Chapter One
Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Author's Note: Welcome to new readers, and welcome back to my old readers! I've updated this story for the second and final time as of the end of 2022. It's been heavily edited for characterizations, plot, grammar and spelling. I really hope you like the changes, I'm a lot happier with this version. As always any comments are appreciated but I would love to hear what you think of the changes.
A solitary figure stood at the train station, alone under the darkness of the night. He sighed deeply, wondering if he was going to be stood up again. The powers that be were often busy and had a tendency to be whisked away into whatever crisis they were called to deal with, often without a moment's notice.
Checking his pocket watch, he realized he had already been waiting for over a half hour from the scheduled meeting time. It was probably long enough to assume that he had been forgotten about. He returned the watch to the confines of his pocket and instead pulled out a silver whistle. As he brought it to his lips, thinking of getting himself to his bed and away from the cold chill of the night air, a voice halted him.
"Mr. Conductor."
Mr. Conductor whirled around. His goal to be home in his bed was now merely a wishful idea as he was joined by his caller.
"I wasn't sure if you were going to make it. Busy times?" he asked politely.
The newcomer smiled but Mr. Conductor could see the exhaustion in his face. "Always. Thank you for accommodating me this late. I figured Sodor would be appropriately discreet this time of night."
Mr. Conductor was not the only Conductor and Sodor was not the only magical location. Places like Sodor existed separate from the universe known to Earth. Some were small and isolated, others were large and connected. The one thing they all had in common was that each had a Conductor, or another protector, to watch over them. More importantly, Conductors watched and maintained the links that existed between these locations to those that tethered them to Earth. As they were magical in nature this was of particular importance; where magic existed, so too did people who wished to exploit it and use it for their own nefarious deeds.
The Conductors and magical locations were typically linked to places on Earth of special importance. They didn't have to be locations known globally, merely having a special history to a small group of people or a person was often enough. Sodor was linked to Shining Time Station. Neither were large nor small, they were both a very happy medium.
The person in front of Mr. Conductor was a human member of an organization that worked to keep order and balance between Earth and the linked magical locations. The organization also acted as a secret service; they weren't openly known, but they worked with the Conductors and in tandem with government agencies, at the highest levels of security clearance. When anyone from Earth attempted to misuse magic they were there to control it and clean up the mess. In a way they were law enforcement, but to ensure that magic did not fall into the wrong hands. And when it did, they were there.
Unfortunately, Mr. Conductor knew they were also extremely busy. They were worn thin. Being a secret organization their membership was already low and recruitment was minimal because finding skilled candidates who were willing to take one of the most secretive jobs on the planet, and effectively having no life to yourself, was a challenge.
This particular member was a man Mr. Conductor had met with a few times in the past. They had liaised on the odd issue, obviously Shining Time Station was an active location and there was the need for the occasional intervention (not that any of the human occupants of Shining Time Station knew that). He was middle aged with blond hair, greying at the temples, sharply dressed, and always looked tired. The corners of his brown eyes were creased with crows feet, no doubt the byproduct of many late and sleepless nights, and gave him the strong appearance of premature ageing.
"I have an important matter to discuss. We're reasonably sure it's not going to be cause for concern, but I do have to ask you to remain cautious."
"Oh? What for? Is something wrong with Shining Time Station?" Mr. Conductor asked, brow furrowing.
"I don't believe so, but there has been some unusual activity around the Indian Valley, and in other areas. It's not localized and seems fleeting, but we wanted you to be aware."
Mr. Conductor frowned. "Dark magic activity?"
"Based on the traces, potentially. It's difficult to classify because it never originates from locations that it's come up. By way of comparison, your magic is strong and we can easily see it when it occurs, and determine that it's light magic."
Mr. Conductor pondered this. "I haven't experienced anything, but I will certainly maintain a watchful eye."
The other man nodded with a tired grin. "Of course, I have no doubt. Have a good night, Mr. Conductor."
With that, he pulled out a small device that looked like a remote control and disappeared in a shower of golden static.
Mr. Conductor shook his head in amusement. Humans wielding magic… Thank goodness that they were around to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.
