CHAPTER 10, Part 1: “Lawrence, can you join us?
“Lawrence, can you join us? We’re going over some ideas for Christmas shows and would like your opinion.”
Lawrence shoved things off the corner of his desk and leaned against it, folding his arms across his chest. Katherine couldn’t help notice how his muscles filled the short sleeves of his shirt.
“Janine, why don’t you review what we’ve got so far,” Katherine said, dragging her eyes away.
Janine aimed her pencil at the list on her clipboard. “We’ve got a roundup of healthy gift ideas, healthy eating, and ways to handle stress around the holidays.”
“You’ve got guests for those?” asked Lawrence.
”Not for the gifts roundup, because they come from so many people. You know, people promoting their own products and services. I guess you’ll do that on your own?” Janine asked Katherine.
“I could. Think I did that last year. Don’t know how interesting that is. What do you think, Lawrence?”
Lawrence jiggled one of his long legs as he looked from Katherine to Janine. “It might be more dynamic if you had someone to talk with. How about Janine?”
Janine raised her eyebrows in surprise and smiled.
Katherine nodded. “Yeah, that might work. We could alternate. You’d talk about a gift idea, and then I would.”
“I see it as sort of two women friends sharing ideas,” continued Lawrence. “You know, wondering what to get their family and friends.”
“Almost an overheard conversation,” agreed Katherine. “That okay with you? You’re comfortable at the mike, right?”
“Sure,” said Janine. “I’d love to do another segment.”
“And we’re getting Louise Fletcher to talk about healthy food choices. You know, she runs that cooking school.”
“Oh, right,” said Lawrence with a nod.
“And what was the other idea again?”
“Stress,” said Janine. “I think we could do a whole show on handling the stress of Christmas. There’s a time planner who could talk about how to schedule everything, and there is this new line of candles called Wax Works, that lets you burn certain fragrances to relax or revive you, whatever you need. And then there’s that minister who’s calling for people to tone down Christmas, make it simpler and cheaper.”
“I’m all for that,” said Lawrence.
“That sounds good. That bit about the candles reminds me that I’d like to do something on decorating ideas for the home, and how that can enhance your experience of Christmas. But not the usual ideas. I want someone who can suggest something new, and tasteful, you know? Not those one-colour gold or silver themes, but something simpler. Like an old-fashioned country Christmas that restores the soul.”
Janine nodded. “I know someone at the craft store who’s really into homemade stuff. She’s really excellent. I can give her a call.”
“Sounds good. Maybe put that after the minister. Depends on how long we go with the interviews. And we have to come up with some ideas for our younger listeners.”
“Ah yes, we can’t forget the famous younger audience.” Lawrence made a face.
“Janine, you’re the youngest among us, do you know what young people are concerned with around Christmas?”
“I’m a total blank when you put me on the spot like that!” There was silence as Janine frowned and shook her head.
“How about,” began Lawrence, “something on college and university students? How they spend Christmas? Particularly if they can’t get home? Are there any who live so far from school that it’s too expensive to go home?”
Katherine turned to Janine. “Do you know anyone at the college you could call and ask about this?”
“I know someone at student services. And maybe student council has something planned. Or the residences. I can call some heads of residence.” Janine jotted notes on her pad.
“See, I knew Janine could pull it together if she had the idea,” Lawrence said to Katherine. “She’s good.”
“How about finding gifts on a very low budget?” suggested Janine, but then immediately added “No, that’s probably a stupid idea, no good at all. Forget it.”
“No, I think that’s perfect. If we can find some young people who are good at being creative or have interesting techniques.” Katherine nodded encouragingly at Janine. “OK. That’s great. Any other ideas?” Lawrence shook his head. Janine was bent over her notes again.
“It’s a great start. Let’s think about it and talk again in the next few days.”
There was a moment of silence, which Janine ended by turning to Katherine. “What are your plans for Christmas?”
Katherine smiled. “Staying home for a change this year. My first Christmas in my house.”
“Of course,” said Janine enthusiastically. “That’s so special. That’s why you want those decorating ideas, isn’t it?”
Katherine just grinned. “And what are you doing Christmas week?”
Janine put her pencil down carefully in the middle of her desk. “Steve and I are going to Mexico!”
“That’s great,” and “Lucky,” said Katherine and Lawrence.
“I know! We’re so thrilled. We haven’t been out of the country since our honeymoon! But Steve’s getting a bonus this year, and we really want to get away.”
“So where exactly are you going?”
“Cancun.” Janine nodded. “I know. It’s so great. Our hotel is right on the beach, and we’re going to do absolutely nothing. Steve needs the rest.” Her smile faded. “And that changes my plans for midwifery school. I’m not going this January, because we’ll be paying off our trip.”
“But I thought Steve was getting a bonus,” Lawrence pointed out.
“That won’t cover our trip. Once you get away you really want to enjoy yourselves, and not worry about money. But we’re getting really good at paying off our credit cards. We’ll be out of debt probably this time next year.”
Lawrence looked at Katherine, who decided to change the subject. “So you’re staying with us.”
“If that’s all right. I know we talked about finding a replacement for me, but you said you were going to wait.”
“That’s right. Somehow I thought it might work out that you’d stay.”
“Oh good. Thanks.”
Katherine turned to Lawrence and tried not to let Janine see her smile. “And what are your holiday plans?”
“Nothing special. Working on the old sound system. Maybe do some skiing.”
“That’ll be nice.” There was a pause as everyone ran out of things to say. “Well, then I’m back to work.” Signalling the end of the meeting, Katherine turned in her chair and returned to her interview notes.