Enigma Tracer

      Jeff sat on his comfy brown leather couch positioned in front of the windows of his high-rise Manhattan apartment. He’d moved here when he started practicing law. The one bedroom was oversized with a king-size bed decorated in shades of blue covers. The walls adorned with various painted seascapes he purchased while attending college. An adjoining bathroom included a whirlpool tub, ideal for relaxing after a few games of racquetball, which he played now and again. The kitchen was fully outfitted with every necessary gadget to create gourmet meals. Light jazz played in the background.

His emotions felt as tight as harp strings with no song to play. It was like the in-between moments of daytime shifting to evening, and the twinkle of city lights illuminating the view. He reached for his phone and put it down at least five times before he scolded himself. “Jeff, old boy, you got it bad. Wait and let her call you about the speaking engagement in Amsterdam. If you ask, she’ll wonder how you found out before her, so wait.” His wandering mind postulated, “Of course, that assumes she wants you to go along. With her busy schedule she rarely even stays overnight.”

Sounds of the incoming call startled him back to the present. He fumbled to answer. “Hi, Honey, what’s up? Did you have a good day?”

“Mr. Wood.” He felt like a dog when Gracie complained. “Weren’t you going to call me with the good news about the speaking engagement? Did you get busy and forget?”

Staring blankly at the floor, he sat dumbfounded.

“Jeff, honey, are you there? You must be in a bad cell zone. I’ll call back later.”

He found his voice. “No, wait, I’m here. I was just, uh…how did you know I knew about it? I didn’t tell anybody.”

Gracie laughed with the sweetness that tickled his heart. “You know I have more than one job. I’m not just some finance quant crunching numbers before approving a loan. My other job is a little more delicate to discuss—information-brokering, in a nutshell. I practice being ahead of the data rather than waiting for it to appear. Jeff, I appreciate you submitting me for consideration to the European committee. A recommendation looks better coming from a third party; it carries more weight.”

Jeff moaned, lamenting the lost opportunity of surprise. “I haven’t felt this deflated since that time my parents admitted it was them that put the money under my pillow at night, and not the tooth fairy.”

“Don’t be silly,” she pleaded, “I’m delighted you helped me. I know lately we’ve had limited time together. I’m asking you to attend the conference with me. I miss you. Speaking at this global conference is an important milestone in my career. I want you with me. Afterward, I’d like to introduce you to my family in Switzerland.”

Jeff’s heart soared as he considered the possibilities of time together. “Really? I’d like that, Gracie. Time with you to lavish affection and meet your family. Count me in.”

Gracie chuckled softly. “Perfect. I planned booking one room, and it will include a king-sized bed. What do you think? Am I missing anything?”

“Outstanding. I didn’t get labeled as a creeper,” Jeff bantered. “But I’m promoted from a keeper to a sleeper?”

Gracie sarcastically groaned, “Did you start celebrating my win without me?”

Unsure if she was teasing, Jeff chuckled. “Admit it, Gracie, I’m cute when you’re mad.”

The soft answer had the desired effect, and she giggled. It took a minute to catch her breath before she asked, “Where’re we going for dinner tonight?”

“I thought I’d cook at my place.” Jeff added, “I make a great veal parmesan. I figured I’d add steamed seasonal veggies and rice on the side. Can you supply a nice wine? I’ll have the hors d’oeuvres ready to serve at six, if that works with your schedule.”

“I can’t wait. I’m starved. I can’t wait to toast my win for the conference. Thank you.”