Insurances

When I was asked to move from the big city of Philly halfway across the country to the small town of Centerville, OK, I was excited for the new start and the new job. My insurance company offered me a promotion to move because I'm young and unattached. I was to be one of two agents in the branch.

Searching online for a place to live, I found a basement room available for a great price, and it was furnished. I called the owner, Kate right away. After a brief chat, she admitted, "My husband, Keith passed away last year from cancer. I don't much like living alone. You'll have as much privacy as you want, but I hope we can spend some time together. I can't wait to meet you, Diane. You seem ever so sweet, and I'm sure we'll get along famously."

I chuckled and said, "I'm looking forward to meeting you too, Kate."

The drive was brutal. I kept fidgeting, moving my arms and legs. When I stopped for gas, I always jogged around the building. I gave up trying to find good radio stations on the fly. I put my phone on my playlist and started singing along at the top of my lungs. I got some strange looks, but more than one person smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

I spent two nights sleeping in the back of the small van I had rented, atop pillows and blankets. I had to reserve my money for food and gas.

I finally pulled up at Kate's house. Her online photos didn't do it justice. So far, so good. Now, to find out if Kate was as nice as she seemed on the phone.

As soon as I shut the van door, she came padding out the front door, waving with both hands. Her eyes sparkled, and she had the same warm smile my grandmother used to give me when she was alive. I loved Kate already. She even held her arms out for a hug, like I really was her granddaughter. She said, "Diane, unpacking can wait a bit. Come, I'll get you something to drink."

I spent the weekend settling in and getting to know Kate.

Monday, I showed up at the office right on time. The receptionist greeted me with a smile. "I'm Tammy. How may I help you?"

"Hi, Tammy." I held my hand out. "I'm Diane Sutherland, the new agent."

Her smile disappeared and she pulled her hand away before contact. She said, briskly, "Your office is right there. I've got papers for you to sign." She handed me a folder and preceded to tap away on her computer, dismissing me without saying so.

A door opened and another lady came out. She smiled, "Oh, who's this, Tammy?" She said to me, "I'm Judith, the secretary here."

Tammy shook her head, almost imperceptibly.

Judith's smile vanished and her gaze fell to the floor. What was going on?

"Well," I sighed, "I'll get settled in then."

Not the warmest office environment. I looked through the folder Tammy had given me. I signed and decided to deliver it right away. Then, I'd introduce myself to the other agent.

I opened the door and heard animated conversation, "...karaoke at Frank's Bar Friday. You wanna come?"

"You bet. I..." They noticed me.

I smiled and said, "I love karaoke. Where is Frank's?"

Judith said, "It's by invitation only."

Tammy snapped, "You sign that yet?"

"Oh, yes." I handed her the folder and asked, "Is Roger Thompson in? I'd like to meet him."

Tammy said, "He's with a client. Here, take care of this case." She handed me another folder.

I shrugged and went back to my office.

Back at Kate's that evening, I relayed their behavior. "It's weird, right? Do you think one of them was trying to get my job?"

She laughed it off. "Maybe they're just threatened by a younger girl with more power than them.

The week dragged on. Roger, an older agent, come to find out, was getting ready to retire. I stayed to myself and did the job I had been trained to do.

A week later, I overheard Judith telling Tammy, "...bowling tomorrow."

I tried again, "I'm pretty good at bowling. Do you have a team I can join? It sounds like a blast!"

"No," Tammy didn't bother looking at me. "No team. We're just playing for fun."

The phone rang, cutting away any chance for me to say, "I like fun."

Two months of the same treatment, and I was about ready to ask for a transfer.

Then, the new agent arrived. I was making copies when he walked in, since I didn't want to impose upon Judith.

"Hello, I'm Tammy. What can I do for you?" She smiled.

"I'm Alex Miller, the new agent."

Tammy's smile faded. "Here, fill these out. Your office is over there."

Judith glared and then went back to work.

Alex's door shut.

Tammy said, "Judith, karaoke at Frank's tonight." She smiled at me. She actually smiled. "Diane, didn't you say you like karaoke? Why don't you meet us? You can't miss Frank's on Main."

Judith came to my side. "Diane, let me take care of those copies for you. I'm sure you have more important things to attend to."

My mouth was hanging open.

The door to Alex's office opened.

The ladies ignored him and went back to work.