Better to Be Early
Mohammed and Kelly got off the elevator. Kelly looked at Mohammed and said, “Oh, Mohammed, it’s not surprising that we’re early.”
Mohammed, without looking at her, replied, “I’ve lived long enough to learn that being early relieves one of the stress of being late, my dear. It is never wrong to be early.” He gestured toward the conference room doors. “So, what is this all about anyway? You have any idea?”
”I don’t know much. All I know is, the business that has to be discussed today is strictly hush-hush, and the top people have approved it. So, they say, Jump and I-“
“I know, you say, How high? We’ve known each other long enough that I can predict what you’re going to say next. You see, I’ve paid attention when you use your American gringo.” They both started to laugh.
“Quite right, but it’s lingo and not gringo. Don’t feel disheartened; you were close, and you’re learning the language fast.”
After a few steps more steps down the hall, Kelly spoke again. “Mohammed, you know, you really didn’t have to come along to this. I could have managed. In any case, it’s not the first time that I’m attending a meeting on such short notice.”
Mohammed, in a very casual tone, replied, “Oh, not a problem, Kelly. When you mentioned that it was a meeting involving the Iraqi businesses, I just had to come. There is so much happening in the country now. I do not want to miss any piece of information. Even the smallest bit may be useful for us in our work.”
After a brief pause, he added, “I hope you don’t think I doubt your capability. It’s just that when you are out of the country, you feel responsible for even the smallest of things.”
By this time, they had reached the conference room and Kelly just looked at Mohammed and frowned at his last statement but said nothing.