‘Jessica here.’ ‘Hi, um, is this Embassador Services?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘I’m Fran Rittman. My friend, Samantha Burns, recommended you to me.’ ‘Looking for a maid, is it?’ ‘Yes, we …’ ‘Do you currently have one employed?’ ‘No. I’ve been doing without for some time now.’ ‘I see.’ ‘You don’t know what it’s been like.’ ‘Tell me what you –’ ‘Oh, God, it’s so good to talk to someone who understands. I’ve had to figure out how to use things and grocery shop and next week, I have playgroup. At my house!’ ‘Yes. Tell me –’ ‘The other day, I bought a chicken at the grocery store and when I unwrapped it, the head and feet were still on. I screamed but of course there was no one there to help me. I panicked and threw it out the window.’ ‘What I mean, Mrs Rittman, is could you tell me what you are looking for?’ ‘An amah. A helper. A maid, dammit! Haven’t you heard a word I’ve said? Listen, if you can’t help me, tell me who can.
