Like I told you before, we just don't have the resources to hire you an assistant. 

I understand that, but the fact is we are understaffed.

the timing  is just not right. The economy is bad and is too risky to take on new staff. 

Yeah, I guess you are right. Here is an idea. What if we hire an intern? She would take some of the weight off my shoulders. Yeah, you know, a recent graduate, she could give me a hand with some of these projects and we could keep our costs down.

That sounds reasonable. Let me see what I can do. Tony, I'd like to introduce you to your new assistant. 

OK, great. Let's meet her.

I'm Adam. 

Hi, I'm Tony.