Thoughts of his warm home beckoned him, and he too disappeared in a shower of gold dust.
"You know, for someone who claims that these events are below him, you sure do put a lot of effort into grooming yourself for them. Looking very dapper Uncle," Schemee said as a smirk spread across his features. He leaned in the doorway of his Uncle's ensuite, arms folded across his chest and radiating smugness.
"It's all about appearances, kid, and don't you forget it," his uncle, Horace Schemer, replied as he applied his aftershave, wincing slightly from the sting. He dried his face off and gave his appearance a once over. His sly, crooked grin spread across his features. "Perfect," he whispered as he twirled his trademark curl in his thumb and forefinger.
"Sure, I'll keep that in mind. I have to point out though, you're putting much more effort into this than your regular day. Despite only caring about appearances, would you also not care equally about appearances on any regular old day?" Schemee asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Professional event, Schemee. I'm going, my friends are going, and we're all expected to dress up. Besides, I'm always dressed up. If I was always looking this good I'd be in real trouble," Schemer boasted.
"Are you sure there's not someone you're trying to impress?" Schemee responded sardonically.
"Definitely not. Now don't you have some packing to do for tonight?" Schemer said, carefully dodging the subject.
"My bag is in the car already," Schemee called as he exited his Uncle's room.
Schemer looked himself over in the mirror one last time. While he was usually one to take great pride in his appearance, he suddenly felt on display and oddly nervous. He heard Schemee call for him from the front door.
"Be right down!" he shouted back, and grabbed his keys to leave.
The two drove mostly in silence on the drive to Dan's house where Schemee was spending the night. Schemer pulled into the driveway and handed Schemee his bag. Schemee grabbed a hold of the handle, said a quick goodbye, and was about to exit the car when he almost stumbled. He looked up to see his Uncle still holding onto the bag, looking at him expectantly.
"Did I forget something?" He asked with confusion evident on his face.
Schemer shook his head, "No, I just can't let you step out of this car before you hear my parental-like speech."
Schemee was about to protest but Schemer had already launched into it. "Be good, don't do anything stupid, no drinking or smoking and be polite to Dan's parents," he said, taking no breath in between.
Schemee nodded slowly with a roll of his eyes. "Okay, you got it. I've heard that one a few too many times to forget it anytime soon. Here's my obedient-like response: I'll be good, I won't do any of the above mentioned items, and I will be polite. Are we good now?" he asked with exasperation evident in his voice.
Schemer heaved a fake sigh and let go of the bag. "I suppose it'll have to do. I'll see you in the morning." Schemee nodded and stepped out the car to start walking towards Dan's front door. Schemer waited in the driveway, making sure his nephew got in okay. As Schemee made his way up the porch, he turned around and walked back to the car. He stood in front of the driver's side window and waited for Schemer to roll down the glass. As the window opened Schemer looked up at him with a confused expression on his face.
Schemee sighed, "Uncle Schemer, I don't know why I can't just stay home alone. I'm almost sixteen now, I could just have Dan over for the night instead of you having his parents babysit me. I'm not a kid anymore," he plead his case, trying to keep the nervousness out of his voice. It wasn't beyond Schemer's notice however, he knew Schemee had rehearsed this.
His expression hardened a bit. "Schemee, we've been through this. I just don't feel like you're ready-" He was cut off by Schemee.
"But why? What is it that will make you feel that I'm ready!" Schemee challenged back.
"Last week you got caught trying to run a casino game out of your locker at school. If it wasn't for the fact that it was the last day of classes you may have been suspended," Schemer pointed out, "Nice job fitting a fold-out blackjack table in your locker by the way."
"Thanks," Schemee said with a sly grin, unable to help himself.
Schemer shook his head at himself, he was already losing his own argument. "But don't you ever let me hear about you doing it again!" he said sternly.
"I won't," Schemee said audibly, "let you hear about it." His last words lost to a mumble.
"I'm serious, just try and keep your nose clean at school and I'll start considering letting you stay home alone," Schemer stressed.
