Chapter 4
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Candy is nature’s way of making up for Mondays. –Rebecca Gober
Maybe the candy will make up for the Avalanche’s loss too. Do you think they’ll even make it to the playoffs? They need a new general manager. Denver needs to revamp their sports teams. That’s just my opinion.
I updated your schedule. Your Wednesday meeting ends up at seven. Would you like me to make dinner reservations? I would recommend North Italia. If not, I can make it at Rioja’s.
Your flight’s been confirmed for Thursday at six a.m. Check in at your hotel is at noon.
Your plane arrives at one. Your first appointment is at four, and there’s a dinner right after.
I sent a copy of your itinerary to your Cloud.
If you need anything during the trip, try to contact me through the VAES chat.
I noticed you haven’t set it up yet. I attached the instructions, just in case you lost them—or shredded them.
Amy
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Re: Candy
Tuesday, March 22nd, 8:10 a.m.
How do you know about Rioja’s? That is not part of the form Carla filled out for you.
I would make several changes if I owned any of the sports teams in Denver.
No amount of sweets will make up for the bet I lost to a college friend, but thank you.
The schedule for Friday looks light. What happened to it?
J
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Rioja’s
Tuesday, March 22nd, 9:13 a.m.
I knew the candy would sweeten your day.
What did you bet? You gave Rioja’s a four-star review during your last visit.
Since you’re very specific when it comes to food, I assumed it’d be a good choice since you already visited.
Why don’t you try North Italia? On Friday you have an all-day meeting with the company you’re trying to buy. It’s cleaner to block the entire day.
Amy
P. S. Efficiency and focus are the keys to success
–Robert Crais
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Lunch
Wednesday, March 30th, 12:32 p.m.
I thought we agreed you wouldn’t mess with my system, and my food.
Stop trying to change my habits. I miss my Reuben sandwich.
If you’re keeping track, I didn’t care much for the poke bowl you ordered today.
I’m not a fan of octopus. Let’s try sushi again, this time avoid the tempura shit and the noodles.
Since you’re such a know-it-all, can you give me some music recommendations? Thank you for the update on the patent we submitted last January.
J
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Music
Wednesday, March 30th, 2:25 p.m.
I don’t mess with your system, I’m just improving your life. It’s called a bento box. Once you’re back from NYC, I’ll have a week of sushi introduction and education. We will find what you like.
You want music …
What are you looking for? Something you can listen to while working out?
Is it for tomorrow’s trip? Without knowing what you’re looking for, I can only give a few recommendations.
I sent a couple of playlists already to your Cloud.
The first three are music to play while working out.
The next two are great while working late at night.
The last four are my personal favorites. I use them while I’m reading.
You never answered what you bet. I’m impressed to know you have friends. He’s your friend, right?
Amy
P. S. Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything. ― Plato
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: A few …
Wednesday, March 30th, 4:07 p.m.
Those are more songs I can listen to during my five-hour flight.
Who did I lose the bet to? He’s my college roommate.
How much did I lose? Too much. You make me sound like an old, lonely man.
Thank you for the music. I don’t think I’d use the word “improving,” but you’re certainly making a lot of changes.
J
P. S. Do you have a quote for everything?
Thursday, March 31th 5:25 a.m.
JSpear84 sent you a request to play Sudoku
AWalk90: Working hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
AWalk90: It’s too early, Spearman!
JSpear84: I sent you a request to play a game, not a list of tasks. Are we night owls?
AWalk90: We went to bed too late.
JSpear84: Did we now?
JSpear84: I assume your boyfriend kept you up late. You don’t mean you and me.
AWalk90: OMFG!
AWalk90: Of course I don’t mean you and me.
AWalk90: I meant I went to bed late.
AWalk90: There’s no boyfriend.
JSpear84: Girlfriend?
JSpear84: You have me curious. Who is ‘we’?
AWalk90: Me and my cats. Before you say it, yes, I’m a cat lady.
AWalk90: I used to have a dog, but he died a couple of years ago. I don’t have the heart to adopt a new one.
JSpear84: How are Ramen and Sushi today?
AWalk90: Waiting to be fed. They were quiet until you messaged me. I’m surprised to see you finally used the app. But puzzled by your invitation.
