Thursday, 1 p.m.

On Thursday, Louise Hollis reserves part of her lunch break to make personal phone calls. Looking at her desk calendar, she checks what time the Morrisons' party is supposed to start. Eight thirty, she reads. She phones the babysitter's house.

Janet : Hello.
Louise : Hi, Janet. It's me, Louise.
Janet : Hi, Lou, I was just on my way out the door.
Louise : Well, I'll be quick, then. Do you think Toni would be able to babysit for Becky and Jim on Saturday night?
Janet : I know she wants to earn the money, but she's so busy lately. Let me think. It's Friday night she has a date. What time were you thinking of on Saturday?
Louise : I was hoping she could come at 8:15, because the party starts at 8:30. We would be back late, maybe 11.
Janet : I'll have her call you, but I'm pretty sure she can do it.
Louise : Really? That's a relief. Definitely ask her to call me this evening.
Janet : OK, I will. Sorry, I've got to go.
Louise : OK. Bye.

Louise searches through her handbag for the slip of paper on which Robert wrote the Morrisons' phone number. When she finds it, she writes the number into her addressbook. Then she picks up the receiver and phones Carol.

Carol : Hello, Morrison residence.
Louise : Hello, Carol?
Carol : That's me.
Louise : Carol, this is Louise Hollis.
Carol : Oh, hi! Are you and Robert able to come to our party?
Louise : Yes. You know, the reason I was calling is I'd like to know if you want us to bring anything. I could make a salad or something.
Carol : Let's see. I've got salads and hors d'oeuvres planned already, but if you'd like to make a dessert, that would be very helpful. We're expecting about thirty people.
Louise : How about if I make apple pie then? We're going apple picking on Saturday morning.
Carol : That's an excellent idea. That is, if you think you'll have the time.
Louise : Yes, I'll make an apple pie, maybe two.
Carol : Thanks. Do you know how to get here?
Louise : I was going to ask you that next. Rob didn't ask for your address.
Carol : We live in the Woodland Heights neighborhood. It's 2353 Greenwood Boulevard.
Louise : (writing down the address) I think I know where that is. It's parallel to Belmont Avenue, isn't it? I'll find it easily.
Carol : You should be getting an invitation by post, as well. I'm looking forward to meeting you. See you Saturday!
Louise : See you then. Good-bye.
Carol : Bye.

	Louise
	Carol
	Janet