"Okay, whatever," Schemee grumbled, throwing his bag over his shoulder.
"Hey! Listen to me, we'll talk about it tomorrow. Have fun tonight, okay?" Schemer said carefully.
Schemee nodded and gave a quick goodbye before heading inside. Schemer rolled up his window and quickly pulled out of the driveway as soon as he saw Schemee go inside. He had been Schemee's official guardian for over half of the sixteen year old's life. Schemee had adopted him as an early role model even before Schemee's mother, Schemer's older sister, Julia, had passed away and made Schemee an orphan. Schemer still just felt that he was still too young to be by himself. Not to mention, Schemee reminded Schemer a little too much of himself to fully trust him to not create some elaborate scheme while he was left to his own devices.
As Schemer drove away he contemplated the conversation. This was a frequent argument. It usually stemmed anytime Schemee felt that his independence was threatened. But Schemer, despite being known for his namesake, was determined to ensure that Schemee made it through high school without any trouble. Schemer worried about his nephew and hoped Schemee would be able to get into a good University. He knew Schemee was smart, in fact too smart at times, which is what usually got him into trouble, especially when combined with boredom. Schemer knew all too well that boredom was easy to come by in small towns, and Schemee had had his fair share of incidents. Schemer just wanted to see him succeed, and he just hoped that Schemee would find something that would give him the drive to succeed. If he found a subject that caught his interest and put his intelligence to good use Schemer knew he'd be able to worry less. And if he got into a good school, he'd be able to leave Shining Time and find a bigger purpose. That was only if he managed to stop getting in trouble at school.
He hadn't realized he was speeding until he noticed he had reached Stacy's house much faster than expected. Since they were both going to the same place, Schemer had offered to drive her.
"Are you sure there's not someone you're trying to impress?" Schemer heard Schemee's early question echo through his mind. He felt his heart skip a beat in response but shook it off as he exited his car.
The event that Schemer was so uninterested in attending was the annual Indian Valley Staff summer party. Billy was already at the event, having had some earlier business to attend to in the same town. Stacy had asked Schemer for a ride, knowing that he might not go of his own accord. He agreed, faux-grudgingly, when she had asked. But he was happy to take her. This year it was being held in a reception hall in Chubby Corners. Schemer was about to knock on her front door, but leaned a little too far forward just as Stacy Jones opened the door, which caused him to land with a crash into the threshold.
"I meant to do that," came the muffled reply from his face-down form lying on the ground.
Stacy giggled at him. "Come on now Schemer, we want to make sure you make it to the event without issue," she said jokingly, helping him up off the ground, "You look nice!"
He dusted off his suit jacket and shook his head in good humour. "Thanks, and wow!" he said as he finally raised his head, getting a good look at her.
She was wearing a knee high, form fitting red dress. She looked gorgeous and he couldn't help but stare.
"You don't like it?" she asked coyly, and for a split second he wondered if she was flirting with him. He banished that hope from his mind.
He shook his head, "No, no. It looks great, you look great! I was just taken a bit by surprise, that's all."
He mentally chastised himself. Did he just say "taken by surprise"? He flushed in embarrassment at the faux-pas.
Fortunately, she smiled knowingly. "Thanks Schemer," she said as they walked out to his car. He helped her into the passenger side before getting into his own side and starting their drive. As they started down her road he couldn't help but feel a bit flustered. They had been friends for so long, he shouldn't be feeling this nervous. He already knew that she was beautiful, and that she had a smile that could give him butterflies. Something about tonight felt different, and he got the impression she knew it too. However, he had to stay in control. They were friends, and those were bounds he didn't dare cross right now. She made that clear with the whole Ned fiasco. And not to mention, his situation wasn't exactly well-suited to dating. He had a lot on his plate with Schemee.
She turned to face him. "So Schemer, are you excited for this year's gathering?"
He snorted with humourless laughter. "Oh Jonesy, how many years have we been through this? I wouldn't bother going if Mr. J.B. King, Esquire, wasn't so offended by no-shows. He takes it way too personally, by the way, but if it means renewing my lease then I'll put up with it," he said mockingly, drawing out Mr. King's name.
