Slavenomore, I believe you are dead right. I'm glad I can meet people like you who can help me navigate this quagmire, and I thank all my respondents!
Sparky called me this afternoon to apologise for not getting back to me after I had to cancel the meeting with CO, and said the CO really wants to talk with me about this. Conversation went something like this:
Sparky: The CO really wants to catch up with you about this.
Julia: Well, my husband usually works on Fridays and Saturdays, so there'll be no opportunity.
Sparky: If he's not, you can call me and I can bring the CO around. Afternoons are best because he takes the group in the morning.
Julia: I'll keep it mind, thanks Sparky. Hey Sparky, does the CO know what has happened?
Sparky: Yes, and he'd really like to catch up with you.
Julia: What did he say to you about what's been happening with Snake?
Sparky: Nothing much. He doesn't say anything.
And this is where my good nature got the better of me, and I don't know if this will get me in trouble or not, but to continue:
Julia: As a friend Sparky, off the record, I warn you to be a bit Macchiavellian about this whole thing. CO and Snake are friends, and sometimes friendship runs deep...be careful this doesn't backfire on you. I'm warning you as a friend.
Sparky: Thanks Julia. I don't think it'll backfire. The CO visit ends on Sunday, so as long as you can meet him before then, if you feel up to it. It's up to you. Oh the Congregation Book Study is on tonight at the hall, did you know? Maybe you can make it?
Julia: I'll see how I go. I'll keep it in mind.
Awkward silence...
Julia: Thanks Sparky, I'm all good.
Sparky: You can listen in on the phone you know, so you don't have to be there but can hear the message.
Julia: Hey good idea, I'll give it a go! I have the number at home...
And pleasantries were exchanged and we ended the call.
One thought in my mind: Sparky's gonna get ROLLED.
And I have no intention, even if my husband is home, to call him. Oh and Sparky offered to give me the CO's number so I can contact him directly. I told him I'd rather not. Poor Sparky tries so hard.
