by Nico Jaye
“What about them? Are they here?”
“No, sir. I’ve spoken with the engineering office. It seems there was a bit of a holdup and the earliest we can get them is tomorrow morning. They’re having them rush couriered over.”
The glare that was targeted at Trick almost bored a hole right through him. He’d seen Redden angry before, and after almost ten years with him, he’d gotten used to the constant yelling and cursing. This was new. This was quiet and calm, like a storm brewing. Trick held his breath and waited. He would beg to keep his job if it came to that.
“I need you to make a phone call for me,” Redden said, his voice eerily soft.
“Of course, sir.”
“I need you to phone the cleaning staff and give them the night off.”
Trick’s eyebrows knit together in confusion before Redden continued.
“I am tired of your constant incompetence. Apparently I need to teach you a lesson. You need to learn to clean up your messes, and so you’re going to clean the office tonight. All of it. Bathrooms, floors, windows, everything. Top to bottom. And when I get in here tomorrow morning, if this place isn’t spotless, you really will be fired.”
Trick swallowed hard but didn’t say anything. Cleaning the office by himself would take hours. He had no choice, though. If that’s how Redden wanted to punish him, he would have to bow his head and take it.
One day, he would take over this company, and he vowed to treat his employees with care and respect—to be everything Redden was not.
Chapter Six
BY THE end of his first day, Edwin was fairly confident in his ability both to create basic drinks using the café’s fancy equipment and to operate the cash register with reasonable efficiency. He’d only erred once, and the patron was honest and had informed him the bill he’d given her was a ten-dollar bill and not a one-dollar bill.
Mortals. They had such good hearts, truly.
Although the rush of mortals in the morning had been the busiest, the shop had maintained a constant stream of visitors over the course of the day. Edwin had enjoyed interacting with them, and even though some were grumpier than seemed necessary, Edwin told himself that providing their coffee was an act that would help improve their moods.
Shortly after three o’clock, Edwin went into the back room and untied his apron. He hung it on a peg and was shrugging on his coat when Janet appeared at the door.
Even though she’d been at the shop even earlier than he had that morning, she nonetheless looked fresh and upbeat, her dark brown hair pulled neatly into a bun. “How was your first day on the job, Edwin?”
Job. Job. Edwin racked his brain before registering that, yes, he’d actually learned that word as an alternative to profession and occupation. It meant doo. Edwin shook his head out of his reverie and smiled at Janet in response. “It went well, thank you. I had many opportunities to practice at the machines and the… cash register, and I believe I’ve grasped the concept.”
Janet returned the smile and nodded. “That’s good news, then. You didn’t get a chance to brew all of the menu items, so tomorrow that’s what we’ll work on. How does that sound?”
Frankly, it sounded terrifying, but Edwin knew the recipes and making drinks were undoubtedly part of the doo. Job. Part of the job. “I’m honestly quite intimidated by the machines, but I will do my best, Janet!” Edwin tried on his best courageous-and-brave face.
With a quiet laugh, Janet gestured for him to finish putting on his coat. “Well, that’s all I ask. You did great with the lattes today. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Have a joyous day!”
After Edwin said farewell to Miranda (Tim had left already as he’d only had a short day today), Edwin stepped outside into the blustery cold. While it was sunny, the chilly air temperature and winds nevertheless stung his cheeks, and Edwin pulled his coat in a little closer. Even though he’d observed it before on his previous days in New York City, Edwin was still stunned to see tendrils of steam escape his mouth and float past his very eyes. His breath, the very air he expelled, was visible. It was amazing!
Equally amazing was his tour that evening. He was excited to see the city, and he was doubly excited to see it with Trick.
Edwin had been thrilled when Trick had offered to show him the city. Not only did it mean having the opportunity to explore this fascinating area, but best of all, he would have a chance to spend time with his charge. Trick’s impression had been intriguing, and Edwin figured having a chance to flesh out those ideas and desires would be what a responsible fairy godfather would do.
