Teddy offers, “Faith could practically run marathons in her second trimester. I’ve never seen her with so much energy.”
Margie stands up straighter, and she holds her head high. “Can I apply for the job?” she asks.
Instead of answering her, Teddy looks at me. “Will you vouch for her, Allie?”
“You bet I will,” I say enthusiastically.
He winks at Margie and tells her, “You don’t need to apply. The job is yours. After all, we need to take care of our own, don’t we?” Margie’s and my looks of confusion cause him to add, “Actors need to help fellow actors.” Margie looks happier than I’ve ever seen her.
Meanwhile, I tell Teddy, “Speaking of acting, Margie is going to go ahead and apply to Northwestern for the fall semester. I don’t suppose you’d be willing to write her a recommendation letter?”
“You don’t have to do that,” Margie interrupts. “I mean, a job is enough. I don’t want to be any trouble.”
“What trouble?” Teddy asks. “I’d be happy to write you a recommendation, Margie. After all, my name means something at Northwestern.” I don’t know who he’s kidding. His name means something all over this planet.
Once Margie and I have our food and drinks, we sit down at a table by the window. “Did that really just happen?” she asks me. She looks completely shell-shocked.
“What did I tell you? All you have to do is imagine the future you want and somehow that programs the universe to provide.” She shakes her head in wonder, so I tell her, “Look how it’s worked out for me. All I had to do was say that I was going to investigate adoption and I suddenly have an offer to be someone’s mom.” I still can’t believe my luck.
Reaching across the table, Margie takes my hands in hers. “You’re going to be the best mom, Allie. I can’t wait to see you in action.”
“I can’t wait to see you on the silver screen,” I tell her.
I also can’t help but wonder if I should let myself see a future with Noah. I mean, if the universe is providing, I have a list.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
NOAH
I pack an overnight bag and put it into my car before stopping at the gas station to fill my tank. Tom called back an hour after we spoke and said he had a new offer for me, but he wasn’t permitted to give it over the phone. He said the principal wanted to meet with me tomorrow morning and would lay it out for me then.
Once I’m on the road, I call Allie.
“Hello?” Is it me or does she sound particularly happy today?
“Allie, it’s me, Noah. I need a favor.”
“What’s up?”
“I have to take a personal day tomorrow and I need you to cover both morning and afternoon practices. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I promise to make it worth your while.” I’m not sure how I’ll do that if I move back to Chicago, but first things first. I need to see what the Banks offer is.
“I can do that,” she says. “Are you okay? You’re not sick or anything, are you?”
“I’m good. I just have to do a few things.” I really don’t want to tell her what I’m up to until I know for sure that I’m leaving.
“That sounds mysterious. Are you sure you won’t tell me what’s up?”
“I’ll tell you, just not until Tuesday, okay?”
That seems to console her enough because she says, “It’s a deal. I also have something exciting to tell you.”
“What?” I know it’s not fair to ask her news when I’m not willing to share mine yet, but that doesn’t mean I want to wait.
“Tuesday,” she tells me. “Let’s have dinner after practice.”
“Okay,” I finally agree, although I really do hate waiting.
“I’m at my parents’,” Allie says, “so, I need to go. See you Tuesday.”
