ha cha cha

"Toby?!" Basil called, breaking into a light jog with a caustic sigh as he strained his eyes to try and spot where the dog had got to this time. "Oh come on buddy," he chastised, mostly to himself. He should have seen the warning signs, when Toby suddenly started sniffing and staring off into the distance like that. He'd got a scent of something. Exactly what, Basil would have to find him to know.

"There you are!" He cried, seeing the dog pawing at someone's leg rudely. "Toby! Sit! Stop that-" He ran over, slipping the leash back onto the dog's collar.

"I'm terribly sorry," he said, shaking his head as he looked up at the person apologetically. "He got a scent of something and then just was off-"

Toby (the human!) blinked at the feeling of something touching his leg, pulling his camera back from his face to peer down to find– "Oh. Hello, there."

A very beautiful looking dog had their paw against his leg, as if trying to gather his attention. Or maybe move it? He picked it up and bent over to see that there was something under the bench he was seated on, just behind where he had stashed his camera bag. He'd have to rearrange himself to get to it, but– then someone was saying his name.

Toby (the human) sat back up properly, watching the man approach. Sit, he told him. But...he was sitting...on the bench...

Only then the man was apologizing and speaking about who Toby (the human) could only assume was the dog. Before he could think to make a comment about that he nodded, pointing, and stood.

"Yes, I think he was trying to get to..." He rounded the bench to get down on his knees and grab the bag. It was a small backpack and quite colorful. Probably a child's. Toby (the human) popped back up and presented it to the dog. "Was it this?"

There are some things about my school days I miss, but all in all I'm happy to be an adult. I have so many more choices these days than I did back then. But I suppose that's partially because my childhood was rarely worry free. Plus even back then I hated having to wake up early in the morning for class haha. But hopefully between our wishes and her family's, she'll enjoy school and do much better than I did.

I'll apologize for not warning you about the chocolate cravings. Its true, I almost always have to make a batch of truffles if I don't already have some on hand after watching the movie. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

I appreciate your warning about the cursing. I'm not particularly worried if she decides to swear, but she's just at the age where she's repeating a lot of what she hears and I know other parents are strict about these sorts of things so I might as well give it a few years. I ended up watching it on my own and I had an incredible time. That's going into my list of movies to rewatch regularly.

You're right about the importance of older movies, but its a strangely unpopular opinion these days. I think its assumed that if its old, its boring because we've done bigger or more bombastic things since. Some of my favorite movies from that time are things like Some Like It Hot (1959), Born Yesterday (1950), and The Kid (1921).

In the meantime, are you looking forward to any of our summer events? It's always exciting when the play gets announced.

All the best, CranberryShortcake

Dear CranberryShortcake,

I'm glad you liked the movie! It's a right classic in my house. If you liked it, then maybe you'll also like The Dish (2000). It's made by the same team, writers and the director, and it's got Sam Neill and Patrick Warburton in it. I always think of it as a summer film, so it'll be coming into the annual rotation soon enough.

It is strange that people could ever view the first foray into film making to be boring, but you're right. People will have seen newer movies first and will have grown used to the language of film, so if they go back and watch the first pen strokes of that language it's nothing to sniff at. Ironic, then, when people are looking for entertainment in the way of large stunts when Buster Keaton's run of those will quite literally never be replicated the same way. Even more impressive to think on since he didn't have anything to reference or look back on for guidance. The same for any of these movies, like the child acting in The Kid (1921) is phenomenal! No wonder he grew up to become Uncle Fester. But no one had a frame of reference for how to teach a child to act on film, it was all being transferred from stage performances.

I would say that I am looking forward to the summer events! I was here for the majority of them last year, but I think I was still too new to really understand what all was going on. Always happy to see a play! Though I don't remember particularly liking the movie this years musical is set on, but maybe it's been adapted to be more enjoyable? I also didn't attend the big fiasco that was Prom, but I doubt I'll be going again this year.

What about you? Do you participate in the play's production or just a patron?

Have a good day!

