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“No, please don't. Drop it. For all you know, you might get something similar from her tomorrow. She’ll tell you that I’m lying to you.”
“Hmm.” I slide my hand from her shoulder, down her arm to her hand, and wrap my fingers around hers. “I love you, Wren.”
“I love you too. Night.” She releases my hand and rolls over.
“Night.” I try not to read too much into her giving me her back and close my eyes.
No surprise, I don't sleep well and wake restless and tired. Wren is still sleeping when I leave for the Nest for a seven a.m. video call with the Mercury Boetiek in Holland. At least things on that front are going well.
Once at work, the call starts on time. The owners, a brother and sister duo, Ton and Famke Pfeiffer, don’t waste any time.
The brother, older with salt-and-pepper hair and strong, angular features, is the first to speak. “Oliver, we are very impressed with your samples.”
The shipment arrived yesterday based on the tracking information. That’s why I was surprised when they emailed me late their time to ask for a meeting. Not sure if it was a good sign or not.
Famke, in her thirties with short black hair in a bob and ruler-straight bangs that on most would seem too short but on her, makes her more attractive, smiles and gushes, “We love the pieces. The craftsmanship is exquisite.”
“Thank you. This is great news.” I drop my pen on the worktable, not wanting to fidget with it now that I’m brimming with excitement.
The connection is so good, I could almost believe they are in the same room with me.
Ton straightens in his chair. “We want to move forward with this. We think you are a perfect fit for this project.”
“Fantastic.” I fist punch the air and they both laugh.
“We take it that is a good thing?” Famke asks and doesn’t wait for me to respond. “Our lawyer will send you the paperwork to look over. As soon as you sign and send it back, we’ll sign and then it’s official.”
“Great. I will get together with my lawyer once I have the contract and upon satisfaction, I’ll get it back to you.” As much as I want this deal, I’m not going to promise it’s a done deal until I see their terms.
Once more, Ton straightens and comes closer to the screen. “Oliver, we must stress that our timelines are tight. What you will see in the contract in regard to timing is nonnegotiable. If you have any problems with that, it may be a deal-breaker. We want to be up front with you.”
“Of course, I appreciate that and I can assure you, I will dedicate all my resources to filling the order on time. If the timelines are a problem, I will let you know.”
“Good.” He claps his hands in front of him and relaxes a bit.
Famke adds, “Wonderful. We’ll be in touch and look forward to doing business with you.”
“Me too. Thank you. Goodbye.”
After the call, the next few hours go by quickly. I try calling Wren with the good news, but the call goes to voicemail. I don’t leave a message and instead send a text.
Me: They loved my samples. A contract is on the way! Looks like this is going to happen.
Almost instantaneously, three little dots dance on my screen. And while I'm glad she's responding, an icy niggle stirs at the base of my spine. Why didn’t she answer my call?
Not wanting to get ahead of myself, I have to believe there is a simple explanation. Perhaps she was in the shower or driving. I'm still anxious from last night and how things went. My phone pings with her reply.
Wren: That's amazing. We’ll have to celebrate. xo
Satisfied and looking forward to tonight, I tuck my phone in my back pocket and try to focus on work. It isn’t easy, and I check my personal email every few minutes for the promised contract but so far nothing.
At ten sharp, Dot waltzes into the Nest, wearing one of her more businesslike outfits. A navy pantsuit, her hair in a bun, heels, and makeup. Is she treating this like a proper business meeting?
This bodes well. Maybe for once she’s taking me seriously.
“Hi, Dot.” I put down the tool and wipe my hands. “Thanks for coming.”
“Oliver.” She widens her stance and makes no move to come any farther into the workshop. “What did you want to talk about?”
