“I’m sure you remember when you asked me to submit your name at headquarters if an opportunity came up for advancement.”
“Yes, of course,” I said, my heart already thumping.
“Well, Frank and I had a long meeting this morning. He plans to retire early in two years, which leaves an open position for a service manager. He wants you for the job and I agree wholeheartedly… with one stipulation.”
“Manager,” I breathed out. “Artemis, I’d be honored. I love working at your dealership and I’ve made a life here. That would be… incredible. What is the stipulation?”
“You’re a master class engineer. However, to take over the position as manager of the service department requires other skills. I want to send you to headquarters for six months, with an opportunity to extend for another six months, where you will be groomed in management and leadership roles as well as working on the newest racing models that we don’t see in the U.S. Are you interested?”
“Yes,” I blurted. “Oh, sorry, Artemis. But yes, I’m all in.”
“I’m so glad, Ethan. Given that’s where we’re heading, your start date will be the first Monday in September, which happens to be the September first.”
My face was burning, my hands clammy on the wheel. “Artemis, just to confirm, you do mean headquarters in Modena, right?”
Artemis snorted. “Yes, Ethan. Frank says you talk all the time about returning. And on holidays you’ll be able to visit your family. As for pay, Maserati offers a generous package that includes a bonus to accommodate extra costs for relocating overseas as well as a considerable hike in salary upon your return. You’ll also have a paid week for finding accommodations and settling in.”
I literally felt that I’d stopped breathing. “Oh God, Artemis, I can’t even think straight right now to thank you properly.”
“Your enthusiasm is all the thanks I need, Ethan. In the end, I’m getting an excellent deal as well. You’ve done fine as always, Ethan.” Artemis sounded like he hit some tabs on his computer. “You put down to take tomorrow off. So, come to my office on Thursday before you begin work. There are the work visa and other forms you’re required to fill out. I don’t want any hitches; I’d rather get them submitted at the Modena office as soon as possible.”
“Is it still okay for me to take tomorrow off?”
“Certainly, Ethan. You have a stockpile of unused personal and vacation time. Enjoy the rest of the day.”
“Thank you again, I’ll see you first thing on Thursday morning.”
When I disconnected the call, I raised my voice and shouted happily, “Fucking lucky day!” I still couldn’t believe that I was returning to Italy for six months, maybe a year. I sent a text to Frank by voice that appeared on the touchscreen.
Me: Artemis just called and gave me the news. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to pay you back for the trust you’ve had in me from day one. More later. On my way to Oceanside to talk to Jude
Frank must’ve known that Artemis was going to call because he answered immediately.
Frank: I’m with Artemis now. You’ve worked hard and deserve a big break. Good luck in Oceanside
Me: Thanks. Gotta go. I’m buzzing so much, I need to pay attention to the road
Frank: *thumbs up emoji*
If only I didn’t need to have a serious conversation with Jude first, we could’ve been celebrating my eventual promotionandliving in Italy for an extended period of time. I’d show him the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea at sunrise and sunset, both equally breathtaking. We’d walk barefoot in the sand and then…
Fuck! I wanted to punch something when thoughts of a six-month-old baby girl in a carrier on my back entered the picture and my dream died a very quick death.
I spotted the hotel from the freeway. As I took the exit and drove closer, I could see from the weathered sign that advertised their cheap rates why that was probably the case. Ignoring everything else, I followed the room numbers on the doors until I saw 204. I parked, cut the engine, and sent a text to Jude since I was half an hour early.
Me: I’m here. Do you need me to wait until 1?
Jude: No, come on up
I no sooner get out the truck when I saw Jude standing outside his room, hands on the railing. Sunrays slanted at a perfect angle from behind the roof, creating a halo effect around him. An image that reminded me of when I’d seen him in church. And when he’d pushed his hoodie from his head in front of the bookstore. And when we’d sit on the patio of my apartment at sunset with the pale hues of yellow, orange, and red as our palette… too many images to count. But none as memorable as in that moment in the parking lot of a tumbledown hotel.
I took a deep breath and expelled it in a whoosh of anxiety. But I was glad that I caught a glimpse of him before we were in close proximity. Despite my anger and frustration, and fear of losing him, his presence steadied me with the same powerful force as when he’d flogged me.
I looked away and walked to the stairway that took me to the second floor. When I reached the landing, Jude was gone. I closed the short distance to his doorway and stepped inside. He wore slim black jeans, his Vans, and a blue polo shirt that complemented his earthy, rich brown eyes. When I closed the door, the interior was pitched into a sickly gloom. I tore open the drapes, swatting at the dust bunnies, then waited him out.
Eventually, pointing to a desk chair, he said, “Did you want to sit?”
I gave him a curt nod and took my place. And waited.
