After she finished speaking, she held her breath and listened nervously for his reaction. However, she only heard the sound of something falling with a "thud" on the other end, followed by rustling sounds. Then his voice came through, clear and firm:
"Okay!"
"See you at noon then!"
She hurriedly finished saying that and hung up the phone with a snap. Cynthia, standing at the door, gave her an "OK" gesture and left happily, while she was left alone, feeling helpless as she slumped in her chair, overwhelmed with confusion.
In the editor's office, James put down the phone in his hand, lit a cigarette, and walked to the window. When he heard her mention inviting him to lunch, he was so shocked that he dropped the phone.
