Strange, the school bell eventually rings, and I can feel myself growing numb as I vaguely hear our professor dismiss us.
The other students are out in a flash while I find myself dragging my feet.
Am I really going to do this?
A fidgety-looking Madeleine is already waiting in the hallway when I step out of the room, and I feel my mouth turning dry as she hurries towards me.
"Do you want the good news or bad news first?"
"Bad," I answer without hesitation.
My friend makes a face. "Why am I not surprised you'd choose to hear the bad news first?"
I make a face back at her. "Just tell me what it is, Maddie."
"Long story short, I told Andie Rashad seems interested in investing in SFI, and that got her talking about the business side of things."
"Then she doesn't know I want to back out?" I ask in relief.
"Not a clue," Madeleine confirms. "However...what I did learn is that any trial candidates backing out has the potential to lower investor confidence—-"
I'm already shaking my head. "I don't want that to happen."
"I had a feeling you'd say that," Madeleine says with a wince. "Does this mean you're going to push through with the whole fantasy thing?"
"What's the good news?" I ask jerkily instead of answering her.
"I can't tell you how or why, but Icangive you my word that the other party isn't an asshole."
My eyes widen. "But—-"
"That's all I can say," Madeleine stresses. "But it's still better than nothing, right?"
****
THE PARKING LOT ATthe back of the school chapel is one of the few places that can assure me of complete privacy, and my fingers shake as I click on SFI's app.
Look at the bright side, Leah.
You asked God for a distraction, and He delivered.
Ergo: God is real!
I know my sense of humor isn't for everyone, but it works for me, and I can already feel the tension easing gradually from my body as I click onStart Encounter.
"Thank you for calling."
It's a relief to hear an automated voice answer my call. It make things more bearable if you will, since I don't have to worry about some CS agent judging me on top of everything else.
"Please enter your account number so we may verify your identity."
