16: Slimy Limey!
Narrator: Hello! You're joining us again after Anna's call from Mr Lime – he asked her to lunch, remember. Now Anna and Denise are flapping. Denise: ...and before you know it, he'll be asking you to marry him! Trust me Anna, this has happened to me dozens of times! Anna: But I thought he was only interested in the lemons! Please promise me you won't mention this to anyone. Denise: OK, I promise. Anna: Oh, shhhh! Tom: Good morning. What's going on? Denise: Mr Lime has asked Anna to lunch! Anna: Please… Tom: And? Denise: And it's not to talk business! I saw him looking at her with big eyes, from the moment he first saw her! Anna: Denise! Tom: Old Slimy Limey eh? Lucky Anna! Anna: He's not slimy, it's just… Tom: Don't tell me you said yes?! Anna: Well I didn't know what to say. Tom: You didn't? Anna: No, no, I said I was busy and would call back. I wanted to just say no, but with everyone complaining that I'm not polite on the phone... I just... I didn't know how to say it politely. Tom: Ha ha, I'll tell you what to say. Anna: Hang on, let me write it down... why do all the pens keep disappearing? Denise: Here's one. Anna: Thanks. Okay, I'm listening Tom. Tom: Say: go... Anna: (writing) go... Tom: ...away... Slimy Limey. Anna: Go away Slimy Limey. Are you sure? Tom: Of course! Denise: Don't listen to him Anna. This is what you say: Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. Then explain why, say I'm afraid… blah blah blah Anna: Blah blah blah? Denise: Say it's against company policy to have non-business lunches with clients. Anna: Meaning? Denise: You're not allowed to if it's not for business. Then say: It wouldn't be appropriate. So, with regret, I'm going to have to say no. Anna: Okay, I think I've got that all down. Thanks. He'll be waiting for my call. (dials phone) Mr Lime: Hello, Seb Lime speaking. Anna: Hello Mr Lime. Mr Lime: Anna! Please, call me Seb. So, when can I invite you to lunch? Denise: (whispering loudly) Thank you for your offer... Anna: Well, thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. Mr Lime: Oh? Denise: (whispering loudly) I'm afraid... Anna: I'm afraid it's against company policy to have non-business lunches with people. Mr Lime: Really? Oh how tedious! Denise: (whispering loudly) It wouldn't be- Anna: Shhh! Mr Lime: Pardon? Anna: No, not shhh you Mr Slimy I meant shhhh Denise! Mr Lime: Mr Slimy? Anna: Oh no! I mean Mr Limey – Lime – er Seb! You see, it wouldn't be appropriate. So, with regret, I'm going to have to say no. Mr Lime: I think I've understood. Goodbye Anna. Anna: Goodbye. Narrator: Oh dear, he didn't take that too well. But, apart from a little mistake, Anna did well there. Here are the phrases she used to politely refuse the offer of lunch: Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. I'm afraid it is against company policy… It wouldn't be appropriate. With regret, I'm going to have to say no. Good job Anna, bad luck Mr Slimy!