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I loved it.
I'd even decorated it with Thanksgiving themed items -- a paper turkey sat on the shelf behind my desk and I had a metallic Happy Thanksgiving sign on one wall. I'd have to take that down to make way for Christmas now that Thanksgiving was officially over.
It would have been hard for me, only a few months ago, to imagine my life the way it was now. I was depressed after my breakup with Jerkface, and I didn't want to stay in Concord, knowing that he was there, working and probably now fucking Bunni on an even more-regular basis. I wanted to escape.
Moving to Manhattan to take an unpaid internship was the best decision I'd made in a very long time.
I spent the next thirty minutes preparing for my meeting with Sharon, but my peace and quiet was shattered by the loud ring of my cell. I had programmed it so that when my father called, an old car horn blared. I knew it was him immediately, and I could prepare mentally for our talks.
"Hi, Dad," I said, wondering why he was calling me at this time in the morning. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Hello, Dear," he replied, his voice sounding distracted. "Your mother and I are making a trip to Manhattan this weekend and will be staying for most of the coming week. Something came up and I have some business to attend to. She wanted to spend some time with you while I'm otherwise occupied."
"That's great," I said, even though I'd seen them the previous week for Thanksgiving. "Where are you guys staying?"
"The Ritz downtown. Your mother wanted to be close to your apartment so you two could do some sightseeing. I'll be in meetings the entire weekend."
"What's up?"
"Just some party business before the new session. I know you aren't interested in politics, so I'll just say it's party business and leave it at that."
"Upcoming by-election?"
"Something like that. Sudden death of an old friend and colleague."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Dad. Who was it?"
"Just a former member of the State legislature when I was a member. We've got to find the right person for the seat and so will be meeting all weekend to strategize."
I made a huge and very audible yawn and then a very loud snore for his benefit and he laughed out loud.
"See, I told you that you wouldn't be interested.”
"Right now, I'm reading thriller manuscripts and I'm focused on things that are a bit more exciting than by-elections. Politics is not my thing."
"I know that only too well. I won't bore you with the details, but I know your mother would love to do some early Christmas shopping and you two go to a spa and have the full treatment, maybe go for a nice lunch or two. Whatever it is you two do when you get together."
"I'll be glad to see you both."
"So, what's new with you? Any good books? Are you writing? Have you met any decent
young men?"
I laughed at his peppered questions. "Dad, I just spent the long weekend with you and Mom," I said. "I already told you that I've got new friends at work and I'm super busy reading manuscripts. I'm really happy to be living here."
"I know. I just wanted to give you a chance to come clean in case you were actually lonely and wanted to move back."
"Not on your life," I said with a laugh, knowing he was only half-teasing me. "I love it here."
"I know your mother misses having you in Concord, but she wants you to be happy, so I'm glad you are. I'll call you when we arrive. Maybe you can meet us for supper tomorrow."
"Do you want me to meet you at the airport?"
"That's not necessary," he replied. "We're getting in during the day, so you'll be at work. We'll call you with a time for dinner."
"Sounds good. Love you Dad," I said.
"Love you back, Punkin," he replied, using his pet name for me.
