I interjected "Oh gosh, no.." before Collins finished his sentence and I rolled my eyes making sure that he saw that. Shit, what is this man doing.
"... I mean for the appointment with us," he corrected quickly. Not before I caught a twinkle in his eyes that I understood what it implies. I pretended that I don't. You could be interesting in your own way but I have a girlfriend whom I love, and I am going to get her after I am done with you, Collins.
"Ah... that is right. I will be around when the public gallery starts, and of course I want to look nice and neat. To be spotted by art scouts or enthusiasts, yes?
So, OK Collins. I hear you. I will give a deeper thought to my work and think out of the box for out-of-the-box results." I hope this is sufficient to divert the conversation back to the main issue.
"Next Tuesday, Cliff."
As I was walking back to my car, I was wondering why oh why Cliff, didn't you just tell him directly about Faye? So he would get off your back? I realize the answer is... I wasn't very sure of the answer myself. I am about to find out.
Driving towards Faye's workplace, my heart was thunderous. Everything about work that happened a moment ago had faded into an insignificant background that I could not think of anything else, but of my sweetheart alone.