Have you ever been in an argument or a debate with someone and you’ve just made a really good point and the person you’re arguing with also realizes that it’s a good point and they lose their temper? That sucks, doesn’t it? The moment that happens, the argument or the debate shuts down – and that’s never a good thing. It’s healthy for people to have different ideas and experiences and not be afraid to share them.

Obviously, if you’re dealing with a total idiot (and I’ve dealt with my fair share of them), there’s no point in trying. Other than that, when you keep your composure, you’ll find that you can have a worthwhile conversation and even learn something. Course, all that completely flies out the window when it comes to family members …

Smiling a little as she read Ed’s latest note, Hannah listened to her client’s phone ring out and was readying to leave yet another voicemail when she heard the voice pick up.

‘Yeah?’

Nice.

‘Ward? Hi, it’s Hannah,’ she greeted pleasantly. ‘How are you?’

There was a pause and when he replied, it sounded as if she’d disturbed him.

‘Been better, I guess. Please don’t tell me that you’ve arranged another cheesy photo op because we both know that the last one didn’t work out so well.’

‘No, nothing like that. But I was thinking about what you said before, about trying to make you into something you’re not. And you’re right.’

‘OK …’ He seemed taken aback and more than a little wary.

‘So I think it’s important that you and I get to know one another better, maybe brainstorm a bit on what you’re comfortable with sharing that might help turn your image around?’

There was a pause and when he spoke, this time there was an underlying tension in his voice.

‘You know, that’s kind of funny when you think about it. All this going around and talking about “my image”. You know how that makes me feel? Like it’s just an illusion, like it’s not real. The problem is that everyone else thinks it’s real – and after a while, it’s easier to just go along with the image you’ve been assigned rather than being the person you really are.’

Taking a deep breath, Hannah held the handset away from her mouth, trying to keep her composure. Surprisingly deep for a jock though.

‘Like I said, I’m not trying to project anything false. I just want to—’

He cut her off. ‘What you want is to make it seem like I’m a better person than I am, so you can get paid. I get it. So when do you want to do the brainstorming thing?’

She wanted to protest further but decided it was just easier to move things along.