Pop: Chapter 3a

    We walk back down to the reception area and sign out before leaving.

    "What do you mean by this 'second interview?'  You never mentioned one before now."

    "Well, I had always planned for more publicity, and this spot opened out very fast.  I took the lead as soon as I could.  I'm sorry for not being able to tell you about it sooner, but it is what it is." Thad explains as we step outside.  It's just a little after nine.

    "I need to call the service so that Cheri won't be ..."

    "Don't worry about it, Chris," Thad interrupts me.  "I've already called.  They'll send someone over to the Rock around ten.  There won't be any problems with you getting to your appointment."

    "There better not be."

    As we start walking down to the Rock, I grab the meal bar from my tote and start eating it.  To be honest, I would rather wait a little bit longer, but I am so upset at Thad that I would be yelling at him if I didn't have something in my mouth.  At least this will keep him quiet too.

    The Rock.  Rockefeller Center.  That means The Today Show.  NBC.  This is too much of a coincidence not to mean something.  Thad knows what's going on, but what isn't he telling?

    I finish up my bar, perhaps a little to quickly, and stuff the wrapper in my jacket pocket.  Thad has been on his phone the entire time, jabbering to someone.  Maybe multiple someones.  I haven't been paying attention.  Just keeping track of the traffic flows is enough to keep me busy, but Thad is a native New Yorker.  He can handle the steady lines of cars and the pattern of traffic lights.  I will never get the hang of it.

    We reach The Rock in less than fifteen minutes, something I usually don't think is possible.  We make our way in and are whisked straight through to the set by a production aide.  Thad had to have called ahead.

    "It will be a few minutes more.  We will be taping the segment to air tomorrow, so feel free to take your time.  We usually don't to much in post, as the interview looks more natural that way.  May I get you anything while we finish setting up?"  Lloyd, the aide, advised us while walking us through to the main set where the interview would be held.

    "I think I'm good, but I would like to go to the restroom first.  Before anything else.  If that's okay."

    "Sure.  Just take that door to the right and go down the hall.  The door is on the right."  

    "Thanks, Lloyd.  Thad, can you stay here while if clean up?"   

    "No problem.  Just hurry up.  I can tell that your makeup needs touching up."  Good old Thad.  Always looking out for me.

    I walk briskly out the door and down the hall to the men's room.  I take a quick look around.  Empty, just as I hoped.  I rip out a loud one as soon as I can.  Guess I shouldn't have eaten so fast.  I've holding that one in for almost a block.  I rearrange my tote and go over to the urinal to relieve myself.  Not sure if I need to, but after letting a big one out, everything seems to shift inside.  I make sure there aren't any drops as the urinal flushes on its own.  I hate those, but I guess it keeps things cleaner.

    I go to the sink to wash my hands.  Automated as well.  I dry off my hands and do one last check on my zipper.  All good.  I take a brief look in the mirror as well.  Still presentable.  Here goes nothing for my second interview of the morning.