Jasmine stayed frozen for a protracted moment and then burst out laughing, immediately joined by Dweeb's timed release. "All right," Miss Jade relented. Even though she didn't like Dweeb Jasmine had to admit, "That was a good one, Mr. Dorky."
"Thank you, and please call me Dweeb."
"Dweeb," Jasmine pronounced sweetly.
"Another aspect of this off-the-cuff method is that Precious is from Chicago. She has only seen the flat lands of the Midwest. We kept the jet's windows shuttered. After eating several bowls od ice cream, Precious fell asleep on the plane and slept through the helicopter ride. When the copter landed, we rushed Precious into the bank's lobby while she was still sleeping. You may have noticed all the curtains were drawn in the suite. When you and Precious ride the internal elevators to the top floor and step out under the crystal dome, she will have a never before encountered, panoramic vision of your surrounding mountains. I'm sure her initial reaction will consist of many excited questions. Those questions you will certainly be qualified to field with no preparation whatsoever. Feel free to relate any short stories about your mountain-life experiences to Precious for as long as her enthusiasm for the subject remains high." Dweeb paused before asking, "Does that perspective relieve your reservations somewhat?"
Jasmine pondered Dweeb's words before expressing her views. "I hadn't considered the mountains' effect on that little girl. After a lifetime here, I still feel a thrill when I look at my mountains. I don't remember my earliest visions of them. For me, they were always there. I can only imagine what it will be like for Precious to suddenly see their majesty for the very first time." Miss Jade smiled. "Yes, Mr. Dorky, that viewpoint appeals to me very much."
"That's splendid, Miss Jade!" Dweeb and Jasmine spent the following two hours engaged in a mock presentation of the program. Dorky played the part of Precious, flinging both scripted and non-scripted questions in no particular order. Jasmine relaxed and provided satisfactory answers to all of them. "Excellent work!" the executive complimented, indicating their rehearsal had been successfully completed. "Why don't you take the rest of the day to go home and gather any personal items you wish to bring to your suite?" His hopes boosted by the happy two-hour interaction, Dweeb added a line of his own with confident charm, "Don't forget to bring that most alluring and aromatic shampoo!"
Jasmine smiled, feeling much more at ease in Dweeb's company. They took the elevator down two floors to the penthouse level and Dorky exited with a final fawning, "See you at eight in the morning, Miss Jade!"
"Bye," Jasmine said even more sweetly.
Arriving on the first floor, Jasmine stepped out and crossed the lobby toward the escalator. On her way, she saw Clint and Mick engaged in a quiet conversation. Miss Jade detoured in their direction. She walked straight to Clint, reached up, and felt the same shoulder Dweeb had
