Cover Story (18 page)

“From
Under the Microscope
.”

He gaped like a fish. “You’re friggin’ joking!”

His reaction—or maybe just telling someone—made it more real, and excitement bubbled through my veins. “No joke. Rene Michaels just called.”

He grabbed my coffee and plonked it down with his, then lifted me into a bear hug. “That’s freakin’ fantastic, Fletcher! Congratulations.”

He spun me around and I laughed. “I should take it, shouldn’t I?”

He stopped and dropped me. “
What?
”

“Um, you know.” I shrugged. “I should say yes.”

His eyes almost popped. “You mean you didn’t already?”

“She gave me twenty-four hours.” I picked up my coffee and sipped.

“For God’s sake, why didn’t you snap up the offer on the phone? This is a once-in-a-lifetime job. I’d kill for that position. Call her back now.” He pointed to the door.

I glanced from the door back to him. “The job’s in New York.”

“Of course it is. So what?” His exasperation leaped at me as clearly as his words.

“I’d be leaving my whole life behind.” Again, my mind flicked through reasons for staying.

“What life?”

I rested my cup on the counter and twirled it absently. “I met this guy …”

He raised his face and fists to the ceiling. “I don’t believe it.” He looked back at me and grabbed my shoulders. “Listen to me, Fletcher. You will not give this up for some guy. This is big. There are almost two
billion
men on the planet. You’ll find another one. How many jobs like this are there?”

Good point. Score one for New York. “I’d miss green chile—I’ve heard it’s hard to find in New York. I’d miss the farolitos at Christmas. I’d miss my sister …”

He shook my shoulders lightly. “Are you listening to yourself? You’d miss your sister? You’ve met some guy? This is the biggest thing that could happen to your career. It won’t happen again. It won’t happen to most journalists.” He released my shoulders and laid a hand on his heart with dramatic flair. “Promise me you won’t throw this away because you’re too scared to leave home?”

He was right. I knew it. Score two for New York. The churning in my stomach was fear. Maybe I was scared about stepping up to the challenge? The pressure to prove myself would be mammoth. A slow smile spread across my face. If there was one thing I was well practiced at, it was proving myself.

“You’re absolutely right, Matias.” I reached up and kissed his cheek. “Thanks.” I flipped the lock on the door and paused before leaving. “You’re a great guy, Matias. I wish …”

He pointed to the door. “Just go and accept the job, Fletcher.”

Then he winked and I knew he knew what I meant. I smiled and dashed for my desk. But instead of grabbing the phone, I snatched my bag and keys and headed for the parking lot.

Twenty minutes later, I knocked on Grace’s penthouse door.

“Tobi, hon.” She pulled me into a hug and for the first time I relaxed into it and hugged her back. “What a nice surprise.”

I followed her past her views that went forever. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“Okay.” She flopped on her overstuffed couch.

I sat beside her, tentative about putting it into words. “I’ve been offered my dream job.”

“Good for you!” she squealed.

“It’s in New York.”

“Oh.” Her face fell.

I took a deep breath, holding it for a second before speaking. “I’m thinking I’ll take it.”

She plastered on her compensation smile and I was glad I knew her enough to recognize it now. “You should take it if it’s your dream.”

“I’d leave everything behind. You …”

“Don’t you worry about me. I’ll come and visit. You’ll probably kick me out, I’ll be there so much.”

My stomach eased a little but was still tight and fluttering, which I was sure was just excitement.

“Tobi, is there anything else keeping you here? What about hunky Simon?”

“Well, yes, there’s him.” I looked out her floor-to-ceiling window. “What if he’s ‘the one
’
?”

Her expression grew serious. “One thing I’ve learned from my life is you can’t make your decisions based on a man. Look where it’s got me. This decision has to be for you. You said this job was your dream?”

I nodded. “Ever since I was at college.”

“Then you have to do it.” She threw her hands out as if that was that. “You know I’m a fan of Simon, but I’m a bigger fan of you.”

I leaned over and squeezed her tight. “Thanks, Grace. That’s just what I needed to hear.”

She hugged me back then released me, but kept hold of my forearm. “You going to tell him now?”

“Yes, I need to.” A wave of nausea washed through me at the thought but it’d be worse if I put it off.

“Good luck.” She gave my arm a little pat, then let go. “And remember you don’t want to be stuck regretting not chasing your dream for the rest of your life.”

Score three for New York.

I left her apartment and called Simon at work.

“Hey, Tobi. Long time, no hear.”

“Yeah, sorry. I know I said I’d call and I meant to …”

He chuckled, low and velvety. “I can read, Tobi. I know where you’ve been spending your time. Congratulations by the way.”

“Thanks. Look, can I drop in on you at work? There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Hmm, I don’t like the sound of that. When?”

