“Rayna, are you okay?” he sounded anxious and concerned.
“A-Azmir, yes. Yes, I’m fine. I hate to bother you but I’m calling because my car seemed to have died on me tonight and your assistant found me stranded in the parking lot. He’s offering me a ride home but…I guess I’m a little hesitant because I don’t know him. I hate to sound so prudish.”
“Brett’s on my other line making me aware of the problem. Hold on, let me hang up with him.” I held on and overheard him telling Brett to make sure I get to my door safely and thanking him, reminding me that Azmir had two mobile phones. I guess I got his personal line, at least I’d hoped so. Azmir returned to the phone. “He’s a trusted employee and is efficient enough to know that if a woman that I send gifts to and has traveled with is in despair to be at her disposal. He’ll get you home safely, I promise.”
“Thanks, Azmir.” I sighed. I felt a sense of relief and hoped that I didn’t sound like an eighty-year-old distrusting hag. I suddenly became embarrassed by my doubtfulness.
“How long had you been sitting out there? I would have hated to know that you were stranded and not had a way home. It’s getting pretty late.”
“I hadn’t been out there long. It’s just that Michelle is at her daughter’s recital and I don’t want to call her away from it.” My fingers nervously intermingled with the phone cord.
“Brett said it sounds dead. Do you need transportation in the interim? I can arrange for it.” He was eager to assist and although I was faced with the dilemma of finding a way to and from work and dance class, there was no way I was going to let him think I was needy.
“No, Azmir. I’ll be fine. I’ll just have to pull a rabbit out of a hat. I always do.” My sighing wouldn’t stop. I was so exasperated. What started out as an idyllic day progressed horribly.
“Are you sure? It would be no hassle at all.” I heard the undertone in Azmir’s voice pleading with my pride. But I was fine and had been faced with bigger obstacles than this. I would just have to pull the last few dollars from my meager savings and pray that it’s enough to get a reliable hooptie.
“Mr. Jacobs, having your assistant give me a lift home is a huge relief. You’ve done more than enough. I better go. He’s still outside waiting on me.” I offered a rueful chuckle trying to sound resolved, though I was far from it.
There was a little pause before Azmir gave a mirthless chortle, “Oh, yeah. I guess I’m the girlfriend who isn’t available to come pick you up,” he was referring to the line I’d just given Brett as an excuse to get in here and call him.
“Right,” I breathed, blanketed in shame. “Good night, Azmir and thanks again.” I thought I’d be having an entirely different exchange with him to end my day. I suddenly recalled the text I hadn’t gotten around to replying to.
“Good night, Ms. Brimm.” The call ended with me feeling more frustrated and discontented than I did before learning my car had died. First, the new reporting system, then having to cancel on Erin, then Sebastian’s annoying request, then my car failing, now feeling like I’ve left Azmir hanging. I was only happy the day was over. I brooded the entire way out the door.