Meeting Time Approaches

Cuthbold doesn't so much burst into a room so much as stumble into it. Many of his skills involve him being awkward in some way. At least he's consistent. I know I pick on Cuthbold a lot, mostly because it's just so easy, but he does have a head for numbers and budgets and things like that. He's in his role because he keeps the school operating. He's good with numbers, not so much with people.

“Ah, Patrick, good, you're here.” I considered telling him that I wasn't really here, that I was a hologram or a figment of his imagination or a dream but I didn't think he'd fall for that again. “Just so you know, I'll need you to wear a suit on Thursday.”

I gaped at him in surprise. I could generally get away with a rather casual dress, only upgrading to serious business attire when we have the Big Meetings, but this was different. “A suit?” I echoed.

“And a tie, preferably one that attempts to match the rest of your outfit.” The man knows me too well.

I was crushed. It isn't so much that I can't dress up or never dress up but this level of dressing up for work didn't bode well. “May I inquire why I need the suit on Thursday?”

“And tie?” he reminded.

I amended my earlier question. “Suit and tie on Thursday?”

“Certainly you may. We've called an impromptu Board Meeting for that day. One of the more tenured members of our sister school in Middlesex, England will be here and we want to impress him.”

Knowing Cuthbold's way, I pressed further. “Will I need to prepare a presentation for this meeting?”

Cuthbold shook this off. “No, I shouldn't think so. He's a financial expert, not likely to have much interest in computers. Well, just remember, suit and tie for Thursday.” He nodded and headed out, barely avoiding my door as he left my office.

Once he was gone, to myself I counted to five. At five, Cuthbold's shiny dome reappeared in my doorway. “I will be calling upon you to give him a tour of the campus of course. You provide such a quality tour.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Excellent. Excellent.” He beamed. “Remember, suit and tie.”

Once he departed, I opened up my standard presentation to verify it was up-to-date. I expected he'd probably change his mind in a minute.