“I’m in the car now. How about in ten minutes?”

“Okay, I’ll be here.”

For the rest of the drive and the way up to his office, I practiced words. I knew he’d try to lure me to stay but Matias and Grace were right—I couldn’t forget my dream over a man. No matter how amazing that man was.

His receptionist showed me into the office where I’d first met him all those months ago. He was wearing a midnight-blue shirt, the same color as his eyes, and I almost melted in a puddle at his feet. Well, no one said this would be easy.

He walked over, took my hand and wrapped it behind his back, then kissed me lightly before releasing me again.

“Good morning, Tobi.” His voice reverberated through every bone and cell in my body.

“Simon, I have to tell you something.”

One side of his mouth quirked. “So you said.”

No use beating around the bush—dragging this out would only make it messier for everyone. “I was offered the job of a lifetime this morning. In New York. With
Under the Microscope.
”

A number of emotions chased each other across his face. Recognition. Respect. Understanding. Acceptance. “That’s fantastic,” he said, voice neutral. “Did you take it?”

I bit my lip then forced myself to answer. “Not yet. She gave me twenty-four hours.”

He stepped back and leaned a hip against his desk. “You have to take it.”

I frowned. What happened to fighting for me? Not letting love leave him a second time? “You
want
me to take it?”

He nodded. “Yes, I want you to take it.” He moved behind his desk, his face completely neutral and picked up a pile of folders. “I’m really sorry, I couldn’t reschedule this meeting on short notice. I just delayed the start time.” He moved to the door. “But, hey, congratulations. You’ll be great.” He smiled fleetingly and left.

I drove straight back to the office and called New York.

“Rene Michaels.”

My stomach clenched and my grip tightened on the phone. “Rene, it’s Tobi Fletcher.”

“Tobi, good to hear from you.”

“Thanks.” I took a breath. “I accept your offer.”

“Great, I’m really glad you want the job.”

“I do, I really do. It’ll be fantastic for my career. And there’s no reason not to take it. My sister will visit and I’ll come back enough to see the rest of my family and friends,” I babbled. “My … er, sort-of-boyfriend person wanted me to take it—even if he’d probably said it in some misguided attempt to give me what was best for me.” So why then—if it was right—did I feel so damn sad about leaving? Surely there were more reasons—what was it Matias said? “And also—”

Rene cleared her throat. “Um, that’s great Tobi. I’m pleased it’s worked out so well for you.”

I cringed down low into my seat. I’d lost verbal control and
prattled
to a virtual stranger. I never prattled! And the stranger was my new boss. Mortified, I tried to think of a way to recover but nothing came to mind before Rene spoke again.

“How soon can you get here?”

“As soon as you need me,” I replied without hesitation. Time to get back to being myself—Tobi Fletcher, model employee.

“Within a week would be good. I assume that won’t be a problem?”

“None whatsoever.” I crossed my fingers and prayed for no logistical obstacles and for Kevin’s willingness to let me go with little notice. “I’ll be there by the end of the week.”

I finally made my way over to Sofia’s desk. The guilt that the job had come to me instead of her made me blurt out the whole story, finishing with, “I feel so bad, because we both worked on those stories.”

Sofia squealed and did her little happy dance. “This is fantastic!”

I took a step back, confused. “You’re not mad or jealous?”

She grinned. “Maybe just a bit, but I’d never have accepted that job anyway, so it’s perfect it came to you.”

I blinked. “You wouldn’t have?”

“No, but it’s ideal for you, just what you’ve always wanted.” She squealed again and grabbed me in a hug.

Despite my gratitude for her enthusiasm, I extricated myself to see her face. I had to know. “Sofia, why wouldn’t you have taken the job?”

“I’m different than you. Your career is the most important thing and I think that’s great. But I’m getting married soon and we want to start a family. My whole life is here in Santa Fe. For me, I don’t know, this is where I’m happy.” She shrugged. “Your job makes you happy, but it’s other things for me.”

My job makes me happy?
I frowned, processing the words. I couldn’t ever remember my job making me happy … It was a way of showing everyone what I could do. I frowned harder. I supposed it gave me satisfaction and respect for myself—was that the same thing?

“Thanks, Sofia. Look, I need to go. I’ve got a million things to do before I leave.”

I continued down the corridor to Kevin’s office then knocked.

“Come in.”

Still looking for the right words, I walked in and sat down.

“Fletcher. Good.” He nodded. “You’re here to finish our conversation.”

Our conversation? I scanned my memory banks until I found the discussion we’d been having when Rene Michaels had rung. “Oh. Yes.” My mother. Of course. “About that—”

Kevin held up a hand. “No need. I’m not stupid. I think I’ve got the message.” He shrugged but, as his shoulders fell back into place, they seemed a little more slumped than usual. “It’s over.”