"Honestly its a romance book. Interconnected stand alones. So you can read them by themselves but I love reading them all together in the right order. I saw this one clip for the third book so I guess im in for the long haul. Plus I just found out one of the books released this year with another coming out next."

He might not have been interested but Sylvia judged no books.

Toby tilted his head, having to squint in order to read it at the distance he stood. He didn't recognize the title, but that wasn't really a surprise. There were so many books in the world, one could hardly be expected to be familiar with all of them! Especially someone who couldn't remember a good chunk of time and whatever books might have come out during those years, like himself.

"Wow, sounds like you're set for a while," he smiled. While it was true that he wasn't necessarily a common reader in the romance genre, he also held no judgement– Toby loved stories and he thought people should be able to enjoy whatever they wanted, so long as it wasn't harming anyone.

"Do you usually like long series?"

She didn’t want to be self-righteous about this at all. But there was a small part of her that wanted to scoff and say yes, and launch into a tirade about ethics in journalism. 

However, Holley knew that wasn’t the right thing to do.

The right thing to do, she knew, was to extend a hand. That’s what the RAS was all about. Helping people who needed it, of course. But also helping people who wanted to change. To atone. 

And apparently, Toby Determined was one of those people.

“You would’ve,” said Holley, slowly. “Even before it was mandated, you did. But I suppose Hearst-Pulitzer’s positive affirmation only encouraged it. The more stories that fit her vision, the more compliments — and then the more she pushed.” She pressed her lips together. “You… did buy into a lot of it. Though, if you’re seeing the light, then — well, I’m very happy to welcome you to the light side,” she inserted the Star Wars joke in an effort to lighten (ha ha ha) the mood.

"Stone the crows," he breathed, but with umph since it was so jarring to hear about himself being described like that. Because what the (excuse his language) fuck had happened to him that had made him give up the morals he'd possessed. Or integrity.

It suddenly had him re-thinking this whole mission to get his memories back, scared of becoming that person again. He didn't want to be someone who wrote those sort of things for no other reason than to please his boss. That wasn't why he'd become a journalist or a writer at all. And, sure, he loved it when his stuff got a thumbs up or nod of approval, but that was because he was human. Didn't everyone want some sort of gold star from someone on their work? He wrote to connect to people, it was one of the only ways he had ever been able to.

That was entirely different than intentionally digging into people's private lives and writing about things that weren't the public's business for the sake of being the teacher's pet. How had any version of himself forgotten that? Or believed any differently?

What an empty and lonesome building.

"I didn't even know the door would be open to this one."

Toby pressed closer to the window, nose scrunching as he squinted out at the quiet violence of the change in weather. How the trees in view shuddered, the rivers forming in the crevice between street level and the sidewalk that was sweeping away any loose debris along with the water flow.

He glanced at the stranger briefly and then looked at the door, giving a little sheepish, airy bout of laughter.

"Ah, yeah– it's not usually. I'd left it opened while I was in," he said, gesturing to it with a fidgety point. "Good timing, I reckon."

Seeing as that topic of conversation had run out (at least to him,) he searched for another. He looked back to her, eyeing the books. "What're you reading?"

The grin on her face was palpable.

Yet she hadn't noticed the clouds, the darkness that was sneaking over her. She did however feel the water droplets and the panic set in as the sound of rain got closer and closer.

She didn't look before she ducked into the nearest door, the books were more important. It was worth the look on others faces.

"Rain and books don't mix?"

Toby gave a little, "AH!" at the sound of someone else's voice echoing through the empty space, his hip connecting with the table he was stood next to. After a moment, taking in that the person had merely spoke in kind rather than warning and he didn't seem to be in danger, her clutched a hand to his chest and breathed out, sagging with relief. The camera around his neck swinging slightly with the motion.

"Er, sorry," he said, lifting his hands in a gesture to show that he, too, wasn't a threat. (As if his overall appearances didn't give that away. Or the yelp.)

They were currently standing in the vacant building next to Hatter's. He had been given permission to go in and take photos, getting updated ones for the city's records for any new business owner who might want a crack at the space. He had left the front doors open, apparently.

