In recent days, I have been feeling a little antsy about my situation – frankly, what camp I was in.
On one hand, there’s Albert – paying me well, letting me in, giving me full autonomy. Not a bad deal at the end of the day.
I had eagerly accepted working for Albert at Hilltop several months ago – hell, I hadn’t had a steady paycheck for months. The driving business had waned and, you know, I had to do something. It’s something I honestly have enjoyed tremendously – acting as an assistant, a gopher, a runaround … I’ve gotten to know several aspects of his operation at Hilltop.
I’ve gained his confidence, though I’m still unclear about what all is going on there.
Now, the other hand … an offer I did not see coming.
Seeing Wanda’s number on my phone is nothing short of a shock.
“Bentley, I need to talk to you,” she says. “I’ve been impressed with your work in Middle Valley’s parks and other facilities, especially your handling of the statue and time capsule. I’d like you to become my Director of Parks and Recreation.”
What in the world …?
“There’s a lot to the job,” she goes on. “A lot more than you have seen so far, but I feel confident you’re the right person to handle it.”
That makes one of us …
“So whaddya say … are you interested?”
The thought fills me with dread, though I must admit it’s an honor. I’d be recognized as a real, viable citizen, not just a dumb kid still trying to establish a chauffeuring business.
“Thank you, Madam Mayor,” I say, a bit more breathlessly than I’d meant. “I accept. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the challenge of being part of your new organization. I’ll do my absolute best.”
“Delighted, Bentley!” she says. We immediately discuss details.
The next morning, I go to Hilltop to break the news to Albert.
“I have accepted a position with Mayor Moreno as her Director of Parks and Recreation,” I tell him. “But I hope we can still remain friendly and in close touch in the future.”
Albert strolls across his office, stepping out from behind his desk.
“Wow,” he says. “Congratulations, of course!”
I feel immediately relieved as he extends his hand. We shake.
“I understand completely, and I see why you’d want to work for her,” he says. “It’s a great opportunity, one you can’t say no to. I get it.”
I nod. “No, it means a lot to me.”
“That’s cool. A young man like you has to make the most of his time.”
He paces back and forth in front of me, hand in one pocket, the other raised in the air as if trying to find the right words.
“All of that said, I do hope we can remain close and that you can be a contact for me as Wanda pushes ahead with her plans.”
“What do you mean?” I ask.
“I’d like to keep you on the team, maybe a side arrangement, one out of sight from Mayor Moreno. I would consider you part of my team and would make it worth your while as plans and negotiations move forward. I need you, Bentley. What do you think?”
A side arrangement … what the hell? But I decide immediately.
“Yes,” I reply.
Albert is probably glad that he did not allow me access to the full estate. In fact, he may be concerned that I actually saw too much.
All unknown, I remind myself as I stand and shake his hand.
“I’ll keep you in the loop, Boss,” I tell him.
He nods. “I’ll be appreciative.”
I walk out to the car, thrilled about the numbers I’ll be seeing in my bank account, not so thrilled about what this might mean down the line. Discretion is paramount at this point.
And now I must make things right with Thornton.