You're late.
I know I'm late. I'm sorry. I tried to call you to tell you, but your phone seems to be disconnected.
My phone?
Yes. An automatic message says your phone is not in service.
Really? I had no idea. Let me check. Yes, it's dead. There's no dial tone.
So I couldn't get through. I knew I'd be late because my car wouldn't start. It was too cold I had to warm it up in the garage with a heater. That's why I'm late.
But this is terrible. I'm expecting important calls.
About what?
You know what. The theater guild is supposed to call me and discuss a contract for my play. They are supposed to call me this evening. If I don't have a phone. Oh, what can I do?
Well, the only thing you can do is tell the phone company and hope they fix it fast.
Do you have a cell phone?
No. I hate cell phones. But you could go to a neighbor's house and use their phone.
Can you drive me? I will go to Ann's house. It isn't far. I can call the theater guild from there and give them her number. She will let us wait in her living room.
Yes, of course I can drive you. So you don't want to get your phone fixed right away?
Yes, I do. At Ann's house I will call the phone company and have them check my line. If they can fix it right away without coming to my house, then we'll just return here. But if not, I need to wait at Ann's house to talk with the theater guild. It's very important to me.
Alright, let's go.