"Yeahyeah, nah," he agreed, glancing at the books in her hands. Then he looked out the windows, watching as the rain started to come down hard and fast outside. "It's bucketing down out there, ain't it?"

She hadn’t been expecting Toby to agree with her. After all, when Annie had been around, the two of them had a field day publishing rumor after rumor. They chased gossip and blew up even the most trivial rumor into an overly sensationalized headline. The sort that made Hearst-Pulitzer proud. 

But here Toby was, seeing right through Hearst-Pulitizer’s nonsense. 

It surprised Holley. She wondered how much of Toby’s previous behavior had simply been Annie’s influence. Maybe now that she was gone, he'd seen the light! After all, Holley really did want to believe that people could change for the better.

“Exactly! It’s against journalistic integrity to make something up and publish it like that. We could get sued! Which, I suppose, is why she wants us to find some small thing and just blow it up…” Holley pinched the bridge of her nose. “Honestly, I’m so glad you’re on my side now. I was certain Annie really got her claws into you.” 

Toby turned abruptly upon hearing that last bit, looking at his colleague in surprise because, what? Annie? What did...?

Then, upon further investigation, he supposed that was a fair thing to say. He didn't have the full context or details of what all had happened. The woman herself had distanced herself from him, leaving him with nothing but an assortment of pieces to fit together as to what might have occurred between them. The fullest picture he had was the pieces that they had published, both together and as individuals.

They had seemed more in line with that Hearst-Pulitizer was asking for– exposing a local girl as a mermaid and the princess' affair with a local disappearing act. News, to be sure, but had people really needed to know about those things? Had it done anything for the public? Toby couldn't see how.

But he also wasn't entirely sure that he could blame it on Annie. He had written those words, probably done the leg work on getting the information to do so. If that version of Toby felt the way he did at present, he wouldn't have done any of that. Even if a woman as pretty as Annie had asked him to.

So what had been so different about him? It made him feel disconnected from himself– but it had been him all the same.

Mostly I'm hoping it means I'll be able to get a little bit more sleep. Between my work and looking after her, sleep is a bit of a luxury. If my neighbor didn't spend as much time babysitting her as he does, I'm not sure what i would do. I'm sure once school actually starts, the complaining about it will begin. But for now, she's been hearing all the stories from her older cousin and she's been feeling left out. From what I can tell, its hard to be the younger child. But yes, it feels strange to realize how much older she is. It feels like hardly any time at all since she moved in.

Oh, Chocolat is lovely! It's this beautiful story about an outsider who comes in to a small town and uses the chocolate shop to connect with the other locals and promote happiness and tolerance. There's a subtle romance in it as well, but its really about finding your own place and connection to a community. I hope you enjoy it.

I only knew a few of those titles, but that's enough to make me very curious about the rest. I can't believe I've never heard of The Castle before! That sounds exactly like my type of movie, and I'm going to see if I can track down a copy. I have a weak spot for comedies of all kinds, and that one sounds wonderfully sweet. I'm not sure if it will appeal to my foster daughter, but I can only try and get her on board. Plus I think it will be good to show her movies made in different places. Frankly, I'm impressed with the wide range of times your movies are from as well. Not many people would count a movie from the 30s in their list of favorites.

All the best, CranberryShortcake

Dear CranberryShortcake,

Yes, that is often the case! Having something is not the same as wanting something, especially something like school that can turn things that were once fun into work. I suppose that's the irony of childhood versus adulthood, you're in one and longing so desperately for the other all the while. I know I would rather be back in school, when the only worry I had was getting bad marks and keeping my room tidy. For both of your sake, I hope she finds it enjoyable. And that you're able to get back some sleep.

I watched it and can safely report that I liked it. I don't think of myself as that big of a chocolate fan, but this movie did its job in making me want some after watching it. It was very charming! I think the directing choices and the performances are what really made this film. Thank you for sharing it with me, even if you didn't warn me about the chocolate craving it induces.

