HOBOKEN – NJ
When he arrived at the apartment in Hoboken, Jackie confessed that she had lost little Rachel. She couldn’t remember where she had left her.
– How is this possible Jackie?
– I have no idea. Honestly, I really don’t know. I might have been sitting on a bench, the stroller by my side. Rachel was probably sleeping and in a moment of absent-mindedness, I must have walked off without her.
They set out to comb the neighbourhood and local parks. After twenty long minutes, they found Rachel abandoned in her pushchair, still napping. His sister-in-law sobbed uncontrollably.
– Promise me not to tell Dave. Do you promise me? she insisted.
– Yes, I won’t say a word.
– Thanks honey.
As her guest, he felt he had no other choice.
At nightfall, David returned from work. He inquired whether they had both had a good day. Jon gave a very enthusiastic account of his chance encounter. His brother and sister-in-law thought he’d been offered a great opportunity not to be missed. ‘The world’s financial capital opens its arms in welcome to those who are ambitious and courageous’, Dave and his wife reassured Jonathan. They extended a warm invitation for him to live with them as long as he needed to. David then asked about Jackie’s day and if she had attended her appointment with her analyst. Jonathan was taken aback.
– Oh, I didn’t know you had a shrink…
A slight uneasiness filled the room. David revealed that Jackie experienced disturbing visions where she saw herself strangling their baby. Jonathan felt goosebumps rise though remained silent. He excused himself, saying he felt sleepy, and went up to bed.
***
SOHO
The next day, he received a text from Gabriel suggesting a change of plan, “Meet me outside the Subway station on 23rd Street (lines 1, 2, 3) at 2pm”.
For their second meeting, Jonathan’s “guardian angel” was warm, jolly and full of energy throughout the afternoon and evening. He showed him Midtown and some parts of Downtown, treated him to a late lunch and at the end of the day, took him to a stylish bar for cocktails, where the waiters were bare chested with muscled physiques.
– So my friend, would you like to settle down in the Big Apple?
– I would love that. That would be a dream comes true.
– Well, you just need to ask for it. Go ahead! Repeat after me: I am in New York and Manhattan is my home. Don’t be shy, say it out loud!
– OK sure. I am in New York and Manhattan is my home.
– Say it again with more conviction. Wishes are only granted if you truly believe in them. Close your eyes, concentrate and visualize yourself living in Manhattan.
Jon closed his eyes as he was told and pictured himself working and strolling through New York. Gabriel beamed from ear to ear and his deep, dark, brown eyes were shining.
– There you are. You see, it’s not so difficult to reach your goal in life when you genuinely believe in your abilities. By the way I spoke to Angela and she agreed to meet you the day after tomorrow.
***
CHELSEA
Two days later, Gabriel accompanied Jonathan to the offices of New Amsterdam Home on 28th Street, but stopped short of entering the building.
– Sorry, I have to leave now. We’ll speak tomorrow on the phone, OK?
– Oh! OK.
– Or, let’s meet up in Greenwich Village. Will text you anyway.
Jonathan passed through spacious and bright offices. He could hear different languages being spoken. The receptionist asked him to sit down and wait until Angela was ready for him. Just a few minutes later the receptionist led him to the CEO’s smart, bright office.
Angela was nothing like the woman he had imagined; she was neither impressive nor cold. In fact, Angela was a tall, plump, redheaded woman who seemed warm and benevolent. She came forward with a smile, shook his hand cordially and said in a soft voice, “Delighted to meet you, Jonathan”.
They got along right away. She briefly explained to him what his role would entail in the company and then they moved on to different topics. They found they had much in common. Three hours went by in a flash as they discussed philosophy.
She finally put an end to their animated conversation by asking:
– Could you start working for us next week?
– Sure… but there is a hitch.
– A hitch? She said, raising her right eyebrow.
– What I mean is that I don’t yet have a work permit.
– That’s not a problem, Angela said lightly, gesturing with her left hand as if to brush it away. Our lawyer will deal with this tiny detail. He’ll take full care of your application. It’s not a problem. If we run into any difficulties, we’ll simply hire you as a consultant. So, my dear Jonathan, I am very much looking forward to seeing you next Monday at 10am, when I’ll introduce you to your team.
At that moment in time, Jonathan no longer knew whether he was living reality or a daydream. Could life be this easy? Was it really enough to simply believe in what you wish to achieve in order to get there? As he walked away from the office, he was propelled along in a bubble of intoxication, completely unaware of the noise in the street. He felt light and joyful. He had finally made his dream come true; he was now living in the most exciting megalopolis in the world. Meeting Gabriel in the Greenwich café had truly been a blessing, a gift from the Gods.
***
