“Did you see your poster in the window?”
“Yes, I did.” Jack glanced over his shoulder. “That’s what brought me in. Are you selling any?”
“Am I? I can’t keep them on the shelves. You’re single-handedly keeping me in business.”
Jack chuckled, finding it amusing. “Speaking of that, is there any truth to the rumor that you might be selling this place? Ellie mentioned it on the drive up.”
“I’m afraid so. Ellie may have told you, but Alicia’s condition isn’t improving, and the doctors think a milder climate might help. As much as I don’t want to leave, I’ll do whatever it takes if it helps her get better.” He found a stool and sat down. “For years, I’ve poured myself into this store, worked sixty hours a week, all to make this place a success. And I’ve been fortunate. This store has supported a wife, two kids, college tuition, but it’s come at a cost. Now with the reality that Alicia may not get better, I’m left asking myself if it was all worth it.” He frowned for a moment, then said, “We take our loved ones for granted. It’s not until we’re faced with the prospect of losing them that we realize just how much they mean to us and how lost we’d be without them. I don’t know if she mentioned it, but Ellie has shown some interest in buying the store.”
“Really?”
“She was adamant that I let her know if I was ever serious about selling. Unfortunately, I may have to give her a ring soon.”
Eager to keep the mood light, Jack redirected the conversation. “So business has been good, I presume.”
“I’m having my best year ever, thanks to you.”
“Well, I’m glad I could help.”
“Hey, while I’ve got you here, would you mind signing a few copies of your book? My customers would love it, and so would Alicia.”
That brought a smile to Jack’s face. “It’d be my pleasure.”
* * *
At a quarter past twelve, Jack rounded the corner. Ellie was standing on the steps, waiting for him.
“Well, how did it go?” he asked anxiously.
“There you are. Look at me, I’m shaking.”
Jack took her hand, and they strolled toward the car.
“I don’t think it could have gone any better,” she said. “Dr. Clement said officially I’m one of five remaining candidates. But off the record, apparently it’s down to me and one other.”
“See. What did I tell you?” But when her enthusiasm didn’t match his own, Jack suspected there was more. “What else did he say?”
Ellie walked ahead a few steps before answering. “It’s just that when I applied for the position, I was under the impression I could keep my job with the university, but Dr. Clement said if I’m chosen, they would need me full-time, which means I’ll have to quit teaching. And that’s not the worst part.” Ellie looked away. “Since the team is headquartered in Houston, I’d have to relocate.”
It was one thing for Ellie to be in Indiana, but Texas? She might as well be on the other side of the world. “How long would you be there?”
A pained look marred her face. “Permanently.”
It took Jack a moment to fully digest her words. “So what’s the next step?”
“A final interview,” said Ellie. “Dr. Clement said he’d call early next week with more information.”
* * *
That evening, Ellie and Jack met up with Zora and Trey for dinner. Despite the possibility of Ellie moving to Texas, Jack put on a brave face, determined not to spoil the mood.
“So Jack, what do you think about Ellie going to work for NASA?” Zora asked.
“I haven’t got the job yet,” said Ellie.
“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Jack answered diplomatically. “Ellie is the smartest person I’ve ever met, and honestly, I’m in awe of what she’s been able to accomplish.”
“Now there’s a man who knows how to answer a question,” said Trey. “You’ve got to watch out for Zora. She can be crafty with her questions.”