I am surprised that you'd never heard of that one! It's a right classic. Then again, I had never heard of your pick, so maybe we were meant to know one another in order to fill each other's gaps in films. I will warn you, they do curse quite often in it. I don't know if that's a concern as far as showing it to your foster daughter, but just so you know. Other than that, it's a lovely film. And thank you! I'm sure I've said before, I love stories. As much as I love reading and will always hold written word as my favorite form of story telling, movies are one of the most incredible things to be invented. They tell a story, there's stories to come out of the making of the movie, everyone involved with the movie has a story to be told, too. Truly remarkable!

And I think if more people actually watched things from that time period, they would include them on their favorite lists since they are where the films they watch now draw inspiration from.

Have a good day!

That's wonderful to hear! I'm glad you were able to connect with the sorcerer in the first place, but the fact that the song was useful is great to hear. I know you were saying you were having some trouble. I think at least some fo the songs were from the artist Laufey. If that helps as well.

I like hearing your thoughts, so it doesn't feel like you've been hogging it to me at all. Believe me, you've given me a lot before and a lot to think about with it.

I've been doing well. My foster daughter is starting to reach the age where she's getting into everything, and the return of spring means she wants to be outside all the time. She's all set to start school this Fall and she couldn't be happier to be growing up and going to school just like her cousin. I'm having a hard time keeping up with her, but its fun to watch her all the same.

Chocolat is probably one of my favorite spring movies, especially since its set around Easter. Or The Hangover. Although right now we're watching a lot of Curious George. Any spring film recommendations for me?

All the best, CranberryShortcake

Dear CranberryShortcake,

Congratulations to your daughter! That's very exciting that she's about to start her educational journey. I am sure it will be strange to have the hours she's away to yourself. I was the same way, from what my parents told me. I was excited to get to go learn and meet other people. My sister was the exact opposite, though. I can remember having to help pry her from her bed, then the kitchen table, then the garage, and then the car in an effort to get her through the doors on her first day. It probably looked like me and my father were torturing her, when in fact she was the one torturing all of us. I've often heard parents say that children grow up all too fast. Are you finding that to be the case?

I had never even heard of Chocolat, I'll have to give it a watch if you enjoy it.

For some reason I have found it hard to procure a list of recommendations for you. When I was thinking of films I enjoy watching around this time of year, or that feel like a spring time watch to me, I found that they often weren't set within the spring. It seemed like a poor list then, in that respect. But if you'll allow me to make the case that this time of year is good for comedies (as one of your picks was), coming of age, and themes of growth, then perhaps these will be acceptable. The Castle (1997), Pump Up The Volume (1990), It Happened One Night (1934), Cinema Paradiso (1988), Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World (2003), and while I know it is not a faithful adaptation of the novel (which is one of my favorites) I do think it is a decent rendition so I often revisit The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) around this time. Though I am seeing that they've put out two newer renditions of it quite recently, maybe I'll give those a crack this year instead.

Have a good day!

“But if there isn’t even any rumor —” Holley started to protest.

“What politician these days isn’t linked to something nefarious?” Hearst-Pulitzer waved a hand in the air. “Look kids, I’m not saying you need to find them in the Epstein files or whatever. That’s why we’re doing the brainstorming before. Just come up with a few ideas for each person. Then we’ll work backwards from there —”

She snapped her fingers.

“Like the mayor! Why the hell is he with that skeezy-looking dude with the weird van? He’s a young, ambitious, intelligent, and handsome guy — why settle? There’s something sketchy going on with that relationship. Dig, dig, dig. Find some skeezy pics of the guy and turn it into something scandalous.”

Holley pressed her lips together as Hearst-Pulitizer threw her head back and laughed.

“God, I impress myself sometimes. Alright, I gotta meet with some ad people — surely you two can handle this?”

Without waiting for an answer, she strode out of the room, leaving Holley dumbfounded.

Holley did not think this was a good assignment. Perhaps if there were some rumors about the board members worth investigating — but coming up with rumors without nothing?

“There has got to be a less terrible way to do this,” Holley sighed, turning to Toby. She rubbed her temples. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt to just do general background checks on everyone... but I don't want to just... fabricate stories."

