* * *
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: The route around New York
Saturday, April 2nd, 8:26 a.m.
Sit back and relax. More like bundle up and start walking ahead. Begin your journey without skipping ahead. Have a date with yourself, provided, you like to be with you. Make sure to eat a hearty breakfast. The link is right there. When you are in the museum, look at every painting with your own eyes. Forget about what you’ve read about them, sense what the artist is trying to tell you. When you see the Starry Night by Van Gogh text me a picture of it. I dare you to break the rules. How many Picasso’s do you see? Are there any Monet’s in there? I love Claude Monet. I’m terrible at drawing, but for some reason, pointillism was created for people like me with a desire to create art but who can’t draw more than a stick figure.
Once you’re done with the museum, cross 54th St and have lunch at O’Riley’s Pub. Order a beer, whatever they have on tap. Try something new, let them surprise you. It might taste like skunk pee, or it might become your favorite beer. If you order a hamburger, make sure to ask for sweet potato fries. They are the best in town.
After lunch, head to Argosy Book Store. They sell old and rare books. You have to contact me when you’re there. Afterward, have a Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity’s.
Your day isn’t over, but we’ll discuss what’s next once you’re done eating one of the most delicious and decadent desserts in the world.
Enjoy,
Amy
* * *
Saturday, April 2nd, 11:23 a.m. EST
JSpear84: Don’t tell me, Starry Night is your favorite painting by Van Gogh. You’re so predictable.
AWalk90: No, but that’s the only Van Gogh they have at MOMA—at the moment.
JSpear84: What’s your favorite?
AWalk90: A Bridge Over A Pond of Waterlilies is my favorite painting. But from Vincent, it would be Irises. I appreciate Starry Night, but it isn’t the best one. I like his sunflowers a lot. What’s your favorite piece?
JSpear84: I like photographs better than paintings. What are you doing?
AWalk90 is sending you an attachment.
JSpear84 accepted an attachment.
JSpear84: I thought you said you couldn’t paint more than a stickman.
AWalk90: Maybe it’s a paint by numbers?
JSpear84: That’s a beautiful oil.
AWalk90: I’m at a gallery taking a class. My painting isn’t bad, but I wouldn’t call it beautiful.
JSpear84: Your adventure of the day?
AWalk90: Yeah, I woke up thinking … Amy, today is the day you should create something wonderful and different.
JSpear84: It’s beautiful. I like it more than some of the paintings I’m supposed to … admire.
AWalk90: Finish your tour. It won’t take you more than three hours. Afterward, remember lunch and the bookstore.
JSpear84: What are you having for lunch today?
AWalk90: Tacos.
JSpear84: I like tacos.
AWalk90: There’s always tomorrow. I’ll make sure to create a plan for you to have Tacos and Tequila.
* * *
Saturday, April 2nd, 2:34 pm EST
JSpear84: What are you doing?
AWalk90: Treasure hunting, like you.
JSpear84: That’s why you’re sending me to the bookstore?
AWalk90: You’re not there yet?
JSpear84: The bartender at O’Riley’s had a lot of stories to tell.
AWalk90: Are you drunk?
JSpear84: Four beers at sea level are nothing when you’re used to drinking at a high elevation.
AWalk90: Great, then head over to the bookstore.
JSpear84: What am I looking for?
AWalk90: Treasures, like this one.
AWalk90 is sending you a picture. [image.jpg]
JSpear84: A written dedication?
AWalk90: Yes!
AWalk90: I love looking for old books and checking if there’s something special inside, like a dedication, a dried flower, a note … there’s always more to an old book that just words.
JSpear84: What book are you holding?
AWalk90: Persuasion
AWalk90: That makes sense. “Aspen, It’s never too late to make it work, Mom.”
AWalk90: There’s a story behind this. Why would a mother give her child Persuasion with those words?
AWalk90: Maybe it’s a way to tell her she has to be patient, things—like love—take longer.
