Elmo Eveings. Gregory J. McKenzie
relative I had left in all the world. Besides, my uncle was my godfather and financial guardian after my parents died."
Feeling just awful, Henri Hunt felt like reaching out to hug Elmo. She settled with saying,
"I lost my parents early in an airline disaster. But I have always had my brother and sister to comfort me. There is no way I could even begin to imagine how hard it must have been for you these past ten years."
Elmo smiled weakly but was saved from further embarrassment by the arrival of his main course.
The meal was a bit more subdued after that as Henri Hunt confined herself to safe areas of conversation. Weather, travel, media scandals were talked about to overcome the risk of too much silent brooding.
When coffee was to be served Henri Hunt suggested they take it in the hotel lounge so they could discuss the sales contract. When they began to sip their coffee Elmo sprung his surprise. He said with a disarmingly open way,
"I have read the contract that was negotiated by Mr. Simpson and am not impressed with Clause 36. I have had legal advice on this so must insist on its deletion before signing."
Instead of challenging this, Henri Hunt said in a determined tone of voice,
"I am glad you raised the issue of bad clauses because I have strong objections to some other clauses. I was going to tell Barney that I cannot sign his contract until those clauses were deleted."
Elmo had read the contract closely so he understood her objections. He risked censure later from "the Dragon Lady' when he said,
"How about we delete all offending clauses then go to signing the amended contract?"
Henri Hunt seized on the moment by saying in a firm tone of voice,
"Elmo Eveings on those terms I can say that we have a deal. Such an amended contract I am happy to sign."
Before he knew it Elmo was shaking Henri Hunt's hand on his first ever deal. A contract of intent was singed by both Ms. Hunt and Elmo. The final sales contract would be signed by one of the principals in Elmo's firm the following week. Parting company with Henri Hunt left Elmo feeling elated and excited. He got a taxi back to work then filed the new contract specifications digitally. With nothing else on his digital desk Elmo went home.
Chapter 4
The next morning Elmo went into work as usual. His email folder seemed to have filled up overnight. He saw one from Fran Upjohn so opened it first. He was surprised to read the following:
"My seminar went brilliantly well. I left you in such a good mood that it seemed to give me confidence. As it happens my secretary made no appointments for me this morning. How about I buy you coffee as a thank you for giving me such a positive vibe? I can make the Central Coffee Cafe by ten if that's okay with you? Fran Upjohn"
Elmo was flattered by the praise and surprisingly eager to have coffee with this woman. So he hit the 'Reply' icon then typed in,
"Sounds great. But I am sure I don't deserve any praise from what was clearly your own doing. See you at ten. Elmo Eveings"
Not much less welcoming was the tone of an email from Ms. Hunt. Her email was work related but still praised Elmo. The part that stood out was the closing section that read,
"Thanks for making our negotiations yesterday so pleasant. Great having lunch with you. That wine selection was superb. Must do it again soon. Henri Hunt"
Not knowing how to reply to this overt praise, Elmo read carefully over the first part of that email. It read as follows:
"My lawyers have cleared the deletion of those clauses we discussed in the sales contract. I can now proceed to signature when your firm's principal is ready. Let me know ASAP when that may be scheduled. "
Elmo composed a reply to this email. He typed then sent the following:
" Deletion of those clauses on the final draft of our sales contract should be approved by lunchtime today. Lawyers will then redraft sales contract for signing by principals. Will let you know of date and time. Thanks for being such a great client and putting up with my rookie mistakes. Glad you enjoyed the wine. Elmo Eveings"
Truth to tell, Elmo did hesitate before stroking the 'Send' icon. But he deliberately left this email alone without late second changes to delete that last sentence.
The less welcome if not downright scary email was from the 'Dragon Lady' which now commanded his attention. Reluctantly, Elmo opened this and read the following short message:
"Mr. Eveings you will be in my office at 11.30am today without fail. DO NOT BE LATE. Ms. J Elsebrook Head Negotiator"
Elmo suspected that he was going to be made to account for his expensive lunch. When he had seen the bill it was only just within his assigned card limit. Never in his wildest dreams would he have spent so much on food and drink. The money paid for wine alone would keep Elmo going for a month. With three people to tip the final amount had exhausted Elmo's corporate card in just one outing.
As Elmo worked at his digital desk he tried to think up excuses for his extravagant lunch bill. The challenge exceeded his talent of telling white lies. Still Elmo had a vivid imagination so he mentally entertained some pretty bizarre excuses.
Before he knew it, Elmo saw that it was time to walk over to the Central Coffee Cafe. Elmo had mentioned his preferred coffee hangout to Fran Upjohn as only an aside the day before and was surprised she remembered its name. Elmo and three other clerks had their 'Chill out Coffee Club' sessions at this cafe every Friday afternoon. It was the one time Elmo left his workplace early. The two males and two females swapped wildly exaggerated stories about their social lives. They also drank a lot of coffee and consumed a lot of pastries.
Elmo always got to any appointment early so he was surprised to see Fran Upjohn waiting for him below the CC Cafe signpost. Walking up to her he saw her eyes sparkle the first time she looked his way. Something jumped in his stomach. Elmo puzzled over this automatic reaction to the presence of a woman he had only meet twice. Elmo messed up his greeting by saying in a halting tone of voice,
"Good morning Ms. Upjohn. You did not have to do this you know. I am sure I was not as helpful as you intimated in your email."
Fran Upjohn gave Elmo a look that would have sent most eligible bachelors to their nearest hideaway. She looked him straight in the eyes before saying in a very friendly tone of voice,
"You don't take compliments well do you? But please call me Fran. And can I call you Elmo?'
Somewhat shocked at this familiarity from someone he hardly knew, Elmo surprised himself with his answer,
"Well Fran you certainly can call me Elmo. Lets go get some coffee. I have an eleven-thirty appointment with my boss and I am sure she is going to chew me out."
So they entered the CC Cafe together then found a table for two. The waiter came to take their orders. Thinking