A Mission For Mouse
Originally posted on February 12, 2009
Karissa: *small laugh* Ohmigosh, did you see the look that waiter gave me?
Melisa: *smiling* You noticed that, did you?. Doesn’t it feel nice to get a second glance? It won’t take long until you’re used to it….. *lowers her voice* … Don’t look now, but he’s about to risk a third one.
Karissa: Ok, I won’t look. *looks anyway* I think I’m getting used to it already!
Karissa: I guess he’s not our waiter, though. Too bad.
Melisa: If he was, you’d get to see first-hand another little perk of looking like you do now - waiters tend to be much more attentive. You would notice it right away. I like that you’re observant, Karrie. It will help a lot with the research assignment I have for you.
Karissa: Oh, tell me more about that. Are you sure all I have to do is ask this manager guy some questions? And hang out?
Melisa: That’s it, you hang out there for a while every day, look around, ask the questions I’ll prepare for you or anything else you want to know…. just spend as much time as you can on the premises and remember everything you see and hear. I will be sending some official-looking documents ahead, introducing you and describing your “school project,” in case anyone should question your reason to be there.
Melisa: Oh…. and see if you can locate this guy as well *shows photo*
Karissa: Hmmmm….And what am I supposed to do when I find him? If I find him? Do I ask him questions, too?
Melisa: Why Karrie Dear, that’s when you put the new and improved Karissa to the test. I want you to charm him into asking you out.
Karissa: Oh. *looks uncertain* Charm him? Yikes, you sure expect an awful lot. I don’t know if I can….
Melisa: Of course you can! Keep in mind – the Mouse is gone now. And remember that waiter – all you had to do was stand in his line of vision.
Karissa: What if this guy has a girlfriend already?
Melisa: I have it on good authority that he does not. From all reports he’s a rather pleasant sort, so I’ sure you won’t have to fight off any….well, you know what I mean.
Karissa: Ohmigosh, I didn’t even think of that!
Melisa: Well, I did – I always do. It pays to take care of all the details.
Karissa: But what if he doesn’t like me?
Melisa: *somewhat impatient* Come on, Karrie, I’m not suggesting you make a lifetime commitment, but considering your recent dating history, a little practice is definitely in order.
Melisa: *her voice softens persuasively* That’s what he will be for you – practice - with no messy consequences. And remember - after you return home you’ll never have to see him again.
Karissa: I guess so. I mean, I guess not. I mean…..
Melisa: He’s not that hard on the eyes, is he?
Karissa: No, he’s kind of cute, actually. And like you say, I don’t ever have to see him again if I don’t want to. If he’s not a total zero, I guess it could be fun.
Melisa: That’s the spirit!
Karissa: So, are you going to tell me what you’re really after with these people? Is this guy the key to the whole thing? Is this the kind of place where you usually uncover your stories?
Melisa: There are stories everywhere, Karrie Dear. You just need to know where to look. And also how to look. Failing to find one that suits, there’s always sheer fabrication, although even then, I have to be knowledgeable enough to sound plausible.
Karissa: So you admit it! You make it up sometimes!
Melisa: I admit nothing. *smiles* Now, one last thing…
Karissa: Oh, no, not more!
Melisa: I can’t stress enough that you will need to remain incognito. You can’t be a Townsend-Adams. Someone is bound to recognize the name, so use your middle name as your last – you’re Karissa Leigh – can you remember that?