She pursed her lips, knowing that back when Annie was around, she would've leapt at the chance to do something like this. And Toby would've followed right along.

Toby's eyes followed the editor as she waltzed out the door and remained on the empty frame, just waiting for her to come back with the gotchya! to this whole thing. He waited...and waited...but it never came. Instead, Ms. Shiftwell sighed and made him face that fact that this was real.

He sighed, echoing Ms. Shiftwell, and tore his glasses from his face. Thumb and forefinger dug into his eyes to try and alleviate the pressure building behind them. Without the last near decade of memories inside his head, without the context of who he had turned into and who he had been in Swynlake, all Toby had was who he was in that moment– and that was the version who had yet to throw in the towel and surrender to this sort of request. He still had his integrity fully in tact. The one who had always been there, but who had been forcibly buried beneath the various layers of desperation to connect and be recognized. He hadn't reached that point yet, didn't know what it was like to be at the edge and fall over.

He didn't even recognize that this was a moment for him, one that would define him all over again. To this Toby Determined, is was all a bunch of–, "Barry Crocker! She's gone head over biscuit, hasn't she?"

This was a lovely email to wake up to. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the show!

The Court isn't a venue for everyone, not that we have that many options here in town. Many people prefer Pierrot's - what used to be Pixies - since its the place to go for more club dancing, drinking, letting lose in that way. I've been there a few times myself, although a lot more when I was younger.

But the Court always has touring musicians coming through, and I agree, its a very indulgent and refined experience. I think the owners really wanted to bring some of the class from their home to Swynlake when they took it over. The music is the best part though. Even when the regulars use some of their same shows, it always sounds like something new is happening.

I hope it helps with your spell reagent quest. And if it didn't, I'm glad you at least enjoyed the show.

All the best, CranberryShortcake

Dear CranberryShortcake,

Yes! I actually went to visit with the sorcerer on my case recently, they were in town for a family occasion, and it did. Apparently I'd heard the song before while I was in town. Not the rendition that I'd heard at the Court, I guess just listening to the original artist (whose name escapes me at the time of writing this, and if I did not amend these parenthesis please assume I either did not edit [unlikely] or could not find it from poorly remembered lyrics). It must have had some meaning to me, since the sorcerer was able to procure the reagent!

Thank you again. I am often of the mind that words are the most powerful tool that we are offered, but I find myself wishing I could give you more. They suddenly seem too simple. Or maybe in my hands they seem meaningless in comparison to what you have given me, both in the recommendation and in your friendship.

That being said, I do feel as though I've hogged a great deal of our correspondence as of late. How you going? How are things? Are you enjoying the change of seasons? I know we spoke of our seasonal watches for the autumn, do you have any for spring? Or summer?

Have a good day!

Holley was annoyed. Not at Toby, but at Hearst-Pulitzer. She thought about being purposefully obtuse and asking Hearst-Pulitizer if she wanted them to do a sort of rundown on the best fertilizers that the farmers around Swynlake were using these days, but she knew that would not make this already terrible meeting any easier.

“Scandals, secrets, something salacious,” said Hearst-Pulitizer. “C’mon, you mean to tell me that out of everyone on the board and the mayor and all their families and friends that there’s not a single spicy thing? No one with a sex tape? No one with a secret mistress? No one stealing drugs from their workplaces?”

Holley wondered if any of the current board members even worked somewhere where they could steal drugs. She also tried to imagine Archimedes with a secret mistress. 

The thought made her almost laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Hearst-Pulitizer snapped. 

“Nothing,” Holley said, quickly.

“I want you to divvy up the notable political figures in this town,” said Hearst-Pulitizer with a not so subtle roll of the e yes. “And make a list of possible scandals they could be involved in.” 

Toby's mouth squished to one side, head ducking briefly as his hand came up to fiddle with his glasses. The gesture could have been taken as him readjusting them– in truth, it was his attempt at trying to find his bearings. The assignment struck him at an odd angle since the whole reason he was missing a near decade of his life in memories was because he had gone after a politician, and whatever he had found out had been important enough that they had taken it out of his brain. Along with a lot of other things.