"Oh Schemer, what are we ever going to do with you?" she asked with a small smile.
"I'd go anyway, even if my lease wasn't on the line. How could I deny them of my presence? It's not like they're lucky like you and Billy. They don't get to see me everyday at work."
She gave him a playful swat on the arm, "Oh yes, how could we ever live without you?"
"It would be a sad and lonely existence." That response earned him another smack, however her hand lingered over his arm.
"So how's Schemee doing? I hear from my brother that he's sleeping over at his house tonight with Dan," she asked.
"He's good. And yeah, I figured it was best. That way I didn't have to worry about him and he could spend some time with his friend," he said, replaying the argument with Schemee in his head.
She nodded in agreement. "Makes sense. They've become as close as brothers in these past few years. It's funny how that happened. They never seemed to get along as young kids," Stacy said, remembering the bicycle race incident.
"Schemee matured a little, became less reclusive. I think he started opening up to others. That and the other kids were so supportive to him, despite his constant pranks. He warmed up to them," Schemer said, shrugging.
"Does he ever talk about his mother to you?" she asked curiously.
"Ah, no, he doesn't really. I can tell he misses her, and there are times where it's more obvious. I miss her too, but I care about him and like having him around so sometimes I feel guilty. He's been so rebellious lately though, and a bit hard to handle," he cut himself off quickly, suddenly feeling like he was rambling.
She saw right through it though. "No, I understand what you mean. It can be hard to get through to teenagers, especially ones who've been through so much."
He nodded slowly. "I think I could talk to him, maybe get him to open up, if I felt it would help. But I don't think he thinks I trust him all that much. I may not be the most mature guy around, but I've always tried to make sure he stayed out of trouble. Right now he's upset that I didn't let him stay home alone, but I just don't feel that he's ready for that yet. He's taking it personally to say the least. Sometimes I feel like I'm not good enough to be a guardian, and maybe I'm not the one he deserves," Schemer confessed. Yup, definitely rambling, he thought to himself.
His face flushed as he realized how much he had revealed, and kept his eyes on the road, not daring to meet Stacy's. She was one of the few people he could ever have a heart to heart with. He felt a soft hand place itself on one of his own and squeeze it gently. She left it there for the duration of the ride, neither spoke until they pulled into the parking lot ten minutes later. She removed her hand but spoke before he could exit.
"Schemer, I know Schemee loves you. He looks up to you so much, you are the most important adult in his life. You've both been good for each other. Raising a child is tough, and you've done a wonderful job. But at the same time, raising him has made you more mature, don't think that we haven't noticed the change in you. You understand what it's like to put others before yourself, and it's made you a better friend and person in general. But at the same time you've kept your goofball-like charm. You still know how to make people laugh and you know how to laugh at yourself. Don't worry about Schemee, he'll come around," she spoke sincerely and gently. He couldn't help but smile, his heart felt one hundred times lighter when he looked at her.
"Thanks Stacy, I hope you're right." In one daring moment he gently grasped her hand and gave it a squeeze, lightly stroking it with his thumb. They looked into each other's eyes for what seemed like ages, and pure electricity seemed to fly off them in that moment. Still holding onto her hand, he took in the sight of her beautiful face. Her deep brown eyes were so soulful, so full of life. He suddenly felt himself pulled towards her, as if caught by a magnetic force. Simultaneously they both closed their eyes and leaned in, until…
A sharp knock on the window followed by a voice broke them out of their reverie. "Hey guys! Are you going to sit in there forever? Oh, sorry..." Billy stalled, but it was too late. They had already jumped apart to nearly opposite sides of the car, their hearts racing in a mix of fright and exhilaration. Fumbling for their seat belts, they exited as quickly as possible to greet the third member of their trio, Billy Twofeathers.
"Hi Billy! Sorry, I better go register with the front desk! See you inside!" Stacy managed to squeak out as quickly as possible before speeding towards the building. Her cheeks were tinged pink, she was seemingly content with letting Schemer deal with Billy. Schemer rolled his eyes, waiting for the comments to start.
