Castle Cay Read Online Free PDF Page A

His
first question would have a lasting impact on her future.
     
    “ So what’s the secret of your success?”
the reporter asked.
    “ Body language,” said Julie. “I think
it’s a key element to understanding people and what they
want.”
    “ And how do you feel about being the top
salesperson for Chrysler in the state?”
     
    Julie saw her chance to win over her
co-workers and grabbed it:
     
    “ The guys I work with here at Solomon
Chrysler are all excellent salesmen. This year was my turn; next
year one of them will outsell the rest of us! Plus, we have a
terrific service department here, too. Those guys really stand
behind the promises we make, and that means a lot of return
business. But if it were up to me, I’d give the award to the ladies
in the business office. Without them, none of us would sell
anything!”
     
    The article said in closing…
     
    “ Well, Solomon Chrysler has its very own
“Pretty Woman” now, with the addition of young Julie Danes, who, by
the way, looks a lot like Julia Roberts. Check it out…”
     
    And lots of curious shoppers did.
    Julie’s solo lunches were over, and the
office manager, Mrs. Bennett, became “Laura”.
    * * * * *

Chapter 11
    “ A re you going tonight? asked Annie.
“You know Joannie, from payroll? We’re going together. We could
meet you there.”
    “That would be great,” said Julie. I’d love
to have some company.”
    They were talking about the company picnic.
It was scheduled for the evening of the Fourth of July. Solomon
Chrysler had staked out an area along the Charles River near the
Band Shell for the Boston Pops outdoor symphony. Julie was excited
to be going. It would be the first time for her.
    She called Marc and gushed about it.
    “I’m psyched! Can you believe that I’ve never
been to the Boston Pops?”
    “No”, said Marc, “I’ve gone many times. I
love it. My parents are big supporters of the Symphony.”
    “The only thing my parents support is the
liquor store.”
    “Julie, everybody has problems. You just
can’t see them. You’re not alone.”
    “I feel alone, though, Marc. I mean, I’m not
unhappy at work, but I just don’t have anyone close enough to share
things with. I really miss you.”
    “I miss you, too. But I can’t say I miss all
those tire-kickers.”
    “Hey, watch it! Those ‘tire-kickers’ have
been pretty good to me.”
    “I know. I saw the story in the Globe.
Congratulations! But I think they should have given you a public relations award for that speech,” said Marc,
laughing.
    “Thank you. It wasn’t bad…if I do say so
myself. It sure changed things around here for the better. But I
still miss you. Hey, why don’t you come to the picnic?”
    “I can’t, Julie. I’ve already made plans.
Look, there’s someone I want you to meet. Let’s go up to Good
Harbor Beach in Gloucester next week. What do you say?”
    “Okay, call me. I’ll see you then.”
    •
    The Fourth of July was a near perfect night
for the Pops. A luminous, full moon shone through the leaves of the
tall oaks and maples on the Esplanade and the air was balmy. Along
the river’s edge, a gentle breeze rustled through the willows.
    It seemed that everyone had paired off,
camped out in folding chairs and on blankets. Annie had asked
sheepishly if Julie minded her “sitting with Mike”, one of the
mechanics, and Julie noted, with some interest, that Joannie
DeAngelo from the payroll department was sitting next to Pete
Soldano.
    Julie didn’t mind at all. She was sitting on
a long bench with some other employees, absorbed in the wonderful
music…soft at times, and then rising and booming in crescendo.
    No wonder Marc loves the Pops…
    There was a tap on her shoulder. She turned
and looked up. To her shock, it was Dan O’Hara.
    “Julie, could I talk to you for a
minute?”
    “Uh, sure”, she said, “Have a seat.”
    “Maybe we could walk a little?”
    He seemed nervous. Was he going to fire her?
Then, in a flash,