Amid the clatter, the phone rang continuously; I could hear bits of conversation from upstairs as callers were juggled and put on hold. I packed up the few personal belongings I had on my desk into a tote bag and pulled my wheelie suitcase toward the door. I was familiar with quick pack-up scenes and wanted to make this exit as quickly and painlessly as possible. Ironically, just a few months ago, I had landed at this very bar when my world came crashing down, and now here I was again, under much different circumstances, but on my way out again.
Dave lamented loudly, as I reached the foot of the steps, “I really need someone to handle all these details, and I’m just not sure how I’m going to sort this all out. VH1 called to do a documentary on the bar and PBS also wants to film B Roll here for an American Masters series that will feature Springsteen.”
“I hear you, I just got three new acts for next month alone. It would be great if we knew someone who could help. Do you know anyone like that?” Bertram added as if playing along.
I cleared my throat as I stood in the doorway. They both turned and looked at me.
“Well, I suppose I could come back here tomorrow to help you out, you know, just until you get things going again…” I hesitantly offered.
“Here’s the thing. I don’t need you here tomorrow.” Dave moved off his barstool to where I stood and addressed me directly for the first time since this roller coaster ride began.
“Oh, boy,” I muttered under my breath, feeling awkward, exposed.
And then, in true form, he moved even closer, leaned his hand on the door and stood over me, once again invading my personal space, which I didn’t mind, not one bit.
“I need you here, with me, every day.” He smiled.
These words were delivered slowly; at least that was how I perceived them. So surprised was I by his revelation that I dropped my tote bag. It landed on the ground with a thud. Dave picked it up, put it over his shoulder and gave me his arm to personally escort me back upstairs.
As the morning light flowed through the stained glass windows of The Garage, Dave looked up and said to me, “Let’s get outta here and take a walk to the water.”
There is something redemptive about looking at a new day emerging over the New York skyline. The mix of old and new buildings provided a fitting counterbalance. Living on the waterfront never grows old as the Hudson River reflected the early morning light. The morning hubbub signaled the promise of another day.
The ferries made their way across the river packed with Wall Streeters out early to conquer the foreign markets. Runners sprinted down Frank Sinatra Boulevard to get their adrenalin rush in before they, too, crossed the water to their cubicles. Young parents shuffled their children to daycare before boarding New Jersey Transit buses to the city, no doubt to law firms and public relations companies. And as many left our small city to find their fortunes in our big city neighbor, Dave and I sat right where we were on a bench directly across the Hudson from the Empire State Building. Our workday on this side of the river had already begun
“You know what else I love about New Jersey?” he said as he looked at me.
“We have a much better view.”
Someone once told me that good attracts good, and in the weeks that followed, that notion became more than just a catchphrase; it became my company’s mission statement. (Finally!) I never did come up with an official business plan because I was too busy making Best Friend for Hire into a successful business. I kept the office upstairs from The Garage, but now I paid rent, which only seems fair. And as if karma had intervened once again, new clients arrived daily and the most surprising one of them all was a return client, which made me think I was pretty good at my job and being a good friend, after all.
Dear Best Friend for Hire
I was hoping you could help me with my social life. You see, I just moved to Edgewater, New Jersey, and I don’t know anything about the area. I need help getting settled. Would you be able to work for me? Call my cell, anytime!
Dear Best Friend for Hire
Do you have a Soho office? I need help setting up my home office. I live in a studio and right now my headquarters is like a corner of my bed. Are you good with organizing small spaces?
Dear Best Friend for Hire
My good friend and I recently got into a fight over a guy, of all things. I know it’s pathetic, but what we really need is a judge, you know, like Judge Judy? Every time we talk, we get into it all over again. Do you have any time this weekend?
P.S. I know you will see it my way, anyway…
Dear Best Friend for Hire
I am the events coordinator for the Bergen County Library System and we need a speaker to do a talk about starting your own business. We offer an honorarium and would be pleased to have you. Please send current headshot and bio.
Dear Best Friend for Hire
I need you! I am pregnant with twins and I need a reliable person to help me set up a nursery. Do you have any appointments available? I heard you are amazing and I am super easy to work with. J
Love, Emily
This book would not have been possible without my husband Frank, who took the book out of my filing cabinet and pushed it toward publication. To my mother Millie, who provides daily wisdom that goes well beyond the kitchen. To Kenneth Salikof for reading, coaching, and encouraging me page by page.
Thank you to the good people at Post Hill Press, especially the invincible Anthony Ziccardi who gave the book a wonderful home. I would also like to thank Gavin Caruthers for his thoughtful advice, Billie Brownell for her editing guidance, Devon Brown for her boundless enthusiasm, and the amazing Laura Rossi whose kindness pervades everything she does. I am also appreciative of my book publishing friends who supported, read, and advised, especially Jennifer Battista and Babette Ross.
And finally, to the many good people in publishing that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. Your stories have been the inspiration for this book.
Mary Carlomagno is the author of three previous books about organizing, a nationally recognized spokesperson and owner of order (orderperiod.com), a company that helps busy people get organized and live more balanced lives. She has been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, NBC’s Today, and National Public Radio. She was born and raised in New Jersey, and currently lives there with her husband and two children.
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