JSpear84: The daughter was eighteen, in love, but the guy enlisted, and they broke up.
AWalk90: I like your story best. Do you think she waited for him?
JSpear84: You hope she did, don’t you?
AWalk90: [covering eyes emoji]
JSpear84: Of course you do. Every woman’s dream is to get married and be taken care of by a man.
JSpear84: Every female character ever written expects a man who will solve their life’s problems in one way or another. That’s what women fantasize about, what they hope for.
AWalk90: Every woman? What books are you reading? Are you talking about your mother and sisters too?
JSpear84: Stop bringing my mother and sisters to our conversations.
AWalk90: Don’t generalize. Not every book or every woman are the same—we are all unique.
JSpear84: Tell me you don’t dream about some knight in shining armor coming to rescue you from your life.
AWalk90: Aren’t we a little misogynistic? There’s a difference between being happy with a partner and thinking that women can only be satisfied if they have a man by their side.
JSpear84: You didn’t answer my question.
AWalk90: I’m not waiting for anyone to rescue me. The life I live is pretty fucking fantastic. Your perception of women is sickening.
JSpear84: If that’s what you got from what I said, I don’t have anything more to say to you.
AWalk90 has left the chat.
Chapter Six
Saturday, April 2nd,7:15 pm EST
JSpear84: I bought a few books and found out that just like hot chocolate, I don’t like frozen hot chocolate. I enjoy a piece of chocolate from time to time, but I don’t like chocolate cakes, shakes, or drinks.
* * *
Saturday, April 2nd, 9:42 pm EST
AWalk90: What did you have?
JSpear84: Strawberry Fields Sundae.
AWalk90: Do you like vanilla ice cream?
JSpear84: Is that code for something else?
AWalk90: It’s code for frozen custard vanilla flavor, Mr. Spearman. Not for sex.
JSpear84: I wasn’t thinking about sex, but I am now.
AWalk90: Where are you?
JSpear84: At the hotel—my bed.
AWalk90: Your suite will be ready tomorrow, I assume you don’t mind the additional cost.
JSpear84: It’s fine. If you can ask them to move my belongings once they’re ready, I’ll appreciate it.
AWalk90: You’re planning on going out tomorrow?
JSpear84: Are we done with the tour?
AWalk90: Have you had dinner, yet?
JSpear84: No, any suggestions?
AWalk90 has sent you a map.
AWalk90: Order the Miso Paitan and drink ramune. Have some Sake too.
JSpear84: What are you doing?
AWalk90: Let me know if you need my assistance.
* * *
Sunday, April 3rd, 9:15 a.m. EST
JSpear84: Good morning.
JSpear84 has sent you a request to play Scrabble
JSpear84: Are you upset with me?
AWalk90: It’s seven o’clock in the morning.
JSpear84: Do you live in Utah?
AWalk90: Why would you ask that?
JSpear84: You’re two hours behind.
AWalk90: There are at least twelve states which observe Mountain Standard Time, maybe thirteen. It all depends on the area. Even a part of Oregon observes MST.
JSpear84: Oregon?
AWalk90: Maybe I live in Oregon or South Dakota.
JSpear84: What do we have in store today?
AWalk90: I’m staying at home.
JSpear84: Shouldn’t you be out seizing the day?
AWalk90: The 90s would like their Carpe Diem back.
JSpear84: The movie is from the late 80s
AWalk90: It was released in June of 89, and the phrase was used a lot during the early 90s.
JSpear84: Either way, why are you staying at home?
AWalk90: I have a few things to do, but that doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying my day.
JSpear84: What am I supposed to do?
AWalk90: What do you do on Sundays?
JSpear84: Get some work done.
AWalk90: When do you live?
JSpear84: What do you mean live?
AWalk90: Enjoy life and everything that it has to offer you.