He had no problems looking into people, but that was if they warranted looking into. Good or bad. There was usually a reason to start investigating someone, like if they had made a certain political move or where they had been spending money or if they'd had a public meeting with someone notable for poor business deals. A thread that could be pulled upon to reveal more along its line.

This seemed more like a fishing expedition.

No wonder he had turned into the sort of writer he had while working here. Maybe the landscape had changed more than he thought, and he had followed along with it.

That's very kind of you to say. For myself, I couldn't imagine doing anything else. She's still young, and his work has incredibly irregular hours. Raising her on his own would be immensely difficult and much more expensive, and this way we can share a little of the load. Not that she is difficult to raise. She is incredibly precious and I adore her.

I suppose it would be strange to jump a number of years into our current media landscape. In many ways, it felt like it happened slowly. It felt like a convenience to be able to find so much without needing to leave the home, but I don't think any of us considered the impacts it would have.

Wonderful! You'll have to tell me what you think. I look forward to hearing all about it.

All the best, CranberryShortcake

Dear CranberryShortcake,

Well! I went to the show! I've just gotten back from it and felt compelled to tell you.

Firstly, I would like to thank you immensely for the recommendation. I would like to believe that I could have found my own way into that establishment eventually, but also being realistic, I know your push in the right direction was much needed.

It was a much more refined experience than I'm used to when it comes to live music! I used to frequent concerts when I was in high school and uni, and while I enjoyed them, it was mostly for bands that weren't very popular and the tickets were cheap so they were not held in the nicest of venues. I'm sure I don't have to describe the Court to you, but I found it very nice. The staff, too! I had a nice chat with the gentleman working behind the bar that night.

As for the performance itself, I find myself at a loss as to how to properly convey my thoughts on it that would do it any proper justice. Again, I'm sure since you were the one that recommended it that you know what I'm referring to and therefore have no need of the description pound for pound. To say that I liked it seems too dull of a phrase and yet anything else I can think to write might seem too overt. Perhaps I should have put off writing to you about it tomorrow morning, when I've had more time to digest everything and sleep, but I also don't know if I would be able to sleep without attempting to put my thoughts somewhere. Sorry that your inbox seems to be the place my rantings have found their home.

If the past me ever heard the performer sing before, I cannot imagine that it did not have the same effect her voice had tonight. Consider my soul moved, the entire room it occupied has been rearranged I'm sure. There's probably a nice new rug and everything.

Thank you, again.

Have a wonderful day!

But he couldn't resist a small amount of meddling with whatever project she'd decided to embark on.

"A few years ago, Jessica was outed as being a half-succubus to the townspeople. Many people took it badly. After all, succubi have a poor reputation. Never mind that she'd lived here for decades and was their neighbor. The name of the Magick was frightening so they decided to be frightened."

"After that, she mostly stopped performing in the early evening. Instead, she'd focus on the last show of the night, well advertised, so that the only people here were ones who knew what theyw ere getting into. Or didn't care."

He shrugged, setting down the glass. "It's been long enough she's slowly doing peak showtimes again, but its still rare."

Toby blinked upon hearing this, mostly because he was annoyed at himself for having not known that before walking in. Not to say that it would have stopped him from coming, but it just meant he hadn't done enough homework! And he called himself a journalist! How had he missed that detail?

Truth be told, without the weight of whatever it was he had gone through with his supposed demon of a roommate and having no memory of the demon attack on the town however many years ago that had been, Toby now held no real deep seated fear of demons. Growing up where he did, there was a general stigma (as there was against anything that crept in from another realm), but there was also a more open conversation regarding them. It made it less of an unknown, and that always made things less scary since it didn't allow for the mind to fill in the blanks but rather the actually researched and verified information that had been found.

He shifted to lean more heavily against the bar as the weight of that information settled. His eyes glanced toward the stage, thinking of the woman who had been standing on it with this new detail to add to the picture– and felt sympathy for her. For all that she could do, people were only ever going to see her as one thing.

