The seasons in Middle Valley are, to me, what makes living here so worthwhile.
Right now, we’re in one of my favorite times, the days between summer and fall. The oppressive heat is behind us, yet the days remain warm, maybe a moderate 75 or 80 degrees with a light breeze. The trees have yet to start turning, but I know it won’t be long before they do – and we start to see the out-of-town leaf-peepers cruising along River Road.
Of course, I’ll be happier than ever to see them this year because it’s my job now to talk about them!
It’s Orientation Day for me and I’ve decided to walk the eight blocks from Mom and Dad’s to the tourism department’s storefront office, half a block up from The Riverside. Wanda will join me there with bagels and coffee from Cassie, a sort of “welcome to the neighborhood” gift from her and the bar – a sweet gesture, of course, though I think a decent coffee shop should be on my new boss’ tourism agenda. Not that there’s anything wrong with Cassie’s coffee – there isn’t. I just think it’s something we need.
The last of the summer air is heavy and damp. I pulled one of Mother’s umbrellas out of the closet before leaving this morning, just in case, and I must say, I’m glad I did. The skies are grey to say the least.
A part of me wonders what sky Carson is seeing at this moment, but just as I wonder, I shove the thought aside.
With every step, I am aware of the fact that I am walking into an entirely new chapter of my life – yet again! It wasn’t that long ago that I was walking into a new one with him.
Does that make me flighty? I think Mother would say so. She thought Carson was a gem, and so did Daddy. But, rather than admit to being hoodwinked, like the rest of us, she’s managed to turn it into a referendum on my life choices. She’s adept at that.
No, this change feels different. More upbeat. Less like effort.
More me.
It was flattering to have a younger man after me, I’m not going to lie. And not just younger – 20 years younger. But the part of me that’s honest with myself knows that it was all a show.
A show straight out of The Great Gatsby!
This epiphany stops me in my tracks. I look up and realize the rain has started to fall. I open Mother’s umbrella to walk the last half block to the door.
Of course! Carson is Jay Gatsby!
I have to remember to tell Bernie that. That’ll be a trippy conversation. Probably not the first one upcoming either, especially once I tell him I’m moving out of Mother and Father’s house.
I get the feeling he thinks we should get back together, and I can’t say I’m completely against it. We do have the girls and all, and we are certainly good friends.
But I think I need time to think.
Which reminds me, I have to call Shirley and see what all is on the market. Time to spend some of the great Carson’s money.
As I approach the front of the tourism office, Wanda steps out, bagel in hand.
“Good morning, Madam Director!” she says with a flourish. “So good to see you. Are you ready to jump in?”
I walk through the door and the smell of fresh coffee permeates the room. I put my umbrella and bag down and turn toward Wanda.
“Yes, Mayor Moreno,” I say, smiling. “Where do I begin?”