Jamie's Encore
Chapter 2 Jobs or jobs
Jamie is spending New Year's Eve at Caitlin's place. They have talked since Christmas eve but not spent time together. Neither has told the other about their phone calls. They were waiting for face time.
Caitlin has made hot chocolate, and served it with cake and other goodies. They are nestled on the couch, soft classical music is playing on the stereo.
"Jamie?"
"Um?"
"I got a very interesting phone call this week. From San Diego."
"WHAT?" Jamie sits up.
"Whoa, why that reaction?" She is puzzled.
"Well, I got a call from San Diego too!"
"Oh, well, who goes first?"
"Ladies first!"
She cocks her head, "Ok. Here goes. The San Diego Symphony has had a pianist back out. A July 12 concert."
"Are you thinking of doing it? Is that enough time to prepare?"
"Barely enough time. BUT my not touring and not performing gets into my big secret. AND I haven't gotten the courage to share that with you yet."
"You can tell me anything, you know that sweetheart."
"I know . . . and I need to do that before we get much deeper into . . . us . . . you know." A tear trickles down her cheek.
Jamie brushes the tear away. "Shall I tell you about my call while you collect yourself?"
"Please do, that will help."
"Ok. I got a call from the SDPD, the Chief. They have a job opening that they cannot fill. A LT. spot, to head up a new major crimes division."
"But you are a sergeant!"
"Yes, it would be a big-time promotion!"
"Are you ready for that? I think you are, babe!"
"I do too. Then there is the family."
"Oh. Your family is really tight."
"Yeah, there will be major angst, for sure if I move to the west coast."
"Does that put the kibosh on it?"
"No, not as far as I am concerned. Now, your turn."
She sighs; "Well, the symphony had the pianist back out of their July 12 concert. Beethoven by the Bay!"
"Beethoven! Your specialty!"
"Well, my doctoral dissertation anyway."
"You should do it. I'll come along and support you!"
"You will?"
"Absolutely. Now, are you ready?"
"For my big secret?"
"Yes, listen. There is NOTHING that will change my feelings for you. I will prime the pump here . . . Caitlin, I am falling in love with you! The only thing that will stop that is if you walk out of my life and slam the door. And even then, I'll probably run after you. I'll be hard to shake!"
Silence. She looks at the floor.
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"Ok. I was 20 y/o, I had started touring and had signed my first recording contract."
She pauses. Jamie pulls her into an embrace, her head on his chest. He rubs slow circles on her back.
"Take your time, love."
"I was home for the holidays. I had been drinking since I was 16 – all kinds of alcohol. Sometimes to excess; never falling down drunk. Abigail Murray, my BFF, and I were at a NY Eve party. We were drinking of course, egging each other on. Who could hold the most, you know."
"No, Caitlin!"
"Yup. Two guys had been watching us, and decided that we were ripe for the picking."
"I'm sorry-
"Yeah. Well, Abby got raped. I, somehow, managed to fight off my guy. Abby got pregnant and decided to give birth. And consider what to do then. But she and the baby died of complications of childbirth."
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" He gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"I had a nervous breakdown, feeling that it was my fault. It lasted almost a year. I couldn't play before large audiences, couldn't tour, my recording contract was cancelled . . . it felt like my life was over."
She pauses.
Jamie holds her tight, rocking them.
"Finally with much encouragement, I sent an audition tape to Julliard and got a second chance at life, at what I loved. And here we are . . . I'm giving you an out here, Jamie."
"Not taking it!"
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely positive! I'm all in!"
She starts to sob now – between sobs she squeaks out . . . I love you, Jamie!"
"I love you too!"
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After pausing and catching her breath, she goes on.
"I'll do part 2 of my call now."
"Ok."
"In addition, the music director of the symphony wants to fill a "Pianist in Residence" position. That person would do 2 concerts a year, teach advanced piano students, and help secure other pianists for concerts."
"Wow! Are you interested?"
"Maybe, if we . . . ah . . . I mean-
"Do a team thing? Both of us move to San Diego I mean?" Jamie raises an eyebrow.
"Yeah, are we getting ahead ourselves?" Caitlin frowns.
"I don't think so. What about this; if we both are genuinely interested, no pulling their leg – or each other's. Let's go together to San Diego, and check things out. What do you think?"
"I like that. But my next term starts January 20, we need to get a move on!"
"Yup, let's see what we can arrange!"
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REAGAN SUNDAY DINNER
Frank starts; "Jamie, I saw your approved vacation request. Where are you going?"
"Snow birding, kid?" Danny snickers.
"Sort of, San Diego." Jamie mutters.
"San Diego! I got a call from the SDPD a while ago. Are you checking that position out?" Frank scowls now.
"Yup; Caitlin and I both have some investigating to do."
"Your girlfriend?" Nicky asks.
"Yes," Jamie returns.
"What are you dragging her along for," Erin snorts.
"She has her own job offer, with the San Diego Symphony. We are coordinating trips. Keeping each other company. Should be fun!"
The table is shocked.
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AFTER DINNER
Jamie leaves as soon as dessert is finished.
The family discussion continues in the sun room.
"Dad, how could you let San Diego talk with Jamie!" Erin is frantic.
"Erin, your younger brother is no longer a kid, regardless of what Danny calls him," Frank replies.
"But that will tear the family apart!" Danny whines.
"Your brother is a grown man, his own man. Far be it from me to deprive him of an opportunity to move up and improve himself," Frank declares.
Pops is distressed too.
"Dad, is uncle Jamie moving away," Sean hopes not.
"We don't know," Linda tries to smooth over the waters.
"I hope not," both Jack and Nicky mutter.
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JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 07:00
Caitlin and Jamie are waiting in the departure area for gate 66-B. They have 45 minutes until boarding.
"Nervous?" Jamie whispers.
"Yes, aren't you?" Caitlin whispers back.
"Yeah. This is a big step, you know."
"Don't I know it. Starting a new position from scratch is always a big deal. They will be expecting a lot from me."
"You can do it; I have no doubt."
"Your confidence means a lot to me, babe!"
"You have my full and total support. You know that, right?"
"I do, thanks!" She kisses him on the cheek.
FLIGHT 975 IS NOW READY TO BOARD
"Let's go, I'm glad we decided on first-class!" Caitlin smiles.
"Me too!"
They grab their carry-on bags and head for the ticket agent at the door to the jet-way.
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SAN DIEGO
There is a small committee awaiting their arrival.
TBC