The mom who asked for the autograph covers her boy’s ears.
“Watch your mouths,” I reprimand them all like I’m their mother.
Jim touches my arm.
“I owe you big time for this one, Ursula. That interview may help me get a regular column. You have to let me buy you dinner. As a thank you … nothing more. You know unless you say differently.”
I stare contemplatively at my bland pita wrap. The processed turkey. The fake American cheese. A metaphor for my life so far.
Mediocrity.
I’ve taken the first step and quit my job. I know Jim’s dinner invitation probably means more to him than a thank you, but maybe now it’s time for me to take a second step outside of my normal box.
What could it hurt?
“Okay, Jim. One dinner.”
Chapter Fourteen
URSULA
“Ineed to talk to you.”
“Hi, I’m fine. How are you?”
“I don’t have time for pleasantries.”
“What is it, Monica?”
“I did your chart last night, and the stars are clear, this isn’t a good time to make a life changing decision. Your moon is in Sagittarius. Did you quit yet?”
“You do realize that astrology isn’t real, right?”
“Tell a billion Chinese people that shit.”
“They don’t believe in it either, Monica. You’re a nut job.”
“And I guess you don’t believe in global warming either?”
“Yes, I believe in global warming, but the two of them are not even remotely related. One is based in science fiction and the other in actual science.”
“Says you. Anyway, I’m telling you it clearly says in your chart to wait before making any big career decisions. It won’t hurt for you to just hold off a minute and go on your passion seeking mission when the stars are better aligned.”
“It’s too late for all of that.”
“You did it?”
“It’s done.”
“And? What did he say? I’m putting Carla on a conference call with us.”
“Don’t do that, I have a meeting in a little while. She’ll want to stay on the phone half of the afternoon.”
“Okay, spill the tea to me then. I’ll recap for her later.”
“There’s no tea. He had a little bit of an attitude, but for the most part it went well like I thought it would.” Not exactly true. “He wants to make sure that I find a replacement and train him or her before I leave, which I agreed was totally fair. So that’s what I’m in the middle of handling today.”
“Wow, I didn’t think he’d be so agreeable.”
