M: What seems to be the problem?

W: I think my computer has crashed. It's completely dead and since I only bought it two weeks ago, I'm very disappointed.

M: Let's see if I can talk you through it. It's always a bit difficult when you don't actually have the computer in front of you. Is there anything on the monitor at all?

W: No, I told you, it's dead. I've tried pressing all the buttons and clicking the mouse.

M: You don't have a power cut in your area, do you?

W: Oh, wait a minute. It's not plugged into the wall. Sorry.

M: It's an easy mistake to make, Madam. 

M: Hi Susan, I'm afraid I'm a bit under the weather today so I won't be coming in to the office.

W: OK Ben, don't worry, the meeting has been cancelled this morning anyway, because too many people are on holiday. We'll sort out a day for next week to hold it.

M: Don't book it for Thursday as I'm going to the dentist in the morning.

W: OK, I'll try to finish your Jameson project if I get time.

M: Thanks Susan, I owe you one.

W: Did you see Barry's holiday photos? They were out of this world. It must be that new camera that inspired him. He usually takes very boring shots.

M: I have seen them actually and I don't understand what all the fuss is about. Anyone can take good pictures in such a wonderful place. I don't see how you could do otherwise with those dramatic mountains. There's nothing very original about them seeing as he's just done a photography course.

W: Well that's typical of you because you know you couldn't take photos as good as that and it annoys you that Barry can. 

M: I don't suppose you can work this weekend, can you, Debbie? We really need to get the Blackwood order finished before Monday morning as they are desperate for their order before the holiday.

W: I can work till four but then I have to pick up my son from football practice as my husband is away at a conference this weekend. I can come in early if you like.

M: That's perfect, as Bob is coming in early too. There will be a bonus payment for you both as I really appreciate your loyalty. Right, lunch is on me then. What shall I bring you from the sandwich bar?

W: So, what did you think of Mr. Jones? Do you think he has the right personality for the job?

M: Well he has been a teacher for years, so he is probably very good at dealing with people and he's into sport, so he's probably quite healthy and energetic.

W: I'm not convinced about him. I think he'd make a better estate agent or car salesman than a PR person. He's a bit too sure of himself.

M: Well, the director needs to have our input before he makes his decision. We need to tell him what we think before two, as he has a committee meeting at 2.30 about the parking problems. 

M: Hi Jenny. Fancy seeing you here!

W: I don't come here very often but I'd arranged to have a coffee with my cousin and I needed to use the photocopier.

M: Don't you have one in your office?

W: Yes, but it's broken again. What have you been reading then?

M: Oh, these aren't mine. Jeremy borrowed them but they were due back today, and I am returning them for him so that he doesn't get a fine.

W: Children! Nothing but problems, aren't they? I'll be glad when mine have grown up.

M: Me too, but then we'll be like Sally, complaining that the house is quiet because the children have left home. 

W: It looks beautiful. The balcony is huge, isn't it? Are the views good?

M: Fantastic! We plan to plant lemon, orange and olive trees in the garden.

W: How could you afford it? Did you win the lottery or get a promotion?

M: No, I inherited some money from my father and rather than sell our house to buy a bigger one, we decided to buy this house for the summers.

W: Even if I saved for years I couldn't afford a place like that.

M: You can stay at ours whenever you like. You don't need to pay us as it's good to have people in the house when we can't be there.

W: Wow, thanks! 

M: Why don't we try out that new cafe that has been built where the cinema used to be? We could go straight after work today.

W: Is that the one next to the bank?

M: No, at the entrance to the park.

W: Oh yes. I know where you mean, facing the baker's. It doesn't have a very good reputation.

M: It's only been open two weeks!

W: My brother George said it was overpriced although the food was quite good.

M: George is mean though and always complains about the cost of everything even though he earns more than we do. Why don't you see if your husband wants to join us for a drink after our meeting with the boss? 

W: Did you watch the James Bond film yesterday?

M: No, I was studying for my accountancy exams next month. I get hardly any time to myself these days. I'm exhausted all the time and I never go out with my friends.

W: Why don't you come to my place for a meal? I'll invite some friends and you can catch up with everyone.

M: Ok, I'll bring something sweet and play my new DVD. It's got some great songs on it. 

W: Have you got everything that you need for the conference? You don't want a repeat of what happened last time when you went off without your laptop. Have you got your passport and your credit cards?

M: Yes, yes, stop fussing. Now I will probably arrive late in the afternoon but then we will be straight into a meeting so I won't be able to get in touch till last thing. So, don't worry if you don't hear from me till late.

W: I don't mind how late it is, dear, as long as you phone. Don't get too involved with all your friends and colleagues and forget.