AWalk90: Everyone lives their lives in fast forward. They’re too busy to live in the moment. They try to rush through everything so they can get onto what they’re really supposed to be doing with their lives.
AWalk90: Until one day, you stop and realize that you’ve wasted your whole life. Life is happening now. It’s up to you how you live it.
JSpear84: Are you a motivational speaker on Sundays?
AWalk90: I don’t preach, I live. Long ago, I used to be like you.
JSpear84: Like me?
AWalk90: Running in some kind of imaginary race where I had to achieve all my goals to finally start my life until one day, I had this brilliant moment of clarity and realized that I am living my life and if I don’t do what I want and enjoy it now, I will never do it.
JSpear84: Is that why you are a temp? At least you’re right on one thing, relationships suck and there’s no point on having one. Why wait for a person to make you happy?
AWalk90: There’s a difference between waiting for someone and sharing your life with someone. Your concept of love and happiness are pretty screwed up.
JSpear84: You don’t seem to have a defined concept of what love and happiness should be. You’re just criticizing what you think I believe.
AWalk90: I’m not criticizing you, I’m telling you that you’re a cynic who doesn’t believe in anything and doesn’t expect much from others. You don’t put yourself out there—not even to have fun. Going out with your brothers is safe, work is safe, visiting your family is safe. When was the last time you let your guard down and began living your life?
JSpear84: Says the woman who doesn’t leave her cocoon because she might die.
JSpear84: Amy Walker can’t just pick up her shit and leave. Isn’t it sad that her tombstone is going to say, ‘Amy, she waited for the storm to pass and never learned how to dance?’
AWalk90: What will yours say?
JSpear84: By the time I die, you won’t even remember my name.
AWalk90: I’ll be sending you the schedule for today. I’ll be offline for the remainder of the day.
* * *
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Tasks
Monday, April 4th, 8:00 a.m.
I’m sending you the list of today’s tasks. If you could, please send my parents some flowers for their anniversary.
* * *
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Re: Tasks
Monday, April 4th 8:05 a.m.
Never mind, thank you for taking care of their anniversary present. What is the surprise you had arranged for them tonight at 6?
J
* * *
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: meetings and more
Monday, April 4th 1:53 p.m.
A caterer will be setting a five-course meal later tonight and on china since it’s their 36th anniversary.
Amy
* * *
Monday, April 4th 1:58 p.m.
JSpear84: You’re sending my parents to China?
AWalk90: No, I bought them some new china and a nice tea set—a trip to China would be nice though.
JSpear84: Oh, that sounds better.
AWalk90: I had no idea they lived in California.
JSpear84: How did you get their information?
AWalk90: Carla has notes about their anniversary. I thought you said you bought the presents for your family.
JSpear84: Not their anniversary presents.
AWalk90: How are the negotiations going in NYC?
JSpear84: Fine, I think I need a local lawyer, mine is taking too long. His excuse is that he doesn’t know shit about New York Law.
AWalk90: I’ll search for someone who can help him.
JSpear84: Thank you.
AWalk90: Email me if you need any further help, I’ll be around.
* * *
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Flight
Tuesday, April 5th, 3:00 a.m. EST
My brother was in a car accident, and I need to fly to San Francisco immediately.
Jackson
* * *
Tuesday, April 5th 3:10 a.m. EST
AWalk90: I can hire a charter.
JSpear84: When will that be available?
AWalk90: Immediately. I can have a car ready to pick you up in the next ten minutes, and by the time you reach the airport, you’ll be able to depart.
JSpear84: Let’s go with that route.
AWalk90: He’s going to be okay.
JSpear84: Thank you for your prompt response.
AWalk90: Contact me if you want to talk.
* * *
Tuesday, April 5th, 8:00 a.m. MST
AWalk90: How is your brother?
JSpear84: He’s in surgery. They’re rebuilding his left leg.
AWalk90: Do you need anything?
JSpear84: No, thank you for the coffee you had waiting for me when I landed in San Francisco.
