The October List

one of those people who got good grades, graduated with honors, all that. But I didn’t want to do anything practical. I was Ms Creative. That’s what was important to me: writing, drawing, design, photography mostly. A headhunter sent me to Charles Prescott. He needed a freelancer to take some photos for a brochure.’
    Gabriela smiled. ‘He was asking me about using Photoshop and some other software and right in the middle of the interview he stopped me. He said, “Forget it.” I thought I was going to cry; I really needed the job. But he laughed and said, “I’ve seen your portfolio. The photos’re great. You’re an artist. But I can tell by talking to you your real talents are analysis and organization. Business.”
    ‘Of course, I thought he was just telling me to get lost, but then he offered me the job on the spot: office manager. Full-time, benefits, everything. At first I was insulted; I mean, I knew I was going to be a famous artist. But then I admitted maybe I didn’t want that.’
    Gabriela regarded Daniel with a smile. ‘So have you learned not to ask me any questions? You get a whole Google-search of information. You going to flee?’
    ‘Not yet. So far, this isn’t the disaster last night turned out to be.’ Then Daniel angled his head in that charming way of his and added with just the right amount of serious, ‘But you didn’t give up your photography.’
    ‘Right. In fact, it was funny. I got more productive. Working full-time was liberating. I didn’t have to worry about making a living with the pictures or designing, art, writing. I could take the images that moved me. And, it turned out, Charles was right. I had a head for business. Running the office, negotiating equipment leases, planning meetings, bookkeeping … everything. Meeting Charles saved my life. I was going through the divorce and I needed some direction, some validation, you know. He became my mentor … And guess what?’
    ‘He never hit on you.’
    ‘Not once. Always a gentleman. Kind, funny. Just a wonderful man. In a business where there are a lot of people who aren’t so wonderful.’
    ‘I know that all too well.’
    They walked slowly over the pocked sidewalk. Their shoulders brushed several times. She felt an electric charge each time that happened. ‘Funny, once or twice in your life you meet somebody who’s a good person and it changes you forever. That’s Charles.’
    ‘And I assume,’ Daniel said, ‘that he knows the business. He makes money.’
    ‘Oh, yeah. Charles’s a genius. We’ve done well.’
    ‘Maybe I’ll give him a call. I’m always looking for outfits to do business with. Something to think about. And does he handle your investments? Your 401(k) or annuity?’
    ‘He’s put me in a couple good positions …’ The words braked to a halt as she blinked, her mouth open.
    Daniel was clearly struggling to keep a detached expression. Then he gave up and coughed a laugh.
    ‘Shit,’ she said, chuckling as well. ‘He suggested some investment strategies. I won’t become a millionaire, but when Sarah’s ready for college there’ll be money for that.’
    ‘Does your ex contribute?’
    Interesting change of tack, she observed. She kept her voice neutral as she said, ‘Tim’s trying to find himself. I used to joke – to myself – he should look under a rock. But he’s doing the best he can, I think. It’s just, if you have children, they’re your priority. If you’re not happy at your job, suck it up until they graduate. If you’re depressed, deal with it for their sake. If the last thing in the world you feel like is another ballet recital, shut up and go.’ Gabriela clicked her tongue. ‘Okay. Nothing more from me on my ex. Now, tell me about your … kids.’
    He laughed at the pregnant pause. ‘Okay, Bryce and Steven. Fifteen and seventeen.’ He described two handsome, all-American sorts of boys. He added that they were smart and never did anything worse than sneak a beer or get home an hour or so late. ‘No drugs, no fights.’
    Daniel explained that he had plans for them to go to good colleges but not Ivy League. He wanted them to get solid educations but at big, diverse schools.
    ‘Finance? Business?’
    ‘I wouldn’t mind it. Capitalism’s been good to me. It’s exciting. I love it. But whatever they’re happy with is the main thing. That’s the only way to be a success. Who knows? Maybe they’ll be artists, writers or photographers … Anyway, does