by Barrett
“Anyway, she told Riz, who confronted Rachel at the Girls Gone Wild bar a week or so ago. Man, you should’ve seen that argument. The bouncer ended up throwing Rachel out of the bar. When she got home Lissa had packed up all her stuff, put it on the front porch, and told her she never wanted to see her again.”
Kirin nodded in solidarity and struggled to keep the smile from her face. She desperately wanted to grab her cell phone and call Silke. “Wow, that’s quite a story. And Dawn Rizzoli doesn’t look like someone you want to piss off.”
“You’re not kidding.” Melissa nodded. “That was over a week ago, and people are still whispering about it. Mind if I help myself to your coffee?”
“Go ahead. Here take my cup.”
Melissa went into the open kitchen. “So, darlin’, since we’re having this wonderful sharing moment, how is that pretty lady you took home?”
Kirin felt a flush of warmth rise up her neck to her cheeks. She wouldn’t be able to keep this from Melissa for very long, and there really was no reason to, especially now. “Things are good. We’ve gone out several times and . . . we’re very comfortable together. In fact . . .” She took a deep breath and sat up a little straighter. After all, she had nothing to be ashamed of. She had acted very respectfully. “I invited her to go with me to meet my folks.”
Melissa walked back into the living room, smiling that smile, and put the coffee cups on the table. She sat with one leg curled under her and leaned back with her arm draped across the back of the sofa. “Are you really going to make me beg you for details?”
Kirin sighed. “No. But I think that given all that’s just happened, it would be best if you didn’t say anything about this for a while for a couple of reasons. First of all, as I’m sure you know, Rachel Bates is pretty unpredictable. What you may not know is that she has a nasty temper and can be a little dangerous. I’m not going to say any more about that, but it’s important to keep in mind.” She picked up the coffee and took a sip.
“I understand. Now, spill it.” Melissa sat at attention like a well-trained puppy.
Kirin put her cup down and stood. She thought better when she paced a little. “Second, I met Silke when I was in Belize. And I was sort of attracted to her—”
“Sort of?”
She gave Melissa the look. “But I knew that she was in a relationship and didn’t act on it. We talked a couple of times after we returned to Milwaukee and met for coffee. Eventually she confided that she was ending the relationship. Nothing happened until Rachel moved out.” She took a breath and returned to the sofa.
Melissa put her hand on Kirin’s knee. “Remember, I know you pretty well and I know you would never do anything that wasn’t honorable. But if you took her to meet your family, I know you’re serious.”
“Yeah, I am. I’m just crazy about her.” She couldn’t contain the nervous laugh that bubbled up. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way. It’s amazing. But we have different career paths, and there are a lot of things to iron out before we can be together.”
Melissa squealed and clapped her hands. “I’m so happy for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you looking so goofy happy.” She flung her arms around Kirin’s neck and hugged her tightly. “Of course . . . I’m disappointed I won’t be able to do you whenever I want, but I’m pretty crazy about Steffi. Congratulations, I won’t say a word.” She crossed her heart. “Promise. And if you need any help with your condo or moving, just let me know.”
Kirin relaxed. It felt good to be able to share her good news. And just saying it out loud made it seem real. “I’m glad I told you. I feel like I’ve been holding it in for months.”
Chapter Fifty-one
SILKE PRESSED THE cell phone against her ear. “I love you, too, have a safe trip. And Kirin . . . let me know when you land, okay? Bye.” She smiled and tucked the phone into her shirt pocket. The trip to New York was inevitable but hard.
“I think we’re all set,” Roger said and dumped a giant roll of bubble wrap on the floor. “I arranged for the Home Depot truck for Thursday and rented a big ass hand truck from the heavy equipment place. It costs a hundred bucks a day, but it’s seventy-eight inches tall and can hold sixteen hundred pounds. I’m pretty sure that will do the trick.”
“It sounds awesome. I spoke to the electrician this morning. He installed Mr. Hardcastle’s wiring last week, and the cement base was poured on Friday.” Silke unrolled the blueprint design on her workbench and held it down with a mallet on one end and a pipe wrench on the other. “The only thing I’m worried about is the diameter of the anchor hole and the location of the pipe with the wires.”
Roger leaned on the bench next to her. “Well, what do you say we measure it again and take a run up there? It wouldn’t hurt to do a walk-through. My friend John won’t be free until Thursday morning but he’s gonna bring his roommate, Rudy.”
Silke thought about the drive and decided it would be a good diversion. “Good idea. We can’t wrap it for a couple of days until it’s absolutely dry. Tomorrow I think we could take the top section apart and pack it. That’s too expensive to risk damaging.”
Roger grinned. “If you want to measure, I’ll go get my truck.”
SILKE GOT OUT of the shower and toweled off. She pulled on a clean tee shirt and cotton shorts, then loosely braided her hair. The day was over and with it the insistent subliminal jabs of conscience. The final hours before a big installation always brought up negative thoughts and worries about her inadequacy. No wonder Rachel found her such an easy target.
