Nathaniel Northchester Public Library, Nathaniel speaking. How may I assist you?
Eva Good morning, Mr. Zale. This is Mayor Eva Silvercloud. I just wanted to reach out and make sure you were settling in.
Nathaniel Oh, thank you, Madam Mayor. Yes, I believe I am quickly growing accustomed to everything. I'd did have a couple questions...
Eva Great! Before we get to those - there's a meeting of the board next week on Tuesday and I wanted to extend an invitation to you beforehand if you wanted to go over any information or had any questions about specifics before you're thrown into the lion's den. (laughing) They're all over seventy.
Nathaniel Of course. I'd appreciate the opportunity, though I do keep my whip and chair handy. I think I'm looking at a recent picture of the group. They seem - lively. Anyway, I know how important your time is, but I do need to ask... What's the story about this bike? I assumed it was an antique, but it seems to have several current titles on the cart.
Eva The bike... (laughter) It's still in use. Our head of horticulture fancies himself a "spreader of knowledge" - his words. You'll meet him. Just let him (pause) do whatever he's trying to do. Or, if you don't skip leg day, you're more than welcome to give it a try yourself.
Nathaniel Hold on. The head of horticulture for the town, that mouthy little man I met earlier, drives that contraption around the village like a bookmobile?
Eva(pause) Yes, he does. Mostly to the seniors' home and down main street - a lot of the shopkeepers are at work during regular library hours. He calls it the "libryke".
Nathaniel That's (pause) admirable. My second question actually pertains to him. Troy, I believe. Does he... (pause) usually greet all the newcomers? His welcome was unique.
Eva I have to be honest, he's the main reason I called. I assumed he'd be by this morning. He's my foster-brother, but don't assume nepotism. It's just easier to let him wear himself out most of the time. (throat clearing) Speaking of family, may I ask how your son is doing as well? My father works at the school, and I attended for most of my childhood. I hope he's enjoying the (pause) community.
Nathaniellaughter Right. I should have assumed a black sheep situation. I'm sure the two of us will have fun. And yes, thank you for asking after Brayden. He's moved around so much, I don't expect much from the first week but I think he's already enjoying the school. I'm not sure about your father, but he's already mentioned your children several times. Thank you for introducing them the other day.
Eva I'm positive you will. (audible smile) No problem at all - they're a great welcome wagon. I'm glad he seems to be content. (pause) So after Mr. Dyer left, we noticed there was a bit of a dip in the maintenance of the computer cataloging and the network (pause) and most things technological. I'd like to send one of my team out to help you get things updated, if that's okay.
Nathaniel Yes. That makes sense. Mr. Dyer was certainly stuck in his ways. However, I noticed the restricted section wasn't on the books, so to speak, electronically. Is that a conscious effort?
Eva (long pause, audible smirk) Well well, Samwell Tarly, you're going to do just fine here. And yes, it is. I forgot that we needed to address that. (sigh) I can just come down there myself. I have a few hours free this morning.
Nathaniel Well, it wasn't my intention to ensnare your attention. But I rarely deal with underlings, so I look forward to your visit.
Eva(longest pause yet, throat clearing) I understand. I will be down within the hour. Bye until then, Mr. Zale. Oh, and call me Eva.
Nathaniel Of course, Eva. Thank you. And please, Nate or Nathaniel.