Billy clapped him on the back, "Sorry Schemer... I didn't mean to ruin the, uh, moment that you two were having."
Schemer glowered at him. "I don't know exactly what you thought you saw but I suggest forgetting about it," he grumpily exclaimed.
"I don't know what you're talking about! You were just about to pluck a stray eyelash from her cheek, that was it, wasn't it? Or inspecting her makeup more closely, isn't that right Schemer?" Billy asked, wearing a look of pure innocence on his face.
Schemer had already moved on and was speed walking in the direction of the hall.
"Hey Schemer, come back!" Billy yelled to his friend's retreating back.
"I'll drop it," he said as he caught up to Schemer, noting the blush that had settled across Schemer's face. He lowered his voice and muttered to Schemer as they walked into the building. "It's just about time, that's all."
That managed to get a smirk out of Schemer, but he pretended not to hear the last part. "Good, now let's get this over with," he said lightly.
They approached Stacy, who seemed to have composed herself, and the three entered as the complete staff of Shining Time Station. The hall was packed with staff from all the other branches, stations and offices.
"Well if it isn't my Shining Group! Get it, Shining? Like Shining Time Station!" A voice yelled jovially as they walked through the door leading to the hall.
Stacy turned to face Mr. King with a smile. No matter how many times it happened at staff parties, no one seemed to be able to get used to a drunken J.B. King.
"Good evening Mr. King, how are things going so far?" she asked politely.
"Marvellous! Go mingle, have a drink! It's a party and it's all on me!" he said cheerily and walked off to greet the next group.
They stood silently, blinking in the direction of his departure. This time, Schemer was the first to break the silence. "Well... Now we know why he gets so drunk." The other two looked at him curiously.
"It's the only way he can bring himself to pay for these shindigs. There's no way he can justify it when he's sober," he explained.
The other two laughed at the truth in his statement. "Well, we might as well enjoy ourselves while we're here. Who wants to get a drink?" Billy asked.
"I'll just have a coke, thanks. Hang on though, I'm just going to have a quick word with the arcade owner in Snarlyville. I'll meet you guys there," Schemer said.
"Don't worry about it, we'll come find you and bring it to you," Stacy told him as she and Billy walked off to the bar.
Schemer started making his way over to his fellow arcade owner when Mr. King intercepted him once more.
"Schemer, allow me to introduce, Paul Miller," Mr. King jovially gestured towards the tall, blonde man beside him. "He said he'd heard good things about your business and wanted to meet you. You always pay your rent, so who am I to judge," Mr. King said as he stumbled off once more.
"Schemer, is that a nickname?" Paul asked as he stretched out his hand. He had strong facial features. Though currently baring an affable and easy-going expression, he exuded confidence.
Schemer would usually take offence at any perceived slight to his name, but Paul's question carried a natural charisma that avoided any hint of mockery. He felt immediately at ease, and also noticed that Paul was sharply dressed. Though Paul's suit was more muted than his own clothing choice, this denoted to him that he had found a kindred spirit.
"It's my last name, but it's also what my friends call me," Schemer responded, accepting the handshake.
Paul smiled in return. "Well I hope that it's okay if I continue to call you that. I've recently taken a position within the Indian Valley Railroad. I'm a business analyst under Mr. King. I've been tasked with looking into efficiencies and burden reduction. In my findings I happened to notice your arcade. Tell me, as a small business owner in a small town, how exactly do you manage to run such a successful operation?"
If Schemer was intrigued by this stranger before, he had fully warmed up to him now. Practically puffing his chest out in pride he couldn't help but begin to boast. "Well, it isn't always easy but if you ask anybody they'll tell you I run the best arcade in the Indian Valley railroad."
In the background, the long forgotten Snarlyville arcade owner overheard the comment and frowned, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes.
If Paul took notice, he didn't show it and seemed totally immersed in Schemer's account. "I've heard," he affirmed while nodding his head enthusiastically, "Overhead must be fairly low, but do you have other locations?"