AWalk90: Don’t forget the waffles.
JSpear84: Those were good too.
AWalk90: Is there something I can do for you, other than work?
JSpear84: No, just send me an email if there’s anything that needs my immediate attention.
AWalk90: You got it.
* * *
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: meetings and more
Wednesday, April 6th, 2:25 p.m. PST
Mr. Spearman, I hope your brother is doing better. I rescheduled all your meetings for next week, finished your pending tasks, and I’m attaching the acquisition contract for your review. I found a firm in New York that can take over the transaction. Everhart & Everhart. They also have a license to practice in Colorado. I’m not trying to replace your legal team, just giving you options. If you would like to speak directly to them, let me know, and I’ll connect you—don’t do it yourself. Trust me.
Wishing your brother a prompt recovery,
Amy
* * *
JSpear84: I got an email from your lawyer. I feel like I wasted an entire week of my life for nothing.
AWalk90: What happened?
JSpear84: He pulled some information from their last potential buyer. They inflated their numbers to sell at a higher price. I could renegotiate with them, but it appears there are a lot of patents that don’t belong to the company—and I wanted to acquire them because of the patents.
AWalk90: How is your brother?
JSpear84: Better than my mood. He’s going to be in rehab for several months.
AWalk90: Are you flying him to Denver soon?
JSpear84: No, he lives here, in San Francisco. Mom and Dad are staying with him.
AWalk90: Anything I can do for you?
JSpear84: I’ll contact you if I need anything else. Thank you.
* * *
From: J. Spearman
To: A. Walker
Subject: Legal fees and other mistakes
Thursday, April 7th, 12:47 a.m. PS
T
I just came to the realization that you’re one of “those women” who do nice things to pretend they’re working hard and care about others, but you’re just full of shit and don’t care about anyone but yourself. Sending stupid cards, flowers, and food to the hospital doesn’t help when you’re damaging my business.
My lawyer sent me an email threatening to bill for the hours worked on the acquisition—you said you’d take care of the legalities of that transaction. Mr. Genji called upset, you didn’t cancel my seven o’clock breakfast with him at The Plaza. You made me look like an ass. What happened with the cancelation of the acquisition? Are they going to keep my money? If these issues aren’t resolved within the next few hours, I’ll have your fucking job, and I’ll make sure you don’t work for the rest of your natural life.
J Spearman.
* * *
From: A. Walker
To: J. Spearman
Subject: My job and the rest of my life.
Thursday, April 7th, 4:03 a.m. PST
Are you kidding me?
I’m not being nice when I send you what you need at the hospital. I’m being efficient and providing what my client needs.
It isn’t my fault that you have a predatory retainer contract with your lawyer. My lawyer is working on getting you out of it as we speak. I’m attaching the new contract with Everhart & Everhart. The retainer is five thousand dollars which will be used to clean up your legal mess. Afterward, you can hire them as your permanent lawyers—which I advise because you NEED someone trustworthy to handle the legal side of your transactions.
If you don’t tell me about your breakfast, there’s no way for me to know that you’re going to miss it. I spoke with Mr. Genji’s secretary in Japan. Mr. Genji understood that you had a family emergency and couldn’t cancel in time. They wish a prompt recovery to your brother and would like you to know that if you were to need anything, they’d be happy to help.
About the cancelation of the acquisition, read the above paragraph. You can’t have my fucking job because VAES wouldn’t hire someone like you. If you talk to me like that again, I’ll make sure NO ONE works for you again. I know people too.
I hope your brother heals soon. The stress caused by your brother’s injuries doesn’t excuse you from speaking to me the way you did. Just because I’ve been helpful and friendly, it doesn’t give you the right to treat me like I don’t have feelings. I get it, someone hurt you badly and it’s hard to trust and be vulnerable. It is scary to open up to others but staying isolated isn’t the answer. I hope you learn to trust again.
Maybe Later Page 4