With my phone in hand, I snap a photo of the white carnations and send it to Alec along with
Thanks for the carnations.
Minutes later, I get a reply.
Carnations?
He didn’t know? Perhaps the flowers were Adrian’s idea.
Yes, Adrian dropped them off. He said they were from you.
Several minutes later, Alec responds.
You’re welcome. I hope you like them.
I’d love to respond with the truth, that I hate the flowers. I recall every flower arrangement at my mom’s funeral was filled with white carnations. Instead of letting that seep into my consciousness, I use my foot to open the garbage can lid and drop the flowers inside.
Dad scoffs, “That was a waste.”
“Can’t be helped.” I’m not going to sit around and look at them all day long. Some memories I’m okay with.Thatday, I’d like to forget.
Then a second later, another message come through.
Call me?
I stare at his message. I want to call him, I really do. Hearing his deep voice on the other end of the line does things to me—tingly things. That’s precisely why I shouldn’t, why I won’t do it. Instead, I ignore the message and run upstairs to get ready for work.
* * *
I stare downat the script I use at work. I know it by heart, but I still like to have it handy in case I’m thrown a curveball. I press the next phone number on my list and wait for someone to answer. More often than not, I get an answering machine, which I prefer, frankly. If that’s the case, I use a different script with a brief message along with our eight hundred number.
No one ever calls back.
This time, though, when a woman answers, I jump right in reading from the paper before me.
Good evening, (customer name)!
(Remember to sound excited!)
(Don’t let them speak. Jump right in.)
Have you considered your part in saving the planet?
(If there’s no response or a simple no, continue this way)
No? Well, let me tell you how you can do your part to help the environment.
(If the answer is yes…)
You have? Well, that’s wonderful, customer name. The world needs people like you. Now, let’s talk about solar panels.
(Introduce yourself here.)
Hi! My name is: say your first name (only) here.
(Remember, this is an exciting opportunity!)
I work for Suntastic Solar Panels, and boy do I have an amazing offer for you.
