The Project

"Trust me. All you need is a smattering of technical phrases in the right places. For example, I've learned that many people are impressed by the phrase 'probability density function.'"

A smile tugged on the corner of his mouth. "I think I could work that in somehow," he said agreeably.

"In your case I think the words 'terrestrial albedo' will work just as well," she informed him.

"Won't they need some kind of proof that my software can do what I say it can?"

"That's what demos and technical reports are for. Now, I'm still not sure exactly what your software does. Have you thought about the commercial applications and potential markets? That's the kind of thing management will want to know."

Steven stared down at his notes. He looked disappointed. "I haven't really thought too much about that, I was more concerned with the technical issues."

Julia felt a rush of admiration and sympathy for the young man. He was obviously very intelligent and had a lot of emotional investment in this idea of his. He just needed a bit of help to take it to the next stage. "Maybe I could help, if you show me what it does," she offered.

He looked at her in surprise and gratitude. "You would do that for me? It's all set up on my home computer, so I would have to show you there." Julia stood up and tried to peel her shirt away from her sweating back. "Let's go then. I can't stand this heat any longer."

"Uh…right now?" Steven asked nervously. "Oh, I'm sorry," Julia laughed self-consciously. "It was a bit rude inviting myself to your home wasn't it? Your girlfriend is probably waiting for you to get home for dinner."

"Actually, I live alone," he corrected her quickly. "Well, except for Sasha."

"Sasha?"

"My cat," he clarified, blushing a little. "You're welcome to come over right now, I just assumed you would have other plans already."

"Fortunately, my evening is wide open" she replied cynically. Julia didn't feel the need to explain that, in recent months at least, she typically spent her evenings alone reading reports or doing work around the house. That would completely ruin the sophisticated image she maintained.

***

Steven lived only a few blocks away in a terraced apartment so he usually walked to work. Julia had caught the bus that morning so she didn't have a car to worry about and walked home with him. They chatted along the way and Julia was pleased to discovered that he became a much better conversationalist once he relaxed a bit. She learned that he grew up in Taupo and had a younger sister who was studying at Auckland university.