Looking around, Edwin took in the busy sidewalks and the mortals hurrying about their business. Some went into the coffee shop; some passed by with their bags stuffed with important-looking files; some wore sharp looking suits and long coats like his; and some wore casual blue pants with jackets that made them puff up to twice their size. The mortal realm was fascinating—so many different colors, sights, and things.
Edwin checked his wristwatch and saw he still had nearly two hours until he was supposed to meet Trick for the tour.
What to do in that time?
Rather than return to the Pointe, he decided to explore the nearby shops. There were so many, and almost all of them were decorated in silvers, greens, and reds—for the holiday season, Edwin determined with a grin.
“Hello, welcome to Orion’s Candy! I’m Heather! Can I help you with anything today?”
After wiping off his boots on the doormat, Edwin looked up to see an elfin woman in bright blue smiling at him.
“We have a few holiday specials this week, if you’d like to take a look at our displays,” she continued, gesturing to the two tables beside her. “And if you want to sample anything, please just let me know.”
Edwin returned the smile. “Thank you! I will peruse the candy first and inform you if I need anything. It’s so colorful here!” It was so colorful, in fact, that it reminded him of home, but he of course couldn’t say that.
“Oh, please do! And yes, here at Orion’s, we believe food should be fun. And what more fun can there be than colorful candy?”
Looking around, Edwin gawked at the displays of goods in greens, whites, blues, pinks, and oranges. He met Heather’s gaze and grinned. “I’ve never tried any of these, but I believe that’s about to change.”
Halfway through browsing the wall of bins, Edwin came across a candy he knew he needed to purchase. He grabbed a few extras to give to Trick because candy seemed so happy and colorful, and, considering Trick’s impression, there didn’t seem to be enough colorful or happy in his life.
EDWIN SAT on a bench near Elixir Coffee while he waited for Trick. It was already fifteen minutes past the five o’clock meeting time they had agreed upon. While Edwin did not mind waiting at all—there was so much to see even from this sole vantage point—he was mildly concerned about Trick.
Trick undoubtedly worked hard, and he had been at his job bright and early that morning. Edwin hadn’t seen him pass by to take time for lunch, and now Trick was working into the evening hours.
Hard work was important, of course. That was how Edwin had attained his skills, and even though they had been so limited in the classroom setting, he was finding them incredibly useful and handy here in the mortal realm. Trick’s hard work clearly meant much to him, even if the person for whom he worked—Mr. Redden, from what Edwin had gathered in the impression—was completely unworthy.
At the thought of what Trick had to endure, Edwin scowled. He pulled out another candy and munched on it as the thoughts whirled in his head.
Perhaps there was a way Edwin could ensure Trick received credit for his efforts. Right now Trick was a silent actor in his place of work. A silent actor who was responsible for much of the actual action, but silent and unappreciated nonetheless.
There had been a rush of people exiting shortly after five o’clock, but now it had slowed to a trickle. When someone pushed open the large glass door, Edwin looked up expectant
ly and was disappointed not to see Trick.
Edwin glanced down at his attire. Gray pants, black sweater—he looked like he fit in with the people who were exiting the building. He wondered….
If he were to go upstairs, just to take a peek and check that all was well with Trick, maybe he could gain a better insight into what Trick hoped to accomplish.
Nodding, Edwin stood and approached the entrance, trying to appear casual. When the next person exited, he waited for them to clear the doorway, and grabbed the handle.
Looking around, he saw a guard desk with an absent guard. Edwin’s brows shot up. The universe wanted him to be here! It was meant to be, obviously, if they were making it this easy for him to see his charge.
Edwin looked at the directory, easily recognizing the listing for “Redden and Sons.” Frederick’s building had one of these lifting machines—an elevator, he believed they were called—and Edwin pushed the Up button, murmuring “eighth level” to himself.
When the doors opened, a tall, well-dressed man stepped into the hallway. Edwin had seen this man before, even though he’d never actually met him. He knew him from Trick’s impression. This man was powerful, and Trick found him desirable.