While these days, she quite liked her Squire job, she still did not get along with Hearst-Pultizer or agree with her vision for the Squire. Hearst-Pulitzer demanded scandal and sensation. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter was that while Swynlake certainly had its share of scandal and sensation, it was also just a sleepy country town and sometimes the most exciting thing that happened was the massive cow that had made the front page last week. 

It had been a good story! The comments on it had been delightful and Toby’s photography had been splendid. It even got picked up by a few bigger news outlets. 

But Holley knew it wasn’t the scandal and sensation that Hearst-Pulitzer desired.

She plastered on a smile as Hearst-Pulitizer walked into the room. 

“Good morning!” Holley said, trying to keep things positive and friendly.

Hearst-Pulitizer pursed her lips.

“It’ll be a good morning when we write something interesting,” she said. 

“Our readership has been steady,” Holley pointed out. “I’ve been keeping tabs on our analytics —”

“I don’t want steady — I want clicks.”

She always wanted clicks.

Hearst-Pulitzer strode over to the white board. In red marker and all caps she wrote --

DIG UP SOME DIRT. 

Toby hummed, the sound both in agreement to what Ms. Shiftwell had said before it tapered off into thoughtful as he began to consider that. It was true, and given some of his past work for this paper, he did have to wonder... he breathed in, intent on asking Ms. Shiftwell a question, only to notice the shift in her expression and pull of her eyes on something else.

Or someone, since the editor who had called for this meeting had walked in. Toby then went to greet Hearst-Pulitzer as well, only she hadn't seemed very pleased to have received Ms. Shiftwell's and the conversation was already plunging straight into business. Never mind!

He glanced Ms. Shiftwell's way at the use of the word clicks, eyebrows lifting briefly, as if to say, You called that one and quickly looked back as the slight squeak of the marker over the sleek surface made him squint in discomfort. Which then turned into confusion.

But he managed to gather his thoughts and set the glass down again. Trying not to be too obvious, Jared quickly grabbed the glass and set it down in the sink under the counter so it was out of the line of fire.

Now. Back to the review and the entertainment.

"Glad you liked the drink. Don't worry, I'm not offended the performance was even better. It's hard to compete with Jessica even on my best night, let alone when she decides to show off a little. It's been awhile since she's done an early show like this. You got lucky."

"Really?" he said aloud, looking toward the stage, pensive expression giving away the way his brain whirred upon hearing this.

Toby wasn't a skeptic– he believed in everything, really. And it was because of that amount of open mindedness that he had to tear everything apart to little shreds, picking it apart bit by bit, until he could find nothing to discredit it from being the truth.

So, while he wasn't going to rule out luck being behind this, he also had to think about all the other reasons other than luck.

The first being his penpal. They had told him to come see this show. Had they some special insight and known it was going to be a special occasion, and the timing just happened to be right to recommend it? Or had they somehow facilitated some portion of the performance?

He didn't know their identity, had been willfully keeping his curiosity as to who they were and if their last email exchanges had ever led to a meeting between them that he couldn't remember. For all he knew, he could be talking to CranberryShortcake right now.

Or they hadn't known anything and just happened to recommend a night where something remarkable had come about. A coincidence. Serendipity.

For as boring as this job had been framed to be, writing for a small town paper in a small office with a small staff, Toby was having a marvelous time! He had always liked writing about people than he did anything else, and that's what a grand majority of the stories for the Squire did on the week-to-week. And it was all so much more personal! Getting to have the people just a few blocks over to go talk to rather than having to bug then having to resort to emails or messages on the phone. Or worse, not getting a hold of them at all!

There was also a lot more variety, too. He wasn't just the one having to look after a certain type of story. One week he could be given event duty, covering whatever party was being thrown for the town, and the next he could be out in the farmlands taking a photo of a cow that had grown to the size of a house due to some kids' idea of a practical joke.

And today they (as in, him and Miss Shiftwell...since they were the only reporters around these days...[though he had hope that they'd put an offer to that intern that had been around last summer]), were having a meeting! First thing in the morning. How exciting. The email had been sent with MANDATORY ATTENDANCE and everything.