You're late .
neutral
user
I know I'm late . I'm sorry . I tried to call you to tell you , but your phone seems to be disconnected .
neutral
assistant
My phone ?
surprise
user
Yes . An automatic message says your phone is not in service .
neutral
assistant
Really ? I had no idea . Let me check.Yes , it's dead . There's no dial tone .
surprise
user
So I couldn't get through . I knew I'd be late because my car wouldn't start.It was too cold I had to warm it up in the garage with a heater . That's why I'm late .
neutral
assistant
But this is terrible . I'm expecting important calls .
neutral
user
About what ?
neutral
assistant
You know what.The theater guild is supposed to call me and discuss a contract for my play.They are supposed to call me this evening.If I don't have a phone . Oh , what can I do ?
neutral
user
Well , the only thing you can do is tell the phone company and hope they fix it fast .
neutral
assistant
Do you have a cell phone ?
neutral
user
No . I hate cell phones.But you could go to a neighbor's house and use their phone .
neutral
assistant
Can you drive me ? I will go to Ann's house . It isn't far . I can call the theater guild from there and give them her number.She will let us wait in her living room .
neutral
user
Yes , of course I can drive you.So you don't want to get your phone fixed right away ?
neutral
assistant
Yes , I do.At Ann's house I will call the phone company and have them check my line.If they can fix it right away without coming to my house , then we'll just return here.But if not , I need to wait at Ann's house to talk with the theater guild.It ' s very important to me .
neutral
user
Alright , let's go .
neutral
assistant