CHAPTER 2

Tony nervously smoothed his tie as he took a seat in Mr. Winslow's satellite office.

"I'm glad you called, Tony," he said, welcoming him with a hearty handshake. "We really thought you had made up your mind."

"I thought I had too, sir, but I started to think I might need to give it a little more thought. I first just want you to know how flattered I am that you think I'm the man for the job."

"Well, we do, Tony - you're creative, charismatic, approachable - you are an asset in the wealthiest school district in the country, but given your Brooklyn background you also have an intimate understanding of the ones who need more support. A candidate like you doesn't come along very often. We'd be proud to have you on our team."

"Well, I certainly appreciate that Mr. Winslow, I really do. And I'd love to have the job, and I think I could bring a lot of energy to the position. But I have a bit of an important- if unusual - family dynamic here, and I'm not willing to give that up. I was hoping you and I could discuss if there's a possibility that I could work from this satellite office here in New York, commuting to Washington by train whenever I'm needed."

"Yes, I gathered when I visited your home that your boss values you highly."

"Well, that's just it, Mr. Winslow, she's not just a boss –"

"Aha, I sort of had a feeling!"

"No, no nothing like that - honestly. We aren't romantically involved – although you wouldn't be the first one who's assumed that. But my daughter Samantha and I have lived there for four years, and Angela has become like a mother to her, and her son Jonathan has become like a son to me. You see, after my wife died, I wanted to give Samantha a more stable life, and more opportunities to further her education by moving her from Brooklyn to Connecticut. I took this job as Angela's housekeeper so that I could be there for my daughter as she grew up. I don't really want to uproot her, or break up this family that she's come to know, for my job. And that's why I had to turn down the offer. I'm not sure I can move to Washington, D.C. right now, but I can promise you I will give this job my all if I can be based in New York. I have a lot of passion for these kids, and think I could bring a lot to the table as you said."

"Tony, that's a very admirable reason, and it certainly speaks to the type of person we want this position to attract. But I'm not sure if we would be able to move the position to this office. It's a satellite office, designed mostly for visiting members of the Education Department to have a home base while visiting New York. It isn't intended as a permanent workspace, and all your colleagues would be working in D.C."

"I understand that completely, Mr. Winslow, and I know that initially I would need to be in D.C. more as I learn the ropes. And I'd love the opportunity to try it out. But unfortunately, I don't think I can accept the position if it would require me to move to D.C. permanently."

"Well Tony, I admire you sticking to your guns, and your dedication to your family. It says a lot about your character. I'm not sure we will be able to accommodate you, but give me a week or so to discuss it with my colleagues. I'll let you know as soon as we have a decision."

"I completely understand, and please know I'm not trying to ask for any special treatment. I just thought it was worth a shot to pursue it if there was any chance it could work."

"I'm glad you did, Tony. We will be in touch." They shook hands warmly. It went better than he thought, but he couldn't get a read on whether he was genuinely interested in considering his proposal.

Tony emerged into the lobby and looked at his watch. It was only 2:30 - plenty of time to get back and take Jonathan to his cub scout campout. He spotted a nearby pay phone down the street and called Angela's office.

"Heya Mone. Angela in?"

"Hiya Tone! How'd the interview go? Yes, she's here, I think she was just wrapping up to go get Jonathan."

"Oh, the interview - it went ok, went ok. Can I talk to Angela?" He asked, trying not to sound impatient.

"Sure, just a sec."

"Hi Tony! How'd the interview go?"

"Oh, it went ok. I'll tell you all about it tonight. I just wanted to let you know I finished earlier than I thought and I have plenty of time to go get Jonathan now, so don't worry about cutting your day short."

"That's so thoughtful of you Tony, but I was actually looking forward to cutting my day short. Why don't you swing by on your way to the train station and we can ride home together?"

"All right, sounds good! I'm actually in midtown, not too far from you. I'll be by in just a minute."

"Good, see you then."

Mona greeted Tony enthusiastically. "Well, that didn't take you long! Angela's just getting her coat on."

As if on cue, Angela emerged in her coral wool coat. "Hi! Ready to go?"

"Actually, you two, I'm going to pop out early myself. I have a date I need to get ready for tonight and can easily take Jonathan beforehand. You two so rarely get a night out on the town, both the kids are spending the night out - Tony's even already dressed for dinner. Let me handle the homefront tonight."

Tony looked at Angela nervously. "Well, Mone, it's up to Angela, but we do have some things we probably need to talk about." She raised her eyebrows and he added hastily, "as my boss...you know, the interview."

Angela's stomach turned and she gave him a halfhearted smile. "Well, all right, she's right - client dinners aside, I haven't been out in the city in ages. It might be fun," she said, trying to sound upbeat. In her heart she was unconvinced that whatever Tony needed to discuss wasn't about to ruin their evening.

"You got it. With that I guess I'll mosey on home. Have fun you two. Let nature take its course and maybe do something I *would* do for a change," she winked at Tony.

"Get outta here Mona" he grumbled under his breath, swatting her playfully. He turned to Angela and flashed her one of his megawatt smiles. "Well, I guess it's just you and me, kid. What should we do first? It's almost too early for drinks."

"Not in Manhattan," she quipped, thinking of her clients' 3 martini lunches, "but it's still sunny out for a few more hours, why don't we take a walk through the park?"

"Your wish is my command!" He offered his arm, and she took it eagerly, seeking something to ground her for whatever he was about to tell her.