Digital cameras had made the process much easier, and the knowledge she had gained about the proper way to photograph buildings from a school photography club, helped her immensely. Each building was shot from opposite corners, thus giving a good view of all sides and roof areas. She still remembered being told of a risk with beautiful photos of the front of an out-building, taken straight on. When the inspector made a visit, he discovered most of the back wall of the building was missing.
Mr. Draper was coming to the office at nine that morning to discuss his policy, and Melanie was going to give him comparative quotes from the farm companies her brokerage represented. She was going to have to do it with coffee stains all over her once-pristine white blouse. As she fumed, a part of her mind made a mental note to herself - store a change of clothing in the office at the first opportunity. She had borrowed a sweater from the receptionist. The color clashed horribly with her skirt, but it covered most of the damage and, by the time Mr. Draper arrived for their meeting, she had calmed down sufficiently to carry on with her presentation. After discussing the various options, Mr. Draper gave her his decision on the coverages, and left quite satisfied with her assistance, so the day wasn't a total write-off. She was happy to wrap up his policy on the spot, because she knew if he didn't commit with her right away, he would possibly go elsewhere for another quote, and she could lose him as a client.
Her stomach in knots after work the next day, Melanie went home, showered and dressed in her most conservative suit. It helped her to feel a little more in control. But her confidence waned as she entered the restaurant. Kicking him had definitely not been wise. She spotted him immediately at a corner table, and for just a brief moment, saw him as a tall, young, attractive man rather than her enemy. His dark brown hair was cut really short, he had a firm jaw and his eyes held secrets and laughter.
Looking pointedly at her feet, he asked "How much danger am I in tonight?"
"Since we're supposed to be resolving our differences, I'll restrain myself. Just for the record, have you any idea what a horrible day that was for me? I was on my way to meet with one of our most important clients and I had to walk into the room wearing the contents of your coffee cup on my blouse, thanks to you. It was totally mortifying."