The bedroom looked the same as it always did and a room once filled with happiness and passion was now void of any connection. She started toward the door intent on escaping to her studio loft but stopped. This was her house now. It was time to reclaim it.
The bed felt unfamiliar to her but comfortable and cool. She stretched out and reread her last text message from Kirin and smiled. They had talked briefly when Kirin landed in New Jersey, but her mother’s call to confirm the appointment with the eye doctor had interrupted their conversation. Her consciousness dimmed like the fading light on this summer night. One inch at a time, fatigue swept through her tired body until the last memory was of Kirin’s lips.
KIRIN READ THE midtown Manhattan address to the cabbie who swerved into a tiny opening in traffic. The intense energy in the air was palpable enough that she wondered if actual electricity caused her body to hum. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unusual, more like being over-caffeinated.
As the cab crawled south on Broadway, Kirin glanced up at the immense wall of stone that created a canyon through midtown. It amused her that the reason for the meeting in New York City was to discuss the article about the jungle.
The cab stopped suddenly and horns blared. It was only nine-forty but the temperature was already in the mid-eighties and her crisp cotton slacks and pressed shirt had wilted several blocks earlier.
Kirin was barely out of the cab before it blasted back into traffic. She stood on the baking-hot sidewalk and looked up at the great granite structure that housed Nuanced Publishers, Inc. Deep breath. She tucked the leather document bag under her arm and pushed the revolving door.
Sylvia Goebel had worked for Nathan Silver as long as Kirin could remember. Her large desk sat beneath the ornate logo hanging on the wall. The desk was stacked high, as usual, with manuscripts, correspondence, and courier envelopes. Sylvia waved.
Kirin looked around for a place to set down her bag. “Hi, Sylvia. It’s good to see you again. Busy as usual, eh?”
Sylvia smiled up at her. “Nice to see you too, Ms. Foster. I’ll let Mr. Silver know you’re here. He asked me to let him know when you arrived.”
Kirin took a seat in an ornate leather chair and crossed her legs just as Nathan’s office door swung open.
“Come in, come in, my dear. It’s wonderful to see you again.” The elegant Nathan Silver stood with his arm extended, looking dapper in a dove gray suit and matching tie.
His thi
ck white hair and beard were trimmed perfectly, but as she got closer, Kirin noticed his face was drawn and showed pallor. He was also thinner than their last visit.
She took one of the tall back Chesterfield chairs in front of his beautiful desk with a mosaic inlays. He had a commanding view of the skyline, and his large office was as comfortable as a living room.
“We’ll have plenty of time to chat later, but I wanted to let you know today’s agenda. Please understand I won’t do anything without your authorization. But your beautifully written piece on the hurricane aftermath created an excellent opportunity for Chuck and me to share our vision of publishing. It’s a good thing when old ideas and new ideas can find common ground, don’t you think?”
Kirin nodded, not entirely sure where he was going with this.
Even though his eyes twinkled with excitement, Kirin thought he looked tired. It worried her.
“We will be meeting Chuck in a little while but I wanted to go over some papers before we meet with him.” Nathan opened a folder and took out several stapled documents. They were legal size and formal looking. “This is your original contract from several years ago. At the time, I deemed this a fair and equitable agreement between you and the magazine. If you recall, we modified it last year.” He turned it over and picked up a thicker contract. “This is a merger proposal that I’m considering. And this is a potential contract that Chuck Halpern prepared for you.”
Kirin felt a pain in her chest. Disconnect. He continued to speak but she couldn’t understand. Was he selling her off to another company? Was this how one terminated a long-term contract? He continued to read the contract, and she watched him without hearing. He used his fountain pen to indicate different items. She waited, hoping she could snap out of this.
When he finished he put the contract on his desk and smiled. “How does that sound you, Kirin?”
“I’m really sorry to sound stupid, but I’m afraid I don’t understand what this is about.”
He chuckled. “Of course I understand. This is a lot of legal mumbo jumbo.” He pressed the intercom. “Sylvia, would you ask Jack to join us? Thank you.”
He continued, unfazed. “Essentially Chuck wants to publish your article in his magazine—with my permission—and, of course, yours. In addition, he wants you to expand what you started and write a book about this magical little country. He’s offering expenses and a very handsome advance.” He recapped his pen and leaned back in his chair.
Her head began spinning counter-clockwise now. A book? He’s offering me a book deal? I can’t believe this. “I’m sorry . . . did you say a book deal?”
He nodded. “Yes, and a very good deal, if you don’t mind my saying so. He will explain all of this in glorious detail later, but I wanted you to have time to think about it.” He stopped and waited.
A knock at the door interrupted.
“Come.”
A young man walked in. “Good morning, Nathan. Ms. Foster, my name is Jack Walters.” He offered his hand. “I’m an attorney and I work for Mr. Silver. He asked me to look over a contract for you and let you know what I thought.”