"Nope, just the one. It does well enough on its own, and the only currency is nickels," Schemer proudly added.
"Schemer, that's incredible. I'd be thrilled to hear more about your business model if you had the time," Paul looked impressed as Schemer beamed.
They were distracted from the conversation for a moment as Billy showed up. "Here's your drink Schemer, who's your friend?" he asked.
"Paul Miller. I'm a business analyst with the Indian Valley Railroad," Paul introduced himself to Billy with a friendly handshake.
Schemer turned to Billy. "Hey, where's Stacy?"
"She's talking to someone at the bar," Billy said simply. Schemer turned in the direction of the bar to see her talking to a handsome man. He was dressed in a black suit with a white dress shirt, no tie and unbuttoned at the top. Schemer immediately decided he didn't like him, observing the man as he leaned against the bar in a casual stance.
He turned back to Billy, who looked slightly apologetic, and Paul, who looked over the scene with a mild interest. His previous high from all the praise was lost. Unfortunately, Billy was called over by a group of fellow engineers.
"Sorry guys, I've got to go mingle. Nice meeting you, Paul," he said before heading off, clapping Schemer on the shoulder as he left.
"So, is it just the two of you that work at Shining Time Station?" Paul asked in a friendly way, trying to break the sudden tension.
Schemer was too distracted by the sight, and despite trying to not appear to be paying attention to Stacy he was desperately trying to watch Stacy and the stranger from the corner of his vision.
"Schemer?" Paul asked again.
"I'm sorry, I was just… I saw someone I know," he mumbled in a voice that sounded as pathetic as he felt, "What were we talking about?" Schemer asked, struggling to get back into the conversation.
Paul grinned and motioned at the back patio door. "Want to step outside? It's getting loud in here. We can talk shop out there without issue."
With one last look back at Stacy, Schemer nodded and gave a small smile in response. "Sure, let's go," he agreed and followed Paul's lead outside.
The venue had back doors that lead out onto an open-air patio, overlooking a garden. Several people were milling about, but it was a lot quieter. The hot summer air had cooled to a reasonable temperature, and the night was clear. Schemer followed Paul out to some patio chairs and the two took a seat. A waiter came around and took Paul's order of a scotch, neat. Paul turned to Schemer, and offered him the same.
"No, thanks, I'm not drinking," Schemer declined.
"Are you driving?" Paul asked, as he tipped the waiter.
"Yes, but I don't drink," Schemer said with a shrug.
Paul nonchalantly nodded. "Wise man, no point in wasting your time inebriated. Unfortunately, my weakness is scotch, the older the better. I don't suppose I could tempt you with a cigar?"
Schemer gave a wry smile. "I suppose I could accept. After all, it's only once in a while that I get to partake, and my friends or family aren't looking."
Pau gave an amused smile as he pulled a cigar case from inside his breast pocket. He cut them, lit a match and expertly spun a cigar around the dancing flame. He offered it to Schemer who raised it in a grateful hand gesture.
Drawing on the cigar, Schemer rolled it in his hand and inspected it as he savoured the flavour. With an exhale, he nodded in appreciation. "That's a good brand."
The waiter brought Paul his scotch, who had also lit a cigar of his own. "Schemer, I think we're men of similar tastes. I'm impressed with your business sense, I don't suppose arcades are your one true calling in life?"
A slow draw and exhale this time, so Schemer could think about the question carefully. "I'm fairly comfortable where I am now."
"But is it what you want? I don't mean to pry, but I feel like someone with your ability to successfully make a comfortable living off running a business in a small station could easily adapt to a much bigger setting. Thrive even," Paul explained, taking a small sip of whiskey.
Schemer shrugged and exhaled heavily. "I probably could, but I haven't thought about it."
"Look, we're always looking for new talent. I pride myself on finding the right people for the job. I think you could be that person. Do you have a family here? Moving is difficult, but relocation costs are no issue, we cover everything. Corporate jobs in the Indian Valley Railroad pay handsomely and the benefits can't be beat," Paul said as he leaned forward, and Schemer found himself being sold on the experience.