Edwin took in the man’s sleek black hair, angular features, and full lips and thought, yes, he understood why Trick could think that. Objectively speaking, he himself thought Trick’s messy brown hair and warm, golden brown eyes were much more attractive. However, Edwin understood mortals to have unique tastes in what they found pleasing to the eye.
The man gave Edwin a curt nod, to which Edwin responded with a wide smile. This man could make Trick happy. He was one of the desires in Trick’s small cache of secret wishes, and somehow this man could help Edwin improve Trick’s life.
After selecting the correct button on the panel, Edwin whooshed up to the eighth level of the building. His belly felt funny whenever he rode this machine. The numbers went as high as twenty-four, and he couldn’t imagine how funny he would feel if he had to travel all the way to the top!
When the doors slid open, Edwin stepped out into a reception area.
“No, wait!”
Edwin froze and looked to the side. Then he looked down to where Trick was kneeling. He had his hand up, an alarmed look on his face, and Edwin looked down to where he had been about to step. A bucket of soapy water stood inches away from his feet.
After setting down the large yellow sponge in his hand, Trick stood and wiped his brow with the back of his arm. He looked at Edwin, a weary yet welcoming smile on his lips.
“Oh good, it’s you. It’s really nice to see a welcoming face around here for once,” Trick said.
“Hello, Trick!” Edwin gestured to the bucket and the sloshy water around them. “What’s happening here?”
Trick blew out a tired breath. “I… I’m really sorry, but I don’t think I can take you on that tour today. I’d have called to cancel, but I don’t have your number,” Trick said with a helpless shrug. He glanced at the clock in the lobby area and winced. “God, I feel like a shitheel. I can’t believe it’s so late. I’m sorry you were waiting so long.”
Edwin looked around and noticed on a table nearby that there was an assembly of towels, sprays, and various other things he didn’t recognize but looked vaguely intimidating. “It’s quite all right, but I don’t understand. Is cleaning the office part of your duties?”
Snorting, Trick rolled his eyes at the description. “My duties are whatever Redden wants them to be. Theoretically, I’m supposed to be an architect. I have a little piece of paper with my name on it and everything that says I am, but for some reason, Redden—that’s my boss—seems to forget that fact. Most of the time I’m answering phones, filing, and doing damage control on his idiot sons, but tonight the bastard wants me cleaning everything in the entire damned office—and I mean everything.” Trick’s features twisted in a grimace.
Surely Edwin did not understand correctly. “By yourself?”
“Yep. Until it’s spotless.”
Edwin’s eyes went wide. The office looked large, and the task put upon Trick was monumentally unfair.
“I’m sorry I have to cancel, but I just… I need to get this done. Redden said he’d have my job if I didn’t make it perfect.” Trick bent to pick up the sponge again. “Maybe another day, huh?”
“Another day….” Edwin looked at the spot Trick was scrubbing. What kind of fairy godfather (in training) would he be if he let Trick continue like this? Edwin cleared his throat. “I’ll help.”
Trick’s head popped up. “No, no, that’s okay. This is my responsibility.”
Scrub, scrub, scrub.
Shaking his head, Edwin shrugged off his outer layer and carefully sidestepped the bucket to lay his coat on the desk nearby. “Do you have another sponge?”
Trick glanced at Edwin, an appraising look on his face. Finally, he shook his head ruefully, a small smile on his face. “I told you. You don’t have to help me.”
“I don’t have to, but I want to,” Edwin said firmly. “It should be fun to work together!”
Trick scoffed at that, his smile turning into a wide grin. “They must do things differently in Kansas if you think this is gonna be fun.”
Edwin smiled magnanimously and shrugged. “They do a lot of things differently in Kansas.” He found a matching sponge in the assortment of items and knelt next to Trick. Although he’d never washed a floor before, it didn’t look too difficult. Edwin wiped along the edge near the elevator’s doors, and they worked in a companionable silence for several minutes.