“I’m sorry. Who are you?” Kirin frowned.
“Jack Walters. I work for Mr. Silver.”
“I don’t understand why he wanted you to look over my contract.” She looked at Nathan who just smiled and nodded.
“I probably wasn’t very clear. It’s the contract offer from Omni World.” Mr. Walters pointed to the contract. “He felt you might be more comfortable if a neutral third party reviewed it. So, essentially, I’m acting on your behalf.”
Her head stopped then started spinning again. “All right. I’m not sure I can afford a lawyer at this point . . .”
Both men smiled.
“I’m consulting on your behalf, but Mr. Silver has me on retainer for this sort of thing,” Mr. Walters said.
Kirin wasn’t sure why Nathan would do this but she probably would have questions, if the damn gyroscope ever stopped. “It’s fine. I really appreciate any advice you might have.”
He sat down and picked up the contract. “First, let me say I think this is a pretty inclusive contract and it leaves you a ninety day opt-out. The advance is somewhat more than most publishers offer for this type of work, and the royalty is generous. He’s giving you thirty days to present your proposal . . . and then twelve months to complete it. There is an addendum that exempts you from a no-compete clause with your previous publisher.” He stopped and gave her an expectant look.
Kirin raised an eyebrow. “It sounds a little too good to be true, don’t you think?”
Mr. Walters laughed. “Actually, it does, but I think Mr. Silver might have influenced it a bit.” He nodded at Nathan and handed Kirin his business card. “Do you have any other questions? You have my number if you do. Just give me a call.”
“Thank you very much. This really helps.” She smiled. Nathan, as always, played the grand puppeteer.
She gaped at him as the information penetrated her brain.
Wow. “That’s incredible, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often, and I’m pleased that it’s happened for you. But you have always held great potential, and I think this may be your opportunity.” Nathan looked very pleased.
Kirin gave her head a shake. “I’m still not sure I get this. So I won’t be working for you anymore if I do this?”
His smile was genuine but his eyes looked sad. “Well, yes and no. Chuck and I are forming a merger of our small companies. As it stands, he will assume the responsibilities as managing editor, and I will step back into more of a consultant role.”
BY FOUR O’CLOCK, she was back at her hotel room, with a full stomach and giddy feeling, lying on her bed and holding a thick envelope in her hands. The logo on the return address was for Omni World Publications.
She laughed. Six hours earlier she believed her professional career might truly be over. She held it up and shook her head. Unbelievable. She left a text message for Silke, then set the phone on her chest and closed her eyes, for just a minute.
Chapter Fifty-two
SEVEN O’CLOCK THURSDAY morning found Silke, Roger, John, and Rudy standing around the bubble-wrapped sculpture, which was firmly strapped to the six-and-a-half foot tall hand truck. They sipped coffee and inhaled the fresh doughnuts.
Silke carefully read the detailed plan for the installation. Roger would drive the truck. Rudy would ride in the back, watching for any low hanging obstacles. Silke would ride with John and lead them.
Rudy started to giggle.
John elbowed him.
“I’m sorry. It’s not funny, but don’t you guys think that looks a little obscene?” Roger pointed to the bubble-wrapped phallic symbol.
They giggled until they were holding onto their sides laughing.
Silke had to admit, it never would have occurred to her until they put the bubble wrap on it . . . but yeah, it really did look obscene.
Ninety minutes later, her labor of love sat firmly anchored in the cement base. The electrician connected the wires without any problem. Then he helped Roger strip off the bubble wrapping as Silke looked on. She paced and chewed her thumbnail. She walked around the base, looking for gaps and filling them with silicone caulk.
She looked up at the sound of rapid footfalls.
Mrs. Hardcastle hurried across the patio, clapping her hands. “Royce was called out of town but I just know he is going to be thrilled when he sees this. Honey, your drawings didn’t do justice to this beautiful piece. Whoops, I forgot I made you all some lemonade.” She hurried off.
“Silke, could you get me the socket wrench?” Roger peeked around the side of the lighthouse. “I think all these nuts should be tightened.”
She retrieved the socket wrench and handed it to Roger on the stepladder. His pride and attention to detail pleased her. Over the summer, he had matured and showed an increasing level of artistry in his work. Sadly, he had to cancel his plans
to attend art school in the fall because of a family emergency.
She hadn’t said anything yet, but she wanted to offer him the use of her studio while she was in Belize. In return for a free place to stay and work, he could keep an eye on her belongings and the house. It would be a win-win if he was interested. If not, she would have to store her belongings.
“All set. Does it look all right?” he yelled down.
Silke walked back to the house and stood by the patio doors. It looked plumb and the angle was good so that there was an unobstructed view to the lighthouse and the lake and skyline behind it. Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt as though she was seeing it for the first time. It looked so much better in this natural setting. The two-foot square base elevated it above the patio, creating the perfect stage. She gave Roger a thumbs up, afraid to trust her voice.