Schemer examined the cigar in his hands once again. It was highly tempting. And he loved being noticed for his talents. But it was just sitting poorly. "Snarlyville, eh?" he asked softly. "I have one family member here, my nephew. He's in high school."
"Snarlyville has excellent schools. Some of the highest rated in the entire state," Paul explained carefully.
Schemer considered this. It could be a way to give Schemee a better shot at getting into a good university or college. But still, being faced with the idea of moving gave him cold feet. Not to mention Schemee's reaction. Despite his earlier concerns about remaining in a small town, he knew it could back fire. "I know, that's true. But I would just feel bad uprooting him, his friends are here."
"What about you?" Paul asked in a hushed voice, "What do you want?"
Schemer thought carefully as he took another draw. "Listen, Paul, this is a very nice offer. And trust me when I say I'd love it. But I just like it here, this is my home. My friends are here, I love my work, and I couldn't imagine leaving," Schemer explained with a sad smile.
Paul nodded with a defeated grin. "I understand. Is the lady in the red dress, Stacy, one of your friends?"
Schemer choked on his last draw, coughing at the irritation. "Yes, she is," he sputtered.
Paul chuckled as he bit the cigar. "Look, I saw you looking at her. If you're so set on staying here, how can you just stay friends when it's clear, especially to somebody who's just met you no less, how infatuated you are?"
"Because… we're friends," Schemer struggled to explain it. What they were. What they had been through.
"Have you ever made a move?" Paul questioned.
"No… Well, we have kissed before, once or twice," he shrugged thoughtfully.
"Any reason she would say no?" Paul raised one eyebrow.
"Possibly, it's been complicated between us the last little while. She was seeing someone very briefly, and he left. She was heartbroken," Schemer sighed as he remembered the 'Ned fiasco'.
"Look, Schemer, as your new friend I want you to be successful. If you're not interested in this job I'm offering, I think you should go for this. What's the worst that could happen?" Paul asked seriously.
Schemer felt his heart plummet somewhere in his gut. "I think that's a loaded question," he admitted as he ground out his cigar in a nearby ashtray.
Paul laughed out loud. He ground out his cigar as well. He suddenly spied a flash of red near the back door. "Okay, here she comes now. She's looking for you, I know it. You've got a beautiful night as your backdrop, so now's your chance," he said as a way of giving Schemer a pep talk.
Schemer began to panic as he turned to face Stacy's direction. Paul was right, she was looking for him. She gave him a warm smile and he swallowed thickly before returning it with a small wave.
Paul nudged him in the ribs. "Follow my lead," he said.
"Okay Schemer, it was great to meet you. Here's my card, please give me a call after you've had time to consider my offer," Paul said loudly, offering a procured card to a dumbfounded Schemer, who lamely accepted it.
"Sure. Yeah, thanks Paul. See you around," Schemer played along, weakly.
Paul exited and gave Stacy a kind smile as they crossed paths. Stacy gave Schemer a quizzical look. "What was that about?" she asked, looking puzzled.
"He… he was offering me a job. In Snarlyville," Schemer admitted, carefully examining the card before placing it in his breast pocket. He was too stunned by the events to even consider lying.
Stacy looked at him, wide eyed. "Snarlyville? Oh Schemer… That's just… Wow," was all she could say in response. The moonlight had now taken over, and he observed as it danced along her features. She was biting her bottom lip and seemed to be lost in thought over his revelation.
He gently sighed. "Look, I turned it down. Shining Time is my home. I'm happy here. I'm sure it would've been a good job, and hey, he seemed really impressed by me. But who wouldn't be," he said with a shrug, placing his hands on the back of his neck and leaning back in the patio chair.
She took a seat opposite to him and gave him a small smile. "What was it?" she asked.
"A business analyst job, like his. He seemed to have heard about the arcade and was impressed by it." He leaned forward again to get a bit closer to her.
"A corporate position?" She looked bewildered. "Wow, that's amazing, Schemer."
"So… you think I should think about it?" he asked, suddenly wondering if he was too hasty in turning down Paul.
