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𝕄𝕒𝕪 𝟚𝟝𝕥𝕙, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟛, 𖡡 ℍ𝕖𝕝𝕤𝕚𝕟𝕜𝕚, 𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕
The van hummed along the streets of Helsinki, the city bathed in the warm glow of late afternoon sunlight. I finally managed to relax, my shoulders easing as I let out a sigh of relief. The band was scattered throughout the van, each of them engaged in their own conversations.
Till was animatedly talking about his recent hiking trip, recounting an amusing mishap with a wild deer that had apparently decided to join him for a snack. Paul and Richard were deep in a discussion about their favorite local pubs, debating which place had the best beer and whether it was worth a visit later. Flake and Schneider were chatting about the latest sports results, exchanging opinions on recent matches and upcoming games. It was a casual, easygoing atmosphere that made me feel more integrated into their world.
Just as I started to settle in, my work phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen and saw Lukas's name flashing. A quick swipe answered the call.
"Anna," Lukas's voice was tense, cutting through the van's background noise. "Something came up. I'm sorry to throw you into it like this but there's no other choice. The main sponsor for the Helsinki concert wants a meeting with the band today. I need you to figure it out."
"Mr. Laaksonen?" I said, recalling the name from the documents I'd reviewed on the plane. I noticed the band's chatter had quieted down, a murmur of respect settling in as they saw the importance of my call.
"Yes, that's the one. Do you think you can handle it?" Lukas's voice was urgent but hopeful. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Richard watching me with a soft, approving expression, a hint of pride in his gaze at how I was managing the situation.
"Absolutely, Lukas. I've got it covered. Could you send me his contact details, just to confirm?"
"Already sent them."
"Thanks, Lukas." I ended the call and addressed the band. "Change of plans: dinner will need to be postponed since the main sponsor wants to meet tonight. Unless Mr. Laaksonen is hungry himself." I added with a light chuckle.
Till turned around in his seat, his curiosity piqued.
"The sponsor from Helsinki wants to meet this evening," I continued, feeling a bit pleased with myself for thinking on my feet. "I'll call the hotel to see if they have a meeting room available. We could arrange dinner either during or after the meeting, if that works for everyone?"
The band members exchanged understanding glances. Richard gave me a subtle nod of approval, and the others seemed to accept the change of plans with no fuss, their attention turning back to their conversations as I made the necessary calls.
Eventually, after a quick conversation with the sponsor, it seemed dinner with the band was a go, though the band itself wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea. They preferred to keep their meals private, away from outsiders, and I could understand their hesitation.