As I’d been the connection between him and my mother, I felt responsible. And guilty. When their affair had started, I’d been so worried about the ramifications for my career, I hadn’t thought about Kevin. But he was as much a pawn in this latest game of my mother’s as me. “Kevin, I’m sorry.”

He expelled a rush of breath. “Don’t be. I never thought it’d last forever.”

I looked at him, sitting in his high-backed chair, hands clasped on the desk between us, and I smiled. “You know what? I’m glad it didn’t.”

His head snapped back and eyebrows shot up. “You are?”

“Kevin, I’m saying this to you as a person, not as my boss. You’re a good man. I like you. And, much as I love her, my mother is not good for the emotional health of her lovers. You deserve more than that. Find yourself a person with a good heart who makes you happy.” A picture of Simon flashed before my eyes.

Kevin rocked back in his chair and regarded me for a full minute. Had I gone too far? I might be leaving, but I didn’t want to burn any bridges. Then he smiled, and seemed happier than I’d seen him since before he’d met my mother.

“That’s big of you to say, Fletcher.”

“You’re welcome.”
Now. While he’s in a good mood.
“There’s something I need to ask. I’ve been offered a job in New York, with
Under the Microscope
and they want me to start within the week. Is there a chance you’d be willing to let me off without serving out my notice?” I did my best imitation of an Anna smile—adorable and unrefusable.

For the second time, he rocked back in his chair and regarded me. Then he sat forward and offered me his hand. “Good for you, Fletcher. I’m damn proud.”

“Thanks.” I shook his hand, feeling both surprised and hopeful. “About the notice?”

“Sure, why not?” He shrugged, but the action was a world away from the despondent shrug he’d given earlier about my mother. “Finish today if you want.”

Wary about looking a gift horse in the mouth, but needing to know, I asked, “Is this because I said you were a good man?”

He hooted a laugh. “Nope, it’s because I want an inside link with someone on
Under the Microscope
.” He winked but I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not.

“Thanks, Kevin.” I stood and turned to go but then looked back. “You’ve been a great boss. And I really appreciate you letting me go early.”

“Good luck with the job. I hope you find what you’re looking for, Fletcher.”

But I’d already found it. The job. It was what I wanted. If I could have anything, this would be it. Absolutely.

We nodded, probably both a little embarrassed after the show of emotion, and I left.

There was one other call I needed to make. Perhaps the only other person who’d miss me.

“Hey, Cameron.”

“Tobi, how goes it?”

“Good. I have some news. I’m moving to New York. I got a job with
Under the Microscope
.”

He gave a low whistle and his voice was filled with approval. “Good for you. Looks like you finally found that wilder, crazier version of you.”

I had? “Thanks.”

“Got time for a going away DVD night?”

“I’d love to but I can’t. I’ve got to pack up my apartment, put everything in storage, organize flights and luggage and I don’t even want to think of what else.”

“Okay then. Have a great time, Tobi. Maybe we’ll catch up again one day.”

By his tone, he sensed the same thing as me—our relationship was finally over. Nostalgia lodged in my throat for a second before I cleared it. “Yeah, Cam. I’m sure we will.”

Then I sat and wrote my last article for the
Santa Fe Daily
.

*

Gnome-capades in Sleepy Santa Fe Suburb

By Tobi Fletcher

What’s going on when there’s one gnome-napping and four gnomicides in a cul-de-sac of only seven houses?

The residents of the now infamous Los Alamos Court postulated theories of conspiracies and culprits, but after considerable investigation, none panned out. So, what did come to light? A group of neighbors enmeshed in friendships, squabbles, cups of tea, and support for each other.

This mismatched group have struck upon something missing in most neighborhoods I’ve known: a sense of community. Sure, they have their problems, but they’re working them out together.

Symbolic of their community is their gnome tradition. Each house has several gnomes and every day—yes, every day—someone moves them. There have been instances where they’ve been put in lewd positions by several young men (pictured right) but more usually, they’re arranged talking to each other, going on fishing trips, looking down drain pipes, climbing trees, playing in puddles or peeping through windows.

Having a communal gnomery has ensured that when tension arises between these residents, there’s still something holding them together. There are two small children living in Los Alamos Court and what better message could their parents be sending them than how to get along with those in their community? And, in times of adults complaining the world over of kids being glued to various technological devices, how refreshing to see parents taking the time to walk the street with their children and encouraging creativity with gnome placement.

Gnome-napping and gnomicides aside, is this street a sign that technology hasn’t triumphed over humanity? Or is it just a great street game? You be the judge.

*

Two days later I was at home, packing. The truck was due that afternoon to take my furniture to storage and, after it left, I’d be staying with Grace until I flew out. Problem was, I hadn’t finished deciding what clothes I was taking and what I was leaving.

