The Audio Visual Department

Late in the day feel scalp prickle with heat. Remember that have forgotten to ask for the Audio Visual department to bring microphones and slide projector to first panel of year. Requests must be made online one week in advance. If one tries (and have, of course) to submit request with less than a week's notice, the website flashes Denied in large letters. Tell the Contessa about lapse. Her face falls. Says, Oh No. Say, Oh yes, grimly. Contessa becomes brisk. There's nothing to be done but go talk to Bunny (head of AV). The Contessa bravely volunteers to talk to Bunny herself but seems extremely relieved when I say that It is my Fault, so I should be the one to Go. She says good luck. Think, but am not certain, that she mutters under her breath, You'll need it. Walk down the stairs telling self not to be Afraid. Have worked here for five years. In wildy optimistic train of thought, come to the conclusion that Bunny and I are friends . She has scratched my back and I have hers (not literally). Bunny a forty-five-year-old AV tech who keeps Cats and wears baby doll dresses. Have spent many minutes (which felt like Weeks) admiring pictures of cats. Am almost positive that she once said that she has twelve in her apartment in Chelsea. Prepare self for introduction to new picture. Open door, say Hi to Bunny in bright tone. Bunny says, I wondered when you'd be down here. Ask, you knew we had an event ? Says No, which is clearly a lie. Bunny turns back on me. Makes great show of leafing through stack of printed out requests, says, we are very busy. Look around room, hoping (for first time) that will see new picture of Cat to exclaim over. Say, Look at this cute cat! That Muffin seems very smart. He IS smart, says Bunny, turning around. Am very glad that Muffin correct name of cat because only know two of the twelve names--Muffin and Kathy Griffin and can't talk about a cat Kathy Griffin with a straight face or at all. Picture of Muffin only tip of proverbial iceberg. Half an hour later emerge from AV department feeling covered in cat hair but triumphant, Bunny's minion following behind me loaded down with equiptment.