She shrugged. "It depends on what makes you happy. Think about why you initially declined it, maybe your answer is there. Or maybe it's something you need to reconsider," she sighed and leaned closer, "I can't tell you what you're supposed to do Schemer, but I do know that you should always take the opportunity that you think will make you happiest."
He nodded slowly. "Well, if he thought the arcade was so great, maybe that's reason enough to stay. What is it that you and Billy are always saying? There's just something about this place." He looked at her as he said and felt a warm feeling settle in his chest as he watched her smile widely.
"That there is. And I couldn't imagine you not being there, if I'm being honest," she said warmly and lightly grazed his arm with her hand.
"I couldn't imagine being anywhere else," he said softly, beaming at her comment. Maybe Paul was right. Maybe there was a chance. The music from inside had slowed and he could see couples had paired off inside.
"It's a slow song, want to dance?" He stood up and offered her his hand. She nodded and gently placed her hand in his. As they stood up she placed her arms over his shoulders. He smiled warmly and placed his hands on her waist. They danced on the moonlit patio, and when she rested her head on his chest he smiled with a giddy pleasure.
"Who was that you were talking to back there?" he asked casually, "He looked like a jerk."
She giggled at his bluntness. "He was a jerk."
Silence fell between them again, at one point he saw Billy make his way to the patio, looking for them. He stopped in his tracks when he saw the pair and made eye contact with Schemer. Schemer jerked his head to the side. Billy took the message and left back inside with a quick turn.
"You've become a much better dancer since the competition from way back when." She complimented him as she raised her head to meet his eyes. "Have you still been taking lessons with Ginny?"
He gave a barking laugh. "Ha! No. She struck the fear of the dancing gods into me that one time. Besides, this I can do. None of that stepping nonsense, so don't even bother asking."
Fortunately she didn't have to, the song had ended. They separated slightly but he kept his hands on her waist. She looked up at him quizzically; a serious expression had crossed his face.
"What is it Schemer?" she asked gently.
"It's just… There's something I need to tell you," he confessed, feeling his pulse quicken.
She said nothing but continued to stare at him, her deep brown eyes were presenting an emotion that he couldn't quite pick up on.
He sighed deeply and let go of her waist, his arms falling to his side.
"Are you alright?" she asked with concern in her voice, while reaching out and placing a hand on his chest.
"Stacy… I'm crazy about you," he blurted out, his face flushing as he said it. He placed a hand over hers. "I have been for a long time."
She tilted her head to the side, looking surprised but not displeased. "Do you mean that?" she whispered.
He grinned wearily. "Yes, I do." He tried to stifle the internal panic that was setting in. He was beginning to feel like this was a terrible idea.
She stepped forward and placed both hands on either side of his head and pulled him into a deep kiss. He was taken aback at first, but as realization settled in he wrapped his arms around her waist once again and pulled her closer into him.
When they parted, she looked around quickly, checking if anyone else was around. He was still feeling slightly light-headed from the kiss, and didn't really care who saw at this point.
"Anyone out here?" he asked, the warmth still lingering in his chest.
She shook her head. "Doesn't look like it." She shivered from the chill that had settled into the night air.
"We should get going inside, it's getting too late and I don't want to keep you out in the cold." However, they moved wordlessly in tandem towards his car, rather than back inside the building. They got in together and sat there, neither saying anything.
"So..." He started to say, and was about to lean in for another kiss. She stopped him with one finger to his lips.
"Why don't we go to your place?" she suggested.
There was a brief moment where Schemer sat unmoving, one of Stacy's fingers still on his lips. All of the sudden he had whipped out his keys and started the car, moving faster than Stacy had ever seen him.
"That sounds like a good idea," he said and the car roared out of the parking lot.
Upon reaching his house, they practically fell through the doorway as he unlocked the door.
Schemer kissed her with unrestrained passion, pulling her into a tight embrace as she tugged his suit jacket back from his shoulders.
"Are you good?" he asked breathlessly, between kisses.
"I'm good," she confirmed and allowed him to take her hand and lead her upstairs.