JSpear84: Why do you have games on a work chat app? Does Mr. Lancaster know you’re playing during working hours?
JSpear84: That must reduce the productivity of the assistants.
AWalk90: Not every VA has it. Also, they own their time.
JSpear84: Aw, you’re special.
AWalk90: Are you telling me I’m not special? Way to burst my bubble.
JSpear84: Does that make me special?
JSpear84: You granted me access to your games.
AWalk90: Not really. Since you’re my client, you can access them.
JSpear84: How does that work?
AWalk90: I’m friends with the developer [wink emoji]
AWalk90 sent you a request to play Words with Friends
JSpear84: Fighting with words, Ms. Walker?
AWalk90: Just keeping it interesting.
JSpear84: I’m about to board the plane. Go back to sleep.
AWalk90: I’m feeding my cats, I might be able to take the 7 a.m. class.
JSpear84: You’re single then?
AWalk90: Yep, having a boyfriend isn’t on my to-do list.
JSpear84: Why not?
AWalk90: It’s a lot of work. Have you tried Tinder? And don’t get me started with MatchMeNow. Of course, if you want, I can make you a profile. You’re single, aren’t you?
JSpear84: I can only imagine what you’d post on my profile. No thank you.
AWalk90: You have no idea. I can make you sound hot, available, and fun.
JSpear84: Are you telling me I’m not?
AWalk90: I wouldn’t know, either way, J. I don’t know you.
AWalk90 sent you an attachment.
AWalk90: Meet Ramen and Sushi.
JSpear84: Cute cats, I thought they’d be Siamese. What breed are they?
AWalk90: I don’t know. My neighbor rescued them from the trash can outside our building. The vet thinks they’re a Tabby mix.
JSpear84: I didn’t picture you as a red polish kind of girl.
AWalk90: LOL
JSpear84: Why are you laughing?
AWalk90: You pictured me. That’s strange.
JSpear84: No, I didn’t.
AWalk90: It’s okay. I picture you as a suits and gray ties kind of guy.
JSpear84: You picture me?
AWalk90: Well, I’m sure you’re not a building, are you? Whenever you’re ready, I’ll update your webpage with a real picture.
JSpear84: You’re obsessed with the building.
JSpear84: I can’t read the tattoo on the top of your left foot. Your feet are … different.
AWalk90: Different how? I have all 5 toes. Size 8.5 is average for women.
JSpear84: You know what I mean.
AWalk90: Clearly, I don’t.
JSpear84: You’re my assistant. All my employees wear shoes.
AWalk90: I do too. Not when I’m at home though. Shoes are uncomfortable. My tattoo says, let your dreams be bigger than your fears.
JSpear84: You have beautiful feet.
AWalk90: Umm … not sure how to respond. No one has ever said that about my feet.
AWalk90: Got to go. Keep the game going. Text if you need me.
JSpear84: “Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself.” JK Rowling.
AWalk90: Favorite quote?
JSpear84: One of them.
AWalk90: You’re not as bad as I thought.
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: Signing off
Friday, April 1st, 2:30 p.m. EST
It’s finally Friday. We made it through another week. Surprisingly, you haven’t threatened to fire me or sue me. However, if you ever feel the need to send another letter to my supervisor, let me know. I’ll write it for you. Praises and kudos should go directly to my inbox.
I’m attaching this week’s report along with next week’s schedule.
Your flight is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning from JFK, but with the storm hitting the east coast, I’d suggest you change it for later today or Monday.
Let me know via chat if you need assistance.
I made a reservation at Clear Creek for eight.
It’s a few blocks from your hotel. They serve the best sushi in town.
Check the scrabble app. Mrly is not a word.
Amy
P. S. Feel lucky because you are alive to see a new month. Feel lucky because your chances of achieving dreams aren’t dead. — Anonymous.
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Cheater
Friday, April 1st, 3:01 p.m. EST
Thank you for the advice, Miss Walker. Next week’s schedule is light on Monday. Are you assuming I won’t make it home on time? I might surprise you. You erased the a. It was Marley. Did your developer friend delete the vowels?
J
P. S. Only a few know the real you. –Niccolò Machiavelli