Edwin coughed gently. “So, since we’ve almost finished with the floors, what’s next?” he asked, trying to sound casual.
Trick paused in his scrubbing and looked up. “The windows and the bathrooms. I already vacuumed. Oh, and I have to take the trash out at the end.”
“Hmmm.” With windows circling the entire perimeter of the airy office space, that would take hours. Correction: If Trick didn’t have Edwin, it would take hours.
Trick glanced at Edwin curiously, and Edwin returned a bland smile.
After a few more minutes, Trick sat back on his heels and stretched his back. “Aggggh, my neck’s gonna fall off if I keep doing this.” He looked around the reception area’s hardwood floors and nodded once. “I’m gonna call it. This part’s done.”
Trick heaved a sigh as he stood, and Edwin got to his feet beside him.
Edwin had a plan.
“You were working all day, and you’ve been laboring at this for a while. Why don’t you get something downstairs and take a break?” Edwin offered an encouraging smile, hoping Trick would take the bait.
Trick set the sponge in the bucket and looked around. “There’s so much to do, I may as well get us some coffee to keep us going. You want something?”
Edwin perked up. “An Earl Grey tea, please!”
Trick sent him a sideways look, then chuckled. “Sure, I’ll get you one. Bathroom’s this way if you want to wash your hands.”
Trick went to a side door, and Edwin drifted into the workspace and assessed what needed to be done. After a moment, Trick reappeared and pushed a button near the elevators. “I’ll be back in a few.”
“I’ll be here!”
“Don’t touch anything,” Trick said, pointing a finger at him with a semistern, semijoking look. Edwin couldn’t be sure which to heed.
By way of an answer, Edwin simply gave as innocent of a grin as he could manage.
Trick chuckled and stepped into the elevator. When the doors slid shut behind him, Edwin sprang into action.
He fished his compact wand out of his pocket and went into the bathroom. It was tidy to the eye, but he knew it needed to be clean too.
Cleaning was a matter of removing something that existed. The magic shouldn’t be too difficult—he only needed to visualize where the dirt and grime should go. With thoughts of the wastebasket by the door, Edwin pointed his wand at the sink, then aimed it at the trash bin.
There was a shimmer in the air, and a moment later, the sink sparkled. He repeated the charm with the mirror, the floor, and the toilet. By the time he was finished, the entire bathroom was spotless, and a thin layer of dirt sat on the surface of the used paper towels in the wastebasket.
With a pleased look, Edwin grabbed a few paper towels from the holder and threw them into the basket to cover up the mess.
He glanced at his wristwatch. Given how long it took to make the drinks, he figured he had a couple of minutes until Trick returned. Hurrying into the office space, Edwin aimed his wand at the windows that were visible from the reception area.
One after another after another received the same treatment, his magic taking on a most practical turn.
The windows transformed from dusty to crystal clear, and as he walked around the office, he sent the charm into the different rooms he passed. Edwin had finished the last room—a spacious one near the reception area with a large table and many chairs around it—when he heard the bell on the elevator ding.
“Edwin?”
Sliding his wand closed and tucking it carefully into his pocket, Edwin rounded the corner. “Trick, I was just admiring the view to be seen from this height.”
Trick raised a brow and offered one of the cups in his hand. “Right…. Here’s your tea.”
“Thank you,” Edwin murmured.
“Mmmm.” Trick took a sip of his coffee and closed his eyes briefly. After a moment, he opened them and smiled at Edwin. “You’re right. This definitely helps.”
Nodding, Edwin didn’t say anything in response. He understood what Trick meant, and he was inordinately pleased by it. He knew what Trick needed, however small this particular need was.
Finally, Trick lowered the cup and tilted his head toward the workspace. “So, didja see how bad it is when you looked around? It’s a disaster, isn’t it?” Trick said, screwing up his face. “We’ll be here all night.”
Edwin didn’t have it in him to lie, so he simply said, “Let’s go check.”