“Did you ever set an appointment with our president?”

“Had one set, but then he had to cancel. We've agreed to hook up again later this month.”

Tony held out his hand. “Why don't you give an extra one to me and I'll pass on to his secretary, Mrs. Rarerib. She'll be a better one to see, anyway. She's been with the company twenty plus years; as I understand it has decided which office we end up locating in every time we moved.”

“Nobody wants to tick her off, right?”

“You know it. We sales agents make our living out in the field, management is always getting kicked upstairs or down, and most admin types stay a few years and then go on to school or get married. But the executive secretary, she's a lifer. She knows she's the one has to hear about everybody's gripes if the offices aren't arranged right, or if the clients can't find the place when they do occasionally drop by for a policy review.”

“Should I give her a call?”

“I'll take care of it. Auto-RSVP her for sure; she owes me a favor.”

“Thanks,” I said. “I take it you won't be coming?”

“I need to be making calls; if I'm in some meeting on re-designing our office the boss'll think I might have other motives.”

“You insurance agents need lots of patience, don't you?”

“It's a learned trait. When I set my eye on a new prospect, I usually win them over. It may take some time, but I typically make the sale.” He winked casually, in a way that was practiced but not obviously so. I probably would have missed the fact that he rehearsed that wink, except I grew up watching my dad practicing warm smiles and little winks and nods of reassurance in the bathroom mirror.

“Me too,” I countered.

“Tony. Tony Dastan!” Across the room a tall blonde in her early thirties was waving him over. He raised his drink in acknowledgement.

“Another prospect?” I asked

“Not if I want to keep her husband's account,” he answered. “He's a CPA, senior partner. She's a Psychologist. Talk about driven—these people are NASCAR. Look, Crystal , I'll make sure Mrs. Rarerib comes to your open house. Best of luck.”

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