Chapter 32 - Wits, Wills, and Tests of Wisdom
The previous week, Jasmine had received a dozen red roses. The fragrant bouquet was accompanied by a luxurious envelope containing a letter that had been scribed in flowing calligraphy on heavy, cream-colored stationary. That missive detailed the importance of an upcoming event and revealed the congratulatory news that she had been selected over all the other bank employees to host the tour of Miss Precious Tatts through the memorial edifice. The letter also informed Miss Jade that one of the bank's chief executives, Mr. Dweeb Dorky, would arrive serving as one of the escorts for the young Miss Tatts. He would personally brief Jasmine on the details of her participation in the prime-time special. The memorandum further instructed Miss Jade to immediately e-mail her sizes to Mr. Dorky. The epistle explained that Jasmine would be provided with a sumptuous ensemble to wear on the program, which would be hers to keep after the worldwide telecast. Included in the envelope was a tentative script of the program's dialogue. Jasmine was initially overwhelmed. She was caught up in the breathtaking moment of the wholly unexpected delivery. The three women sharing her station jealously clamored over her incredible luck. The news rushed through the bank. Jasmine was inundated for the rest of the day with a stream of devoted co-workers praising her good fortune. Rumors raced around town. Throughout the remainder of week, it seemed everyone in Pinewhittle took time to stop by the bank and offer Miss Jade their congratulations. The entire citizenry assured Jasmine that she deserved such an amazing opportunity. Miss Jade had no respite from the advent of admirers during the hectic workweek. She had no opportunity to analyze her actual feelings toward participating in the program until the weekend arrived. Early Saturday morning, Clint's cellular phone rang. He promptly answered and heard the anxiety in Jasmine's voice. "Would you skip your usual outing today and come to my house? I want to talk with you."
"Of course, I'll come, Jasmine. Should I bring Mick along?"
"No!"
"Oh?"
"No," Jasmine answered more softly. "I want your advice on a personal matter."
"Of course, Jasmine, anything you wish. Do you want me to leave right now?"
"There's no hurry. I wanted to catch you before you left to climb the mountain. I could make lunch for us if you want to arrive around noon."
"That sounds grand, Jasmine. I'll be there at twelve o'clock."
"Okay, bye," Miss Jade concluded, already sounding somewhat relieved.