My mother had offered a room in her house to keep anything I didn’t want in storage. She was over the moon about my move. It was the first time my career—or I—had provided her with something to brag about. Even my father and Grandpa Jack had been impressed. I’d done it—gained the respect of my family. People were taking me seriously. It felt great.

It felt hollow.

I threw the contents of my underwear drawer into a suitcase but paused when the pink lace teddy fell in. I retrieved it and let it rest between my fingers. I’d miss Simon—and the opportunity to show him the teddy—so much that I was aching already, but that was natural, right?

My cell phone rang and startled me into dropping the lingerie as if I’d been sprung doing something naughty. I reached over to pick up the cell and saw Simon’s number on the screen. My heart rate accelerated to a ridiculous speed.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Tobi. This is Anna Hanson.”

A flower of warmth unfurled in my chest. Damn, I’d miss this kid like hell. I’d even miss the adorable way she spoke so formally on the phone. “Hello, Anna. How are you?”

“I’m good, but I’m very sad you’re going a long way away.”

“I’m a bit sad, too.”

“Granma and me are having a G’bye Tobi party. Can you come?”

Tears pricked my eyes and one escaped and slid down my cheek. “I’d love to come. When is it?”

“Tomorrow night. You’ll still be here then, won’t you?”

“Yes, I’m not leaving until the day after that.”

“Goodie!” I could hear Dot speaking in the background and I waited until Anna spoke again.

“Granma says you hafta come at six o’clock to Granpa’s yard.”

The memory of her enthusiastic greeting at the last party at her granpa’s—the gnome vigil—crashed into my mind. And then her giving me the present of the pencils. She was such a sweet kid.

I bit my lip as another tear got away. “Okay, Anna, I’ll be there.”

“And can you bring Grace? Coz I like Grace. And she’s your sister so she can come to your party.”

I paused, waiting for the jealousy that usually accompanied Grace’s success at muscling in on my territory, but it didn’t materialize. Maybe I’d outgrown it?

“Sure, I’ll ask her.”

*

Grace drove me to the party, which was convenient now I was carless: she’d bought my car that morning. We parked in Gerald’s driveway and made our way through the gate to his walled yard to find the whole street already in full party mode. The gnomes were decorated with streamers and glitter hats. They looked fabulous. A wistful ache settled in my chest.

Lukas and the rest of Dig Dog were mucking around on their instruments, entertaining the small crowd. Anna and Cosmo chased each other through the obstacle course of people and tables. It was heart-warming to see them so happy and uninhibited. Davo stood with his new roomies, Pedro and Laurie, mirroring their stance: hands stuffed in pockets, hips thrust forward, rocking back on heels. I smiled, genuinely pleased. This would be great for him.

Jazlyn sat in a folding chair—tummy protruding like she had a three-year-old in there—beside Liz and Rafaella, chatting away, nineteen to the dozen. I briefly wondered what they were talking about with so much animation. It’d be nice to sit and catch up with them when we’d said hello to everyone.

Ethel and Dot rushed around, obviously making last-minute adjustments. And Valentina stood beside the food table, talking to Simon, who was watching me. In fact, I’d felt his gaze as we’d turned into the street and it hadn’t left me yet. Even when I turned back to Grace, I felt its effects from my scalp to low in my belly, and down to my toes.

It burned.

Grace walked around the car to stand beside me. “Tobi, this street is gorgeous. It’s so cute, I just want to pick the whole thing up and tuck it in my pocket.”

Before I could reply, Anna raced over and crashed into my legs. “Tobi! Tobi!” she squealed.

Cosmo arrived about three seconds later and crashed into Anna’s back, hugging her. “I catched you!”

I staggered a little from their combined force of impact and Davo appeared to my left, grabbing my shoulder to steady me.

“Hey, boss chick.”

The children detached from my legs and Anna threw herself at Grace in a similar fashion.

“Hey, Davo, how’s it going?”

“Cool. I moved in with the Dig Dog dudes, ya know.”

“Good for you.”

Anna and Cosmo raced off again and I reached for Grace’s arm. “Grace, this is Davo.” I raised my eyebrows meaningfully and she nodded.

“Davo, this is my sister, Grace.”

Davo stuck out a hand. “Pleased ta meet ya, boss chick’s sister.”

Grace laughed and took his hand. “Likewise.”

“Davo,” I said, “I’ve got a proposition for you.” His eyes widened as I’d known they would at my choice of words and I chuckled. “Grace socializes with the cream of Santa Fe’s society and has volunteered to give you a few pointers to maximize your social skills.” I paused, seeing his confused expression. “Not that I think you need it,” I added. “But I wish I’d had help at your age and—”